Tired and Scared

[coop11]

I have struggled with anxiety and depression for 25 years. Has anyone found a treatment center that has worked for them. I seem to have treatment resistant depression and I am out of options. I need help to get thru each day. Has anyone tried ECT? Did it work? Please help. I don't know how much longer I can take it.

[Agora1]

Hi coop11, I have not experienced ECT but am well aware of it being used when all other options have failed. Especially that you have treatment resistant depression. It is done under the safest precautions. You are sedated and will not experience any memory of having gone through it. You may have a slight headache after the treatment and are given 2 Tylenol, nothing stronger.

You can have a meal after that and go on with your day although it's recommended to take it easy. There is something else that is being used by some psychiatrist in their office (mine is one of them) It's called Transdermal Electrical Neurostimulation Therapy. It is basically a Tens Unit that emits currents regulated by the psychiatrist. An ear clip is placed on each ear lobe, which you either sit or lie down in his office. He adjusts the current to our comfort level and you relax for about 15-20 minutes. No sedative is required. No after affects.

It is used for patients who need that little extra boost from the meds that they are on but can also be used for those patients not on any drugs. It works on a certain part of the brain that controls anxiety and depression.

I think either one of these procedures is worth looking into. You may be able to get some relief after all these years or even reverse the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Wish you well, let us know if you go forward with this treatment. Good Luck xxx

[perfectdestruction]

Hey I know the feeling that it is impossible to treat is daunting but you can overcome it! You have had it for a long time, so it will not be treated overnight, it may take some time but really focusing on a treatment plan (including exercise, therapy, the right medications) can put you on track. I do not know what is in your area, I live in the North-East U.S. and there is a great Intensive-outpatient program that I went to called Sanare Today that really got me out of my mind and into a better place. I am not sure of your current situation with work/school but many people from all age groups have come into it from college-aged to adults in their 50's and they all get treated at different paces.

[reinagrace]

Hi coop11 I've had lifelong deep depression since childhood and yes it is scary tiring overwhelming. Even when one med finally worked, after many that did not, the effects didn't stay permanent, after a couple years it didn't work anymore and now I'm intolerant to all antidepressants, so i just take occasional klonopin as needed for the anxiety. I have read some bad things about ECT and the people here gave you good advice. The root of my depression is loneliness, had a very lonely life since childhood without parents, etc, so what helps me is people, connections. Have you tried a support group? There are depression support groups almost everywhere, if you look at NAMI website for one in your area. Everyone is different though; I know some people who when they are depressed they just want to be alone, which I don't relate to that. I want company , connection, someone to talk to, this is what uplifts me and makes it bearable. So i guess if you can find the root of your depression and address it, that may help. My faith also helps, but that is the spiritual part of me, and so since depression is part physical- low serotonin, larger amygdala with the anxiety (part of the brain that does "fight and flight"- bigger in anxious people), it's always something i struggle with. I wish I had better answers, for myself too, but know that I pray for you and all here, that we find healing and relief. Blessings

[Opossumish]

I've been getting Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation for my medication resistant depression and have found it helpful. It is an outpatient procedure with no side effects. Initially there's a hefty time commitment, as you go 4-5 times a week for 6 weeks or so, but now I'm down to once a week. It changes the neural pathways that have been damaged by chronic depression. I'm happy to tell you more if you're interested. It's at least as effective as ECT without the adverse effects.

Good luck!

mayoclinic.org/tests-proced...

[ppip]

Have had ECT 25 years ago and 5 years ago. Completely different experience. Much better now. TMS is also a great tool to try. You go daily for a few weeks (?) and don't feel a thing. Trust me, I have been on every medication available and some clinical trials. Many off-label, too. Keep trying.I've been on the gerbil wheel for 30 years. Good days-bad days. Good years. Bad years. ECT gets a really bad rap because people don't understand it. If depression is bad enough many of us are willing to try anything. Good luck!