Thinking about going back on antidepressants.....

[emma245]

I was on Paxil during my divorce for about 4 months (about 1.5 years ago) and weened off of them.

Lately, Ive been having a really really hard time with everything. I can barely get out of bed in the morning, go to work, no motivation to hang out with friends or even boyfriend after work, just watch tv and go to sleep. Im going to exercising 5-6 times a week to 2-3. (mainly because of work hours-13 hour days right now)

I dont want to become dependent on antidepressants or anything like that but I really truly feel like I dont know if I can get through this slump!

Has anyone tried any natural type of antidepressants that have worked? Someone told me about St. Johns Wort but Im skeptical......

[doriswe]

I'm sorry you're having a hard time right now. And there is NOTHING wrong with needing help getting through things. Are you in counseling at all?

((hugs))

[emma245]

Jul 12, 2012 15:47:04 GMT -5 doriswe said:

I'm sorry you're having a hard time right now. And there is NOTHING wrong with needing help getting through things. Are you in counseling at all?

((hugs))

Thanks Unfortunately, Im not. My therapist raised her rates to $150 and Im not covered until I meet my $3000 deductible so everything would be out of pocket. Ive been looking for other cost friendly alternatives but have had no luck so far...

[Deleted]

Talk to your doctor or a licensed psychiatrist before doing anything.
That said, I'm sorry to hear you are having a hard time, but kudos to you for knowing when to get help. The worst thing you can do is deny yourself the help you deserve.

[Deleted]

Jul 12, 2012 15:40:11 GMT -5 emma245 said:

I dont want to become dependent on antidepressants or anything like that but I really truly feel like I dont know if I can get through this slump!

Has anyone tried any natural type of antidepressants that have worked? Someone told me about St. Johns Wort but Im skeptical......

Just don't even go that route. You can get hooked on natural stuff just as you can on pills. Seriously, before you do anything, talk to your doctor.

[omeomi]

So sorry you're having a rough time. (hugs)

Perhaps, like PP said, getting back on the Paxil for a little while will help you to bust out of the slump.

As far as natural ADs, if you're on any kind of hormonal birth control, St John's Wort can reduce the efficacy, so just be aware of that. Fish oil is something that was touted by my old doc as a great natural AD. I was already taking it pretty regularly and he would always ask if I was keeping up on it. So maybe that could be something to try also.

[jade28]

The most effective psychosocial treatment for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy so try to find someone certified in that. For moderate depression, this can be really effective and you may not need meds. It takes longer to "work" but at least it has no side effects.

If you can't afford a therapist, at least order some CBT workbooks and start from there.

I always think it's worth a try before meds.

Keep exercising since exercise can address mild to moderate depression quite well. Are you doing 30-minute, cardio intense workouts? Your exercising needs to get your heart pumping and should be varied each day.

Diet - avoid depressants like caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Take fish oil. Some mood boosting foods are fruits like blueberries.

Reduce your stress. It's ok to be alone for a bit and relax - meditate, yoga, write, whatever. Focus on you for a bit, forget bf and friends if need be. Let them know what is up so they don't get angry.

Sleep! You need at least 7 hours.

I get pretty bad depressive episodes but I have never needed to get on meds. So if you need more tips let me know.

[jade28]

I should note, I am not anti-meds...they can be life saving but I think it's definitely worth trying other things before trying something that is more intense. Meds can have side effects and shouldn't be used as the first and only option.