I don't know what your history is with depression, but don't forget that it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before the meds kick in. Which sucks, I know, but the important thing is to remember that a delay is probably inevitable, so don't give up if you don't see immediate results! (The problem with depression is that no positive thought seems real, 'cause even when you know intellectually that things can be better, you can't *believe* it 'cause you can't *feel* it. But you gotta have faith. Maybe not in your family or even in yourself right now--but you've got a lot of experts here on LJ, including moi, so just *accept* this without trying to think about it: When things seem hopeless IT'S A LIE. Things *can* be better. Hell, the essence of Life is change and growth, so it's actually inevitable.
Personally, I think I've tried every antidepressant out there. Most did nothing. One made my hair fall out. One gave me kidney failure. (I'm not naming the drugs, though I will if you really want to know, because these kind of reactions are so idiosyncratic and depend also on interactions with the whole cocktail of meds you're taking.) But more than a decade after I was first diagnosed as manic depressive, a new doctor prescribed *Lithium* (one of the oldest meds out there, which should have mad it an obvious early choice). And it worked. It really worked. (It's also really cheap, so if it works for you, yay, 'cause you might be able to afford it even without insurance benefits.)
One other thought: get your thyroid checked. Poor thyroid function is responsible for many depression-like symptoms. (I'm taking both Synthroid and Lithium, among other things.)
And a couple last thoughts: One, when I took a bottle of sleeping pills and a bottle of vodka, my mother's sole comment was, "You'd just better shape up." Huh??? Shape up!?????! That's it??? I eventually forgave her when it finally dawned on me that she really, truly, just doesn't *get* it (what it means? what to say? how to say it? could there have possibly been a mix up at the hospital, and if so, is it too late to bring her back? *mother is dazed and confused*). And two, getting your stomach pumped in the emergency room is not fun. Not fun at all.
Good luck. I hope you find something that works for you soon. Please keep us up to date with your life. (Which, y'know, kinda means you have to have one to talk about, so that rules out the suicide option. And I'm not too sure about the Internet connection in Heaven.) If you have any questions or comments about my experiences with manic depression, family dynamics that are crazy but not in the wacky sitcom sense, fandom (I love your Supernatural stories and actually just sent you a message about them) or other stuff, feel free to send a note to valoryhope@yahoo.com. (I can't seem to make that appear as a link...???)
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Date: 2010-05-31 08:37 pm (UTC)Personally, I think I've tried every antidepressant out there. Most did nothing. One made my hair fall out. One gave me kidney failure. (I'm not naming the drugs, though I will if you really want to know, because these kind of reactions are so idiosyncratic and depend also on interactions with the whole cocktail of meds you're taking.) But more than a decade after I was first diagnosed as manic depressive, a new doctor prescribed *Lithium* (one of the oldest meds out there, which should have mad it an obvious early choice). And it worked. It really worked. (It's also really cheap, so if it works for you, yay, 'cause you might be able to afford it even without insurance benefits.)
One other thought: get your thyroid checked. Poor thyroid function is responsible for many depression-like symptoms. (I'm taking both Synthroid and Lithium, among other things.)
And a couple last thoughts: One, when I took a bottle of sleeping pills and a bottle of vodka, my mother's sole comment was, "You'd just better shape up." Huh??? Shape up!?????! That's it??? I eventually forgave her when it finally dawned on me that she really, truly, just doesn't *get* it (what it means? what to say? how to say it? could there have possibly been a mix up at the hospital, and if so, is it too late to bring her back? *mother is dazed and confused*). And two, getting your stomach pumped in the emergency room is not fun. Not fun at all.
Good luck. I hope you find something that works for you soon. Please keep us up to date with your life. (Which, y'know, kinda means you have to have one to talk about, so that rules out the suicide option. And I'm not too sure about the Internet connection in Heaven.) If you have any questions or comments about my experiences with manic depression, family dynamics that are crazy but not in the wacky sitcom sense, fandom (I love your Supernatural stories and actually just sent you a message about them) or other stuff, feel free to send a note to valoryhope@yahoo.com. (I can't seem to make that appear as a link...???)