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When things just don't get better
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Nov 11, 2022 | Replies (147)Comment receiving replies
I understand. I have been dealing with major depression for 25 years. For the last 15 years have been stuck and don’t seem to get better. I may feel better emotionally but still have a hard time being productive. I also have ptsd and anxiety. I have sleep problems and a lot of physical pain.
Replies to "I understand. I have been dealing with major depression for 25 years. For the last 15..."
@susieqintx I've been living with major depression, anxiety and PTSD for more than 20 years, being treated for it starting in 2003 with medication and therapy. I wish I didn't have to look at taking antidepressants the rest of my life, but I think that's the way it will be. Recently I cut back my therapy to every other week. I've been taking the same antidepressant since 2006, and a few years ago, I started a second one when I was feeling more depressed. A few months ago, I was prescribed Cymbalta for neuropathy pain, and it helped with that, but it also greatly increased my productivity. I've been doing things that I'd put off for years, plus I'm cleaning my 1952 8N Ford tractor, prepping it to paint. Along the way I've been replacing wiring and filters and gaskets, etc.
Have you taken the same medication for long? Have you tried adding a second one to enhance the one you're taking? That helped me a lot. I've heard others say that antidepressants sometimes lose their effectiveness, and they have to switch to another one.
Because I live in the country, and the closest town is relatively small, therapists stay for a year and move on to greener pastures. So I've seen a bunch of them, which means I have to start all over every time.
I haven't been very good about my involvement here in Connect lately, but if you mention my name preceded by @ - @jimhd, I'll look forward to hearing more from you..
Jim
Connect
@susieqintx
Hi, welcome to Connect. That is a very long time to be dealing with depression! Another member, Jim @jimhd , has been dealing with it for a similar length of time, perhaps he may chime in here as well. He uses an extensive array of things which allow him to "maintain" and be functional. Can I ask, what started your road to depression and what have you been doing to cope with it? Also, what is the source of your physical pain? What you are living with sounds horrendous. I hope you read through some of the discussions here on Connect. You will find that not only are you not alone, but there are a variety of ways people find to deal with their various issues, some with good success. Best to you, Hank