Lets all be anxious/depressed together.

stupidusername

i'm doing better. i had my psych appointment on thursday. another doctor again. no mention of talk therapy, just asking how my drugs were going. i said fine, definite improvement, as i've come out of that deep dark hole i was in for two solid months. the last doctor said if i had an improvement he'd up the dose this time, but then this new one thursday said she'd wait another 6 weeks. so that made me a bit worried. she's on holidays so won't see her till the end of september.

i'm not in that bad mood any more, but i'm also not in a good mood. though i do seem to find it easier to deal with things, am less nervous.

flutterflye

Thanks to those who replied to my last post

Another quick question.
When it says it takes 1 to 2 months to start noticing a difference, does that include the titration period of low doses?

tony 2 eyes

i am starting a course of 10mg of lexapro today and just want to know bout it. i have been reading some of the posts abouts them but am wondering how long do i have to stay on them. if they work do i have to stay on them? what about side effects? i dont want to be going around like a zombie or maybe be too happy as the complete opposite to depressed. whats your experience with them. i am just a little worried about taking them.

FluffyCat

tony 2 eyes wrote: »

i am starting a course of 10mg of lexapro today and just want to know bout it. i have been reading some of the posts abouts them but am wondering how long do i have to stay on them. if they work do i have to stay on them? what about side effects? i dont want to be going around like a zombie or maybe be too happy as the complete opposite to depressed. whats your experience with them. i am just a little worried about taking them.

Any anti depressant will take several weeks before an effect is seen. This is due to the down regulation of an autoreceptor, but side effects would be seen before this.

Not all patients will see side effects and PIL will out line these. Most common would be sleeping probs, dry mouth but side effects would be short lived.

In general patients will remain on antidepressants for 6 mths after they feel better but counselling should be done as well to source the root of the depression.

A 'zombie' like effect is generally not seen on antidepressants, at least not on the likes of lexapro. May be some of the antipsychotics would do this. You also would not be hyper happy. The aim is really to allow the patient to 'think' clearer and not have as many negative thoughts.

I didnt have a good experience on lexapro so i wont go into it but i would say that everyone responds differently so i wouldnt take much notice of different peoples experiences. Also i wouldnt not take them, if they dont work for you they dont work but there are plenty of other medications and it is often the case that it will take a while to get the right one.

Id take them if i were you

mw9121970

FluffyCat wrote: »

Any anti depressant will take several weeks before an effect is seen. This is due to the down regulation of an autoreceptor, but side effects would be seen before this.

Not all patients will see side effects and PIL will out line these. Most common would be sleeping probs, dry mouth but side effects would be short lived.

In general patients will remain on antidepressants for 6 mths after they feel better but counselling should be done as well to source the root of the depression.

A 'zombie' like effect is generally not seen on antidepressants, at least not on the likes of lexapro. May be some of the antipsychotics would do this. You also would not be hyper happy. The aim is really to allow the patient to 'think' clearer and not have as many negative thoughts.

I didnt have a good experience on lexapro so i wont go into it but i would say that everyone responds differently so i wouldnt take much notice of different peoples experiences. Also i wouldnt not take them, if they dont work for you they dont work but there are plenty of other medications and it is often the case that it will take a while to get the right one.

Id take them if i were you

Like you say everyone reacts differently. I have had a good experience with lexapro. I have been on 10mg a day to get through the really bad times but felt that I did not need to go any higher. I was only on them for 4 months and asked the doctor if I could come off them she said ok but is weaning me off them more slowly. I don't know if this helps any one hopefully it will.

mw9121970

tony 2 eyes wrote: »

i am starting a course of 10mg of lexapro today and just want to know bout it. i have been reading some of the posts abouts them but am wondering how long do i have to stay on them. if they work do i have to stay on them? what about side effects? i dont want to be going around like a zombie or maybe be too happy as the complete opposite to depressed. whats your experience with them. i am just a little worried about taking them.

With regards to feeling like a zombie - My experience of lexapro is that I did not get as worked up about things. I felt I had more control of my emotions.

Buceph

I was awake all night, and started to get really anxious/pissed off around 5am. Really pissed off at my general lack of concentration, motivation, the ability to carry through on the ideas I get, and general malaise I've been feeling. I got so annoyed I needed someone to talk to and at about 7am I woke up my parents to ask if my mother would get up early to have a chat.

Anyway, after about an hour of talking about my general pissed offness she came up with an idea. I've one big hobby, gaming, from computer games to tabletop games, but I've found it extremely difficult to engage with them. She figured that the main reason for that is sheer exhaustion of the hobby. I have nothing to do, so I spend all my time around gaming, and no single past time can support someone entirely. So she suggested I take something else up. Something that involves physical activity, creativity, patience and caring for something, a pet is out of the question, so she suggested gardening. And it's something she said she'd be willing to be involved with as well.

I've seen gardening recommended a lot for people with mental health issues, so I was wondering if any of you have gone down that route and have any experiences with it?

mw9121970

Buceph wrote: »

I was awake all night, and started to get really anxious/pissed off around 5am. Really pissed off at my general lack of concentration, motivation, the ability to carry through on the ideas I get, and general malaise I've been feeling. I got so annoyed I needed someone to talk to and at about 7am I woke up my parents to ask if my mother would get up early to have a chat.

Anyway, after about an hour of talking about my general pissed offness she came up with an idea. I've one big hobby, gaming, from computer games to tabletop games, but I've found it extremely difficult to engage with them. She figured that the main reason for that is sheer exhaustion of the hobby. I have nothing to do, so I spend all my time around gaming, and no single past time can support someone entirely. So she suggested I take something else up. Something that involves physical activity, creativity, patience and caring for something, a pet is out of the question, so she suggested gardening. And it's something she said she'd be willing to be involved with as well.

I've seen gardening recommended a lot for people with mental health issues, so I was wondering if any of you have gone down that route and have any experiences with it?

You need (and will) find something that works for you. The thing that you find interest in must be interesting to you.

It's been difficult for me the past few days. I think it's been adding up over the last 6 weeks or so as I've been working more than usual to cover for other work colleagues being off. The thing which has been keeping me going is that I was meant to be taking a train driving course next week but that has been cancelled due to engine trouble. I had also planned a trip to London but that's a no-go for obvious reasons.

Due to this I just feel empty and pointless. I'm supposed to be off work from Friday until September 5th but I'm almost considering cancelling my leave or at least reducing it as I'll have nothing to do with my time, short of going back to my parents' place in Kerry and having a lazy week or two. However I do need some time off as it feels like I've been doing nothing but working recently.

Today was the worst, I came home from work around 2:30 and slept for a few hours because I couldn't think of anything to do. I just feel so lonely and empty. It's times like this that I do stupid things, such as walking late at night with no regard to my personal safety. I already did it tonight around 11pm, the words going through my head at the time were "I don't care if anything happens to me, nobody would know anyway." I sometimes think that if something major were ever to happen to me, it would probably take days or even weeks before someone found out about it, I'm that withdrawn from the world.

mw9121970

Karsini wrote: »

It's been difficult for me the past few days. I think it's been adding up over the last 6 weeks or so as I've been working more than usual to cover for other work colleagues being off. The thing which has been keeping me going is that I was meant to be taking a train driving course next week but that has been cancelled due to engine trouble. I had also planned a trip to London but that's a no-go for obvious reasons.

Due to this I just feel empty and pointless. I'm supposed to be off work from Friday until September 5th but I'm almost considering cancelling my leave or at least reducing it as I'll have nothing to do with my time, short of going back to my parents' place in Kerry and having a lazy week or two. However I do need some time off as it feels like I've been doing nothing but working recently.

Today was the worst, I came home from work around 2:30 and slept for a few hours because I couldn't think of anything to do. I just feel so lonely and empty. It's times like this that I do stupid things, such as walking late at night with no regard to my personal safety. I already did it tonight around 11pm, the words going through my head at the time were "I don't care if anything happens to me, nobody would know anyway." I sometimes think that if something major were ever to happen to me, it would probably take days or even weeks before someone found out about it, I'm that withdrawn from the world.

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling like this. If I was in your shoes I would make an appointment to see a doctor. You can feel better. Have you got any friends you can talk to in the meantime. Hope this helps.

mw9121970

mw9121970 wrote: »

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling like this. If I was in your shoes I would make an appointment to see a doctor. You can feel better. Have you got any friends you can talk to in the meantime. Hope this helps.

Thanks. I've very few friends to be honest. Here in Dublin I pretty much only have my cousin as a friend. I have two or three in Kerry but don't see them very often these days. I never had many friends as I've always been very quiet and appear a bit "odd" to some people, especially to other kids when I was a child.

mw9121970

Karsini wrote: »

Thanks. I've very few friends to be honest. Here in Dublin I pretty much only have my cousin as a friend. I have two or three in Kerry but don't see them very often these days. I never had many friends as I've always been very quiet and appear a bit "odd" to some people, especially to other kids when I was a child.

You don't seem odd to me then again we are not children any more. You sound like someone who is honest and a good person. The feelings you have are something you have in common with a lot of people. Kerry seems to have a good social, life lots of things to do - am I wrong?

starviewadams

Was out tonight with a group of friends of a friend and bumped into my ex,was talking to her for ages and we were getting on great,was like old times,then I went to the toilet and when I came back I found her getting off with probably the stupidest guy of the group.I haven't gone out with her for over two years now but she was my only 'proper' girlfriend of my adult life.

I know it shouldn't hurt and I should just forget about it,and her but it does and I can't,no matter how I hard I try to block the image out of my mind.I think I liked things better when I was by myself in my room instead of out and attempting to socialise.

Think I'll take a full diazepam tonight,with any luck it will erase my memory's of tonight.

mareliada

Karsini wrote: »

It's been difficult for me the past few days. I think it's been adding up over the last 6 weeks or so as I've been working more than usual to cover for other work colleagues being off. The thing which has been keeping me going is that I was meant to be taking a train driving course next week but that has been cancelled due to engine trouble. I had also planned a trip to London but that's a no-go for obvious reasons.

Due to this I just feel empty and pointless. I'm supposed to be off work from Friday until September 5th but I'm almost considering cancelling my leave or at least reducing it as I'll have nothing to do with my time, short of going back to my parents' place in Kerry and having a lazy week or two. However I do need some time off as it feels like I've been doing nothing but working recently.

Today was the worst, I came home from work around 2:30 and slept for a few hours because I couldn't think of anything to do. I just feel so lonely and empty. It's times like this that I do stupid things, such as walking late at night with no regard to my personal safety. I already did it tonight around 11pm, the words going through my head at the time were "I don't care if anything happens to me, nobody would know anyway." I sometimes think that if something major were ever to happen to me, it would probably take days or even weeks before someone found out about it, I'm that withdrawn from the world.

you seem exhausted. take the time off, even if you just sleep- it might do you world of good. go walking during the day for fresh air and hopfully some sunshine(!)
have you considered getting a pet? dogs are amazing company. if you can't realistically look after a dog due to work hours, could you see yourself volunteering at dscpa? we have a little fella and he has been so good for mood lifting and companionship. he is also a good way to have regualar but brief chats with other dog owners in area.
maybe dogs aren't for you, but it is the best thing we ever did, more effective than anything else we tried.

mw9121970

mw9121970 wrote: »

You don't seem odd to me then again we are not children any more. You sound like someone who is honest and a good person. The feelings you have are something you have in common with a lot of people. Kerry seems to have a good social, life lots of things to do - am I wrong?

Well I'm originally from Dublin, I just lived in Kerry for a few years. It wasn't really for me down there so I came back, but I've nobody here bar family.

The impression of being "odd" was more to do with my interests, I had (and still have) no interest in sports, I'm more interested in technology, railways and media.

mareliada wrote: »

you seem exhausted. take the time off, even if you just sleep- it might do you world of good. go walking during the day for fresh air and hopfully some sunshine(!)
have you considered getting a pet? dogs are amazing company. if you can't realistically look after a dog due to work hours, could you see yourself volunteering at dscpa? we have a little fella and he has been so good for mood lifting and companionship. he is also a good way to have regualar but brief chats with other dog owners in area.
maybe dogs aren't for you, but it is the best thing we ever did, more effective than anything else we tried.

My lease specifically forbids pets so getting one is out unfortunately. I wasn't really crazy about dogs for a long time but in recent years I've warmed to them.

flutterflye

Ugh I hate this.
I am unable to do very little atm.
Basic planning seems impossible.
Usually my brain never shuts up and there are too many thoughts at once, but at the moment it's like there is not one thing going on upstairs at all.
Usually, I love reading and researching stuff, and forming opinions etc...
But I am only able to think very basic things like "I agree with that" and so on.
And as for any tasks or errands, it's like I don't know where to start;
Do I have a shower, or organise what to wear, or ring the bank, or have lunch first?
Simple, simple things.
As I already said - uuuuugggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!

mw9121970

Karsini wrote: »

Well I'm originally from Dublin, I just lived in Kerry for a few years. It wasn't really for me down there so I came back, but I've nobody here bar family.

The impression of being "odd" was more to do with my interests, I had (and still have) no interest in sports, I'm more interested in technology, railways and media.


My lease specifically forbids pets so getting one is out unfortunately. I wasn't really crazy about dogs for a long time but in recent years I've warmed to them.

Could you get involved with a shelter for dogs maybe?

Gillo

Feel like I'm back to square one at the moment, I had been doing okish but completely dropped yesterday and have felt like complete crap the last twenty four hours. I told one friend who got really anxious about how bad I was and she went and told me parents (who I hadn't told about the depression) so now they are all over me, I know they mean well but really just want to be by myself. In fairness to that friend she felt she was doing the right thing and was concerned for my saftey.

The really bad thing is I keep getting suicidal thoughts and the more it goes on the easier it is to see myself acting, which is something I know I shouldn't do.

girlonfire

starviewadams wrote: »

Was out tonight with a group of friends of a friend and bumped into my ex,was talking to her for ages and we were getting on great,was like old times,then I went to the toilet and when I came back I found her getting off with probably the stupidest guy of the group.I haven't gone out with her for over two years now but she was my only 'proper' girlfriend of my adult life.

I know it shouldn't hurt and I should just forget about it,and her but it does and I can't,no matter how I hard I try to block the image out of my mind.I think I liked things better when I was by myself in my room instead of out and attempting to socialise.

Think I'll take a full diazepam tonight,with any luck it will erase my memory's of tonight.

That's a bummer alright. Do you still have feelings for this girl or was it more a case of bringing other feelings to the surface?
While this wasn't the best situation, it's still positive that you were out socialising and enjoying yourself up to that point. Try to hold onto some of the positives if you can.

starviewadams

girlonfire wrote: »

That's a bummer alright. Do you still have feelings for this girl or was it more a case of bringing other feelings to the surface?
While this wasn't the best situation, it's still positive that you were out socialising and enjoying yourself up to that point. Try to hold onto some of the positives if you can.

I still do have feelings for her,I'm not much of a ladies man like and I was the happiest I've ever been when we were together.Last night was the first time in ages that I've seen or spoken to her and the feelings just came back I spose,usually try to avoid being anywhere where she's likely to be cos I always end up feeling bad after seeing her,last night even more so after witnessing her with another fella.

Crap time too cos I'm starting a new course on Wednesday and I just feel completely down and worthless,which isn't a great way to start anything off.

fisgon

I asked this question in another thread, but I thought I'd ask it here too.

I'm taking Lexapro, and have been for 4 weeks, a low dose 5mg, and it's helping me a lot for anxiety and depression, but I have bad dry mouth. I know that this is common with SSRI antiDs, but I was wondering, if you get one side effect with one SSRI, then is it likely you will get the same with the others?

In other words, is it worth my while changing the medication to try and avoid the dry mouth, or is it likely I will simply have the same experience with Prozac, Cipramil, etc.? Thanks in advance..

Princess Peach

tony 2 eyes wrote: »

i am starting a course of 10mg of lexapro today and just want to know bout it. i have been reading some of the posts abouts them but am wondering how long do i have to stay on them. if they work do i have to stay on them? what about side effects? i dont want to be going around like a zombie or maybe be too happy as the complete opposite to depressed. whats your experience with them. i am just a little worried about taking them.

Hey! I'm on Lexapro too. How are you getting on? First week side affects were the worst for me. Some side affects stuck around for a few months. Didn't get any kind of zombie reaction at all, think if you do it means its not the medication for you and you should change.

Been on it about 2 years now. My doctor recommended a 9 month period at first but then extended it to early next year. She said some people have a slower recovery rate but I'm not to worry about that and probable won't have to take them forever

Lexapro really works well for me but I'm mostly sick of paying for them! So pricey.

fisgon wrote: »

I asked this question in another thread, but I thought I'd ask it here too.

I'm taking Lexapro, and have been for 4 weeks, a low dose 5mg, and it's helping me a lot for anxiety and depression, but I have bad dry mouth. I know that this is common with SSRI antiDs, but I was wondering, if you get one side effect with one SSRI, then is it likely you will get the same with the others?

In other words, is it worth my while changing the medication to try and avoid the dry mouth, or is it likely I will simply have the same experience with Prozac, Cipramil, etc.? Thanks in advance..

I had the worst dry mouth ever with Lexapro! Sipping water all day long. I started on 20mgs. It did go away after about 3 months of taking it though.

If it works well for you keep taking it and just keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Water is really good for you anyway :P

someyoke

starviewadams wrote: »

Was out tonight with a group of friends of a friend and bumped into my ex,was talking to her for ages and we were getting on great,was like old times,then I went to the toilet and when I came back I found her getting off with probably the stupidest guy of the group.I haven't gone out with her for over two years now but she was my only 'proper' girlfriend of my adult life.

I know it shouldn't hurt and I should just forget about it,and her but it does and I can't,no matter how I hard I try to block the image out of my mind.I think I liked things better when I was by myself in my room instead of out and attempting to socialise.

Think I'll take a full diazepam tonight,with any luck it will erase my memory's of tonight.

feel real empathy for you. sounds like you're a similar character to me. just tell yourself if you got a girl like this once you can do it again. and if that's the way this girl wants to behave she's not even worth thinking about. doesn't even have the sensitivity to consider how her actions might affect you. disgraceful behaviour really. you're better than that. get out and do some excercise, will help to form some positive thoughts again.

mw9121970

fisgon wrote: »

I asked this question in another thread, but I thought I'd ask it here too.

I'm taking Lexapro, and have been for 4 weeks, a low dose 5mg, and it's helping me a lot for anxiety and depression, but I have bad dry mouth. I know that this is common with SSRI antiDs, but I was wondering, if you get one side effect with one SSRI, then is it likely you will get the same with the others?

In other words, is it worth my while changing the medication to try and avoid the dry mouth, or is it likely I will simply have the same experience with Prozac, Cipramil, etc.? Thanks in advance..

From what I can gather different medications target different symptoms i.e. about 20 years ago I was on an anti-depressant, the source of my depression was chronic pain now I am on lexapro the source this time was a sudden death in the family. The best person to ask about changing medication would be your doctor. In the meantime I agree with peach princess keep drinking water.

Dankaness

Hello, I am new both this board and to Ireland. I have recently moved to Dublin and my question is about doctors and medication. I have a history of depression and I am going through a pretty rough patch right now without meds. I am sleepy and weepy all the time and have been for a couple of months. I am working on a dissertation, towards a deadline and I have enormous trouble focusing and being productive.
I was wondering if anyone could advise me what doctors can prescribe meds here. Should I find a basic GP and start from there or look for a psychiatrist right away. I have health insurance but I was told that prescriptions are not covered. How much are antidepressants here? Are they expensive?
Thank you very much and I wish everyone a nice day.

starviewadams

Go to a GP and explain your situation and how you've been feeling,he/she will either prescribe you something or refer you to a psychiatrist.

Best of luck!

Dankaness

starviewadams wrote: »

Go to a GP and explain your situation and how you've been feeling,he/she will either prescribe you something or refer you to a psychiatrist.

Best of luck!

Thank you very much:). GP it is then. I already got a few names today from the health insurance company, so I'll make phone calls tomorrow.
Have a nice day

LegacyUser

I came to Spain on sun holiday for 6 days with another mate and Im from Dublin. Ive had problems with depression before and am now on 20mg lexapro and 200mg lithium (as a booster). Anyway I probably had too many beers on Fri (which I find can be dangerous for me but sometimes I get away with it and enjoy it and I wasnt drunk) and have been depressed and anxious since. It wasnt helped by fact a woman I was just talking to called me boring and miserable then told me to f** off. I honestly dont think that incident fully caused my slump though. I just want to stay in bed all day although I force myself to get out albeit not earlier than 13.00 hours and I havent really been drinking since maybe have 3 small bottles of beer. I have found holidays in the past can be a danger time for me - without my support from my family and the things that occupy me at home I can be vulnerable to a spin. Also the resort itself isnt great. Im coming home tomorrow and hoping to get back on track. What dissapoints me is that I try to get away to relax and this happens and it sets me back. Whereas everyone else here is unwinding and recharging it has done opposite.

girlonfire

starviewadams wrote: »

I still do have feelings for her,I'm not much of a ladies man like and I was the happiest I've ever been when we were together.Last night was the first time in ages that I've seen or spoken to her and the feelings just came back I spose,usually try to avoid being anywhere where she's likely to be cos I always end up feeling bad after seeing her,last night even more so after witnessing her with another fella.

Crap time too cos I'm starting a new course on Wednesday and I just feel completely down and worthless,which isn't a great way to start anything off.

I hear you. Can understand where you're coming from to a certain extent and I can honestly say I'd be feeling pretty low if I had to witness an ex boyfriend hooking up with a friend.
You don't have to be a ladies man to attract the right person in at the right time. That sounds a bit fluffy, but you know what I mean.
Hopefully the course will provide a bit of a distraction for you and take your mind off that a bit. Your first day is tomorrow, yeah? I hope it goes really well for you. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

girlonfire

I've been all over the place for the last few weeks. Once I have tomorrow over me, I think I'm going to go to bed for a few days and hide under the duvet.