Discussion
dont know if its been mentioned before but currently reading this and can totally recommend - its an eye opener about depression drugs etc
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Connections-Youre-De...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Connections-Youre-De...
freenote said:
Citalopram will take a month to kick in. I'm on Escitalopram which i assume isn't too different. been on it for last 6 years - probably saved my business and my marriage and i feel like i can deal with whatever the world throws at me most days,
convinced I have an chemical imbalance as i've been depressed/anxious since i can remember (min 20 years).
no intention of coming off the pills - friends ask me about long term side effects. i respond with "i'd rather live 10 years less and be relatively happy than 10 years longer and be miserable".
The book in the post above Is well worth a read....talks about the views of ‘inbalance’convinced I have an chemical imbalance as i've been depressed/anxious since i can remember (min 20 years).
no intention of coming off the pills - friends ask me about long term side effects. i respond with "i'd rather live 10 years less and be relatively happy than 10 years longer and be miserable".
freenote said:
oldbanger said:
A couple of months after my mum’s death and I am not coping with the aftermath. I have been having anxiety / panic attacks ever since, I have lost more than a stone and struggle to sleep.
Work sorted me 6 weeks of crisis counselling which has just ended, but I have been getting worse so thought I better see the doc. They have offered me citalopram which I am giving a go.
I am still working but am contemplating doing a full handover of everything in the next couple of weeks in case I need to be signed off for a bit.
The only thing that seems to help is meditation so I am doing this as much as I can.
Citalopram will take a month to kick in. I'm on Escitalopram which i assume isn't too different. been on it for last 6 years - probably saved my business and my marriage and i feel like i can deal with whatever the world throws at me most days,Work sorted me 6 weeks of crisis counselling which has just ended, but I have been getting worse so thought I better see the doc. They have offered me citalopram which I am giving a go.
I am still working but am contemplating doing a full handover of everything in the next couple of weeks in case I need to be signed off for a bit.
The only thing that seems to help is meditation so I am doing this as much as I can.
convinced I have an chemical imbalance as i've been depressed/anxious since i can remember (min 20 years).
no intention of coming off the pills - friends ask me about long term side effects. i respond with "i'd rather live 10 years less and be relatively happy than 10 years longer and be miserable".
I then found my hands shaking and fearing Parkinson's disease went to the GP who in turn sent me to see and endocrinologist who found I had a thyroid problem. He told me that the two were more than likely connected and after having it treated with radio active iodine, I have felt 100% ever since.
I may be lucky now, but the feeling of helplessness when suffering depression is awful, no matter what you get told it is hard but there is an end in sight if you do not lose the will and determination.
spaximus said:
I have mentioned before that I suffered with a bout of depression and was on Citalopram for some months, but I was determined to get off them and did every type of self help and tapes I could and slowly came off them but was never what I felt 100%.
I then found my hands shaking and fearing Parkinson's disease went to the GP who in turn sent me to see and endocrinologist who found I had a thyroid problem. He told me that the two were more than likely connected and after having it treated with radio active iodine, I have felt 100% ever since.
I may be lucky now, but the feeling of helplessness when suffering depression is awful, no matter what you get told it is hard but there is an end in sight if you do not lose the will and determination.
How was the issue diagnosed? Many are extremely reluctant to try drugs but may never get better otherwise. After reading that book linked above, I would also be reluctant to try them.I then found my hands shaking and fearing Parkinson's disease went to the GP who in turn sent me to see and endocrinologist who found I had a thyroid problem. He told me that the two were more than likely connected and after having it treated with radio active iodine, I have felt 100% ever since.
I may be lucky now, but the feeling of helplessness when suffering depression is awful, no matter what you get told it is hard but there is an end in sight if you do not lose the will and determination.
johnwilliams77 said:
spaximus said:
I have mentioned before that I suffered with a bout of depression and was on Citalopram for some months, but I was determined to get off them and did every type of self help and tapes I could and slowly came off them but was never what I felt 100%.
I then found my hands shaking and fearing Parkinson's disease went to the GP who in turn sent me to see and endocrinologist who found I had a thyroid problem. He told me that the two were more than likely connected and after having it treated with radio active iodine, I have felt 100% ever since.
I may be lucky now, but the feeling of helplessness when suffering depression is awful, no matter what you get told it is hard but there is an end in sight if you do not lose the will and determination.
How was the issue diagnosed? Many are extremely reluctant to try drugs but may never get better otherwise. After reading that book linked above, I would also be reluctant to try them.I then found my hands shaking and fearing Parkinson's disease went to the GP who in turn sent me to see and endocrinologist who found I had a thyroid problem. He told me that the two were more than likely connected and after having it treated with radio active iodine, I have felt 100% ever since.
I may be lucky now, but the feeling of helplessness when suffering depression is awful, no matter what you get told it is hard but there is an end in sight if you do not lose the will and determination.
As I said I did everything I could, exercise, fresh air, listening to tapes and reading and then cut down the drugs gradually with the GP supporting me.
It worked but I never felt 100% again. I then was found to have the thyroid issue which causes a chemical imbalance of metabolism and nervous control, hence the shaking hands. This was treated with radiation and now I take Thyroxine and feel fine.
Once you have had depression you can become obsessed that feeling low, which we all do sometimes, is the start of it again but I haven't had any issues even losing both parents and FiL in two years did not knock me off "normality"
I think some GP's can just chuck pills at anything without support and once on them many will feel they cannot cope without them so it becomes a chemical crutch for life.
spaximus said:
My depression was clear to see, uncontrolled tearfulness was just one symptom when I had a pretty much perfect life. t was the GP who diagnosed depression and put me on a mild dose. It definitely helped me feel better after about 6 weeks, but what helped was support from family and friends who were determined that I would not be allowed to just sit around and mope.
As I said I did everything I could, exercise, fresh air, listening to tapes and reading and then cut down the drugs gradually with the GP supporting me.
It worked but I never felt 100% again. I then was found to have the thyroid issue which causes a chemical imbalance of metabolism and nervous control, hence the shaking hands. This was treated with radiation and now I take Thyroxine and feel fine.
Once you have had depression you can become obsessed that feeling low, which we all do sometimes, is the start of it again but I haven't had any issues even losing both parents and FiL in two years did not knock me off "normality"
I think some GP's can just chuck pills at anything without support and once on them many will feel they cannot cope without them so it becomes a chemical crutch for life.
Yep, the book above talks in much detail about how depression is diagnosed. How did the Dr diagnose you with the thyroid issue? Can that be via a blood test? Glad you're on the mend!As I said I did everything I could, exercise, fresh air, listening to tapes and reading and then cut down the drugs gradually with the GP supporting me.
It worked but I never felt 100% again. I then was found to have the thyroid issue which causes a chemical imbalance of metabolism and nervous control, hence the shaking hands. This was treated with radiation and now I take Thyroxine and feel fine.
Once you have had depression you can become obsessed that feeling low, which we all do sometimes, is the start of it again but I haven't had any issues even losing both parents and FiL in two years did not knock me off "normality"
I think some GP's can just chuck pills at anything without support and once on them many will feel they cannot cope without them so it becomes a chemical crutch for life.
johnwilliams77 said:
spaximus said:
My depression was clear to see, uncontrolled tearfulness was just one symptom when I had a pretty much perfect life. t was the GP who diagnosed depression and put me on a mild dose. It definitely helped me feel better after about 6 weeks, but what helped was support from family and friends who were determined that I would not be allowed to just sit around and mope.
As I said I did everything I could, exercise, fresh air, listening to tapes and reading and then cut down the drugs gradually with the GP supporting me.
It worked but I never felt 100% again. I then was found to have the thyroid issue which causes a chemical imbalance of metabolism and nervous control, hence the shaking hands. This was treated with radiation and now I take Thyroxine and feel fine.
Once you have had depression you can become obsessed that feeling low, which we all do sometimes, is the start of it again but I haven't had any issues even losing both parents and FiL in two years did not knock me off "normality"
I think some GP's can just chuck pills at anything without support and once on them many will feel they cannot cope without them so it becomes a chemical crutch for life.
Yep, the book above talks in much detail about how depression is diagnosed. How did the Dr diagnose you with the thyroid issue? Can that be via a blood test? Glad you're on the mend!As I said I did everything I could, exercise, fresh air, listening to tapes and reading and then cut down the drugs gradually with the GP supporting me.
It worked but I never felt 100% again. I then was found to have the thyroid issue which causes a chemical imbalance of metabolism and nervous control, hence the shaking hands. This was treated with radiation and now I take Thyroxine and feel fine.
Once you have had depression you can become obsessed that feeling low, which we all do sometimes, is the start of it again but I haven't had any issues even losing both parents and FiL in two years did not knock me off "normality"
I think some GP's can just chuck pills at anything without support and once on them many will feel they cannot cope without them so it becomes a chemical crutch for life.
nson's and I noticed my hands shaking a little so went to have that checked out. With the family history I was sent to see the endocrinologist who found the problem with my thyroid.After that it was then how to treat the Thyroid and then trial and error on getting the dose of thyroxin right. Once that was done I was fine.
That was several years ago now and I feel fine ever since. I am convinced it was the cause of a chemical imbalance that tipped me over but possibly not the whole reason.
The thing is most men are not willing to go and open up to anyone, we need to change that
freenote said:
Citalopram will take a month to kick in. I'm on Escitalopram which i assume isn't too different. been on it for last 6 years - probably saved my business and my marriage and i feel like i can deal with whatever the world throws at me most days,
convinced I have an chemical imbalance as i've been depressed/anxious since i can remember (min 20 years).
no intention of coming off the pills - friends ask me about long term side effects. i respond with "i'd rather live 10 years less and be relatively happy than 10 years longer and be miserable".
There is something to be said for just accepting that is the way you are, always will be so and just getting on with it rather than trying to fight or cure it. That in itself can help a lot of people move on in life and be happier.convinced I have an chemical imbalance as i've been depressed/anxious since i can remember (min 20 years).
no intention of coming off the pills - friends ask me about long term side effects. i respond with "i'd rather live 10 years less and be relatively happy than 10 years longer and be miserable".
Things for now are on the up, I think!
I’ve definately turned a corner mentally about issues with the ex. I’ve finally managed to listen and accept what so many people have been telling me over the years, and that is that she was toxic and harmful to my wellbeing.
One of the crucial points for this was my OH. She has put up with all manner of st from me. Some very bad decisions on my part, and some things which were out of my control. Either way, without her dragging me through, I wouldn’t be where I am now. She’s actually made me realise what a relationship should be... and as such made me see how bad my previous relationship was. She genuinely cares for me, and accepts me how I am and asks for nothing in return.
I suppose the point is, although I’m not suggesting you need an OH to get you through MH struggles, having a strong, understanding and caring OH can really really help.
If you find, or are with a partner who stands by you through the rough times, hang on to them and cherish them, as they’re hard to find.
I’ve definately turned a corner mentally about issues with the ex. I’ve finally managed to listen and accept what so many people have been telling me over the years, and that is that she was toxic and harmful to my wellbeing.
One of the crucial points for this was my OH. She has put up with all manner of s
t from me. Some very bad decisions on my part, and some things which were out of my control. Either way, without her dragging me through, I wouldn’t be where I am now. She’s actually made me realise what a relationship should be... and as such made me see how bad my previous relationship was. She genuinely cares for me, and accepts me how I am and asks for nothing in return. I suppose the point is, although I’m not suggesting you need an OH to get you through MH struggles, having a strong, understanding and caring OH can really really help.
If you find, or are with a partner who stands by you through the rough times, hang on to them and cherish them, as they’re hard to find.
Edited by wiliferus on Thursday 28th February 09:44
wiliferus said:
Things for now are on the up, I think!
I’ve definitely turned a corner mentally about issues with the ex. I’ve finally managed to listen and accept what so many people have been telling me over the years, and that is that she was toxic and harmful to my wellbeing.
One of the crucial points for this was my OH. She has put up with all manner of st from me. Some very bad decisions on my part, and some things which were out of my control. Either way, without her dragging me through, I wouldn’t be where I am now. She’s actually made me realise what a relationship should be... and as such made me see how bad my previous relationship was. She genuinely cares for me, and accepts me how I am and asks for nothing in return.
I suppose the point is, although I’m not suggesting you need an OH to get you through MH struggles, having a strong, understanding and caring OH can really really help.
If you find, or are with a partner who stands by you through the rough times, hang on to them and cherish them, as they’re hard to find.
Thank fI’ve definitely turned a corner mentally about issues with the ex. I’ve finally managed to listen and accept what so many people have been telling me over the years, and that is that she was toxic and harmful to my wellbeing.
One of the crucial points for this was my OH. She has put up with all manner of s
t from me. Some very bad decisions on my part, and some things which were out of my control. Either way, without her dragging me through, I wouldn’t be where I am now. She’s actually made me realise what a relationship should be... and as such made me see how bad my previous relationship was. She genuinely cares for me, and accepts me how I am and asks for nothing in return. I suppose the point is, although I’m not suggesting you need an OH to get you through MH struggles, having a strong, understanding and caring OH can really really help.
If you find, or are with a partner who stands by you through the rough times, hang on to them and cherish them, as they’re hard to find.
k for that 
oldbanger said:
A couple of months after my mum’s death and I am not coping with the aftermath. I have been having anxiety / panic attacks ever since, I have lost more than a stone and struggle to sleep.
Work sorted me 6 weeks of crisis counselling which has just ended, but I have been getting worse so thought I better see the doc. They have offered me citalopram which I am giving a go.
I am still working but am contemplating doing a full handover of everything in the next couple of weeks in case I need to be signed off for a bit.
The only thing that seems to help is meditation so I am doing this as much as I can.
Do you think some of it is seasonal?Work sorted me 6 weeks of crisis counselling which has just ended, but I have been getting worse so thought I better see the doc. They have offered me citalopram which I am giving a go.
I am still working but am contemplating doing a full handover of everything in the next couple of weeks in case I need to be signed off for a bit.
The only thing that seems to help is meditation so I am doing this as much as I can.
wiliferus said:
Thank you.
Why anyone would come onto a thread about depression and attack people Is beyond me. It’s almost like they are trying to tip them over the edge.
There are some that need forums such as this to reach out and talk and it does help .
I agree it’s important to try and change things with a plan but for some that takes time and guidance which is where this forum can help.
I totally get anxiety adds to depression, it’s happened to me and I have a plan to change things hopefully in the not too distant future but in the meantime reading others experiences and knowing I’m not alone is a big help
Edited by FocusRS3 on Tuesday 5th March 14:54
freenote said:
oldbanger said:
A couple of months after my mum’s death and I am not coping with the aftermath. I have been having anxiety / panic attacks ever since, I have lost more than a stone and struggle to sleep.
Work sorted me 6 weeks of crisis counselling which has just ended, but I have been getting worse so thought I better see the doc. They have offered me citalopram which I am giving a go.
I am still working but am contemplating doing a full handover of everything in the next couple of weeks in case I need to be signed off for a bit.
The only thing that seems to help is meditation so I am doing this as much as I can.
Citalopram will take a month to kick in. I'm on Escitalopram which i assume isn't too different. been on it for last 6 years - probably saved my business and my marriage and i feel like i can deal with whatever the world throws at me most days,Work sorted me 6 weeks of crisis counselling which has just ended, but I have been getting worse so thought I better see the doc. They have offered me citalopram which I am giving a go.
I am still working but am contemplating doing a full handover of everything in the next couple of weeks in case I need to be signed off for a bit.
The only thing that seems to help is meditation so I am doing this as much as I can.
convinced I have an chemical imbalance as i've been depressed/anxious since i can remember (min 20 years).
no intention of coming off the pills - friends ask me about long term side effects. i respond with "i'd rather live 10 years less and be relatively happy than 10 years longer and be miserable".
k are you doing?". I made an appointment to see the GP, told her I wanted to go back on Citalopram as the other stuff wasn't doing it for me (I had been on it 3 months at this point). She put me in to see a nurse for informal counselling which helped so much. I'm now on the waiting list to see a proper counsellor. I would add though that I read that Magnesium makes a difference in people's mental health and depression, and when I went back on the citalopram I started to take the magnesium as well at the same time. I think this has made a huge difference to my experience of citalopram compared to what I was like before. I'd highly recommend doing it for anyone in that situation. Costs £10 and lasts about 3 months from Boots. Even if it's a placebo, it's a good placebo.
sgtBerbatov said:
Citalopram can be different for different people. It took about 3 months for it to balance out in my case. When I was on it I felt numb, since then I've felt happier and not as anxious or depressed. I did for a moment come of them and went on to Setraline, and Christ that was the worst thing I ever done. I was never, ever, suicidal until I went on that stuff. And I sat at work for half the day and planned out how to top myself, whether or not my life insurance would cover it so my wife wouldn't be out on her ear. I snapped out of it as soon as I realised "What the actual fk are you doing?". I made an appointment to see the GP, told her I wanted to go back on Citalopram as the other stuff wasn't doing it for me (I had been on it 3 months at this point). She put me in to see a nurse for informal counselling which helped so much. I'm now on the waiting list to see a proper counsellor.
I would add though that I read that Magnesium makes a difference in people's mental health and depression, and when I went back on the citalopram I started to take the magnesium as well at the same time. I think this has made a huge difference to my experience of citalopram compared to what I was like before. I'd highly recommend doing it for anyone in that situation. Costs £10 and lasts about 3 months from Boots. Even if it's a placebo, it's a good placebo.
I think I'll give this a try. I've been on citalopram for two months now and still feel as I did at the beginning. I don't know if I was expecting too much in a short space of time or if it's not the one for me, but hopefully this helps.k are you doing?". I made an appointment to see the GP, told her I wanted to go back on Citalopram as the other stuff wasn't doing it for me (I had been on it 3 months at this point). She put me in to see a nurse for informal counselling which helped so much. I'm now on the waiting list to see a proper counsellor. I would add though that I read that Magnesium makes a difference in people's mental health and depression, and when I went back on the citalopram I started to take the magnesium as well at the same time. I think this has made a huge difference to my experience of citalopram compared to what I was like before. I'd highly recommend doing it for anyone in that situation. Costs £10 and lasts about 3 months from Boots. Even if it's a placebo, it's a good placebo.
FocusRS3 said:
Why anyone would come onto a thread about depression and attack people Is beyond me.
It’s almost like they are trying to tip them over the edge.
I agree that the foulmouthed abuse I received from some knuckle draggers was unwarranted, but it's pointless dragging it up now as it was last year. Maybe they were having a bad day.It’s almost like they are trying to tip them over the edge.
It's great to see he has turned a corner and is happier now, maybe a push in the right direction helped.
227bhp said:
I agree that the foulmouthed abuse I received from some knuckle draggers was unwarranted, but it's pointless dragging it up now as it was last year. Maybe they were having a bad day.
It's great to see he has turned a corner and is happier now, maybe a push in the right direction helped.
Don’t flatter yourself. Your negative input had no influence on my on going recovery. It's great to see he has turned a corner and is happier now, maybe a push in the right direction helped.
Cie said:
sgtBerbatov said:
Citalopram can be different for different people. It took about 3 months for it to balance out in my case. When I was on it I felt numb, since then I've felt happier and not as anxious or depressed. I did for a moment come of them and went on to Setraline, and Christ that was the worst thing I ever done. I was never, ever, suicidal until I went on that stuff. And I sat at work for half the day and planned out how to top myself, whether or not my life insurance would cover it so my wife wouldn't be out on her ear. I snapped out of it as soon as I realised "What the actual fk are you doing?". I made an appointment to see the GP, told her I wanted to go back on Citalopram as the other stuff wasn't doing it for me (I had been on it 3 months at this point). She put me in to see a nurse for informal counselling which helped so much. I'm now on the waiting list to see a proper counsellor.
I would add though that I read that Magnesium makes a difference in people's mental health and depression, and when I went back on the citalopram I started to take the magnesium as well at the same time. I think this has made a huge difference to my experience of citalopram compared to what I was like before. I'd highly recommend doing it for anyone in that situation. Costs £10 and lasts about 3 months from Boots. Even if it's a placebo, it's a good placebo.
I think I'll give this a try. I've been on citalopram for two months now and still feel as I did at the beginning. I don't know if I was expecting too much in a short space of time or if it's not the one for me, but hopefully this helps.k are you doing?". I made an appointment to see the GP, told her I wanted to go back on Citalopram as the other stuff wasn't doing it for me (I had been on it 3 months at this point). She put me in to see a nurse for informal counselling which helped so much. I'm now on the waiting list to see a proper counsellor. I would add though that I read that Magnesium makes a difference in people's mental health and depression, and when I went back on the citalopram I started to take the magnesium as well at the same time. I think this has made a huge difference to my experience of citalopram compared to what I was like before. I'd highly recommend doing it for anyone in that situation. Costs £10 and lasts about 3 months from Boots. Even if it's a placebo, it's a good placebo.
I've also heard zinc helps, I'm going to get some and add it to the mix. But remember it can take up to 6 months for it to have an effect. At least with you being on the tablets you're going in the right direction.
sgtBerbatov said:
Everyone reacts to it differently, and Citalopram is (usually) the first drug you ever take when you go to your doctor with depression. People told me that they knew people who had bad reactions to Citalopram but were fantastic on Setraline. As I said above, only time I've genuinely got that close to ending it I was on Setraline. It was a scary moment, and Keith Flint's suicide affected me really because I suppose I imagined it being me, and the mindset I was in meant I would never have rang anyone to talk to. But that's by the by.
I've also heard zinc helps, I'm going to get some and add it to the mix. But remember it can take up to 6 months for it to have an effect. At least with you being on the tablets you're going in the right direction.
I reacted badly to both Citalopram and Setraline, in the end my GP put me on Mirtazapine which worked well for me although it did make me a complete dope for the first few weeks of using it. Setraline gave me some of the most severe anxiety and paranoia I've ever experienced.I've also heard zinc helps, I'm going to get some and add it to the mix. But remember it can take up to 6 months for it to have an effect. At least with you being on the tablets you're going in the right direction.
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