Trying to find the right medications for my depression/anxiety

Posted by brit @brit, Jan 10, 2019

I have had depression for quite a few year now. I am in my 70's and found it harder to deal with. My psychiatrist has been working with me trying to find the best medication. So far no luck. He is very dedicated and does a great job trying to help. Right now I am takin 2 medications but they don't seem to do the
job either. They are Doxepin 25 mg and chlordiazepox. Help!

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Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jan 18, 2019

In reply to @happythinkingma "Thank you! Were u clinically depressed when you tried this routine? Have u ever tried sleeping..." + (show)

@happythinkingma , o I wasn’t clinically depressed but I was on Zoloft. Sleep medicines quit working after awhile. I know, it happened to me. I do much better following my routine. Once in awhile, I do have to get up and read

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 18, 2019

In reply to @becsbuddy "@happythinkingma , when I went to sleep doctor, we talked and then he gave me a..." + (show)

Trying a routine to quiet your mind is hard to get right, but worth it. Perhaps writing down things about your day, things that you want to remember the next day, in effect "emptying your mind".
Ginger

happythinkingma | @happythinkingma | Jan 18, 2019

In reply to @becsbuddy "@happythinkingma , o I wasn’t clinically depressed but I was on Zoloft. Sleep medicines quit working..." + (show)

This is great news that you can recover from insomnia and using sleeping meds. Im currently clinically depressed. Every day is a struggle. It's affecting my sleep and I have to take Ambien CR to sleep (4-5 hours). Mainly anxiety keeps me up. I wake up at 3 or 4 am every night on the sleeping meds. I wish I could do what you are doing. My sleep hygiene is great. Very little light, white noise, colder temp, etc. Would love to get off of the sleep meds. Were u ever on Ambien? Was it hard to get off? Did u get off while depressed or after? What sleeping meds have you tried? Lmk. Im really stresed out about it.

happythinkingma | @happythinkingma | Jan 18, 2019

In reply to @gingerw "Trying a routine to quiet your mind is hard to get right, but worth it. Perhaps..." + (show)

Yes, Im doing everything I can. Write a journal entry, empty my mind, meditation, etc. sleeping meds are only working 4-5 hours at most.

brit | @brit | Jan 19, 2019

In reply to @happythinkingma "Yes, Im doing everything I can. Write a journal entry, empty my mind, meditation, etc. sleeping..." + (show)

Have you said anything to your doctor? He/She can help you with medication that help you sleep. I had many night I would just lay there and get myself more and more upset the longer I stayed awake. Another thing I was told to do by my sister in law (she's practices)
asian medicine. Has even gone to live in the mountains in China with the best of the best. She said breathe in real deep through your nose then slowly let it out your mouth saying to yourself "LET IT GO>>>>LET IT GO. I has works for me on many occasions.
I guess like most of us trying it isn't going to harm anything and maybe it will work. God Bless Patti

brit | @brit | Jan 19, 2019

In reply to @becsbuddy "@brit Zoloft is one of the older medicines but it works well! Takes at least 2..." + (show)

Thank you so much. I have another appointment with him and maybe will ok it. Thanks again.....God Bless Patti

brit | @brit | Jan 19, 2019

In reply to @merpreb "Patti- It is very very draining. I hear you on this one for sure. I think..." + (show)

My Husband tells me the same thing "stay active" but somehow I just can't be bothered. I must get my mind right and start
moving around more. Lord I pray you will consider help me to be stronger. Thank you becsbuddy, manno God Bless Patti

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jan 19, 2019

In reply to @brit "Have you said anything to your doctor? He/She can help you with medication that help you..." + (show)

@brit This breathing also works! Empty your mind of thoughts with each breath. It also helps to relax muscles as you breathe out. Works for me. Sounds like it works for you, too! My therapist said to also imagine a bright, colorful, glowing light entering your head. Any color you like (I like golden). It gives you a warm, comfortable feeling. With each relaxing breath, let the light further in until it hits your toes. Then just let it work. I had to do this in her office this week because I got one of my chest pain/anxiety attacks. They are awful! Using the image of the light helped me settle down. Guess I was worried about my rituxan infusion the next day. 🙁 Please try this and let me know how it works—I hate to see anyone in pain!

Parus | @parus | Jan 19, 2019

In reply to @becsbuddy "@brit This breathing also works! Empty your mind of thoughts with each breath. It also helps..." + (show)

@brit and @becsbuddy I found a free app that is helpful for deep breathing. My mind tends to go in so many different directions it helps me focus. This is a simple technique that can help. It helps me. There are times I don’t want to even try doing it. We need to try and use our skills rather than getting into these uncomfortable places. These words are mostly for the one sharing. Deep breathers unite!!