Episodes of depression come and go

[QCuriosa]

Hello wonderful people. So, I have had depression in one way or the other for many years probably more than 30 but they were not last long, perhaps a month or two. Now I have I guess what they call persistent depression ; it comes and goes. My episodes usually last 10 days and then I might be lucky to get 20 days or even 25 like this last time where I feltb great. Can someone identify with his pattern. It’s really discouraging because you start feeling great and great and great and then, just like that and I don’t know why a dark cloud comes over you. I can’t identify any triggers as well.

I have been on Cymbalta for the last six months or maybe eight mos. 60 mg . Before that I took a Lexapro but only for four mos. Two weeks ago I had my appointment with my psychiatrist and was feeling really great but because my episodes keep coming, we decided I should augment with complementary Abilify. I take 2 mg and I just started three days ago because I was so scared when he first gave it to me that I did not want to take it. But I’d rather give it a try to see if it helps me feel more stable than let stories and social media scare me to the degree that I just live like this forever.

Id love to hear from you! Thanks for reading

[downinthecrud]

Hi! I’ve been diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder. And I take Cymbalta as well. I have the opinion that I do not want to be depressed so I will try different things, different medications, different treatments. The big thing in my life is that I’m starting TMS tomorrow. I’m hopeful. It’s very discouraging to have those cycles. There may be no reason at all. Keep talking about it. Feel free to send a chat to me anytime. All the best

[SylvieG]

Hello, I have severe depression with almost no good days. I’m also on Cymbalta, 120mg/day. I have tried a couple different mood stabilizers including Abilify but had a terrible time with akathisia, a known side effect. It’s like having restless leg syndrome over your whole body all the time, and it’s something I find totally unbearable. I hope it works out better for you!

[QCuriosa in reply to SylvieG]

can you tell me how much Abilify you took please?

[SylvieG]

I only just started it

[SylvieG]

yeah it’s 120, max dose.

[Sajy86]

I've been in this cycle since November. The good days confuse me. Like I am totally fine, and I don't need medication (which I am currently not on) and then bam I crash again amd in a very dark place which 100% needs medication. I wonder whether I am doing this to myself somehow, every time I crash like this I take time off work, slow down on all my commitment and generally go easy on myself, a week or so later I generally feel a bit better , and go back to normal , and the cycle repeats. It's so tiring but I am grateful I get a lot of good days

[Elizabeth830]

Are you male or female...could it be related to your period cycles (are you irregular)? Maybe try keeping a daily journal of what has gone on each day and maybe you can pick out patterns. You don't have to go to the extreme of complete sentences, just make a list of the more important things that happen everyday. Someone once told me to keep track of the foods that I eat and see if that had any effect on my moods.

[QCuriosa in reply to Elizabeth830]

it’s been a very long time since I had menopause. It’s not my period for sure. I’m trying to keep records of my moods like you say thanks

[Atthepark]

Yes I do believe you said that the media scares u I would suggest not watching it I go thru periods where I watch news and then sometimes I can't . I also go thru diff types of shoes on netflix depending on my moods. I'm on disability anyone else here on it? Well I was off for 6 days and it was the worst I couldn't wait to get back to work so it's Sunday on memorial day and I'm working 3 to 10 I'm a caregiver I thought it would be nice if I brought bratwurst and fruit for dinner so here we are just living life