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LETS ALL LAUGH AT PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION!!

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Comments

  • #6402
    LynnGrace
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,347 ✭✭✭LynnGrace


    guitarzero wrote: »
    I know how that feels and it's a harsh place to find yourself. This is a theme for many ppl, more than you might think. The importance of this type of identity crisis is that you start to see more clearly what is actually important and what's trivial. In some sense it's a wake up call to do away with the things that have weighed you down or have no relevance any more. A call to be more authentic to yourself and others. Not to romance it because it can be brutal but it may well turn into something critically important for you.

    +1. Very well put.


  • #6403
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,518 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    Interrobang wrote: »
    It still feels weird to be posting here instead of just reading, but anyhow...

    So, I made that appointment with my GP on Friday, and I feel like I've taken a weight off and opened up a whole can of worms at the same time.

    I was a bit disingenuous when I phoned to make the appointment. My GP is fantastic, but I didn't really want her to be the one I did this with because she knows me, if that makes sense. So I phoned looking for a Friday appointment, knowing she doesn't work Fridays, safe in the knowledge that I would do this with one of her practice colleagues instead and therefore manage to retain some feeling of anonymity. (Yeah, I know, it doesn't really make sense, but it did at the time.)

    Turns out she was coming in to do some paperwork that Friday, and before I could rattle off some half-assed excuse about not wanting to bother her, the receptionist phoned her to check if it was okay to make the appointment, phoned me back to confirm that it was, and I was booked in.

    I was in a heap in the waiting room. There were even tears.

    Anyway, turns out it worked out in the best possible way. I found out that only is she incredibly passionate about this and invests a lot of time in researching it, she also has a vested interest because there's a long history of depression in her own family. And because she had no other patients that morning, I was with her for 45 minutes.

    She was delighted to hear that I'd begun to see a counsellor, and even more pleased to hear that I'm finding the sessions exhausting and draining. Apparently that's a good sign in her book.

    She's very much recommended a multi-pronged approach, as she doesn't believe that any one thing in isolation will benefit as much as a holistic approach will. First on her list was to continue counselling. Second was mindfulness, and she really emphasised how beneficial this can be. Third was plenty of exercise, fresh air, sunshine, omegas and B-complex vitamins. Last on the list was anti-depressants, and she went through the pros and cons, the concerns I had, and so on. She didn't push them on me, and advised that I'd have a lot of thinking to do, as the visit in itself was a massive step and enough to be dealing with for one day.

    I found it really hard to say the words, "I am depressed" out loud when I was with her, and she challenged me on that. In fact she challenged me a lot. She asked me why, if this wouldn't be such a big deal if it were a member of my family or one of my friends, why would I be any less kind to myself.

    Even in relation to anti-depressants, she said if I decided to take them it could be for six months, for twelve months, and even if I need them for longer, so what? And I don't mean that she meant "so what?" dismissively; she meant that it should be no more of an issue than taking something for blood pressure or diabetes or whatever. She's almost evangelical about removing any stigma associated with depression, and I'm so glad that my plan to meet with someone else failed spectacularly. I feel that I have someone in my corner really fighting for me in a proactive way now.

    I felt weird for the rest of the day, though. You know that feeling in your head when you've had a few drinks the night before, not enough to make you suffer, but enough to give you a dull, heavy feeling in your head? Well, it was like that. Once the kids were in bed I couldn't stay awake on the sofa, but once I went to bed I couldn't sleep. All day yesterday I swung between resigned and angry, and everyone was pissing me off for no reason. I didn't sleep much last night either. I'm going to take myself off for an hour or two this afternoon to see if I can clear my head a bit.

    I'm scared by how I might react to the anti-depressants, what side effects I might experience, and how long I'll feel like that.
    Congratulations and well done! I am genuinely delighted that you have taken this major step. It is great that your doctor is so informed and supportive.

    Re the ADs, seriously, don't worry or be scared. Side-effects are generally not hard to bear, and often fade after a short time. Keep in touch with your doctor (sounds like she will be very proactive on that :)) and your pharmacist and you should have no problems regarding medication. Your doctor may adjust the dose, or even change you to a different AD if they feel it would be better. There is a range of ADs, some work for some people and not for others.

    Expect it to take up to 8 weeks to notice the benefit - stick with them.

    Not your ornery onager



  • #6404
    Interrobang
    Registered Users Posts: 320 ✭✭Interrobang


    Thanks, Esel - I think I'm probably doing too much research and focusing too much on the possible adverse side effects. Perhaps my GP was on to something when she advised against falling into the trap of what she called "catastrophic thinking" when considering going down the AD route...! :o


    Mars Bar wrote: »
    It's completely normal so don't worry about it.
    That's comforting to know. I find that after a session I often can't recall much of what we actually talked about, but feel absolutely drained - like you say, the rest of the day is an emotional write-off. I don't know, maybe that's what catharsis is supposed to feel like.


    wexie wrote: »
    Now that it's time to take inventory of where I'm at I feel like I've no idea who I actually am or where I go from here :(
    I could have written this word for word. Sometimes I look back at stuff I did years ago and I don't recognise the person who did it. I've spent a long time being the person I was expected to be that I never stopped to think about who I actually am. It's a scary prospect, not really knowing yourself.


    guitarzero wrote: »
    In some sense it's a wake up call to do away with the things that have weighed you down or have no relevance any more. A call to be more authentic to yourself and others. Not to romance it because it can be brutal but it may well turn into something critically important for you.
    I should have this tattooed somewhere as a reminder. I think it is going to be brutal, and fear is going to be my biggest obstacle. There's a massive leap between knowing what you should do for yourself and actually doing it. Funny how it's so much easier to look after other people.


    cristali wrote: »
    I don't know how to nurture myself...So if you're in the same boat, start from there
    Same here. Haven't a clue. In all honesty, I wouldn't even think to do it. I think part of my journey will be learning how to set a value on doing things for myself. With work and two young kids I tend to put myself last. Actually, scratch that, I don't even make the list. I have something against the phrase 'me time' - I don't know why, but it just grates with me! - but I like the idea of 'nurturing'. So I remembered your words today. I took off out of the house, but instead of sitting in a coffee shop I picked up a take-away coffee and just sat by the water doing nothing. I find being near water calms me, so I just sat there watching it drift past. It was almost hypnotic in a way, and I even dozed off a bit a couple of times. I think I might make it a regular thing - it was kind of like taking myself outside of everything, but in a good way. Your words made a positive difference to my day today, so thank you.


    wexie wrote: »
    I myself have been tested as highly intelligent (some have said perhaps it's part of my problem :( ) but have started college twice and could never really hack it.
    I wonder is that more common than we know? I though college was a doddle, until it wasn't. Learning always came easy to me. I never had to work at it and always got good results effortlessly. In school and as an undergrad I was kept busy with other stuff outside college, and when I did my Masters I worked two jobs not because I had to, but because I'm not good at saying no to helping people. In all that time, classes and exams and theses and grades were only one part of a bigger picture, so I never really gave them a second thought.

    Then I was awarded a scholarship for my PhD, and one of the conditions was that I didn't undertake any other work, but concentrated solely on my research. Apparently I'd "earned" it. I "deserved" it. But do you know something? I don't think that I believed that I deserved to be successful. And that's when I hit bottom and lost a year of my life, because it's a self-fulfilling prophecy: when you believe that you're not worth it, nothing you do seems worthwhile, so you stop doing it and it becomes a vicious circle. Whether the depression was a factor in my 'failure' or whether the failure triggered the bottoming out is a bit of a chicken-and-egg question. I don't have the answer. What I do know, however, is that no matter how demonstrably able I am, I have a hard time accepting the evidence in front of me, and continue to set myself stupidly high expectations.


    efb wrote: »
    Not in a great head space today- Gaga concert later and right now, I just don't want to go. Going home and climbing into my bed seems way more appealing :(
    I've been thinking about you since you posted this - how did it go in the end?


  • #6405
    stop animal cruelty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭stop animal cruelty


    Recently my boyfriend dumped me....finding it so tough, never cried so much or hard in my life....lm really hurt atm. Dreading the next few weeks/months, gonna ask my doc to top up lexapro, what has happened to me, l would have been the last person in the world to turn to medication, really dont know how il cope


  • #6406
    efb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 35,514 ✭✭✭✭efb


    Interrobang wrote: »


    I've been thinking about you since you posted this - how did it go in the end?

    Rang my sister, talked it through, she said you'd feel worse in the morning if you didn't go. I went and I enjoyed it- met up with old friends too tks


  • #6407
    DeVore
    Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 32,387 Mod ✭✭✭✭DeVore


    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    Recently my boyfriend dumped me....finding it so tough, never cried so much or hard in my life....lm really hurt atm. Dreading the next few weeks/months, gonna ask my doc to top up lexapro, what has happened to me, l would have been the last person in the world to turn to medication, really dont know how il cope
    Talk to your doc but listen to him if he says you don't need a top up on Lexapro... you've had a sh1tty thing happen to you. You kinda should feel sh1tty about it. The trick is to process the hurt, go through the feelings and feel them until they don't have their power over you. Its a tough thing to explain but you need to process the feelings cos if you try and stuff them somewhere deep down, they have a way of kinda squirting out at random times and places!

    So, its fine to feel bad... its not fine to wallow in it. Give it its due time and attention, as long as it needs and then its done. When it comes back into your thoughts begging to get more of your attention, then its being a greed little memory. Its had its time, it got your full attention. It needs to go into your past now and you move onwards. Don't stay there because I know, its a weird sort of perverse pleasure in being hurt and feeling awful ... it satisfies the "I deserve this" sort of depressive thoughts. Don't let it, that's not right or proper.

    Big hugs, keep writing here, you're one of us and we care for our own.


  • #6408
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    Recently my boyfriend dumped me....finding it so tough, never cried so much or hard in my life....lm really hurt atm. Dreading the next few weeks/months, gonna ask my doc to top up lexapro, what has happened to me, l would have been the last person in the world to turn to medication, really dont know how il cope

    What has happened is that you know meds can help and that's ok!
    __
    Are you seeking support by other means as well? like family/friends? diving into a hobby?

    It's ok to be hurt and to cry. Cry as much as need. It does get easier!


  • #6409
    stop animal cruelty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭stop animal cruelty


    Thanks a mil Devore gonna print that off....

    Looking around - lv been in counselling for a good while so can talk to her about it, cant wait to see her....opened up to my parents but they dont really know what to say, lm more so upset by the way he ended it, really cold by text, just so hurt by him, not even a call or apology


  • #6410
    Interrobang
    Registered Users Posts: 320 ✭✭Interrobang


    efb wrote: »
    Rang my sister, talked it through, she said you'd feel worse in the morning if you didn't go. I went and I enjoyed it- met up with old friends too tks
    Glad to hear it. Hope this week is a better week for you.

    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    lm more so upset by the way he ended it, really cold by text, just so hurt by him, not even a call or apology
    That's cold, but while it says something about him, it's no reflection on you. I like that you know you deserved better, because you *know* you deserved better, if that makes sense. Be kind to yourself.


  • #6411
    DeVore
    Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 32,387 Mod ✭✭✭✭DeVore


    The guy sounds like a d1ck... you should be happy its over and that you didn't waste any more of your time on him.

    As for parents... yeah, I can empathise. I wrote a bit about my dad and my take on family trying to help here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=92054431&postcount=6197


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  • #6412
    DeVore
    Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 32,387 Mod ✭✭✭✭DeVore


    Ok, actually... I'll tell you all about the fish.


    I was once very hurt by a good friend of mine. We'd been mates for years but then he went and did something hurtful to me. It really hurt. I put it out of my mind and I went about my life telling myself that no one and no thing would be allowed hurt me. But it kept jumping into my head, how angry I was with him (read: how hurt I was he had done that). I was cooking fish for dinner and putting it out of my mind. Studiously ignoring the whole thing. Frying my fish. Not going to give him the satisfaction. Frying my fish. Don't need him, don't need anyone. Frying my fish.

    The fish got the most abusive frying you ever saw in your life. It was RSPCA levels of abuse. By the time I was finished it was fried beyond recognition almost. I looked at the fish and realised that for all my determination, my mind hadn't been on the fish... in fact I was violently frying SOMETHING in that pan but I don't think I was thinking of it as fish :)

    I had to sit down and acknowledge that someone I cared about, someone I had let get close to me had done something very unthinking and hurtful. I opened the Pandora's box of icky feelings and just accept that I really felt wounded... I'll spare you the details of the rooting through all my feels, but in the end it works for me... I was able to go back to my life and the memory went into the history-bank.

    If you don't process these things, something or someone gets fried like a fish before you even realise it.


  • #6413
    Interrobang
    Registered Users Posts: 320 ✭✭Interrobang


    DeVore wrote: »
    The fish got the most abusive frying you ever saw in your life. It was RSPCA levels of abuse. By the time I was finished it was fried beyond recognition almost. I looked at the fish and realised that for all my determination, my mind hadn't been on the fish... in fact I was violently frying SOMETHING in that pan but I don't think I was thinking of it as fish :)
    I did something similar to a hydrangea with a garden shears. Poor plant got an almighty hard pruning and never completely recovered on one side. It's still lopsided to this day.

    There's probably a metaphor in there somewhere... :D


  • #6414
    wexie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,480 ✭✭✭wexie


    DeVore wrote: »
    If you don't process these things, something or someone gets fried like a fish before you even realise it.

    And sadly sometimes it turns out to be ourselves :(

    I spent the best part of my childhood determined I wouldn't get hurt again and look where it's got me.

    Getting hurt is a normal part of life, both physically and emotionally, it's learning to deal with it properly that's the important part, not preventing it from happening.

    (clearly it's a lot easier giving advice than taking advice :o )


  • #6415
    DeVore
    Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 32,387 Mod ✭✭✭✭DeVore


    Unfortunately in my case it tends to be the people nearest and dearest to me. People I wouldn't want to hurt in a million years but one little straw and I'd project a lot of crap onto them that I had been bottling up. If there's anything I'm grateful for its that (mostly) I don't do that any more.... that's the biggest single improvement in me since I started fighting back.


  • #6416
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    Thanks a mil Devore gonna print that off....

    Looking around - lv been in counselling for a good while so can talk to her about it, cant wait to see her....opened up to my parents but they dont really know what to say, lm more so upset by the way he ended it, really cold by text, just so hurt by him, not even a call or apology

    It's very hard to know what to say, ask for a hug, or for them to do something with you, like go to the movies, a meal out, a board game ;)..distraction stuff, and they'll have an idea of how they can support you. And because you're asking for whatever it is, hopefully, you'll feel supported in turn.

    Do talk it out with your counselor as well.

    And what a coward. I hate face to face "deep" discussions, and tend to these via text, but I also tend to be in the same room. I just don't like speaking S:. I can imagine choosing texting over voice, but not at a distance from a person.


  • #6417
    guitarzero
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,425 ✭✭✭guitarzero


    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    Recently my boyfriend dumped me....finding it so tough, never cried so much or hard in my life....lm really hurt atm. Dreading the next few weeks/months, gonna ask my doc to top up lexapro, what has happened to me, l would have been the last person in the world to turn to medication, really dont know how il cope

    Hey, sorry to hear about that. Getting dumped is sickening (especially like that), if you are already suffering of depression it can get very overwhelming I know. Me and my ex parted ways in Feb and the withdrawal symptoms were pretty merciless, took about a month just to feel myself again. And this is the thing, you will find your feet again. And there's a word thats gets thrown around a lot lately that depressed ppl might get a bit frustrated by but there is a fair level of truth in it - distraction.
    Just get distracted. Get your emotions entangled in something a light lighter and a little less demanding. The habits we made with the other half can still clog up the mind with all their weight and power and looking a release, the compass has shifted but it's so hard to reset the ship in that direction. Because I had suffered a horrible break up before I knew what needed to be done.
    I joined a language exchange group, I met up with the lads for football/beers even if I didnt want to, I'd have knitted jumpers if that's all I was left with. But it works, it defuses a lot of the tension and emotion. Hope at least some of this is of some consolation. Stay strong, dig deeper.


  • #6418
    stop animal cruelty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭stop animal cruelty


    Thanks for all yer replys guys...feeling a bit better. What lm really gonna miss the most is feeling part of something and the company, the fact that someone asked how was my day and just doing things together....the feeling that someone cared about me (tho not too sure about that one now).

    Just need to let off more steam....lm so unhappy in my new job. Today l threatened to walk out and manager turns around and says "yeah do walk away" shes a fcuking bitch...and lm not the only person this week that threatened the same! gonna finish up there, cannot put up with her anymore, since the break up, my confidence has been rock bottom and shes making it worst, making me feel like lm useless around the place when l know lm a damn hard worker. lf it wasnt for my counsellor, l wouldnt be here, owe so much to her.


  • #6419
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    Thanks for all yer replys guys...feeling a bit better. What lm really gonna miss the most is feeling part of something and the company, the fact that someone asked how was my day and just doing things together....the feeling that someone cared about me (tho not too sure about that one now).

    Just need to let off more steam....lm so unhappy in my new job. Today l threatened to walk out and manager turns around and says "yeah do walk away" shes a fcuking bitch...and lm not the only person this week that threatened the same! gonna finish up there, cannot put up with her anymore, since the break up, my confidence has been rock bottom and shes making it worst, making me feel like lm useless around the place when l know lm a damn hard worker. lf it wasnt for my counsellor, l wouldnt be here, owe so much to her.

    work can affect everything, if you are in a position to leave, do, there's no point risking your health for it.


  • #6420
    Gongoozler
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,263 ✭✭✭Gongoozler


    She sounds like a Grade A bitch, scta. I think you shouldn't give her the satisfaction, how about putting on a little act of confidence when around her, arrogance if you can manage it. Sounds like it might annoy her. As well as possibly helping you feel better.


    An update on me and my anti depressant saga - I'm done! I was on 7.5mg gave it a go coming off and it's going ok so far. Saturday was my first day without. Experienced only a couple of zaps Saturday evening. I was quite teary for much of yesterday. And I've had a few zaps today. But very manageable. Feeling ok today too.

    Quite glad to be done with them! I would never go back on them.

    They made me a whole lot worse than I used to be. Gave me active suicidal thoughts when I never had them before. I would be very wary of recommending them to anyone. Though recommending is hardly the right term. I think they might work for some, but can make others a lot worse. Actually I've seen that in my job, people's experiences of how bad it can be.

    Anyway I'll stop going on now. I expect there's a chance I'll have at least one more teary day, with the withdrawal, hopefully not. And some more zaps, but hopefully they won't get worse. Even if they are I'd be pretty sure they'd be short lived.

    So yeah I'm done.


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  • #6421
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,518 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    ^ Keep in touch. :)

    Not your ornery onager



  • #6422
    AnonAsimov
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭AnonAsimov


    I'm starting to stress again. Losing sleep. I'm unfocused at work which makes me paranoid they'll fire me.

    I'm alone. I don't make friends easily Because I'm judgemental, quick to criticise and a bit of a downer. I don't know how to change.


  • #6423
    DeVore
    Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 32,387 Mod ✭✭✭✭DeVore


    Are you seeing a counsellor?


  • #6424
    wexie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,480 ✭✭✭wexie


    So I had my first appointment with a psychiatrist this morning, which I had been quite looking forward to in a strange way as I was hoping for some answers and 'the beginning of a solution'.

    My GP fought to get me a 'short notice' (3 weeks) referral as the counsellor I had been seeing wasn't doing much for me and my GP, helpful as he is, in his own words is 'just a GP'.

    I don't know what I was expecting (Gabriel Byrne :D ) but I sure as hell was expecting more than : here have some more drugs and we'll see you in 6 weeks :mad:

    Feeling very very angry and disappointed with this, no mention of a plan, therapy....no nothing.....just 'have some drugs and the best of luck'

    :(


  • #6425
    DeVore
    Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 32,387 Mod ✭✭✭✭DeVore


    That sounds... sh1t to be honest. Go back to your GP and tell him/her what happened... I would have expected at least a counselling session, but perhaps a psychiatrist is like a man with a hammer... every problem looks like a nail.


  • #6426
    Call Me Jimmy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,449 ✭✭✭Call Me Jimmy


    From my experience with psychiatry rather than psychology, the psychiatrist sees him/herself as the alchemist, going through a list of medications, giving you time on each, hoping one will 'work'. And that's about it. They may prescribe therapy, but they don't necessarily do much else.

    If you saw a psychologist and that happened I'd be shocked.


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  • #6427
    Mam of 4
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,956 ✭✭✭✭Mam of 4


    Call Me Jimmy wrote: »
    From my experience with psychiatry rather than psychology, the psychiatrist sees him/herself as the alchemist, going through a list of medications, giving you time on each, hoping one will 'work'. And that's about it. They may prescribe therapy, but they don't necessarily do much else.

    If you saw a psychologist and that happened I'd be shocked.

    +1 on this.

    Son said the same thing , psychiatrist in his words -wanted to shove meds down his throat- psychologist he worked brilliantly with, talking everything out.

    Not knocking medication as it's fantastic if it works for you.
    Just in sons experience didn't work for him , and believe me he tried a lot of them :)


  • #6428
    guitarzero
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,425 ✭✭✭guitarzero


    http://www.lef.org/magazine/2014/6/A-New-Way-To-Manage-Depression-Without-Drugs/Page-01

    Curcumin and depression.

    I'm on Omega3's, L Tyrosine, Vit A, B, C and probiotics. Another another addition, cupboard will be backed up in no time at this rate.


  • #6429
    Roquentin
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 3,130 ✭✭✭Roquentin


    wexie wrote: »
    So I had my first appointment with a psychiatrist this morning, which I had been quite looking forward to in a strange way as I was hoping for some answers and 'the beginning of a solution'.

    My GP fought to get me a 'short notice' (3 weeks) referral as the counsellor I had been seeing wasn't doing much for me and my GP, helpful as he is, in his own words is 'just a GP'.

    I don't know what I was expecting (Gabriel Byrne :D ) but I sure as hell was expecting more than : here have some more drugs and we'll see you in 6 weeks :mad:

    Feeling very very angry and disappointed with this, no mention of a plan, therapy....no nothing.....just 'have some drugs and the best of luck'

    :(

    psychiatrists and psychologists differ. in my view the psychiatrists were just doing a job which is mainly how drugs and daily life interact to affect the chemicals of the brain.

    psychologists on the other hand listen to you (but thats their job).

    between junior doctors and consultant doctors ive seen maybe 20-30 different ones. some of them were nice but most were professional. I always got the feeling i was a guinea pig in their company. a bit of a cynical view i admit but they are there to do a professional job

    im kind of anti psychiatry in that i feel labeling a person with a disease can do harm as well as the disease. maybe i have read too much laing:)

    to be honest though i was always in and out in two minutes


  • #6430
    Roquentin
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 3,130 ✭✭✭Roquentin


    Call Me Jimmy wrote: »
    From my experience with psychiatry rather than psychology, the psychiatrist sees him/herself as the alchemist, going through a list of medications, giving you time on each, hoping one will 'work'. And that's about it. They may prescribe therapy, but they don't necessarily do much else.

    If you saw a psychologist and that happened I'd be shocked.

    i was young when i first encountered them and mixed up this arrangement. i thought the same rules applied to both. but it turns out like you say that psychiatrists are more scientfic while psychologists are more philosophical

    the thing is though if you are hospitalized they will talk more to you (still not as much as the psychologist though)


  • #6431
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,518 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    A psychologist cannot prescribe drugs (unless they are also qualified as a medical doctor).

    Not your ornery onager



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  • #6432
    cristali
    Registered Users Posts: 46 ✭cristali


    Same here. Haven't a clue. In all honesty, I wouldn't even think to do it. I think part of my journey will be learning how to set a value on doing things for myself. With work and two young kids I tend to put myself last. Actually, scratch that, I don't even make the list. I have something against the phrase 'me time' - I don't know why, but it just grates with me! - but I like the idea of 'nurturing'. So I remembered your words today. I took off out of the house, but instead of sitting in a coffee shop I picked up a take-away coffee and just sat by the water doing nothing. I find being near water calms me, so I just sat there watching it drift past. It was almost hypnotic in a way, and I even dozed off a bit a couple of times. I think I might make it a regular thing - it was kind of like taking myself outside of everything, but in a good way. Your words made a positive difference to my day today, so thank you.



    You're welcome, I'm glad I could help ....That's the beginning :) it matters what you feel after those 10min of nurturing yourself, it can be anything, even the smallest things ...it's progress.. I'm a full time single mam and have a full time job with lots of responsability so it was never the case for 'me time' and even the thought of actually doing something for myself made me feel guilty ...always finding excuses and putting even more pressure on myself...but we have to be gentle with ourselves and don't forget we're only humanHumana day has only 24h ;)


  • #6433
    ghostoftomjoad
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭ghostoftomjoad


    Just in from the garden, spent a couple of hours planting daffodils and tulips, very therapeutic, and as well, during the dark winter months I know that I will have those flowers to look forward to. Fruit of my labour as it were.


  • #6434
    The Strawman Argument
    Closed Accounts Posts: 477 ✭✭The Strawman Argument


    When I was on Lexapro a few years back I was paying something mental like €90 for 4 weeks worth of 20mg. Was just wondering whether my GP/pharmacist was somehow screwing me or if most medication is generally that expensive?

    I'm thinking about trying some out again to help me out of a rut I've been in since the start of the year and I'd need to start them pretty soon to coincide with a few activities I've committed to doing in the next while but, frankly, if they're gonna cost me that much or more I'm just gonna blow a ton of money on some huge life change instead because they weren't that effective the last time(although I kind of left it to them to try and resolve everything alone).


  • #6435
    stop animal cruelty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭stop animal cruelty


    My dr put me on lexapro 5mg, chemist gave me the generic...1months cost me €11-€12 - just get the generic...no difference just the name


  • #6436
    wexie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,480 ✭✭✭wexie


    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    My dr put me on lexapro 5mg, chemist gave me the generic...1months cost me €11-€12 - just get the generic...no difference just the name

    that's if there is a generic version, if it's still under patent (like some of the newer drugs are then there won't be.

    I'm taking Lyrica and it's something insane like 90 euro for 3 weeks :(


  • #6437
    wexie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,480 ✭✭✭wexie


    Also, if they weren't working very well you need to talk to your GP about that (which you will need to anyways for prescription), they may well be able to give you something else. We're all different people so really GP's have to kinda try and fiddle about to find out what works.


  • #6438
    0byme75341jo28
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,571 ✭✭✭0byme75341jo28


    I know I should talk to the GP about this, and I will, but I just want to hear from others in a similar situation.

    Is medication really that necessary? I was on lustral for 2 weeks up until last Thursday and I reacted very badly to it* so my doctor took me off them. I'm going back to him tomorrow but I would be really apprehensive about trying medication again after that. Any "success stories" from any of ye who didn't use medication or is medication usually needed to get yourself feeling better? It was my first time on medication for depression btw.

    *became very apathetic towards my wellbeing, had frequent suicidal thoughts (actually made a rough plan at one stage, which I never did before I went on them), self harming (rarely did it before I went on them), started drinking to relieve anxiety/unpleasant thoughts


  • #6439
    The Strawman Argument
    Closed Accounts Posts: 477 ✭✭The Strawman Argument


    You specifically ask the chemist for the generic, is it? Sorry, I don't really have a clue about prescriptions and stuff. I was prescribed "Lexapro" rather than escitalopram, would that impact being able to ask for it? Obviously not assuming I'll be gave the same prescription again though. Is there any chance I could specifically insist on one which has a generic?

    Lexapro was having an impact at 20mg way back when, definitely didn't hate myself anywhere near as much but I just had nothing else going on and the cost of it (coupled with a fear of drinking while on them) was leaving me with very few options. I assume it's not the medication's job to do that part but it might at least stop me completely losing my motivation when I'm already doing things. There were also a lot of things going on at home which seriously bogged me down that I'm now free of so that's another positive.

    Also, what's the cost of getting a GP to renew a prescription? Would all of this be free if I had a medical card too? I might qualify for one but haven't looked into it at all.


  • #6440
    0byme75341jo28
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,571 ✭✭✭0byme75341jo28


    The Strawman Argument wrote: »
    Also, what's the cost of getting a GP to renew a prescription? Would all of this be free if I had a medical card too? I might qualify for one but haven't looked into it at all.


    You get free GP visits and your prescriptions written for free if you have a medical card, and you also get your prescriptions for free in the pharmacy, besides the €2.50 tax per item.


  • #6441
    wexie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,480 ✭✭✭wexie


    Cora Melodic Seed wrote: »
    I know I should talk to the GP about this, and I will, but I just want to hear from others in a similar situation.

    Is medication really that necessary? I was on lustral for 2 weeks up until last Thursday and I reacted very badly to it* so my doctor took me off them. I'm going back to him tomorrow but I would be really apprehensive about trying medication again after that. Any "success stories" from any of ye who didn't use medication or is medication usually needed to get yourself feeling better? It was my first time on medication for depression btw.

    *became very apathetic towards my wellbeing, had frequent suicidal thoughts (actually made a rough plan at one stage, which I never did before I went on them), self harming (rarely did it before I went on them), started drinking to relieve anxiety/unpleasant thoughts

    I've just started a different antidepressant (which so far seems to work better than the others, the last one was evil) so too early to call it a success story.

    However, the anti anxiety medication (for me) certainly is working. If I forget my lyrica it's noticeable pretty quickly in how I feel and act, was about to loose the rag with my dog this afternoon when I realised I didn't take it at lunch time. Poor fecker just wanted some water :(

    From what I know you really do need to talk to your GP. Suicidal thoughts, self harming and drinking are all big red flags. (although apparently not uncommon when just starting AD's :confused: From what little I know 2 weeks is just about when you could start seeing a result. The way I've seen it explained here is that it's likely taken years to end up where you are so don't expect to see it solved in weeks / months. But you should certainly see (and work on) improvements. )

    But please, when you do talk to your GP try to be as open as you are (anonymously) here. Even if that means you need to write them a letter or something.

    But whatever about medication, YOU need to WORK on this as well. It's hard bloody work, making yourself be active, go out, live healthily etc. etc.

    The medication can help with the motivation and energy levels though.


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  • #6442
    wexie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,480 ✭✭✭wexie


    The Strawman Argument wrote: »
    You specifically ask the chemist for the generic, is it? Sorry, I don't really have a clue about prescriptions and stuff. I was prescribed "Lexapro" rather than escitalopram, would that impact being able to ask for it? Obviously not assuming I'll be gave the same prescription again though. Is there any chance I could specifically insist on one which has a generic?

    Lexapro was having an impact at 20mg way back when, definitely didn't hate myself anywhere near as much but I just had nothing else going on and the cost of it (coupled with a fear of drinking while on them) was leaving me with very few options. I assume it's not the medication's job to do that part but it might at least stop me completely losing my motivation when I'm already doing things. There were also a lot of things going on at home which seriously bogged me down that I'm now free of so that's another positive.

    Also, what's the cost of getting a GP to renew a prescription? Would all of this be free if I had a medical card too? I might qualify for one but haven't looked into it at all.

    Yes you should be able to ask for generic either way, unless your GP specifically states it should be the branded in which case they should explain why.

    Don't know about asking for a different AD as they are all different and (presumably) your GP is prescribing it for a reason. But there's never any harm in asking?


  • #6443
    The One Doctor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,339 ✭✭✭The One Doctor


    I seem to be having difficulties with my moods on and off lately. I was unemployed for a while, got a job and quit after a week, I couldn't take it. I'm fine most days but get a bit forgetful and moody etc. Doesn't help that our first baby is due in 8 weeks and I feel like an idiot for letting the job go. Got onto the civil service job panel, but it could be months or years until I'm offered a job. Fortunately I have a fair bit of savings and no debts and don't spend more then I need to. I can't really bring myself to look for a job though. I did go to my GP, he recommended counselling and I'm on the waiting list for free counselling now.

    Thanks for reading this.


  • #6444
    stop animal cruelty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭stop animal cruelty


    The Strawman Argument wrote: »
    You specifically ask the chemist for the generic, is it? Sorry, I don't really have a clue about prescriptions and stuff. I was prescribed "Lexapro" rather than escitalopram, would that impact being able to ask for it? Obviously not assuming I'll be gave the same prescription again though. Is there any chance I could specifically insist on one which has a generic?

    Lexapro was having an impact at 20mg way back when, definitely didn't hate myself anywhere near as much but I just had nothing else going on and the cost of it (coupled with a fear of drinking while on them) was leaving me with very few options. I assume it's not the medication's job to do that part but it might at least stop me completely losing my motivation when I'm already doing things. There were also a lot of things going on at home which seriously bogged me down that I'm now free of so that's another positive.

    Also, what's the cost of getting a GP to renew a prescription? Would all of this be free if I had a medical card too? I might qualify for one but haven't looked into it at all.

    no the chemist just gave me the generic, even tho the doc had lexapro down, but l didnt mind cause like l said the only difference is the name and the price. you can ask the chemist alrite for the generic, maybe have a word to your doc about prescriptions, generics etc, they might explain it better to you.

    Renewing your prescription could cost between €10 - €20...its a different price in every practice, no set price, but thats the average.

    lf you had a medical card, your prescription would be free, but you would have to pay for the tabs in the chemist (think its €1.50 now? use be 50c?)

    Start looking into getting a medical card, asap, this can be a long process...


  • #6445
    stop animal cruelty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭stop animal cruelty


    The One Doctor wrote: »
    I seem to be having difficulties with my moods on and off lately. I was unemployed for a while, got a job and quit after a week, I couldn't take it. I'm fine most days but get a bit forgetful and moody etc. Doesn't help that our first baby is due in 8 weeks and I feel like an idiot for letting the job go. Got onto the civil service job panel, but it could be months or years until I'm offered a job. Fortunately I have a fair bit of savings and no debts and don't spend more then I need to. I can't really bring myself to look for a job though. I did go to my GP, he recommended counselling and I'm on the waiting list for free counselling now.

    Thanks for reading this.

    get out there and get busy...be it helping with house work or voluteering. Exercise everyday...l know things are hard for you, but try stay positive...you'll be welcoming a lovely lil bundle of joy and love into the world v soon :) good luck


  • #6446
    The One Doctor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,339 ✭✭✭The One Doctor


    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    get out there and get busy...be it helping with house work or voluteering. Exercise everyday...l know things are hard for you, but try stay positive...you'll be welcoming a lovely lil bundle of joy and love into the world v soon :) good luck

    I do all the housework, dinners, etc and get out for a walk a day, but I appreciate the sentiment and am really looking forward to the new arrival!


  • #6447
    sunshine and showers
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,027 ✭✭✭sunshine and showers


    Ask for generic options for all medications - the savings are ridiculous! Unfortunately, some antidepressants aren't available as generics yet (eg Cymbalta). Lexapro and Effexor definitely are.

    Prince of Cumberland - medication is not totally necessary for everyone, but I'll tell you something, when you find the one that works for you, my god, the difference it makes!

    I have found that the best approach for a lot of people is the combination of medication and therapy/counselling. Sometimes the medication is only for a little while (maybe six months), just to give you the energy you need to kick start your recovery. Talk to your doc again in detail. Not every medication works for everyone and it can take a few goes of different drugs and doses until you find a good balance. The side effects you have noted are the ones that should always be immediately reported to a doctor, so you've done the right thing. If your doctor thinks that trying another kind might be the best way forward, then do give it serious thought. I know it's scary after such a horrible reaction to Lustral, but it can be so worth it.

    Just my two cents!


  • #6448
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    stop animal cruelty wrote: »
    no the chemist just gave me the generic, even tho the doc had lexapro down, but l didnt mind cause like l said the only difference is the name and the price. you can ask the chemist alrite for the generic, maybe have a word to your doc about prescriptions, generics etc, they might explain it better to you.

    Renewing your prescription could cost between €10 - €20...its a different price in every practice, no set price, but thats the average.

    lf you had a medical card, your prescription would be free, but you would have to pay for the tabs in the chemist (think its €1.50 now? use be 50c?)

    Start looking into getting a medical card, asap, this can be a long process...
    It's 2.50 per medication. Up to, €25 per month, i think

    Some generics have been known to have different side effects. (I found the generic of seroquel affected me badly and quickly went back to my doctor.)

    For the anti-d's, I'd suggest starting with generic, you don't want to be on the brand name for 4 weeks, switch and the risk having to go through the adjusting process again.

    Of course not everyone would notice/feel anything different.


  • #6449
    Kayleigh..
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,442 ✭✭✭Kayleigh..


    My doctor gives me repeat prescriptions, I don't technically have to go back to get the prescription the next time, usually I do anyway.


  • #6450
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,518 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    Kayleigh.. wrote: »
    My doctor gives me repeat prescriptions, do I don't technically have to go back to get the prescription the next time, usually I do anyway.
    You should be able to ring the surgery and request a repeat prescription, then drop in to collect it. The doctor might prefer to have a quick chat to see how you are doing though.

    Not your ornery onager



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  • #6451
    Kayleigh..
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,442 ✭✭✭Kayleigh..


    Esel wrote: »
    You should be able to ring the surgery and request a repeat prescription, then drop in to collect it. The doctor might prefer to have a quick chat to see how you are doing though.

    I know, I have a repeat prescription :P


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