I would be most grateful for advice regarding my currently experiencing severe depression. I have not experienced this level of depression. I am currently on 8mg of prednisone.
I have an appointment with a mental health person from my GP surgery on 11 02 25. I am really not happy to take antidepressants but would consider if balance of all round advice comes down on this side.
Thank you in advance.
Hello. Did this depression just ‘arrive’ recently or has it been around before on higher doses? This is relevant as adrenal function might have a part to play.
SnazzyD has asked the same question I would have - if recent then would say adrenals struggling , it a very typical sign of that.
However this advice, first circulated after covid may give some answers
nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/m...
My late hubby found that CBT [cognitive behaviour therapy] did help him when going through some issues - sometimes just talking about things is enough…
You might also like to have a look at this -
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
There are also some related posts now you have asked.
Many thanks for your speedy and informative reply ……I have experienced early morning depression for many years . However, my recent experience was so severe . I did notice it worsened following several vaccinations last year.
I also experienced major mental health problems, though that was when tapering too fast on higher levels, eg from 25 to 20. This went away when I reduced the taper amount and extended the period. As others have noted, 8mg is around the threshold when the adrenals need to start up. This is not a physical flare as such, but if this happened to me I would treat it as a flare and increase the dose up to 13 for 10 or 12 days. Such an increase for 14 or fewer days will do no harm, and if it does you good then you have an answer.
Don't forget the aspect of chronic illness - it is difficult to adjust to and the longer you live with it, sometimes it is harder, even though people might think it gets easier because you get used to it.,
Counselling, talking therapies are supported these days because they are more effective. It isn;t always pills.
Agree with talking therapy......I had a few sessions with 'First Steps' (I think it was called) when I was experiencing levels of depression on around 10mg of pred if I recall correctly.....sorry I'm a bit vague as it must have been around 2019.....these sessions were free and informal, and certainly helped me a lot, so I'd recommend it. It's always good to talk, as they say!
Hi Sleeplover, I've just replied to PMRPRO on this thread but meant to go direct to you really.....please find below (somewhere). Wanted to send bit of advice and my best wishes.
Sleeplover will get a notification of any reply on the thread because it is "their" thread.
Hi, I’ve been having mental health issues since last October. I was prescribed anti depressants. One drug was Propranolol which reacted with my steroids and gave me worse anxiety. The other was Sertraline which as yet I haven’t taken as I don’t want to add even more drugs to the 9 prescription meds I’m already taking. I’ve just started a course of talking therapy which I hope will help . I hope you feel better soon, 🌸
hello - firstly i an so sorry to hear this
It is good you have reached out and asked for help. Sadly the bulk of help in nhs is of poor quality for depression.
if you are lucky to have nhs psychological services in your area that do not have a 6-8 month waiting list - it may be worth referring yourself there and they have trained people to help- but long waits and in my experience poor assessment.
however the nhs are supposed to provide people with long term physical health conditions a “pathway” into psychological help.
The trouble with depression is its often poorly understood and poorly managed by clinicians. The mood medication work for some but not others and if you can avoid it - i would. However if your mood is dipping so low you can not function - then it can be helpful.
If you can find a local MIND or mental health charity near you - and get some free or subsidised therapy this could help you. If you csn afford your own personal therapy then thst is good investment.
having a daily checklist of things like
Walking , gratitude, washing, social contact, an absorbing hobby -etc
can feel mechanical- BUT over two weeks of going through motions you might see some impact. Problem is energy- one often cant muster the energy to do these- but if you can - particularly moving and nature - these can help , and just as well as medication in many cases.
i wish you well and hope the depression does not become chronic, if it does - i hope you find the support you need - and keep reaching out, thst is the first step.
With love
Jess
In addition to other comments, I assume that you are taking vitamin D every day, like most of us on pred. This might seem a bit glib, but make sure that you are getting outside for at least half an hour a day to get some natural light. It is easy not to when you are feeling low and it is cold and dark outside, but you need it more than ever at this time of year. I am a life long sufferer of anxiety and depression and, when I was working, a half hour stroll at lunch time was a key component in managing my mental health issues. I am convinced of the value of light exercise and natural light in managing low mood. It doesn't cure everything, but it is an important contribution towards feeling better.
I've been treated for depression since my twenties. Don't know where I'd be without my anti-depressants. Probably not even here to respond to this note.
Meds are a great way to treat serious, stubborn bouts of depression. I don't even notice any side effects with mine. Even if they were, they would be nothing compared to the alternative.
Advice re split dose tapering - again…
Rheumatologist’s advice query
Advice required
