Major Depression - Houston,TX

Like Diane B said, nutrition is key. I too suffered with clinical depression for years and took years of antidepressants and had therapy too. With the proper balanced nutrition, I was able to get off ALL meds and depression lifted. If I find it creeping back, I increase the nutrition.

I was going to say pretty much exactly what Riley said. Therapy, with the right therapist can make all the difference.

Good luck!

Hey I suffer from PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)and depression yes as two independent diagnoses. Medication unfortunately is not an exact science in that one medication may work for one person whereas it will not for another. The same can be said for the duration in which a medication works. Please do your intensive therapy and while I understand the apprehension about getting off of your current medication it in the long run might be the best thing for you.

If you would like to talk more please don't hesitate to write me. I'm more than willing to share my experiences.

No advice, just sending you strength and determination. We're all rootin' for you, Sister!

:)

I know how frustrating this is - you aren't getting the results from your meds, but you are afraid to change them too.

Therapy is really key - I don't think that means you are coming off the meds though. Maybe it's not right away.

There is SO MUCH you can do with nutrition too. I've made tremendous progress and have been weaning off my meds (which didn't do as much as I wanted anyway). It's a chemical imbalance, and what you put in your body can help to right those imbalances, not just treat the symptoms as the meds do. You still stay on the meds but can get great results. Happy to help you with that.

Hang in there and don't be afraid to reach out as you have here. There are people who will help!

Okay, this might not work for all forms of depression, I know, but it's worth a try.

Do you exercise? It's the best natural depression remedy out there, but you have to really do a vigorous workout, a few days in succession, to start feeling the effects. But it works.

I'm not usually depressed, but I was starting to feel pretty depressed a few days ago, for a myriad of reasons, and it was getting bad. So for the last few days I have worked out pretty hard, every day. In addition to my regular workout, I did five miles two days ago and five miles again today. And I am feeling SOOO much better already.

But, it's work. You've gotta be willing to do hard work.

This may be really unpopular... but...

I am starting to put some serious thought into this subject. I have had religious friends of mine tell me that I don't need medication, and that what I need is God. At first, for years, I brushed this off completely... even becoming offended and annoyed with the suggestion...

But, I have been doing a lot of research on the Satanic "religion", which has really put me so much closer to God, making me realize that it's really not so far fetched to think that these mental illnesses and even physical illnesses can be demonic attacks on us. We are spiritual beings, and if you believe that, then I would recommend that you research more into the effects of spiritual problems on our physical bodies. I mean, I would not tell you to stop taking your medication, or to stop seeing a doctor, but there's really nothing to lose by looking into other possibilities since you are having so much trouble with the medication.

S. R.,

My heart goes out to you. I too have been quite depressed at different times in my life. I think you have received some excellent suggestions here -- I've tried and used most of them.

Importantly, remember there is hope, there is always hope and there are always alternatives in life. I think you should try the new therapy because it might be just what you need! What do you have to lose?!? You may find you have to force yourself to do these things but in order to get better, you must.

Secondly, try to improve your diet and DO get some exercise every day. You may think you have no energy for it but it will boost you. Start with taking a walk once or twice a day. Look around, breathe and enjoy the scenery. Go to a park and sit on a bench along the way. Get out of the house every day for an errand or something.

Third, at times, I've had to force myself up off the sofa or out of bed and to just DO THE NEXT THING that needs to be done at home or in my life. Then I do the NEXT THING...etc. Positive action helps.

Fourth, whenever I feel my mood going down, immediately I make myself think of ten things that I'm thankful for. Then I think of ten more. What this does is to break the negative pattern in your mind by creating a positive pattern. Sometimes for me it's as simple as being thankful for the sun, the clouds, the flowers, my pets, my family, etc. Keep going.

Fifth, do you have a good counselor or therapist? Ask your doctor or friends to recommend someone for you. You need a fresh listener and someone who can look at you and help you objectively.

Last and most important in my life, is my faith. Every morning I start the day with prayer. I recommend you reach out to God and ask for His help. Then read something spiritual; I HIGHLY recommend Stormie Omartian's books. She has been hugely depressed in her life and truly understands. Her life story is both interesting and inspirational. For tough times, one of my favorites is "Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On". Another option is reading something faith-based, like an easy to understand version of the Bible. If you read the Book of Psalms you'd see that depression has been around for a long, long time and that it helps to reach out to God.

I want you to know that I am going to pray for you, for the courage, energy and strength to try all of these things. Things CAN get better! I have truly experienced it. Blessings...and keep us posted.

Have you had your thyroid checked? One of the times when I was depressed, the antidepressants were doing little to nothing for me. My psychiatrist ordered a full panel thyroid test. It turned out that the depression was completely caused by low thyroid. As soon as I started taking the thyroid med, the depression began to leave.
I will pray for you.

Can you go into the hospital while you make the transition between medications, so they can monitor you and you don't feel like you are being swallowed up in your own space? Do you have someone in your life who can take some time away to be with you full-time (home or hospital) while you undergo the transition? Somebody you trust to keep a straight head while you face the uncertainties associated with your condition? These are ways that you can maintain your feelings of security and stability through the process.

Good luck to you!

I'm so sorry the medicine isn't working. When I first started taking medication for depression 15 years ago, I think we tried 4 or 5 different ones over time until we found the right one. It was so frustrating! What got me through it? An awesome therapist! Unfortunately, it wasn't the first therapist I tried. If you don't click with a therapist, you should try another and another until you find the one that "speaks your language."

Good luck to you! I know it is hard, but YOU ARE WORTH THE WORK!!

I understand that the medications take about 2 weeks to get to a level in your bloodstream where they could possibly help, so it does take time for doctors to figure out if a certain medication is helping at all. I would do the intensive therapy if that is what your doctor is advising. I assume that means multiple sessions a week. It must be so awful for you to feel depressed all the time. The only experience I have with that is post partum depression where I would walk through the house with tears streaming down my face for hours and no real idea why I was so sad because when I examined my feelings everything seems to be positive. So depression is not necessarily because something bad happened, it can be just your brain chemistry. Just like any medicine, some work for one person and do nothing for another. I take ibuprofin for pain and that gives my sister hives, while the tylenol she takes does nothing for me at all, it is like taking a sugar pill for me. I think brain-chemistry altering drugs should only be taken under close therapist supervision, since your moods could swing to the better side but possible to the worse side. I urge you to call your doctor for help and take their advice - the intense therapy might only be needed for a few weeks and could really help. Hang in there, and don't be shy, I would let everyone who listens know that you are depressed. I tried to keep my post partum depression hidden since I felt ashamed, but as soon as I told my husband he took time off from work to help me and it made all the difference. Looking back on it now I was so silly to keep it to myself for so long, everyone wanted to help once they knew. ((((hugs))))

I'm so sorry, depression is extremely difficult, especially when you do not have a good support system. Exercise, routines, journaling and good nutrition can help, as can mega doses of Vitamin C and Niacin. There is a documentary called Food Matters that talks about this to treat severe depression, link below. Good, uplifting hobbies and positive thinking can also help!! I agree though to talk to your Dr and therapy should also help.

http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/how-to-take-niacin-vitam...

Hi, im sorry to hear what you are going through.. But what seems to be the problem. I mean i now you are depressed but what made you get so depressed??

I am so sorry you're going through this. Love CL L's advice. This WILL get better. Please take the steps necessary and reach out to God for help. I have been through some ROUGH times and as long as you keep your focus on the One who can pull you through this. Please know that I too, will be praying for you. There IS help out there...hang in there!!

Exercise, nutrition and therapy can turn it around for you. Exercise meaning as little as 15 minutes worth of aerobic exercise, (things like jumping jacks or rope, running in place, push ups, sit ups, leg lifts, weight lifting and the like). Nutrition (think colors or colorful plates of food, reds, greens, oranges, purples, browns, whites and reduce or eliminate sugar). Therapy with the right therapist. My first therapist was probably a great therapist she was just too blunt for me, honest but too blunt. I needed someone who was honest but more tender in their approach. The second therapist was a doll and in about 3-4 months my sessions were over and I was much better after suffering for almost 3 years of depression.

Exercise is so key to truly beginning a lasting change in battling depression. Hang in there and don't give up.

I agree with Kimberly F. The only thing I would add is to find some volunteer work that you love. What are you passionate about? Find a way to incorporate that into helping someone. Do you love to cook? Make a meal for someone who is elderly or going through hard times or lonely, etc.

Putting your focus on helping someone else takes the focus off of you and does wonders for yourself.

There are many of us pulling for you!

Sorry you are going through this. I don't know you, but just from reading your short post, you sound depressed. We have some good friends and the wife struggles with major depression. Her husband, like yours, is completely fed up and has said he will leave and take the kids. It's NOT because he doesn't love her. He loves her deeply. He just can't stand to see her spend day after day after day in bed. She doesn't take care of her family and most of all she doesn't take care of herself. He wants her to get better and has spent THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of dollars trying to help her. If he didn't care, honestly, he would have left a long, long time ago.

There have been a couple of times in my life when I have struggled with depression and anxiety. I also had PTSD at one point. Medication greatly helped me and it did take awhile to get it right. But a good doctor can help you with all of that. I also had a fantastic therapist that helped as well. But I needed both! I don't think there is any way that I could have gotten out of that hole without both the therapy and the medicine. Diet and exercise are also of great help! Do whatever it takes to get better!

I am also a deeply religious person. I struggled with the thought that I should just be able to pray my way out of my depression. The truth of the matter is that God gives us resources to help us in these situations. Would you take a tylenol when you had a headache? Would you take insulin if you had diabetes? Of course you would!

The bottom line is you need to get help and you need to do it today!!! You can do this girl! You can't do it alone, though! Use the resources you have and you'll get there! If you don't have a good therapist, find one... and don't just settle for one. Find a GOOD one! It can make all the difference.