1. < Depression & Anxiety

Losing hope

Posted by barnowl53 @barnowl53, Sep 5, 2018

I've been depressed since my 20s (am in my mid-60s now). A year ago I took a nosedive and became anxious as well as much more deeply depressed. Everything scares me - even something as mundane as taking my car through the car wash. I used to read and listen to music all the time. Now I haven't read or listened to anything in a year. I've been in outpatient groups and on a number of medicines - the latest group is buspar, anafranil, Seroquel, klonopin, lamictal and Viibryd (I'm weaning off that). Every once in a while - say, once a week - I feel OK, the way I used to when I was moderately depressed. The rest of the time is just unbearable. What's next? Transcranial magnetic stimulation? ECT? Thank you for listening.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

barnowl53 | @barnowl53 | Sep 6, 2018
In reply to @karen00 "Hello @barnowl53 ...... after I read your posting, I had to reply. I can empathize with..." + (show)
@karen00

Hello @barnowl53 ...... after I read your posting, I had to reply. I can empathize with you, I’ve been seeing a psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist for 22 years. I have tried around 20 different meds and combinations. They start out working, then peter out, now I’m on trintellix. So far, so good. Please don’t give up! You are a worthwhile human being! There are others like you. You are definitely not alone!

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Thank you for your kindness. I wish you well.

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Lyn | @pearlbaby7 | Sep 6, 2018

@barnowl53
I would try everything else, including dna testing, before I'd agree to ECTs. I had 9 in 3 weeks when I was 37 or 38. There was no improvement in my depression but I was out of it for 3 months afterward and lost memories I've never gotten back. ECTs may work for some people but not everyone so try everything else first.
Also remember the old cliche that life is like the weather -- wait around long enough and it will change. There is a solution. You have to hold on to that when things are bad. If you keep going you'll eventually get the help you need.
I changed doctors and finally found one who knew how to treat me and prescribe the medication that keeps me level most of the time.
Hoping you find what you need soon. Hold on!

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farabella | @farabella | Sep 7, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@barnowl53 @karen00 I too am a Volunteer Mentor, and I concur with gman's recommendation to have..." + (show)
@gailb

@barnowl53 @karen00 I too am a Volunteer Mentor, and I concur with gman's recommendation to have a DNA test to check for the most effective antidepressant/antipsychotic medications for you. I will be requesting this test at my next doctor's appointment. Thank you @gman007 for the additional information about the L-Methylfolate supplement. I will talk with my doctor about it. I'm hoping for a healthier and happier life as we all age.

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I feel completely alone with my depression problem. Weaning from Lexipro because it makes my blood sugar way too low and contributes to low sodium in my blood, which makes my Pots syndrome worse. The fatigue and hopelessness I feel while weaning is sometimes unbearable. Will I feel like this forever, will I ever be me again? Has anyone else had low sugars on antidepressants? I am alone.

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Paul A. Vernon Hills, IL (GO BEARS) | @1lundboat | Sep 7, 2018

I am bipolar so know what you are going through. I am on medication as well. I am 65. For the most part I have been stable for the past couple of years. I am also an alcoholic. I see a psychologist twice a week and my psychiatrist every six weeks. I also go to a group called Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) To join you need to be an alcoholic or drug addiction or a compulsive Overeater plus a mental disorder such as you have, depression or bipolar like myself. The group helps. Just like diabetis like I have people can learn to manage their psychiatric illness. Does not mean I won't have symptoms once in awhile but if I talk about the symptoms and share with my doctors I can get through it. You can do it also. I Don't know how this works but if you are able to send me a message contact me anytime. I am in Illinois.

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1 reply
farabella | @farabella | Sep 7, 2018

Thank you. I am in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. So kind of you to respond to me.

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farabella | @farabella | Sep 7, 2018

Problem is I like how I felt on 10 mg of Lexipro but can’t live with low sugars every day and having low blood sodium is dangerous.

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Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Sep 7, 2018
In reply to @1lundboat "I am bipolar so know what you are going through. I am on medication as well...." + (show)
@1lundboat

I am bipolar so know what you are going through. I am on medication as well. I am 65. For the most part I have been stable for the past couple of years. I am also an alcoholic. I see a psychologist twice a week and my psychiatrist every six weeks. I also go to a group called Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) To join you need to be an alcoholic or drug addiction or a compulsive Overeater plus a mental disorder such as you have, depression or bipolar like myself. The group helps. Just like diabetis like I have people can learn to manage their psychiatric illness. Does not mean I won't have symptoms once in awhile but if I talk about the symptoms and share with my doctors I can get through it. You can do it also. I Don't know how this works but if you are able to send me a message contact me anytime. I am in Illinois.

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Hi, @1lundboat - if you would like, you can communicate privately with another Connect member (or they can choose to do so with you) by going to their profile (click on the other member's username or profile image), and then you will see "Send private message" right near the top of that page.

We have some discussions related to bipolar and on addictions, if you'd be interested in participating or starting a new discussion. If you wanted to start a new discussion on either of those topics, you would go to the Mental Health group and then click on the gray box that says "Start a new discussion" at the upper left, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mental-health/

Here are the bipolar-related threads:
-on aripiprazole (Abilify), https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-try-abilify/?pg=1#chv4-comment-stream-header

-on bipolar and some simultaneous conditions, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bipolar-disorder-central-sensitization-autoimmune/?pg=1#comment-114360

- on quetiapine (Seroquel), https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/seraquel/?pg=1#chv4-comment-stream-header

Here is an addiction-related discussion you might also be interested in, on preventing lapses: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recognize-plan-prevent-addiction-lapses/?utm_campaign=search

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wendy2001 | @wendy2001 | Sep 8, 2018

Please look at the GAPS diet. Google and read about it. I know people that have had success with it. I have a GAPS consultant that is excellent if you can afford out of pocket. She will skype with you. At least talk to her.

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farabella | @farabella | Sep 8, 2018

Is that the same as keto. That’s what I use for blood sugars as my body cannot handle carbs so much after 42 years of diabetes. I will look into it. Thanks for your reply.

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wendy2001 | @wendy2001 | Sep 8, 2018

No - not same as keto. My son has major stomach issues so we started GAPS. Ended up helping his stomach and helping anxiety tremendously too. Couldn't believe it. Not an easy protocol but worth it.

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