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| Thread: Zoloft, Prozac.. Does it work? |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 · NEXT» |
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TheRealDeal
Promising
Supreme Hero
Foobum* of Justice!
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posted January 18, 2006 09:16 PM |
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Zoloft, Prozac.. Does it work?
Lately i've been very depressed. I'm not talking about 1 or 2 weeks, i'm talking about about 5-6 months.. The depression comes in doses.. Meaning, they show up and go again.. Normally they are "gone" for a long period of time.. Not anymore. The only time a day i'm actually not depressed, when i'm in school. As soon as i put my foot outside of the school, i'm depressed, unless ofcourse i'm going somewhere with my friends. At first i thought "it's just a teen depression", but it's gotten really bad. Seriously, i long for the old days when depressions where just when you were in a really bad mood.. Now a depression is almost pure mental destruction.
I do not wish to live like that, i've tried a lot of things.. Changing my habits and so on, I'm even dieting(lost 6 kg's, so it's going great)
And my idea is getting some moodpills.. But i want to know if someone here has tried them, and can give some advice..
I'm about 99 % certain that this is the way that i'll go.
It's just so annoying.. I always thought i could deal with this stuff, that i wasn't some other teenager with a dark cloud, but obviously.. I am :/
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*We all know the that Foobum is the class of all that is Cake.
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 18, 2006 09:37 PM |
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There are several things that you can do to improve depression.
1.) Exercise - this releases endorphins into your body. Just a proven fact that exercise helps a lot. Gives you plenty of energy too.
2.) Martial Arts or Yoga - These things teach you breathing exercises that is also extremely good for your body. Definitely helps mood.
3.) Affection - People who don't get physical affection will become very depressed. Talk with your family friends. You need some form of physical contact to feel healthy and appreciated in life. This I think is becoming more and more overlooked at least in America it is. I think I've identified this as what has been getting me down when I go off to college.
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Go Red Sox!
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Valeriy
Mage of the Land
Naughty, Naughty Valeriy
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posted January 18, 2006 10:07 PM |
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Hi RD,
I've had depression for years and I'm very used to it. I've also previously ran a website and online community about depression.
I think with the way the world works today it's more logical/sane to be depressed than not, whether you are looking at your life, or the big picture.
The biggest problem with depression is not the depression itself, the problem is not wanting to be depressed. There's a saying that what you resist persists, and the more you try to resist depression, the more you will be depressed. Being depressed about being depressed - and you can see how that is an endless downward spiral - the more depressed you are, the more depressed you are about it, etc.
So the first step is accepting yourself for being depressed. Most people don't, that's why they don't accept others who are depressed. But like any emotion, trying to make it go away will make it stronger, while feeling it with acceptance will let it gradually pass.
As for the medication - it will chemically offset your sadness, with the risk of potential health side effects. But the chemical offset is temporary as your body (simply speaking) will learn to rely on it and produce less "happy chemicals". Then, after you stop the medication you will be more depressed than before, because the body now relies on the medication's effects. Or you will need to increase dosage, which won't work forever.
The only positive application of medication, in my opinion, is if depression is completely clouding your reason, and you take medication temporarily for the purpose of dealing actively and rationally with the depressive thinking pattern.
I've never taken medication myself and had some really bad times. But I've learned what I think is the ultimate truth about depression - it's a scary ghost that cannot harm you unless you harm yourself. If you just sit down, not do anything at all, not follow depressive thoughts with action, just watch and accept them, without agreeing or acting on them, then it will pass, and you remain unharmed.
I also feel much more whole as a person from accepting that part of me. I look around and see many people running about trying to avoid their feelings. I let myself have sad times for as long as needed, and I am much more at peace.
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You can wait for others to do it, but if they don't know how, you'll wait forever.
Be an example of what you want to see on HC and in the world.
http://www.heroesofmightandmagic.com
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Shiva
Promising
Famous Hero
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posted January 18, 2006 10:26 PM |
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Val, I like what you said. These drugs have become the
prefered way to deal with things that used to require
lots of effort. Teachers, because they cannot deal with
kids properly, often recommend parents put their children
on Ritalin or some other mind drug. This does nothing
to deal with the actual problem, only puts it on the shelf
for that person to deal with later.
I can see that you have sufferd alot, Real, but try
everything else first. Red Sox had some ideas that are
good. Learn breathing exercises from yoga or martial
arts. Try meditation. If you can get a grip on it your
self, your self esteem will soar, and I believe you can.
I think all people go through some sort of mood swing
that is not always easy to take. Learning how deal with
this stuff is part of surviving as a human being on
this world. Don't let your mind and emotions use you, you
can overcome this whether it is hormonal, psychological
or spiritual.
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Lord_Crusader
Promising
Supreme Hero
UHU!! supreme!
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posted January 18, 2006 11:06 PM |
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My brother resently suffer a depresion period... I guess was a little diferent from what you are suffer... he just broke with his 8 years girlfriend and that's why he start to change totally about who really he was... he start to act like a totally diferent person, he always was a nice fun guy, and after this he start to no talk to anybody and don't want to be with us(the family) he just turned apart from the world... and just chaining thougs that makes him more depressed, fortunely now he is comming back to the normal... little by little, some months ago his psychologist recommend him to start to consume some medicines... he decided to no take them because all the bad things that the people said about it, and I guess that decision are helping him a lot because without drugs, and just doing what he likes to do(he is an excellent basquetball player)he is leaving behind his depression... I really suggest you to don't take any drugs... just like the other said, try all the possible things first... the most important thing is making what you like to do...I don't know maybe you like to paint, or to play guitar, a sport, or just try to find something fresh in your life... as a tip I never suffer depression, any time I feel lonely, angry, sad or unmotivated... I just summerge in the things that really love to do(like hear my favourite band Oasis, or start to programming something just for fun, even play heroes  ), and forget all the things that makes me feel bad...
I just talked with you few sometimes... but I really think you are a nice guy... so I hope you can find the answer that you are looking for...
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Dig Out Your Soul
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2XtremeToTake
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted January 18, 2006 11:24 PM |
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Hmm I wouldn't know about the medications, but do you know if theres a certain reason you feel depressed, like has something been bothering you?
I have plenty of things to do to get undepressed, however lack of social contact makes me depressed. I find playing team sports such as Football, Baseball, or Basketball for fun are good.
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I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met.
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Khaelo
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Underwater
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posted January 19, 2006 01:25 AM |
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Edited by Khaelo on 18 Jan 2006
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personal experience
Yes, antidepressants work...some times, with some people. You have to be careful, you have to be patient, and you can't depend on them without other treatments. If your depression is clinical, however, they can be lifesavers.
I've been on and off antidepressants for ten years now. Prozac and Zoloft were the first ones the doctors tried on me. Both were a disaster -- they made me hyperanxious, unable to sit still, full of uncontrollable nervous energy. It turns out that Prozac, Zoloft, and their sibling Paxil are bad choices for someone who has an anxiety disorder along with depression. Live and learn.  Mine is either "generalized anxiety disorder" or mild obsessive-compulsive disorder; the doctors don't always agree. We stopped the medications before finding out whether they could actually help the depression (it takes up to 6 weeks for them to kick in) because the side effects were worse than the original problem. This was when I was fourteen.
That episode went away on its own. It usually does. Then it comes back with a vengance. When I was sixteen, I had my worst episode, during which I was unable to function. They put me in an out-patient program at the children's hospital. The program itself was pretty useless. It was geared to teens who had problems with illegal drugs, so the group therapy sessions were...well, educational, but not very theraputic for me. I also didn't like the psychiatrist. But he put me on Welbutrin. That proved to be the key.
Antidepressants do work when you find the right one. In October of '98, I was incapable of going to school without breaking into tears on the bus. Eventually, I refused to get out of bed at all, causing the crisis that landed me in the hospital (around Halloween). The doctor started me on Welbutrin right away. By mid-December, I could face school again and was released from the program. By February '99, I liked school again. By the time I graduated high school in '00, I was capable of confronting my extreme shyness and was learning to look people in the eye (a large hurdle). My freshman year in college was breakdown-free despite the massive transition, including adjusting to a roommate.
Please note: I wasn't only taking medication. I was also in therapy, which accounts for most of my social progress. Without the chemical help, however, I would never have had the willpower & energy to follow the suggestions, or to seek out a therapist at college. All of the strategies RSF mentions are great, essential even. Aerobic exercise in particular is recommended for depressed patients. On the other hand, you have to actually DO them! And nothing kills motivation like depression. You're just so tired and hurting and it's hopeless anyway...et cetera, ad nauseum. You have to get out and exercise to kill the depression, but you have to kill the depression to get out and exercise. It's a vicious circle (if you're clinically depressed, you probably know this already  ). In the hospital program, one father was begging his son to just "snap out of it!" That's like telling someone with asthma to just "breathe easier!" Not gonna happen. The drugs break the cycle and let you get a move on the other treatments.
There is no cure for depression. Val has a point; the drugs can stop working. My Welbutrin conked out after my sophomore year in college. I got switched to Effexor, my current medication. I also have a bad habit of fogetting to take the silly pills. They really don't work when you're not taking them. However, I don't think the temporariness is a reason not to try them in the first place. By the time mine ceased working, I had some experience managing my symptoms. I recognized that I was falling and got help before the episode progressed too far. I had ways to cope in the meantime until we got the brain chemistry under control again.
Basically, I think of my depression as an illness not unlike my mom's asthma. There are certain behaviors I have to avoid. There are medications I have to take, and they're a pain in the butt. Sometimes things go bad and the depression attacks. But it's just something I have to live with. Needless to say, I have psuedo-philosophical opinions about depression as well. But you asked for practical experience.
And on a *really* practical note, make sure your doctor is up on the latest research. There were some studies a while ago about antidepressants backfiring badly with teens. Some kids suicided -- the side effects I had were mild by comparison. Don't be afraid to get chemical help if you need it, but don't be too hasty, either. As hinted by my changing diagnosis of anxiety, even the doctors aren't sure of everything in psychiatrics. You need patience, caution, and luck. Mostly, I hope you don't have clinical depression at all, RealDeal. 
Wishing you well.
{Edit: polish}
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 Cleverly
disguised as a responsible adult
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Shiva
Promising
Famous Hero
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posted January 19, 2006 04:58 AM |
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I once talked to a psychologist who was doing
research on vitmain b therapy. Try taking a b-
complex vitamin once a day. Cant hurt
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted January 19, 2006 05:11 AM |
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Hmm . . .
I recommend some type of Yoga or a similar spiritually enhancing karate exercise. I understand that yoga isn't called karate but I don't know what else to call it. Basically, whatever sort of body movements, poses, stretches, and rhythms of breathing patterns to the effect of focusing your mind.
I personally resort to running and jumping rope but not everyone is able or willing. I recognize that people regain their confidence/self esteem in different ways. I never heard of Yoga failing to heal depression. I feel strongly that it, or some kind of similar exercise, is the best treatment for depression.
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Roses Are Red And So Am I
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Valeriy
Mage of the Land
Naughty, Naughty Valeriy
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posted January 19, 2006 05:43 AM |
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Yes, I practice and teach Tai Chi.
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You can wait for others to do it, but if they don't know how, you'll wait forever.
Be an example of what you want to see on HC and in the world.
http://www.heroesofmightandmagic.com
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 19, 2006 06:42 AM |
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I personally feel that you can consider depression to be bad enough to see the doctor when you come out with a confession at an online website.
Go talk to your family doctor and get some counciling. I really think that helped me quite a bit. I've learned a lot about myself by going to counciling.
Ultimately I feel that your doctor and your councilor or psychiatrist will be the ones that decide whether or not you need medication. I was told that it would be perfectly fine for me to go on medication. However I have decided to refrain from taking medication. I want to learn how to do it on my own.
The key I think to my depression is intimacy and feeling connected to people. Part of me is afraid of it. I used to be very very shy, because of my stuttering. And when I am away at college I feel alone. I've always tried to ignore it and not let it bother me too much. I guess to relate threads, that's where the computer comes in. I've been relying on the computer far too much as a crutch that makes me feel connected to people.
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Go Red Sox!
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Aculias
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Pretty Boy Angel Sacraficer
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posted January 19, 2006 07:45 AM |
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WHen you cant cope with your feelings, you tend to fell like a tearful world is going to end.
There is dif types of depression & depression can
also be tooken seriously because many suicides happens.
Prozac always gave me stomach pains & Zoloft dont help much.
Depression seems a common thang & everyone gets depressed at times.
May it dwelling from the past or losing someone or love etc.
Hatred also can cause depression, You can also become violent.
Dr. tend to test thier prescriptions on us like rats.
SOmetimes it works & sometimes it does not.
It's stressful & we all get stressed out, we just learn to cope with it the best we can.
Why do you think every depressing song always talks about a picture they look at .
Anyways, Depression can mean alot of thangs, & it can be so small & you can make it seem so big like a drama queen.
Why theres psychiatrists around.
I dont even take medicine for my allergies, they scare me, I would rather take a spoonful of honey, Old Egyptian formula to heal Warriors & Peoples cuts, I will eat some for a natural Formula.
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Wolfman
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Insomniac
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posted January 19, 2006 07:53 AM |
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You, a good horse, and an open field...need I say more? (bareback of course)
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted January 19, 2006 04:39 PM |
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Yeah . . .
I'm with you Valeriy. If I lived where you live then I would become a student of yours and practice your techniques.
I truly believe that it gives you focus and peace.
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Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
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TheRealDeal
Promising
Supreme Hero
Foobum* of Justice!
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posted January 19, 2006 06:39 PM |
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I want to write a lot, but this will be short.
A; I cannot talk with my folks about this.. The relationsship we have right now is fine with me, and i will not disturb it since it's going great. It's not perfect, but it's good.
B; I've always had a good self esteem, but it dissapeared when my depression kicked in.. My self esteem is there while i'm in school, so there i'm not depressed.
About martials arts and exercise and what-not, remember.. I'm dieting, i've already startet that part - Even though i'm not the best gymnast'n'stuff, but i'm doing what i can.
And i'd like to thank you all for your help.. And i'm thinking about going to the school shrink one of these days, just to talk with a professional about it..
I'm still leaning towards the pills though.
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*We all know the that Foobum is the class of all that is Cake.
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bjorn190
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Jebus maker
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posted January 19, 2006 07:04 PM |
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I would say that it would be insane not to be depressed, at least alittle. There are loads of things that could be built or implemented into society so that people would be happier.
For the pills, I think that if u can cope without them its ok. But if you need them maybe you should consider taking them. I'd probably never take pills like that, because I think I would fear losing my authenticity.
When I'm happy I want it to be because of real things. But I guess its a personal choice for everyone.
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Wiseman
Known Hero
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posted January 20, 2006 09:49 AM |
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I`d advise against pills RD. Listen to what Val says.
Good luck.
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Truth may be out there, but lies are inside your head.
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Khaelo
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Underwater
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posted January 20, 2006 09:04 PM |
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The school counselor/shrink is an excellent idea! A professional who has experience with this sort of thing and knows the details of your particular situation will be able to give much more useful advice than those of us in the online peanut gallery.
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Aculias
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Pretty Boy Angel Sacraficer
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posted January 21, 2006 04:43 PM |
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So what your telling me is that people who are online has no experience in life at all & wouldnt understand any kind of depression if it slapped us right in the back of our head?
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted January 21, 2006 08:18 PM |
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Yeah . . .
That sounded pretty badly didn't it. I think what she meant to say was:
You might find a more conclusive form of treatment for your condition if you seek the advice of someone who has studied your condition through extensive and certified research. A good reputation can be helpful in locating such a person.
Not all persons of such renown are so named "professionals", nor are they all licensed by a state or other such agency. This is why it is important for the person experiencing such an illness or otherwise debilitating condition to conduct their own extensive research in finding the appropriate doctor or other such knowledgeable individual.
Too many people think that if a hospital can't treat you then no one can. I think people should be encouraged to never give up in their search for the best treatment. If you don't like the doctor you are currently seeing then you can certainly look for another. There are also specialty clinics that deal in very specific types of treatments and illnesses that may be better equipped, suited, and trained, to treat your condition or illness. Also try to keep in mind that medical science is ongoing. It is continually rewriting many of it's medical diagnoses and prescriptions based on new research performed by many different university, private, government, and interested individuals who are pouring all of their time effort into such research for many different reasons.
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Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
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