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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 32. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
and have medication get rid of your depression?
or do you have to go out, socialize, do things, live life?
Posted by stjames on March 10, 2003, at 22:32:39
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
Once the meds start working you want to go out a socalize, do things, ect.
Posted by Krissy P on March 10, 2003, at 23:32:03
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
Hi there, May I ask what meds you are taking and for how long so far? Sometimes I have had to sit home and wait the meds to take effect. Just relax, and try to enjoy this "trial time", and as soon as the meds kick in-you may be feeling a lot better:-)
Hope this helped? Hope to hear back,
Kristen
==================================================================================================> and have medication get rid of your depression?
>
> or do you have to go out, socialize, do things, live life?
Posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 23:56:40
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by stjames on March 10, 2003, at 22:32:39
> Once the meds start working you want to go out a socalize, do things, ect.
yeah but i'm broke so i can't do things :)
Posted by Ilene on March 11, 2003, at 0:01:36
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
> and have medication get rid of your depression?
>
> or do you have to go out, socialize, do things, live life?I haven't "lived life" for a while now. Many times I can't socialize or even function very well because I can't pay attention to anything beyond my own mental chatter. Makes it hard to go out and do much beyond the basics--grocery store, pharmacy, pdoc, other necessary errands.
It would be nice if the meds would take away my depression while I wait at home. They can have it.
If the barrier to going out and doing things is depressive inertia, then you are likely to find value in those things once you overcome the inertia. Being isolated won't help you.
I don't think it's worth going out if it is stressful. It just makes it harder to do next time.
--I.
Posted by cybercafe on March 11, 2003, at 0:01:59
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? » cybercafe, posted by Krissy P on March 10, 2003, at 23:32:03
> Hi there, May I ask what meds you are taking and for how long so far? Sometimes I have had to sit home and wait the meds to take effect. Just relax, and try to enjoy this "trial time", and as soon as the meds kick in-you may be feeling a lot better:-)
> Hope this helped? Hope to hear back,
> Kristenwhy sure
my doc took me off parnate to put me on ritalin sr 20 mg bid. i also take zyprexa 2.5 mg and clonazepam 1.5 mg
i think i might have felt better on parnate, but i can't remember :(
hmmm.. i really think i could use some serotonin
i am really frustrated because my doc doesn't seem interested in changing things, even though i feel like life is just passing me by
(i used to make easy $100,000+ a year but have been living in poverty for the past 3 years)
Posted by KrissyP on March 11, 2003, at 0:27:08
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing?, posted by cybercafe on March 11, 2003, at 0:01:59
wow $100,000+ a year?? I made more working-I'm on SSI. I can understand your feelings here. I have never been on Parnate. Do you feel the zyprexa 2.5 mg and clonazepam 1.5 mg
help at all? Have you tried another med to help boost your Serotonin? or increasing the dosages of the above? Just a thought.
What can I do to help you here?
Kristen:-)
==================================================================================================
why sure
my doc took me off parnate to put me on ritalin sr 20 mg bid. i also take zyprexa 2.5 mg and clonazepam 1.5 mg
i think i might have felt better on parnate, but i can't remember :(
hmmm.. i really think i could use some serotonin
i am really frustrated because my doc doesn't seem interested in changing things, even though i feel like life is just passing me by
> (i used to make easy $100,000+ a year but have been living in poverty for the past 3 years)
Posted by Rainbowlight on March 11, 2003, at 0:28:36
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
Yes, actually I personally can sit home and have meds literally change my whole outlook on life overnight, as if by magic. It's kinda scary!
Posted by KrissyP on March 11, 2003, at 0:28:54
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing?, posted by cybercafe on March 11, 2003, at 0:01:59
When I said "I made more working", I meant that I am living in poverty also SSI pays my bills (BARELY) and I'm grateful BUT I made more money when I was working too:-(
Ces La VIe sux I know
sorry for the confusion
Posted by Rainbowlight on March 11, 2003, at 0:31:24
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing?, posted by cybercafe on March 11, 2003, at 0:01:59
If your doctor isn't interested in helping you feel your best I would find a new pdoc. There are pdocs that do care, they are just kinda hard to find. It's worth finding one though, it makes all the difference to have someone on your side wanting to help you feel better.
Posted by Questionmark on March 11, 2003, at 1:16:14
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
> and have medication get rid of your depression?
>
> or do you have to go out, socialize, do things, live life?Occasionally. But if you Don't do those things then you will feel even more like dog **** when they stop working or you get off them. However, fortunately, to quote the stjames person, "Once the meds start working you want to go out a socalize, do things, ect." You just gotta make sure you do and not waste it. Good luck w/ everything.
Posted by Tabitha on March 11, 2003, at 2:27:49
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
it depends. does staying home make you more depressed? or is it pleasant recuperation time?
my lowest energy activity is taking a walk, the type that starts from my front door and doesn't require any change of clothing or driving. it usually helps when doing nothing feels unpleasant, but I don't have the energy to do anything else. I wouldn't say it cheers me up, but it keeps me from sinking lower.
Posted by Dinah on March 11, 2003, at 7:37:19
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
Depends on your personality, I guess. If I were perfectly mentally well, going out and socializing would depress me. Introverts crave time alone or with very close friends or family.
(Sorry. My father's favorite saying since I was a kid was "If you'd just go out and play (party, have a few drinks, socialize, etc.) more, you'd be just fine.)
Posted by jay on March 11, 2003, at 12:56:26
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
> and have medication get rid of your depression?
>
> or do you have to go out, socialize, do things, >live life?Socialize? Live?.. Man, it's been a LONG time since I have done much of that. I spend 99 percent of my time either sleeping or holed up in my room. Once in a rare blue moon (maybe once a year or so..if lucky), the med combo seems to get right, and I can leave the house to see other human beings. That is likely the worst thing I hate about depression, is it is so damn *lonely*. And really, as noted on this board, we all aren't exactly alone. Ohhh..I dunno. I just don't know.....
Jay
Posted by Ilene on March 11, 2003, at 13:01:13
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by Questionmark on March 11, 2003, at 1:16:14
> > and have medication get rid of your depression?
> >
> > or do you have to go out, socialize, do things, live life?
>
> Occasionally. But if you Don't do those things then you will feel even more like dog **** when they stop working or you get off them. However, fortunately, to quote the stjames person, "Once the meds start working you want to go out a socalize, do things, ect." You just gotta make sure you do and not waste it. Good luck w/ everything.
I find when I start getting involved with people it's harder to handle when I go down again. I try not to make commitments because I hate the feeling of letting people down. Sometimes I forget about that.I used to follow the advice to go out, socialize, get involved, blah blah, but not only did it not help, it eventually got me feeling worse.
Platitudes about fixing depression abruptly stop when addressing people with suicidal ideation. You are directed to "seek professional help". Hell.
--I.
Posted by stjames on March 11, 2003, at 14:00:06
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 23:56:40
> > Once the meds start working you want to go out a socalize, do things, ect.
>
> yeah but i'm broke so i can't do things :)Doing things does not have to cost money.
Posted by Eggy on March 11, 2003, at 15:03:29
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
I have to put in my 2 cents simply because ive tried many ways. I tried to just lay on the couch under a blanket with headphones on and wait for the "sun" to shine. But I found out that the sun doesn't shine too well through tempered glass and doubled locked doors where you only get to see your family from 6pm-7pm on Thursdays. But I have to admit that the art therapy class was pretty fun! I also tried the "fake" approach. Yeah...the let's pretend that we love life and let's make everyone around us smile and laugh. The same approach that wears you out at the end the day and leaves you wondering what the Hell you've been doing. I have also tried the "Zombie" approach. Wake up, get dressed, put on some make up, go to the store, sweep the floor...get it all done but don't care if you do or not. Then there is the "Village People" approach. No matter how you feel ya gotta find some groove in there somewhere and wake it up and get it going. If I have to I turn on loud music and embarrass my kids my dancing and singing I'll do it just to get the juices flowing...But as for the MEDICINE...I honestly know for a fact that I would probably not be here without the meds. They don't do everything. They don't get me in the shower and put food in my mouth. But they do (when Im on a good combination) keep me stable enough to help me live a somewhat normal life. I quit my meds once and spent 3 months in a psych ward,almost lost my kids. So sure you can just take the meds and do nothing. But can you turn on the radio and not sing??
Posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 15:07:47
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? » cybercafe, posted by jay on March 11, 2003, at 12:56:26
Hi Jay, I have to share on this one. It has been about a year since I really went out. I got the courage to go out last night, and see an old friend-it went great we had a good time. My point, try to work on feeling like you CAN go out. How long have you felt this way??
Hang in there and no way man, we are never alone;)
Keep posting,
All the best always, Kristen
==================================================================================================> Socialize? Live?.. Man, it's been a LONG time since I have done much of that. I spend 99 percent of my time either sleeping or holed up in my room. Once in a rare blue moon (maybe once a year or so..if lucky), the med combo seems to get right, and I can leave the house to see other human beings. That is likely the worst thing I hate about depression, is it is so damn *lonely*. And really, as noted on this board, we all aren't exactly alone. Ohhh..I dunno. I just don't know.....
>
> Jay
Posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 15:09:04
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? » cybercafe, posted by jay on March 11, 2003, at 12:56:26
Also, is it possible that you do know but don't know how to handle it?? I hear ya, it's happened to me...............................................
Posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 15:11:25
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by stjames on March 11, 2003, at 14:00:06
Posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 15:19:44
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by Eggy on March 11, 2003, at 15:03:29
Posted by jay on March 11, 2003, at 18:24:43
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? » jay, posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 15:07:47
> Hi Jay, I have to share on this one. It has been about a year since I really went out. I got the courage to go out last night, and see an old friend-it went great we had a good time. My point, try to work on feeling like you CAN go out. How long have you felt this way??
> Hang in there and no way man, we are never alone;)
> Keep posting,
> All the best always, Kristen
>
>Dear Kristen...well, it's been WAY too long, like and I am serious, about 4-5 years. I pushed it aside...I was so scared. I've almost pretty much lost the 1-2 max. friends I had. I went through this same thing about 10 years ago, and only now realized the connection. My social-phobia was off the scale, and it is still pretty buzzin'. Ya, I should have and tried so hard, to realize that as years go by and you can't leave your room, something is *absolutely* wrong. Doctors are so conservative with treatment, and only now lucked into a very open-minded GP who has refered me to a major psych. hospital.
I think one of my major issues is I came from a deeply loving and caring family, BUT I have a developmental disability (well...was labled with one in Grade One through Three..was told I'd have to go live in a 'group home'..but my parents would have none of that, and helped me majorly), but the thing is I *sometimes* can function "out there". I've gotten a couple of college degrees is one example, and I did have an amazing job helping handicapped adults and working as, believe it or not, a social worker. Like Tony (lostsailor), he is also a social worker, and we are kind of in similar shoes.
Med wise, the only one I can handle in large doses is Effexor, and even that I still have a hard time with. I need Remeron to put me to sleep, and an occassional benzo for relaxation.
Anyhow, Spring is one of my fave seasons, and I hope it 'awakens' me like it always does. Maybe somehow, I am going to try to leave the house. I guess we'll see.
So, thanks very much for listening...:)
Peace as always..Jay
Posted by ayuda on March 11, 2003, at 23:57:41
In reply to can you sit at home and do nothing? , posted by cybercafe on March 10, 2003, at 22:00:36
> and have medication get rid of your depression?
>
> or do you have to go out, socialize, do things, live life?As some people have said, it depends on your personality and the quality of the time you spend alone.
I think it also depends a bit on your age -- by that I mean, I am less inclined to go out dancing and partying at age 38 than I was at age 28. I feel this is natural, and not an effect of my depression.
I am in grad school, and I have to spend A LOT of time alone studying. However, even though I do not have the kind of social life that other people have, I am content. In fact, I have about the same (or less) "social life" as I did prior to going on ADs, but now it's not because I come home from work exhausted from just making it through a day and lie down on the couch for the rest of the night and all weekend. Now it's because I have myself busy with my grad work and the three part-time teaching/tutoring jobs I hold! But I also have plenty of time to go out if I want to -- I just really don't care to deal with meeting "strangers" anymore (I move a lot, so I usually am not around familiar people), and I don't feel compelled to do much with people I know from school or work.
I think that each person knows what feels natural to them. If staying at home a lot doesn't feel natural now, then try going out. But the meds are working fine even if you decide that you are not in the mood to go out and be among people. Unless you are suffering from a social disorder and that's what the meds are for and then they are probably not working.
I guess I am trying to say that, though depression makes you less likely to want (or be able) to go out and socialize, just because you don't want to socialize doesn't mean that the ADs aren't working. It could just mean that you are enjoying some inner peace, or that you realize that reality tv is just as fun as watching people you know make fools of themselves, but the tv people don't call and tell you about it.
You know, the Psycho-Babble website is part of your social life, too.
Posted by Krissy P on March 12, 2003, at 0:13:07
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing? » Krissy P, posted by jay on March 11, 2003, at 18:24:43
Posted by cybercafe on March 12, 2003, at 0:28:58
In reply to Re: can you sit at home and do nothing?, posted by Rainbowlight on March 11, 2003, at 0:31:24
> If your doctor isn't interested in helping you feel your best I would find a new pdoc. There are pdocs that do care, they are just kinda hard to find. It's worth finding one though, it makes all the difference to have someone on your side wanting to help you feel better.
i think my doc is afraid i will go manic so maybe he's right...
still i think it's worth taking the risk rather than spending the rest of your life doing nothing
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