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stuck4.2long
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what would you recommend if you are depressed and cannot take anti-depressants

By June 10, 2010 - 1:19pm
 
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Ive been depressed and have anxiety for over 4 years now as I have written before....I am so tired and fatigued and in pain all the time...I just have no energy to do much of anything and this causes more depression...I cannot take anti-depressants at all and I have truly tired them all....sometimes I feel like something else is wrong with me but nothing ever shows up...which I am grateful for...but I need help and I have been to therapist some but really cant afford them...I am on disability and my medicare only pays 50 percent...I try so hard to get my own self out of this but it just doesnt work...I try the exercise,self talk,positive attitude, but i get no where....

Is there anything else I can do..I feel if I just had some energy....why am I so exhausted from doing nothing....I walk on the treadmill everyday hoping to build up my strength but it seems to make me feel more fatigued...I tell my doctors this and all they say is I am just depressed and with the anxiety it just zaps my energy....so what am I suppose to do just sit down and die....isnt there some other solutions or help out there....just so desperate....I am only 53 and 4 years ago I was on top of the world doing everything and now I am in the pit....sorry to sound negative...I try not to be that way but you get really tired of living like this day after day when I feel like someone is missing something but no one wants to listen....Ive been to over 15 doctors and they just all say the same thing.....its anxiety and depression and since I cannot take anti-depressants they cant help me....so I guess I am doomed....

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Rheyanne Weaver
Empowered
HERWriter

I know it's difficult when you're exhausted, but I would try to see if there are any services (like therapy or psychiatric help) for people with no insurance or low income in your area. Talking to someone about your issues would probably help a lot, and you might be able to change your thought pattern.

Also, have you looked at your diet and sleeping patterns? That could have something to do with your fatigue. Also, did your doctors check to make sure any medical problems aren't causing fatigue, depression and anxiety?

Personally I have very similar issues, and I'm still trying to rearrange my life and figure out if that can help my energy level and depression. I also don't have much money and haven't been on medication or seen a psychologist recently because of that. I'm applying for an insurance program for people with a low-income to help.

June 10, 2010 - 7:48pm

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Pat Elliott
Empowered
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi stuck4.2long - No, you're not doomed, you're just stuck. You've identified that you recognize you have a problem, you've asked for help, and instead of getting the help you needed so you could resolve your problem you've just been stuck with it. Let's see if we can change that!

What you've described sounds like you may be very isolated and dealing with your issues alone. Have you ever tried joining a support group for people with your same disability? There are a lot of online groups where people share information and support tips and become "virtual" friends and help each other.

Anti-depressant medications are portrayed in advertising as "magic pills" that "cure" depression. That's not really how it works, so don't feel bad that you can't take an anti-depressant. There are many other things you can do to get unstuck.

You may find this information on "home" remedies and alternative ways to deal with depression to be helpful: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/alternative-therapies-depression

If your disability is such that you are able to do some exercise it would be very helpful to you: http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/ExerciseFitness/2568

You've already taken a huge step towards resolving your depression just by reaching out. I hope the information provided is helpful. I would also encourage you to take a look at our Depression home page which provides more information and includes a section with advice from experts:
https://www.empowher.com/condition/depression/experts

Will you let us know how you do?
Take care, Pat

June 10, 2010 - 5:33pm

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