New Here. Feeling hopeless and absolutely gutted.

Hi, everyone. I was diagnosed with depression 20 years ago and have been on medication ever since. It's mostly been manageable, but the last week (and month) have been particularly challenging. I feel like I'm losing my mind and any hope for a future. Any advice for digging myself out of a deep pit? Life circumstances have gone awry and I feel like I'm alienating my BF with my neediness.

[capedlitigator]

Have you tried exercise?

[Hidden in reply to capedlitigator]

I've been so unmotivated and exhausted lately that I haven't at all. It's a good idea. I will try!

[Hidden]

Hi nice to meet you. I emphasise with you as I am the same. My depression though long lived is normally quite mild but when adverse events happen it can tip me into a deeper episode. I generally come out of it quite quickly so I just hang on in there and keep on with my normal routine. This helps me.

I notice that you have been on the same meds for 20 years? Is it possible they have stopped being so effective? Maybe a review of your meds would help.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I think you may be right. I can't imagine the meds are still that effective. It's been so long, but I'm fearful of experimenting with new combinations. Thanks so much for your reply.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I know what you mean. Sometimes it's better the devil you know isn't it.

You can't lose anything by a chat with your doctor though and see what s/he thinks can you. Let me know how you get on.

[Hidden]

your situation sounds exactly like mine. I first experienced depression 20 years ago at the age of 41 I have been seeing the same psychiatrist for 20 years and I have been on the same medication for about 15 years, this past year I have had some of the worst episodes of depression ever, deeper depression and more frequent episodes. I finally made a decision to see a different doctor . The first thing he did was ordered a complete bloodwork to check my thyroid and my kidneys my liver vitamin D levels and everything else, I just had that done on Thursday do not know the results yet, the second thing he did was have me stop the Prozac which I have been on 40 mg and increased my effexor from 300 to 375 , basically he said effexor and prozac are the same type of antidepressant and I should not need to be taking two different antidepressants that work the same way , so I stopped immediately the Prozac, and he said it lasts a while in your body so I do not feel any withdrawal symptoms , and I increased my Effexor 75 mg to 375 and he feels I need a mood stabilizer so he put me on lithium 450 to take at night . it's been two weeks now I have been feeling wonderful .

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'm so glad it's been working out for you and that your new doctor has been so thorough! I am very afraid of switching my medication after so many years. I have such minimal side-effects and I would love to keep it that way. :/ But, I will definitely consider seeing a new physician and seeing what can be done. Thank you very much for your reply.