The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I think it is a good time to talk to your doctor and possibly a councelor. They will be able to determine wether or not you need to go on medication. There might be other ways to cope with your moods without medication. Sometimes medication will only help to numb the pain you are feeling without teaching you how to cope. Talk to the professionals and go from there. Sending you love and support.
Live strong, Karilynn
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Barbara... my experience with my depression is that I am sometimes the last person to realize that I have slipped deeper into the depression. I have gone for so long thinking that "this is how everyone must feel" that at times I don't even realize that something is amiss.
If in doubt, call the MD. If others are noticing it, too, even more reason to call the MD.
It is very common for an MD to need to adjust and fine-tune the dosage of an antidepressant medication for their patients. Sometimes even just switching to another medication, or adding another antidepressant to your current medication, can make all the difference in the world.
Bottom line is that your MD won't know that you are not feeling well unless you tell him. Only then is he in a position to help you.
Once again Karilynn has nailed it. Dulling yourself with prozac or any other medication is not facing the underlying problem square on. Perhaps a counselor can be of help.
Wishing you well, Diva
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
I think the answer is a personal one for each individual, but you are kind of answering your own question there..... We typically DO get help when we are "sick and tired of being sick and tired", and it sounds to me like you are recognizing that YOU don't like who/what you are becoming right now...
Medication is one (of several) remedies, and hopefully your doctors and/or counselors can help guide what is best for you, and your unique set of circumstances...
I know for me, when I was at my lowest moment, I fought through my fears, a few gender biases and ego issues, and went to my doctor, and was put onto anti-depressants for awhile... I was definitely in "emotional crisis" at the time, and needed some help to stablize myself.... I only stayed on them a short while (~six months), but they did help me get through that time.... After that, my "spiritual renewal", if you will, came from meetings, these boards, reading, etc.....
Hope that helps..
Tom
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
if I could just make a suggestion also. Taking medication is only one piece of the puzzle. Therapy in conjunction with medication is the best solution to kicking your depression. I would make an appointment with a therapist and inquire about medication. They will refer you to a psychiatrist to prescribe the apprpriate medication for the symptoms you are exhibiting.
Do you have a sponsor yet? Sometimes just bouncing things off of someone else and finding solutions to your feelings is a great load off. Obviously, some people do needs meds for chemically inbalanced depression, but I think a trusted friend, sponsor or therapist might be something to check out first.
I know some people take pills upon pills to try to cope, when that doesn't work...more pills, different pills. Sometimes the pills just can't cure the reality.
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
I just recently got back on medication for anxiety but I remember the last bought of depression brought with it panic attacks, when the doctor asked me "how long have you been like this?" I said about 5 or 6 months, he asked why did I wait so long and I told him that I thought I could handle it on my own. We talked about if I was diabetic or had some other illness if I would try and go without medication, I said no of course not. He said at the first signs I should make an appointment. The thing is with anti-depressants that as soon as you start feeling good you want to stop taking them, so consult with your doctor. This time I went right in at the first signs of a problem. I am on a low dose and talked to the doctor about taking 1/2 dose at night, he said if that works for me then to go ahead. Remember there is nothing wrong with asking for assistance. I also have talked to a counselor about years ago when in my first marriage to an A who was violent, if when I was diagnosed with clinical depression if late stage co-dependency could have attributed to this. The counselor said that yes that is possibility. Hang in there.
thank you everyone. I did call both my regular doc and my gyno. Gyno ordered hormone bloodtests to see whats happened since I went through menopause 2yrs ago.
Reg doc put me on a low dose of anti-depressant (only gave me 4wks for now), wants me to see a psychologist (ins will cover 12 visits), go to Al-Anon (not surprised) and see her again in 4wks. Said my "crankiness" most likely is from the home situation, not my hormones. (hormone deficiency would have kicked in before now)
So guess its time to get myself to another Al-Anon meeting and stick with it! I'll call the Church and 2 area hospitals. Anyone from MA?
