I am in my 50's and I have had severe depression and anxiety since a very early age. I have seen many psychiatrists, psychologist, read

[Burr2]

I am in the medical field. Unfortunately, for some of us (not all) have a genetic and an environmental problem. But i want to be positive for those who haven't exhausted all their opinions. The good news is that there are genetic tests that can determine how your body breaks down the metabolites of the hundreds of antidepressants. The test will help your psychiatrist determine what antidepressant that is most effective for your body. So you don't have to try tons of SSRI'S on the market. Also, before you even think of antidepressants...You should have a complete CBC and thyroid levels check as well as testosterone levels. Hypothyroidism can cause severe depression. Through the years, I have been on every type of tricyclic,, SNRI, SSRI antidepressant and combination of a few antipsychotics. It surprised me that my colleagues haven't used genetic testing prior to trying any typical antidepressant. There is being some promising results with Trans Crainal Stimulation. THIS IS NOT ECT!! They are magnetics that go around your head and you can do it on an out patient basis. I wish i could say that my depression and anxiety have disappeared. Unfortunately, they haven't but they have improved considerably along with Cognitive Behavior Therapy. People think that being a doctor and a decent income, I should be extremely happy. It doesn't work that way. I am grateful to be able to help people....that is a blessing. Yet, when I'm alone...especially at night. There are days when I can't even get out of bed for days. I hope I could give you some choices if you haven't tried them and MY GOD I FEEL YOUR PAIN. We must keep pushing forward. There are people who really love you...they don't understand the 24/7 pain that we live. I keep praying for a cure or at least something to make me joy in my life. People who don't live with this constant pain every day think we are selfish. They have no idea what we go through every single day. Sorry for texting so long. Seek help and support. You are not alone!!

[Sunandrose87]

Sending a virtual hug. I appreciate that you are giving to the community of yourself when you don’t feel the best and I applaud you that. Also I want to say thank you for caring for people during COVID. You are one of the kind and good people of the world.

[primrose81]

Thank you for your honesty - you must help so many patients by going through all this yourself. How often I have heard people say they don’t “do” depression. I’m happy for them, truly I am but it also saddens me to think that they have absolutely no inkling of the hellish struggles we have to go through on a daily basis. My husband whom I love dearly cares for me so much esp since I have mobility problems as well and I rely on a Zimmer and rollator to get about - well I feel disloyal saying it but sometimes he just looks at me in utter disbelief or worse sometimes annoyance when I try to explain why I am down or overly anxious about something. Good for you for getting on with your job when you don’t feel well yourself and thank you. I wish you all the best.