Depression

[Clouds2023]

I had been on fluroxitine for around 14 years after feelings of sadness, depression, worrying about family safety for no real reasons After seeing my doctor started taking this medication. It made me feel better and took away these sad feelings and was able to feel 'normal' and not having all these sad feelings and able to cope with stressful situations at work. I am retired now for 5 years and decided to come off them as didn't think I needed them anymore.

I came off them gradually under supervision in July this year and thought this is good I feel ok.

Unfortunately this last week or 2 have got these same sad feelings again. It is not feelings of being lonely or anything like that just of being so low and not enjoying things I would normally do.

They say depression is low serotonin which our body is not making so am thinking that is why it has come back and is a real thing. I hear about going to counseling etc and being outside which is nice but when you wake up every day with this it feels so real and no amount of talking will make a difference. I don't know if I have explained this very well but can't shake this off is here all the time now.

[Ellamaye]

It must be difficult to come off medication I haven't dealt with that yet only changed medication but I do remember times I had ran out and had gaps and would feel sad and cry. I hope you will be OK just keep in touch with your doctor to make sure what your going through is ok

[Clouds2023 in reply to Ellamaye]

Thankyou for replying. I am going to keep in touch with my practice nurse. I am sorry you have these feelings too. I think its hard for people who don't get these awful feelings to understand. It does feel like a crutch which I suppose it is to help you cope with just feeling ok.

[Ellamaye in reply to Clouds2023]

Definitely it's a crutch your problem is still there but it seems lesser somehow 🤔

[Lamly]

I would go back on the tablets on a low dose and stay on that dose for a while then come off much slower. Give your body time to adjust. Good luck

[Clouds2023 in reply to Lamly]

Hi thankyou for your message. Yes i will go slowly and let my practice nurse know.

[Nad1971]

Dear Clouds 2023,

I would agree with the other correspondents and say that, with the help of your doctor, you should get back onto some kind of antidepressant. I have slipped into depression when I have been off them and so am reconciled to being on them for life.

Have you thought that perhaps as you are retired, and do not have the routine of work/ home etc. it may be making you feel worse? I know several people who have found retirement hard. Perhaps try to develop some hobbies or interests. Try to be with other people as I believe we are social animals, and that helps. Finally, counselling gave give you a huge sense of relief when you get those difficult feelings off your chest. There are various types- you just need to find the one that works for you.

Take care and know that this,too, shall pass.

[Clouds2023 in reply to Nad1971]

Thankyou for this. I have always been happy in my own space just getting on with things and 'pottering' is my favorite word. I know there are things I can be a part of around here, I have volunteered for some of these and could do more in the future.Have always had depression since being young and is not has bad. Getting older and having a few ups and downs I think you get tougher and not worrying what people think of you etc as when you are younger.

Its just this awful feeling that's always there and won't go away even when your with people so like you said think its something we need to carry on with.

[Kinlay]

My favorite psychiatrist once told me I might need to be on medication for the rest of my life to manage my depression... and SO WHAT? If it improves my quality of life, it's well worth it. Just a thought. I have also tried to get off of various meds, but the main antidepressant is one I may never mess with because I fear I would have the same result.

[Clouds2023 in reply to Kinlay]

Thanks kindlay, yes i am ok to be on them permently. When I was taking them I think I thought I am ok and don't need them anymore, is now I realise why I was feeling ok.

[Hisue]

There are many new studies linking depression to inflammation.

[MabelineB]

Therapy is a great way to process feelings. They have tools to help you deal with feelings such as meditation, reframing bad thoughts, and staying in the moment to deal with things when they happen and not burying them. Along with the proper medications it can turn things around 100%. Good luck🙂

[Clouds2023 in reply to MabelineB]

Thankyou I am seeing my practice nurse next week to see what she says