Anti-Depressant Meds

L.,

I moved to Tampa following a divorce, with my 5 yr old and 1yr old. So I know how trying and scary it can be. There were days when I would meet someone and then meet them again the next day and not remember them. That is what stress will do to you! I went back to school for my Masters, or at least tried, but then my Ex passed away and the kids needed my full attention. And I needed them. Looking back I didn't realize I was depressed, but now I can see that was what it was.

I just got out and kept meeting people, whichis easy when you have kids in New Tampa. The other thing that helped me was good nutrition and exercise. Has anyone (meaning Doctors)asked you about your nutrition? They are now linking many things, like Postpartum Depression, to a lack of vitamins (the baby takes them all).

I have since re-married, have a wonderful husband and now a 2 year old. Things will get better, I promise. Please contact me and I can tell you more about what worked for me.

- S.

Hi L.,
You are not alone!! I had many of the same problems and I was also fine while I was pregnant. I am currently on Wellbutrin XL which I switched to after Lexapro. I HATED Lexapro. Ask your doctor about Wellbutrin XL, it has very little side effects. It can actually help with weight loss rather than making you gain weight. See if your doctor can give you some samples to try, that's what my doctor did and I felt sooooo much better after 2 weeks! Good luck!

P.S. None of us wants to be on meds for the rest of our lives and some of us won't be, but if they help your quality of life then I see no reason not to continue taking them:)

I have a wonderful doctor that i would love for you to go see, i struggled my whole life feeling depressed and as if i should be taking medication, most of my doctors immediately wanted to put me on them. that is until i found Dr. Jeremy McConnell, after describing all of my symptom to him he told me he wanted to test my hormone levels because he felt more that that was the problem vs. being depressed. he was right. i take a NATURAL hormone replacement med 14 days a month and my life has drastically improved. he also asked me to read a book called Awakening Athena (if you are interested let me know it is hard to find i will get the name of the place i found it or lend you mine) this is a fabulous book that EVERY woman can identify with(NO SIDE EFFECTS NO WORRY ABOUT AN INCREASED RISK FOR CANCER from the medicatio). Dr McConnell has a few different practices, the one i use is Gulf Coast Pediatrics and Family on Gunn Hwy behind the Citrus Park Town Center his number is ###-###-#### he and all of the staff there are wonderful. Good Luck L..

It really does sound as though it's hormone related. Please call Dr. Shemesh. The number is 935-CARE (2273). He'll take a detailed history and check your hormone levels. He used to be an OBGYN but now just does gynecology and integrative medicine. He really is a combonation between natural medicine and conventional medicine. AND he accepts insurance!

Hi:
Have you tried taking Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)? It does wonders for depression and other mental issues. Plus, it's really good for your heart. Plus,plus, it is excellent for developing babies (think DHA added to baby formulas); you're baby will get it if you breastfeed. I'd recommend the Nortic brand because it's the purest (fish can be polluted w/ mercury, etc) and it doesn't have a bad taste.
I have a bipolar friend who started taking it in place of meds when she was trying to get pregnant. She's done supper, no episodes of mania or depression, and has been med free for 9 years now.
Just something to look into, BUT BE SURE TO TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE STOPPING ANY MEDS.
Good luck!