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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Diane E. on April 18, 2000, at 16:33:57
Hi,
I am starting to feel very desperate and am wondering if anyone can provide words/stories of encouragement.
My fiancé, who I adore, has been severely depressed for years. He has been to many psychiatrists and
therapists and has tried tons of meds. I can't even name all that he is on now, but there are at least six. Plus, he is
in individual's therapy and we are in couple's therapy. Nothing has helped, and he seems to be getting worse
all the time (including sleeping almost constantly for the last four days).All along, I have tried to be optimistic. I keep thinking that there must be a doctor, drug, or therapist somewhere
who can help, but I am starting to doubt this now. Everything I read says that with the proper treatment depression
can be helped, but I am starting to wonder. He, of course, has always doubted this, but I always attributed his
skepticism to the depression. I am scared that I am starting to feel as hopeless as he does.Do people actually improve after years of depression? Even when so many treatments have failed? Please, help
me to stay somewhat hopeful.Thank you.
Posted by Liza on April 18, 2000, at 21:45:55
In reply to feeling desperate, posted by Diane E. on April 18, 2000, at 16:33:57
Dear Diane,
What a difficult situation you must be in. I used
to suffer from chronic depression for many years
and the thing which helped me to recover was faith
and prayer but it took some difficult times before
it was over. I also have a close friend who suffers
from depression. I used to despair that I couldn't
do anything to help her. Finally I ended up
just praying for her as well - especially to
help her through her most difficult times. It
allowed me to feel like I was doing something
productive and not feel so helpless...Recent traumatic events in my life brought on
another bout of depression (the first in about 10 years)
and I opted to try some anti-depressants. Nothing
has worked for me, but in this process my faith
has been slowly built back up to the point that I
now feel hope again that this will pass.If you are aleady praying, all you can do is continue
and ask others to pray for your fiance as well.
I firmly believe that PEOPLE have been the key
to my recovery - caring people put in my path to
help me.This is just my own story. I know from reading the
postings on this board that many others have been
greatly helped by anti-depressants when nothing
else has worked. I wish you the best in finding
solutions.
- Liza
Posted by PaulS on April 20, 2000, at 3:01:14
In reply to feeling desperate, posted by Diane E. on April 18, 2000, at 16:33:57
Diane, you are going through a very stressful situation and I admire your dedication to your fiancee. People do get well after years of illness but it can take much trial and error to find the proper treatment....and the wait is painful. If you haven't done so already, you could ask around to see if there is a psychiatrist who specializes in treatment resistant depression. Also, hospitalization could be an option as this can give the doctors the opportunity to spend more time with him.For yourself, it is also important that you have your own personal support. This can be friends, family, church or a group like Emotions Enonymous may be able to help.
I know several people who had extremely severe depressions who after many trials found the one thing that clicked for them to help them start living again. I wish the best for your fiancee and also that you too will find the support you need.
Sincerely,
PaulS
Posted by Abby on April 22, 2000, at 18:38:41
In reply to Re: feeling desperate, posted by PaulS on April 20, 2000, at 3:01:14
>
> Diane,Has he ever tried ECT?
Abby
Posted by Chris A. on April 23, 2000, at 1:46:45
In reply to Re: feeling desperate, treatment options, posted by Abby on April 22, 2000, at 18:38:41
> Has he ever tried ECT?
> AbbyExcellent question, Abby. So many people continue to suffer unneccesarily because a highly effective treatment has been stigmatized.
Don't give up, Diane.Chris A.
This is the end of the thread.
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