Feel so low

[trachet]

I have suffered from depression for on and off for about 20 years and at the moment I feel really low. I have been on antidepressants for over 10 years and I don't know if they are doing any good. If they are working I dread to think how bad I would feel if I weren't on them. since Christmas I have been on a downward spiral, weight rising, sleeping excessively or not enough, the house is a mess and as for finances... Plucked up the nerve to visit GP today but she said after 2 minutes of me talking that it was just the stress I'm going through that is causing my feelings. As I am on powerful antidepressants she wasn't willing to do any thing about it. In the past this particular GP (not my usual one) has told me off for crying during a consultation! I just don't know what to do next. I have no family to talk to and what friends I have don't want to know.

People don't realise how bad I am. I am self-employed and can't afford to take time off so as I work through my lows people say that I can't be that ill. I feel so helpless.

[Lush__x]

Hello,

So sorry to hear of you feeling this down.

Im no expert but it sounds to me maybe you have become so used to these tablets after being on them for so many years. Maybe instead of an increased dose they could look into swapping you on to a different type. The 1st lot of meds i was on made me so much worse and anxious all the time but I changed after a month and the difference was amazing. Ive only been on them since around Jan so as I said i am no expert.

Also i would not put up with that from your GP and see someone else for another opinion, keep going until you find someone to listen to you. Also have you ever had counselling?

This site is an amazing support group of people experiencing similar issues and who can fully sympathies with what you are going through. Its such a shame your friends dont want to know. I wouldnt call these people friends if they reacted that way.

Keep posting and I hope you find the help you need soon,

Best wishes x

[coatpin]

poppy cock to them. Try getting a SAD lamp, if you can,, i think they do them in argos. If it works or lifts your spirit, great ,,, but change your gp at once, its a indication you need to change drugs, and theres new ones to try, all the time.

your life will change, it may take time, but not as long if you change doctors to a better one. dont forget they get paid for seeing you, if your not happy with the service,,, see someone else!! counselling will help you through the bad bits.

take care

Linda

[Hidden]

Hi

I'm sorry you are feeling so bad, it sounds as though you have asked for help but been ignored or not taken seriously, certainly you need some time with someone to talk to and support you.

You say you have financial worries and for me that would have to be the first thing to deal with as things can escalate and then you will have additional problems so what about seeing someone from Citizens Advice to see if there is any way of lifting the load in terms of finances? At least then it would be one less thing to feel down about.

If you have been on ADs for over 10 years and are feeling no better then it's certainly time for a review. Since your GP sounds unsupportive I would change GPs and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. I know that sounds drastic but 10 years is a lot of life to have passed without feeling better and at least an expert will have a better idea about why the meds are not helping. You will get more time to alk and for someone to get a clearer picture of your problems and how you might be helped. Also if you need ongoing support you may get referred to the CMHT which can be helpful especially if a CPN becomes involved as they are very hands on and have a lot of knowledge.

You might also think of joining the local Mind branch as people there will have their own experiences of mental illness in the past and are a wealth of knowledge.

Do try getting the help you need through some of these routes. I hope you feel better soon.

Suexxx

[trachet]

Thank you so much for your reply. I feel better at the moment, but that can change in the blink of an eye. I have made an appointment for another GP but I have to wait until 10 April! Just hope I can cope until then. As I am self-employed I have to work through my low periods. A friend recently took 2 months off due to depression and everyone said that she was quite bad. As I can't take time off nobody realises that I am really suffering and I simply are not in a mood.

I just wish people could see how I am feeling inside. Oh well life carries on.....xxx