Really struggling

[Girladrift]

Mental health has been deteriorating the last few months and I'm in the process of switching antidepressants from Escitalopram to Venlafaxine. Feeling completely horrendous, in complete and utter despair. Just want to cry all the time, really struggling to look after my young daughter, constantly feel guilty that I am upset and not giving her a good life.

I feel so hopeless. I've been on the Venlafaxine 2 weeks with no improvement, just upped the dose. Does anybody have experience with this drug? I'm so scared it's not going to work and it's already been such a trauma getting to this point.

I feel like things are never going to improve, and that I am going to ruin my daughter's life

[Megapanda]

Hello . I am sorry to are having a bad time . First of I know that you are a good mum . I know this because you care about the welfare of your daughter and the impact it will have on her . Also the fact your trying to do something about it . And you are still thinking of her when you are struggling yourself . Do have nay support from other family members / friends ?

It can be difficult to start on antidepressants and sometimes it a takes several attempts to find something that works . This doesn't mean your a failure it's just how the human body works . Just keep trying you will get through this . I know it's difficult but tell yourself it's going to work , keep telling yourself this and you be surprised what difference it can have on your mood.

Are you getting any therapy ? . Talking about your feelings helps and I am glad you came on this site . That is a great step . Journalling / writing about you feelings is a good way of sorting through them and often once they are down on paper they are more manageable .

Therapy in a nutshell YouTube channel is a really helpful resource I used often .

Here is a couple of video , I think could help you .

youtu.be/aexBCHZxjvw(Not working as expected?)

youtu.be/nsOKrCVs6WM(Not working as expected?)

Take care 🐼

[Yuuupsongbook002]

I hope you feel better, and stop crying. I hope you obtain happiness. I hear that anti-depressents change your sex drive anyways which is why I don't take them. My doctor tried to prescribe me one of them once for my anxiety, but I told her I don't want it, because I have a sex life, and I'm going to enjoy it while I can.

[Moonira]

Good morning. Please don't despair. I know each person is different but I was on venalaxine for 20 years for depression GAD and panic disorder. It worked very well but for some reason pooped out on me. Remember it takes a good month or more to see improvement from any antidepressant. I'm on 2 meds now busisporone and sertraline which my psychiatrist increased 2 weeks ago by 50 mg. I know I have to wait to see. That's the difficult part. The science still has a way to go to help those like us. Hang in there....go for walks if possible see close friends...do whatever you can to stay on the bright side .Skip listening to the news!!!!! Good luck,don't despair. 💫💜💫🦋😗

[Dell12345]

Hi Girladrift, I have taken venlaphaxine for about 10 years, and it has been very very good for me, for the vast majority of that time I was completely better with no anxiety, and very occasional mild depression. I also had no side effects.

It takes a while to fully work, around 6-8 weeks. But you should start to feel better sooner than that, often after 2-3 weeks you will get more good days.

Stick with it and let us know how you get on, x

[Daveacr1959]

Your going to be fine! Be strong for your daughter and family! The whole antidepressant thing can be rough, but you will be ok . I was where you are 27 years ago. I didn’t have depression I had anxiety. And have to take klonopin and a beta blocker. Try this , start your day before you get out of bed. Do the Wim Hof guided breathing exercises free on you tube. You can do them 2-3 times daily it really helps. Before meals is best because it’s hard to breathe deep with food in tummy. Then get 30-40 minutes of cardio exercise daily to produce endorphins and seratonin. And here is the icing on the cake. Take a 5 minute pure cold shower daily. Google cold shower therapy for mental health. We are here for you! One day you will look back on this and say w t f was that ? And you can help another with your experience. I am here for you in public or private chat. I need to know your going to be fine. Millions of us are or were in trouble before too. It doesn’t last and my suggestion are pro active. You don’t have to sit back and think your helpless.