Depression: What treatment can I try after so many years?

I tried at least 10 drugs over the years. Finally my psychiatrist prescribed Effexor, and my world turned from dark and depressing to wonderfully normal. I’m 64, and have been on it about 8 years. I would change doctors if your is set on prescribing a drug that just doesn’t work for you. Sending hugs!

I feel your frustrations. You are not alone. I have gone through the same thing like bouncing around here and there or providers moved away from the area. Seems like a new provider has their own agendas but not for me. I hear loud and Clear. Remember you are a good person.

I'm familiar with the drug merry-go-round. Change meds. Try a higher dose. Change meds. Try a higher dose. Change meds. Try a higher dose. Change meds. Try a higher dose. etc.

Apparently there is now genetic testing available to better predict which medications will be helpful. However, the evidence for the testing is kinda iffy.

Anyone tried something like that?

Hi There I would like to say something about your story on this. I have been different kinds of Psy Meds its not funny. Some were given to me in a sad time in my life and they took advantage of me. Still going through it. Wish I could cry but can't. I have to put my trust in a higher power only they know what going on with you. Keep smiling and your Head Up to.

Sleep deprivation and major depression

Ilm finding that when I get a good night's sleep I can handle my depression. I'm currently using Doxepin and Seroquel and Ambien. Seroquel at 200 mg used to get me a good night's sleep but now it's not therapeutic unless I take more than 800 gm. I also need at some future time to get off sleeping pills but I'm not ready for that. I've read about new antidepressants like Vraylo and others. Any other recommendations? If I can find a reasonable clinic who will administer Ketamine, I am ready to try it unless the cost is prohibitive. Psychiatrists' costs are too great unless I can see one about 5 times a year. The only psychiatrist within driving distance requires a prepayment of $600 and I can't afford that. I'd appreciate anyone's comments or optimistic, new recommendations of different medications.

I've been down a difficult parh for 3-4 years. Balance and disconnection with things around me were my symptoms. I'm an A-type character and thought I'd just press on and go through it.
What was wrong with me? We live on a block and have our own well, I had the water tested, I changed my diet, I changed my working conditions, I changed my sleep patterns, I changed my breathing, I started meditation, I started exercising regularly and still I felt I was going down. One indication that something was wrong, was my morning cortisol was 10-20 % above the maximum suggested range. This was for the whole of 2022. Why is my anxiety so high. I then had 3 episodes last year that I thought I was going to die. I was mentally giving my worldly possessions away. I wanted to book into hospital but I could not describe my problem.

During the 3 years, I read and read and watched many TED and YouTube talks. Approx 2000 hours worth. This year I was going to see my doctor about finally trying some meds.

Then I saw this, I realized, I was depressed. I really had years and years of suppressed emotions. This basically was from how I learned to handle the world from early childhood.

Shedding Light To Depression
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKJ1zk1252U

I now am learning to be myself and not bottle my emotions and its working. Confrontation is hard for me but suppression is even worse.

I'm also learning how to love my body, ie, how to reconnect with it.
I can now put my hand on my heart and say 'I love you' to myself. If you cant do this, it's a good starting point.

Some other videos I found helpful

Feeling Your Nervous System
https://theholisticpsychologist.com/podcast/episode-73-feeling-your-nervous-system/

11 Oddly Specific Childhood Trauma Issues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lULd-wnWjT4

I had to look inside for a solution, not outside, and it took me years.

There is no magic pill, I had to reprogram my brain to think a new way. If you gave my my solution today, 3 years ago, I would not have believed it. The 3 years slowly gave me a foundation to change a few things at a time to get where I am today.

Just look for small changes at a time but still moving forward. I hope this encourages you to move forward with an open mind and beat it.

I too have suffered from depression for a long time. Took Wellbutrin and lexapro for 20+ years until they stopped being as effective. Stopped the lexapro and was put on Trintellix. Trintellix seems to be making a huge difference. Feel better than I have in years.

Hi There. Your response for me, I have not seen. Looking forward to read it
when I remember my email address. If you want to you could send me a copy
and I can read it ☺️.

Thanks so Much.

This is Sheila69+wg.

As always I wish you a great day.

Keep My Head!

ketamine infusions are $600 dollars each treatment. It helps but insurance does not cover.

Yes, I am aware. The clinic that I was getting the ketamine infusion at initially was covered by my insurance. I didn't have a problem. All of a sudden, they started only doing Ketamine by injection and it didn't have the same effect. It didn't help my symptoms. I explained that to them and they told me that research proved that there wasn't a difference. I don't care what the research "proved", I knew that there was a difference because my symptoms worsened. So, unfortunately I have been unable to get ketamine infusion due to the cost. There was no point in continuing with the injections because they didn't help, so it was a waste of time and a copay.