Hi.

[hi-liter]

Hi. I am new to this group. I am depressed. I know I need to be on medication but I was sick of feeling sick and stopped taking it about 7 1/2 months ago. I am having trouble sleeping, no drive, very negative thoughts, feeling guilty about stuff that happened 20 years ago, mood swings, irritability, loss of appetite, restlessness, and more. I am trying to get motivated. Been thinking about exercising or doing some craft, but when I get home all I do is watch TV. I really just want to sleep all of the time but I end up staying up until midnight watching tv. I hope to find someone here to chat with. Maybe find someone to work with supporting each other to set some goals and complete them. I have a book I got last years,Retrain your Brain cognitive behavioral therapy in 7 weeks by Seth Gillihan. It's kind of a workbook. I started it but only got to week 2. Anyone interested in doing it together? Or just supporting each other and talking about goals? Thanks.

[kateba]

If you were on anti-depressants and felt sick talk to your doctor. There are a lot of different medicine options and although one may give you side effects another will work for you. I read some books on cognitive therapy and they were great, but I would see a therapist who specializes in cognitive therapy and work with them. I was lucky the first medicine I took worked with no bad side effects. At the same time I started the medicine I worked with a therapist and had excellent results. Don't try to do it all yourself is my best advice. I spent 40 years being my own doctor and it doesn't work. As soon as I got professional help my life changed.

[hi-liter in reply to kateba]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have thought about trying a different anti-depressant. I need to make an appointment with my doctor and talk to her. I did see a therapist for 2 months a couple years ago. She got me started on cognitive therapy exercises. I have also been thinking about see another therapist. But thinking and doing are two totally different things. Maybe I'll get there.

[RainneLim]

Hi.

I think you are already doing a lot by just going on this forum and reaching out. I definitely would like to work things together with you. I've been going through a lot of things too.

The first step I did was at least go to the beach/lake 1x a week. Even if I don't want to. I do still struggle sleeping so I get an average 4 hours of sleep for the passed couple of months.

[hi-liter in reply to RainneLim]

I have been trying to do something like that at least once a week. I have 2 kids so I push myself to do things with them. They love to swim so we have been doing that a lot. I usually get 7 hours or more of sleep a night, but I'm one of those people that needs 9. I have always had trouble making myself get up in the morning. The last couple weeks I've been pushing my snooze more than normal and been late to work most everyday. I sent you a chat message. Hope to hear from you soon.

[mdowning81]

I'm willing to give it a shot with you!

[hi-liter in reply to mdowning81]

Thanks! I sent you a chat message. Hope to hear from you soon.