Hi Dunger - Thanks for writing back. You know, the first step in resolving a problem is to recognize that it exists, and you're doing really well in that regard and seem to have a handle on what's bothering you. You're seeking answers as to WHY you have these concerns, and that's very healthy.
One of the things I suggest for your doctor appointment is to review all of the medications you're taking, including the herbal sleep meds, in terms of whether they could be having some type of compounding effect on each other. A pharmacist might also be able to help you with this. Since lithium is typically prescribed for the manic phase of bi-polar disorder, and you said you're not bi-polar, I'd want to know why you're taking it and if you even should be taking it. Be sure you understand everything that has been prescribed for you and why it has been prescribed.
It's not surprising that you're not wanting to get out of bed or really "be there" for activities since you have major depression. The fact that you're able to force yourself to do those things, and you know you're forcing yourself to do them, is great self-awareness and also shows how hard you are working to ease the impact of having depression. So pat yourself on the back! I would definitely share what you're experiencing with your psychiatrist but I would also push for some answers on how long it will take for you to see some relief - how will you recognize the signs - is there a better anti-depressant that would help you? - and so forth. Here's a link to more information on depression which you may find helpful.
https://www.empowher.com/condition/depression
In addition, as much as you can, you need to get some type of movement in your life as exercise has been proven to be one of the most effective natural things you can do to help with depression.
As far as not wanting to talk to your counselor - again, you know what you're experiencing but are not sure why. As women we often have an intuitive sense about things. It could be that your intuition is telling you not to work with this person, and that's okay. Our intuition is usually right even when we can't pinpoint exactly what it's saying to us. Do you have another resource you can go to? Perhaps through your health plan, if you have one, or by a referral from your psychiatrist? If you need help in locating resources just let us know and we will help you.
Does this information help? Is there anything else we can do to help you? It's not easy for any one dealing with major depression, but with patience, the right treatment and support, you CAN make it through this.
Take care, Pat
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Hi Dunger - Thanks for writing back. You know, the first step in resolving a problem is to recognize that it exists, and you're doing really well in that regard and seem to have a handle on what's bothering you. You're seeking answers as to WHY you have these concerns, and that's very healthy.
One of the things I suggest for your doctor appointment is to review all of the medications you're taking, including the herbal sleep meds, in terms of whether they could be having some type of compounding effect on each other. A pharmacist might also be able to help you with this. Since lithium is typically prescribed for the manic phase of bi-polar disorder, and you said you're not bi-polar, I'd want to know why you're taking it and if you even should be taking it. Be sure you understand everything that has been prescribed for you and why it has been prescribed.
It's not surprising that you're not wanting to get out of bed or really "be there" for activities since you have major depression. The fact that you're able to force yourself to do those things, and you know you're forcing yourself to do them, is great self-awareness and also shows how hard you are working to ease the impact of having depression. So pat yourself on the back! I would definitely share what you're experiencing with your psychiatrist but I would also push for some answers on how long it will take for you to see some relief - how will you recognize the signs - is there a better anti-depressant that would help you? - and so forth. Here's a link to more information on depression which you may find helpful.
https://www.empowher.com/condition/depression
In addition, as much as you can, you need to get some type of movement in your life as exercise has been proven to be one of the most effective natural things you can do to help with depression.
As far as not wanting to talk to your counselor - again, you know what you're experiencing but are not sure why. As women we often have an intuitive sense about things. It could be that your intuition is telling you not to work with this person, and that's okay. Our intuition is usually right even when we can't pinpoint exactly what it's saying to us. Do you have another resource you can go to? Perhaps through your health plan, if you have one, or by a referral from your psychiatrist? If you need help in locating resources just let us know and we will help you.
Does this information help? Is there anything else we can do to help you? It's not easy for any one dealing with major depression, but with patience, the right treatment and support, you CAN make it through this.
January 13, 2010 - 5:48pmTake care, Pat
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