HypoThyroid and depression

Hi @pianohands123 and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your story and I am sorry to hear that your bouts of anxiety and depression are creeping back in. Connect has had numerous discussions regarding Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and I thought you'd like to read some of those threads.
TMS for long term depression - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tms-therapy-for-long-term-depression/
Major depression, and TMS treatment, meds, group therapy have failed - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/major-depression-28b570/
major depression, medications don't work, would TMS help? - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/major-depression-24f495/
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/

I would also like to invite @kimmym, @patdangelo, @parus, @anndomico, @roxie43, @fatigue, @callalily74, and @theotherone who have discussed either TMS or depression and anxiety in the past.

Here is some information that Mayo Clinic has on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy- http://mayocl.in/1QmRxP3.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself, @pianohands123? Have you and your doctor been discussing TMS?

I understand your lifestyle, having been there in my past. Becoming a widow made my stress disappear, but I was with a support group, some of whom tried the TMS with mixed results. Only you can decide if it is effective for you. I healed myself with personal therapy with good success so far, but sometimes still have bad dreams if I sleep too hot. I continue to walk away from toxic people and don't feel guilty about it, as I want a stress free life before I die. It is important to develop self respect if it is lacking or has been abused in any way. I really feel good about life despite the isolation. I do projects. Dorisena

Hello
I read your note and your situation is so similar to mine. I am isolated due to my health and I read, watch Telly and work on creative projects. I too have found that trying to stay away from toxic people is extremely helpful for me. I have a tiny family and 3 out of 3 are very toxic. I just say when they stir up angry and abusive nonsense, I love you and I hope you have a nice day. I truly want to be happy and to enjoy the rest of this life that I have been given, even if it is alone. I have a dog and cat. Having a fur family with unconditional love is so wonderful. My best to you and your note really helped me a lot.

Thank you all for sharing your experience with me.
You asked me to tell you more about myself. I am happily married to an amazing man who adores me, between to 2 of us we have 6 sons, 11 grandchildren. I worked for 20 years in the cosmetology field before making a career change about 10 years ago. I work for an awesome non profit and have wonderful people in my immediate circle. We have one son who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18, and my mother who has a mood disorder. My siblings are disabled and do not help with her care, and much of the caregiving falls on me, she's very frail and unhappy. While I try very hard to make sure her needs are met, she is very difficult to be around, as she had BPD. In other words, she loves to hate me. I have risen above her problems, and limit my exposure to her negativity. It still lands once in a while. She and my father divorced when I was very small and he and I were close. I cared for my father when he became terminal, and saw him through to the other side, it was an honor to give this last act of love and kindness to my dad. After his death, I became very weak and depressed. I went to the Dr when I couldn't get out of bed on my own, to eventually diagnosed with extremely low thyroid function. My father had graves disease, and all my aunt's have low thyroid, so I'm sure I have had this most my life. The symptoms of low thyroid include many of the side effects of antidepressants, and I am at a place now in my life, I don't want to have the double whammy. My husband and I are approaching our retirement years, and we want to enjoy what time we have together, after a long journey helping so many others. I thought of TMS as an alternative to my anxiety and bouts of depression.

I would think that trying something other than pills for depression is a good idea. My son took them, went off, then went back on, then went off for good.
It has taken years but his is doing quite well with his mental health, having survived prostate cancer surgery and radiation. Are you treating the low thyroid?
I know what it is like to be stuck in care giving with someone who rejects you and the others don't or can't help with the care. I am so pleased to know you have a husband who adores you. Mine never did, and he didn't know how to learn to love other people. I had a close friend with a son with schizophrenia who beat her up and she landed in the hospital. He lives in a group home now. I support your trying something new to see if it works well for you.
I think it is an individual matter for each person's situation. Keep in touch. Dorisena

Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you as you practice self-care. You have been very helpful.

Having too much stress has taken it's toll on me too. I have found trying some of your methods work for me too. Much of your situation is similar. I'm getting rid of toxic people in my life too. Two of them this week! I just know that this is going to help. I don't need to worry about them any more, and can easily avoid them. Thanks. Marie.

@pianohands123 As others have suggested there are many possibilities for what you are experiencing but have you had your endocrinologist order a new TSH test? It is possible that the dosage you need should be adjusted, and if not enough may possibly cause what you are experiencing. That would be the first thing I would check.
JK

@dorisena Do you see a psychiatrist, he may be able to help you with some medication. I'm on Lexapro, Lamictal, and Klonopin. But for my surgery it will change with my surgery. Great that you are getting rid of toxic people. This Covid-19 has gotten to all of us and that can add more stress. I feel it, but with my surgery that's what mostly what's on my mind. Even see your doctor, sometimes they will give you some medicine to help your stress. I know it's not fun. My thoughts are sent to you with a prayer.

I am on levothyroxine, and anxiety medication. Have had my regular check-up and am in the normal range. I am considering making changes in my career, as stress is a factor. With COVID 19, I pause to make any employment decision, I'm still working and so is my husband. The culture shift that seems to be happening,, creates a level of anxiety of its own. It is uncertain times to be sure. I have seen a therapist, and she doesn't feel my bouts of depression are clinical, more circumstance related. I have decided not to disengage with my family members, because, well, I am all they have, and they won't be on this earth forever. So, maybe I am my own worst enemy. Just trying to cope in these uncertain times. Thank you all for chimming in and offering support. Blessings and good thoughts from me.
Pianohands123