Depressive episode

[Gaviota79]

I am in the throes of yet another episode of depression. I have been battling it for thirty years and once it rears it’s ugly head, I have already started the spiraling downward into the abyss. The ruminating negative thoughts, the binge eating, the lack of motivation, sleeping too much or experiencing the other extreme of insomnia, the feeling of hopelessness, preferring to isolate, and finding no pleasure in anything sums up what I have been experiencing the last three weeks. I have been on a plethora of different antidepressants over the last three decades and I am thinking perhaps it is time for the doctor to re-evaluate the present medication I am taking. How I wish I could overcome depression once and for all.

[Hidden]

Hi. I'm sorry you're in a bad place again. I agree that it's time to talk to your doctor. Good luck👍

[Gaviota79 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. I think I will approach my doctor about the possibility of a new medication. I hope you are doing well.

[Hidden in reply to Gaviota79]

You're welcome😊

Good luck to you! I am doing well, thanks for asking.

[Hidden]

I like your post because I relate right now. Thanks. Hope you get it figured out.

[Cardinal2]

I am truly sorry. I know how those feelings only to well. Do you keep a journal? I know it may seem to dificult at times to do especially when you have so many emotions going through your but it helps. I used to bring them to my therapist. I also bought a little recorder for times i didn't feel like writing. I used both practices to help in therapy. The average therapy session is 45 to 60 minutes. It's sometimes difficult to get the most troubling feelings out in a such a short period of time. I would listen or read what I had felt prior to my session. I found it to be a useful tool and perhaps it may help you. I think one key point is to know you are not alone in your struggles and I understand but please never lose hope because there are people that care. I care. The fact that you post your true feelings is a testament of your strength.

[Gaviota79]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. It truly makes a difference when someone can relate to what I am going through. I appreciate your suggestions and I will make an attempt to put them into practice. Thank you for being so kind.

[Hidden]

Finding and being put on appropriate medication(s) is essentially a CRAP SHOOT !!!

I currently take Prozac & Mirtazapine which help substantially.

[Hidden]

What I initially found to be of particular value is reading "Adult Children of Alchoholics" by Janet Woititz. The alchohol doesn't need to be prevalent, it's the BEHAVIOR. There are numerous ACOA meetings (affilitated with AA).

[Gaviota79]

I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond to my post. You are correct by saying “being put on appropriate

medication is a crap shoot.” I have tried so many over the years and I have found that they work for a while and then they become ineffective. I will find the book you suggested and read it. Thanks for your kindness and I hope you are doing well.

[JkBauer]

Hello,

I am sorry that you are going through this depression and have in the past as well. As I was reading your post, I could not help but think about the words you chose to write for your post. You are very descriptive in your wording. Have you ever thought about writing? Expressing your life and thoughts into a story form? I keep a journal and it helps me to express myself and I also find joy in writing. I am trying to write a book about my adventures through my life. Maybe you just need a pen and paper rather add ing more medicine. I am praying for you!

[Gaviota79 in reply to JkBauer]

Hi again, I wanted to know about your practice of journal writing. Do you write every day, do you use certain prompts, if you use certain prompts, where do you find them, how long do write, what time of the day is best for writing entries in your journal? You have piqued my interest and I would appreciate any suggestions you might have. Thanks.

[Gaviota79]

Hi. It was so nice of you to respond to my post. I have considered writing in a journal but I never have gotten around to it. It sounds like it is something you enjoy and it must provide a creative outlet for all those emotions, thoughts, and ideas swirling around all the time. Thank you for the suggestion. I have a few blank composition books lying around waiting to be filled with lovely words.

[Kangaroo_Alice]

So sorry that you’re struggling like this.

Has your doctor ever suggested maybe ECT? There’s a comedian, Gary Gulman, who has struggled with depression/anxiety his whole life. He had an especially horrible relapse a couple of years ago and he underwent several ECT sessions. He says he’s now feeling so good. He was also taking every medication under the sun and nothing worked.