Advice on Depression

I would talk with your doctor and tell him all that you are experiencing. He will then recommend a course of action you can take. Pills will help balance you out but sometimes talking to someone about whatever issues you may be having helps more than pills. Every situation (and person) is different so what worked for someone else won't always work for you, but there are options out there for everyone. I applaud you though. Most women don't come out and acknowledge they have a problem. I wish you the best of luck. You can message me anytime. :)

Being a single mom is very hard, I know I have raised my daughter by myself since she was 1 1/2 and now she is 17. I myself take effexor 150mg. Don't take paxil because that will just put weight on you. Sometime you have to do what is best for our kids and if you are always sad that isn't good so don't worry what your mom says, it just might be a chemical inbalance and the only way to correct it is pills.

It sounds like you may have Post Partum Depression. I highly recommend a book called "Post Partum Depression for Dummies", by Dr. Shoshana Bennett. It is wonderful, it will tell you everything that you need to know and how and where to get help. Don't let it go on any longer. Best to you and your family.

M.
I'm sorry to hear about how you feel, I've been there. I've been taking Lexapro for almost 4 years and it has made all the difference. It's an SSRI that also works for anxiety. I've also tried Celexa, which is similar, and Wellbutrin. You're not alone and not "crazy". I know many people are against antidepressants, my husband included. I tried to go off them for a bit, but when he saw the change in me he changed his mind. Do what is best for you, and don't worry about what your mom or anyone else says or thinks.

Hi M.,

I'm so glad you are receiving help. You may also want to take a look at Postpartum Depression For Dummies, since it's got lots of simple self help and natural techniques for depression.

Take good care,
S.

My suggestion would be to find a psychologist, or a psychiatrist who does psychotherapy and not just medication management. That professional is in the best position to see if you need medication. The medication, if you need it, would be only part of your recovery. Also, I wouldn't involve your mother in your depression right now, since people close to you don't necessarily know how to step back. They turn their issues into yours. Not because they're being bad to you, but because it's natural.

Medication can be a big help, but everyone is different and not every medication affects everyone the same way.

You don't have to feel that way. Your understanding that you need help is a big first step.

God bless you.

M.--First of all, I'm sooo sorry. You're doing the right thing to get help. I'm wondering if maybe you have a thyroid condition?? Have you had it tested?? A low thyroid can cause all of things you mentioned above. I would start there. Then...if you need an anti-depressant, I have to friends that started taking something called Celexa (sp?) It actually helps your body to stat making more serotonin and help to keep it at a healthy level. In both women, I've seen dramatic change for the good. (I realize everyone is different, but you DO have a say in what you go on if you need to)
Hang in there and if you have any questions about thyroid stuff, I know a ton a things, from where's the cheapest place to get tested and so on.
please email me
____@____.com
S.