Severe depression

[mo222]

Hi everyone,

Looking for some light at the end of the tunnel. I've suffered with depression all my adult life but more so in my 30"s and now 40's. Perimenopause has hit and its debilitating on top of having mental health issues. I started struggling with sleep disrurbance about 1.5 years ago which has been extremely exhausting. I've recently had to leave my job as life was getting to much. I keep having episodes where I completely shut down and will stay home for days this has been happening for the past few years but becoming worse I just want to lead a normal life. I'm on 20mg Escitalopram and just feel there's no way out of this rut HELP.

[sunsetred]

You must go back to the doctor's. 20mg is quite a low dose. Have you tried therapy or CBT or meditation. I have found these help to cope with depression. Have you friends and family to support you? I hope you get through this.

[mo222 in reply to sunsetred]

I'm going to make an appointment today, I'm not coping at all. I've tried therapy in the past but unfortunately it didn't make much difference. My partner is very supportive, it's not easy for him I feel extremely lucky to have him. My mum has severe mental health issues but she is always there to listen on the phone we don't live close to one another and my dad has never really bothered. I have an Daughter but that's very rocky at times and has contributed to my mental health I often feel extremely hurt by her ways as sad as that sounds and is a big trigger for me. Thank you for responding ❤️

[Shep22]

Hi good luck at docs Maybe a different approch might help

If long term unlikely to change

Then as you have tryed therapy to no avail

Maybe

Acceptance is way forward and

Living with it

Proper meds may help long term or mixture of a few low dose

If sleep effected

A sleep tab also

Goals if long term its about levels as it wont go away

1 to 10

4 to 5 is a good goal for some

Maye see if not tryed ask doc or physio to put you forward for chronic pain course or wellbeing course it covers everything

As for job you mentioned

Look upon it as a bonus less stress incase get refused nothing to lose if not applied

Apply for

Pip

[mo222 in reply to Shep22]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, it does feel like it's ingrained in me to always have mental health problems I get the occasional good day but the bad days are exhausting and I completely shut down for days especially if I experience any stress. Dont think I'm well enough to work as much as I would like to, I've tried for pip twice over the years such a battle, both times I got zero points 😟. I will update you, I'm seeing the doctor today was very tempting to stay in all day away from the world but I know I have to get help.

[Shep22 in reply to mo222]

Yeh keep us informed hopefully a good appointment for you

Keep trying for pip

Wordings important

And understanding the criteria rule for all activities are

Majority of time rule

You mention bad days

4 bad days over 3 counts as unable to do a criteria

Maybe thing about it again with

Welfaire rights or cab or Fightback4justice

If not its understandable as well

[Shep22]

Prompting, motivation, supervision,tiredness,

Severe depression all over forns and unlikely to change in long term

all criterias

For pip

For the severe depression

And any other issues on top of this

[mo222 in reply to Shep22]

Thanks for the tips, Saw my g.p who was extremely helpful. Unfortunately for the sleep issues there very limited and unable to prescribe sleeping tablets due to addiction. She has switched my medication over to Sertraline middle dose and I won't have to taper of Escitalopram I can go on to them straight away. I also mentioned about Autism as I do feel I have a lot of traits as I like to be alone and suffer with social anxiety I've to fill in a form and see her again next Friday to discuss a refferal. I think if I try for pip again I will need some imput cab, welfare rights etc. Thanks again for you knowledge.

[Shep22 in reply to mo222]

Hi you say addiction yiu mean in past or afraid of getting addicted If not a used and under gp reiviews they're not addicted

Only saying this as lack of

Sleep has big impact and knock on effect with everything else

Everyone different though

My gp said enough is enough and Prescibed a sleep med

I take 1 or 2 or none varys and not addicted

And bringes your levels down with other illnesses

im glad gp done it

[mo222 in reply to Shep22]

Your so right lack of sleep is such a big factor. My gp just said she couldn't prescibe any sleeping medication due to causing addiction they seem to be quite strict at my surgery on prescribing them. Can I ask what brand you take? Does it help? No hangover feeling the next day?

[Shep22 in reply to mo222]

Hi i have tryed the usual ones prescribed

But now on

Trazadone

Early evening

You start with low dose working way up to find right dose

Some low dose does

You know when its too strong

Trazadone

[Shep22 in reply to mo222]

Ive never had hangover effect everyone different though

Gp did also say

Trazadone not addictive as well

[mo222 in reply to Shep22]

Thanks shep22, glad you've found something that suits you.

[Marylyn]

Ask for your active vitamin B12 ,folate,vitamin D ,iron levels.Unbeknown these deficient can cause anxiety,depression memory loss,,psychosis,suicidal tendencies,View Sally Pacholok award winning documentary on YouTube to see how common misdiagnosis is occurring world wide

[mo222 in reply to Marylyn]

Thanks for the reply Marylyn, I've had numerous blood tests over the years I used to be b12 deficienct many years ago in my twenties which Is now stablised. I do have an underactive thyroid and take levothyroxine which I believe is life long.

[Marylyn]

unfortunately folk are told they are not vitb12 deficient due to a flawed serum low range worldwide..Speaking from experience we both had 30 symptoms & were told we were not deficient.Once diagnosed it’s for life not till the level is normal.We both have permanent nerve damage in our spines SACD ,hearing & vision loss thanks to misdiagnosis & late treatment.