1. < Depression & Anxiety

Unable to function

Posted by Brenda @bren1985, Nov 1, 2017

Hi everyone,
I'm having a lot of difficulty functioning. I sleep excessively (11-14 hours/night) and feel extremely tired throughout the day. Most of my days lately have been very empty - I haven't been doing much, at all, except sleeping and eating (and feeling guilty to eat so much - it seems like a waste since I'm not doing anything; I get these terrible cravings for carbs). I don't know if what I have is chronic fatigue syndrome, hypersomnia, or depression - or perhaps all three. I'm incredibly afraid that I have lost my ability to concentrate as I'm a graduate student (in Environmental Studies) under pressure to finish my research by April 2018; the way things are going, I don't know if I will ever get better enough to complete the research...I used to love studying (it was like therapy for me - especially because I'm studying nature, which has been very healing in the past), but I can't engage with it as I used to and that feels very painful.

I had my first episode of severe depression (which involved hospitalization) at 17 and had many more psych ward stays over the years; I'm now 32, and I really feel like my life is over in a way. The only person I have in my life, consistently, is my mother (whom I live with; she is 62). I am very grateful for her support.

I don't know whether I should try antidepressants again (I have been on more than 10, over the years). I'm very wary of them (especially of side effects) and feel they won't work anyway. Yet, I'm really not able to function and feel very stuck. I also deal with other chronic conditions (like migraine and IBS); I take a triptan for migraine, and there is a small risk of serotonin syndrome when using antidepressants with them. That's one reason I'm wary. I'm open to seeing a psychotherapist again, but it can take a lot of time and energy to find an appropriate one. In the meantime, I've been reading some CBT and mindfulness books and tried doing a bit of very simple yoga - though I'm often too tired to do much of it.

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to reach out as I feel isolated in this and I'm losing hope - especially after struggling since a relatively early age. I worry that the future will be a repeat of the past, and it terrifies me. I would appreciate any advice/insights/words of support please. Thank you so much. I'm glad this community exists.

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

Brenda | @bren1985 | Dec 28, 2017

Hi all,
I just wanted to add an update; after weeks of medical appointments, and extensive testing, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in late November. Even while on medication for this, I was still not improving...more testing occurred recently (especially as I developed more symptoms - like worsening fatigue, apathy, hair loss, weight gain), and my doctor now suspects a possible benign pituitary gland tumor (that is causing secondary hypothyroidism and other hormonal dysfunction). I will soon have an MRI and see an endocrinologist.

I'm only posting this to encourage anyone with severe, ongoing, refractory depression to get tested (i.e. full blood work, etc.) for possible physical causes (like a hormonal problem, in my case). It is better to know about, or at least be able to rule out, such causes. Unfortunately, many mental health patients have their physical health overlooked; every symptom is ascribed to their mental health issue. Please insist your doctor checks out every possibility for your symptoms - especially if they are severe and not getting better with treatment.

I do have depression as well, but in my case my hormonal disorder is likely a key contributor to it. My blood work showed abnormally low T3 and T4, low/normal TSH, and very low estrogen (in case anyone was wondering how my doctor found out). I still need to confirm the exact diagnosis and treatment, but I really hope I will get better.

Take care all, and I hope everyone is having a good holiday season; Merry belated Xmas and best wishes for the New Year! I am thinking of you all, and hoping you all get better. Thank you for your support. xo

-Brenda

REPLY
2 replies
Brenda | @bren1985 | Dec 28, 2017
In reply to @jeannegordon4 "Hello, "unable to function" caught my eye due to this being my problem of several years..." + (show)
@jeannegordon4

Hello, "unable to function" caught my eye due to this being my problem of several years past. I discovered a a "brain formula" dietary supplement called EHT from NERIUM International. I have taken this supplement for over 6 months and have been convinced that the ingredients have stimulated a part of my brain that my psychiatric RX didn't did not. Results? I'm more focused, less fatigued, and have been able to accomplish my daily activities to a level I couldn't before EHT. My functioning was even better when I doubled the dosage to 2 tablets daily. My Kaiser PCMD said this dietary supplement has been added to their list of "sanctioned" supplements. Hope this is helpful to you. Jeanne

Jump to this post

Thanks, Jeanne, and I am glad to hear that the supplement helped you. Take care, and I wish you a good holiday season.

REPLY
Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Dec 28, 2017
In reply to @bren1985 "Hi all, I just wanted to add an update; after weeks of medical appointments, and extensive..." + (show)
@bren1985

Hi all,
I just wanted to add an update; after weeks of medical appointments, and extensive testing, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in late November. Even while on medication for this, I was still not improving...more testing occurred recently (especially as I developed more symptoms - like worsening fatigue, apathy, hair loss, weight gain), and my doctor now suspects a possible benign pituitary gland tumor (that is causing secondary hypothyroidism and other hormonal dysfunction). I will soon have an MRI and see an endocrinologist.

I'm only posting this to encourage anyone with severe, ongoing, refractory depression to get tested (i.e. full blood work, etc.) for possible physical causes (like a hormonal problem, in my case). It is better to know about, or at least be able to rule out, such causes. Unfortunately, many mental health patients have their physical health overlooked; every symptom is ascribed to their mental health issue. Please insist your doctor checks out every possibility for your symptoms - especially if they are severe and not getting better with treatment.

I do have depression as well, but in my case my hormonal disorder is likely a key contributor to it. My blood work showed abnormally low T3 and T4, low/normal TSH, and very low estrogen (in case anyone was wondering how my doctor found out). I still need to confirm the exact diagnosis and treatment, but I really hope I will get better.

Take care all, and I hope everyone is having a good holiday season; Merry belated Xmas and best wishes for the New Year! I am thinking of you all, and hoping you all get better. Thank you for your support. xo

-Brenda

Jump to this post

@bren1985

I'm glad to hear you've persisted in finding the cause of your symptoms. Thanks for the update. Are T3 and T4 hormonal indicators? I seem to have orders for a blood draw nearly every month. They're a great diagnostic tool.

Do keep us posted on what you find out about the diagnosis.

Jim

REPLY
1 reply
jeannegordon4 | @jeannegordon4 | Dec 28, 2017
In reply to @bren1985 "Hi all, I just wanted to add an update; after weeks of medical appointments, and extensive..." + (show)
@bren1985

Hi all,
I just wanted to add an update; after weeks of medical appointments, and extensive testing, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in late November. Even while on medication for this, I was still not improving...more testing occurred recently (especially as I developed more symptoms - like worsening fatigue, apathy, hair loss, weight gain), and my doctor now suspects a possible benign pituitary gland tumor (that is causing secondary hypothyroidism and other hormonal dysfunction). I will soon have an MRI and see an endocrinologist.

I'm only posting this to encourage anyone with severe, ongoing, refractory depression to get tested (i.e. full blood work, etc.) for possible physical causes (like a hormonal problem, in my case). It is better to know about, or at least be able to rule out, such causes. Unfortunately, many mental health patients have their physical health overlooked; every symptom is ascribed to their mental health issue. Please insist your doctor checks out every possibility for your symptoms - especially if they are severe and not getting better with treatment.

I do have depression as well, but in my case my hormonal disorder is likely a key contributor to it. My blood work showed abnormally low T3 and T4, low/normal TSH, and very low estrogen (in case anyone was wondering how my doctor found out). I still need to confirm the exact diagnosis and treatment, but I really hope I will get better.

Take care all, and I hope everyone is having a good holiday season; Merry belated Xmas and best wishes for the New Year! I am thinking of you all, and hoping you all get better. Thank you for your support. xo

-Brenda

Jump to this post

Kudos for pursuing a definitive diagnosis in this era of "one size fits all" in the medical milieu. Thank you for the update. Jeanne

REPLY
jasper1967 | @jasper1967 | Mar 18, 2019

Hi,
I'm just signed up to this site today. I'm so happy I did.
I would like to respond to this post, as I feel that if you were to see a Psychiatrist, it will change your life. I, for many years, was reluctant (stigma) but finally knew I had to in order to survive. It has taken a while and right now in life, I'm finally about to enjoy my life. It has taken being on three types of medications to get me here, but I will take it any day versus not wanting to wake up in the morning because I didn't have the energy to get through it. You sound very motivated and driven. I believe with the help of a good mental wellness team you will get there! Hang in there and know that a lot of people have gone through and going through the same thing.

REPLY
1 reply
Lyn | @pearlbaby7 | Mar 18, 2019
In reply to @jimhd "@bren1985 I'm glad to hear you've persisted in finding the cause of your symptoms. Thanks for..." + (show)
@jimhd

@bren1985

I'm glad to hear you've persisted in finding the cause of your symptoms. Thanks for the update. Are T3 and T4 hormonal indicators? I seem to have orders for a blood draw nearly every month. They're a great diagnostic tool.

Do keep us posted on what you find out about the diagnosis.

Jim

Jump to this post

@jimhd Anytime you are having your thyroid tested you should request the doctor include a T3 and T4 with the TSH. It is a more complete picture. Also be aware that women can register as normal or the low side of normal and still have hypothroidism. Hope this helps.

REPLY
Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Mar 19, 2019
In reply to @jasper1967 "Hi, I'm just signed up to this site today. I'm so happy I did. I would..." + (show)
@jasper1967

Hi,
I'm just signed up to this site today. I'm so happy I did.
I would like to respond to this post, as I feel that if you were to see a Psychiatrist, it will change your life. I, for many years, was reluctant (stigma) but finally knew I had to in order to survive. It has taken a while and right now in life, I'm finally about to enjoy my life. It has taken being on three types of medications to get me here, but I will take it any day versus not wanting to wake up in the morning because I didn't have the energy to get through it. You sound very motivated and driven. I believe with the help of a good mental wellness team you will get there! Hang in there and know that a lot of people have gone through and going through the same thing.

Jump to this post

Hi, @jasper1967 - thanks for sharing your encouraging story about your life being changed when you finally went to a psychiatrist. Sounds like it was very hard not wanting to wake up in the morning because you didn't have the energy to get through it prior to your treatment.

If you are comfortable sharing, what was your diagnosis? What types of medication did your psychiatrist recommend for you?

REPLY
jasper1967 | @jasper1967 | Mar 20, 2019

Hi
I have the exact same issues
Depression
Anxiety
Chronic Fatigue
I’m on
Cipralix ? Spelling 20mg
Lamotrigine 125mg
Vyvanse 40 mg
The vyvanse has alowed me ~4 hours of energy to get through a work day.
I still sleep 9 hours a night and weekends still nap 3 hours a day as well.
I run, quilt, read, have so many hobbies. I am married, have two daughters and grandkids. I struggle so much everyday!

REPLY
1 reply
Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Mar 20, 2019
In reply to @jasper1967 "Hi I have the exact same issues Depression Anxiety Chronic Fatigue I’m on Cipralix ? Spelling..." + (show)
@jasper1967

Hi
I have the exact same issues
Depression
Anxiety
Chronic Fatigue
I’m on
Cipralix ? Spelling 20mg
Lamotrigine 125mg
Vyvanse 40 mg
The vyvanse has alowed me ~4 hours of energy to get through a work day.
I still sleep 9 hours a night and weekends still nap 3 hours a day as well.
I run, quilt, read, have so many hobbies. I am married, have two daughters and grandkids. I struggle so much everyday!

Jump to this post

Glad you are able to quilt, read, do hobbies and be part of relationships with your daughters and grandkids despite the struggles, @jasper1967.

Some other discussions on Connect you may also want to check out include:

- About when to see a psychiatrist https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/when-should-one-go-see-a-psychiatrist/

- On depression and anxiety https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/depression-anxiety-1

- On the usefulness and side effects of medications https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/medications-help-or-hinder/

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