Posted by BrendaF on May 27, 2000, at 8:40:05
In reply to Atypical Depression, posted by gloria on May 26, 2000, at 11:13:26
Gloria,
I suffer from atypical depression, too, with major episodes every so often (usually triggered by life events). I could never figure out how I could enjoy laughing so much, seem so normal to people who didn't know me, and acually felt like I enjoyed some peoples' company----however, once I was alone, I was like a zombie. I felt dead inside. Boy, did I sleep! And what better escape...second only to consuming an entire cake by yourself. Aaahhh, the leaden feeling---I know it well. I wasn't sure if I was a complete fake around other people at work or if I was just hopelessly lazy when I was alone. I do better around people, but unfortunately, the depression makes you not want to socialize, so the weekends I didn't have my little girl I would stay at home--not talking to another soul until I got back to work. Then I would feel so ashamed.....for not getting things done, for not having a life outside of work. I would tell people I didn't do anything over the weekend, knowing they wouldn't actually think I was being literal (which I was).
I took Ritalin in conjuntion with Prozac and later Effexor. It helped a little....kinda. I was more talkative and alert at work, but once I got home I could crawl right back in bed no matter if I just took my Ritalin or not. This may not be the case for everyone, though. I think the biggest problem is that it helps your energy, but without the motivation, it's not worth much. I'm now taking 300mg of Wellbutrin. I've only been on it a little over 2 weeks, but I've heard it can be good for motivation since it's a stimulating AD. Either it's the placebo effect or I've actually noticed a slight change for the better. Will let you know how it goes.
Hope you find something that helps you. Take care!
poster:BrendaF
thread:34727
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000526/msgs/34836.html