Hi

[Chrisf20]

I'm new here, just joined today. I'm 43 years old, married with two kids. I have suffered with Depression on and off now for around 9 years, I am going through a really bad patch again at the moment and i'm on anti-depressants which aren't working too well despite being on them six weeks already.

[Hidden]

Hi Chris nice to meet you. Depression is a b....h isn't it? The meds should be kicking in by now so if they aren't helping much you need to go back to see your doctor as maybe a different one might suit you better. It's often trial and error to find one which works for you and I am on my third one. I take 150 mg sertraline and find it good, but we are all different. Bev x

[Chrisf20 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Bev, thanks for your kind message. I've just managed to book an appointment to see my doctor (next Weds) was the earliest. The problem is i've tried loads over the years with varied effects Citalopram, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, I am now on 30mg Mirtazapine. The best one I found to help my mood was Fluoxetine but it had a side effect that I couldn't put up with. The dark nights and rubbish weather aren't helping me as i'm not able to get out on my bike or cycle in to work which really helped me through the summer.

[Hidden in reply to Chrisf20]

Good luck on Wednesday Chris and let me know how you get on please.

Have you ever had any counselling or are you having any at the moment? It might help so ask your doctor about that too. Hugs bev x

[Chrisf20 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Bev, I had about 4 sessions of counselling maybe 6 years ago but it didn't help much. I've just started (last week) on a Stress Control programme which runs for 6 weeks through my gp I'll see if that helps. This time of year definitely doesn't help me nor does how my job has changed the last few years but I'll get there eventually I hope. Thank you for your message and concern I'll let you know what my gp says about my current meds. I hope you are ok at the moment. Take care x

[Chrisf20 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Bev, I went to see my gp today and discussed lots of things and he has changed my meds now to Venlafaxine 37.5mg, I hope you are ok?