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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by homewood on June 25, 2002, at 19:56:34
I've been on Zoloft since march for depression, taking 100mgs for the past six weeks or so. It has been a remarkable experience as far as the improvement in my overall outlook/quality of life is concerned.
However, the past 36 hours or so have seen a return of depression, almost like fog rolling in off the ocean. It occured so subtly at first that I didnt notice. In fact, I have been depression free longer than i can ever remember, so the relapse has caught me quite unprepared.
I dont know how to deal with the depths i am feeling...i never felt despair before, but i think that is what i am experiencing.
has anyone ever had a similar experience, or any advice? thanks...
Posted by mopey on June 25, 2002, at 22:39:21
In reply to The Black Spirals Return, posted by homewood on June 25, 2002, at 19:56:34
I know what you mean! I feel fine for a few weeks, then the dark clouds descend and before I know it I'm sinking fast. When you look back after you come back up, it seems ridiculous that you didn't see it coming, but it is very subtle.
It's only this week that I've realized that my depression is a cycle -- last week I was unbearably irritable and short-tempered. This week I can't make myself go to bed and sleep... can't remember what next week should be!
I guess the good news to draw from this is that when you're down you know you'll soon be turning the corner and heading up again.
Is this how you feel?
Keep remembering the "up" phase and aiming at that.
Posted by homewood on June 26, 2002, at 3:28:52
In reply to Re: The Black Spirals Return, posted by mopey on June 25, 2002, at 22:39:21
wow, that's it exactly...this is a first for me and haven't learned any coping skills yet...i am definately 'lower' than anytime pre-meds...sleep, hah - forget that...
guess i'll ride it out...looking forward to that 'up'...
Posted by mopey on June 26, 2002, at 12:49:01
In reply to Re: The Black Spirals Return, posted by mopey on June 25, 2002, at 22:39:21
Hi! Sounds as if we are living the same loop!
I was taking Celexa and had to stop because it made me VERY sleepy after a month or so.
Although my mood had been level while on it, I actually enjoyed experiencing the ups and downs again. On the med I shrugged things off but didn't really enjoy anything either.
On bad days I miss the ability to do the shrug, but on good days I revel in every minute of happiness.
So where does that leave us??? I'm going the no-meds route for a while longer, I think. But today's a good day, so I would say that!
Let's hang in there!
Posted by tabitha on June 27, 2002, at 1:16:54
In reply to Re: The Black Spirals Return, posted by homewood on June 26, 2002, at 3:28:52
Here's my number one coping skill:
Don't listen to the depressed thoughts. Tell yourself they are not reality, they are just the depression talking.
Here's a free online book called _How to Heal Depression_ that I find comforting and has lots of other tips:http://www.mcwilliams.com/books/books/dep/
Posted by homewood on June 27, 2002, at 7:12:32
In reply to Re: coping skills, posted by tabitha on June 27, 2002, at 1:16:54
that link looks very interesting. i had an appt. yesterday with my md and she told me some of the same things - learn to be patient, accept the ups and downs. i have a session on tues w/pdoc so i will continue the topic. thanks.
This is the end of the thread.
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