Thanks Collegegirl. Perhaps I need to have another chat with her. I am a little worried about slipping into depression. Sometimes I just don't want to do anything. It makes me wonder if I am starting to have depressive symptoms. I can't concentrate and feel tired all the time. I want to feel healthy again, I can't remember the last time I felt completely relaxed.
Antidepressants
- Thread starter Anongirl
- Start date
Hi Anongirl - yes, I think a good chat and tell her exactly how you feel. It is easy to slide into depression. It may be that something other than antidepressants will work for you, you never know. They're not the only option. They're the option that worked for me, that's all!
When I first started with depression, I felt like I was in a dream, slightly detached from reality. I was still doing everything that had to be done, still working, etc., but it was almost like it was happening to someone else. I was told that this is a classic symptom of depression. Do you feel like that at all?
I certainly had no interest in anything, couldn't concentrate long enough to watch a TV programme or read a book, was constantly tired and every day was just waiting until it was a reasonable time to go to bed, as sleep was the only release I had. But I didn't sleep well, and all the thoughts and anxieties would snap into my head the second I woke, which was several times a night, and then I'd toss and turn and be unable to get back to sleep for worrying.
It's a horrible feeling. My little pills are my little friends in that respect! They do help me to cope with everything.
When I first started with depression, I felt like I was in a dream, slightly detached from reality. I was still doing everything that had to be done, still working, etc., but it was almost like it was happening to someone else. I was told that this is a classic symptom of depression. Do you feel like that at all?
I certainly had no interest in anything, couldn't concentrate long enough to watch a TV programme or read a book, was constantly tired and every day was just waiting until it was a reasonable time to go to bed, as sleep was the only release I had. But I didn't sleep well, and all the thoughts and anxieties would snap into my head the second I woke, which was several times a night, and then I'd toss and turn and be unable to get back to sleep for worrying.
It's a horrible feeling. My little pills are my little friends in that respect! They do help me to cope with everything.
Hi Anongirl,
I am kicking myself for not posting this link earlier.
When you read it, and do their little test, I bet you are suffering from Compassion Fatigue. Here is the link: http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2000/0400/p39.html
http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2000/0400/p39.html
Hope I have done this right. I thought this was a fascinating concept, and so reassuring. And you have small kids. You have a right to be burned out.
Check it out! Hugs and hope things get better for you really soon, BE
I am kicking myself for not posting this link earlier.
When you read it, and do their little test, I bet you are suffering from Compassion Fatigue. Here is the link: http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2000/0400/p39.html
http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2000/0400/p39.html
Hope I have done this right. I thought this was a fascinating concept, and so reassuring. And you have small kids. You have a right to be burned out.
Check it out! Hugs and hope things get better for you really soon, BE
Mother in law on Sertraline
My mother-in-law is on quite a high dose of Sertraline. They do seem to help but she does sometimes forget to take them. Over Christmas was difficult because she would not take the pills so was upset and a bit teary at times. She kept saying she was unwell with a cold but appeared to be fine. Everyone she spoke to got a different story. It is hard to cope sometimes as my husband has lots of health problems and I am his carer. MIL lives in sheltered accommodation but she does appear to be getting worse. I feel we have been left to get on with things and can return to her GP if needed but he is useless. All a bit grim at the moment.
My mother-in-law is on quite a high dose of Sertraline. They do seem to help but she does sometimes forget to take them. Over Christmas was difficult because she would not take the pills so was upset and a bit teary at times. She kept saying she was unwell with a cold but appeared to be fine. Everyone she spoke to got a different story. It is hard to cope sometimes as my husband has lots of health problems and I am his carer. MIL lives in sheltered accommodation but she does appear to be getting worse. I feel we have been left to get on with things and can return to her GP if needed but he is useless. All a bit grim at the moment.
Have you considered trying St. John's Wort? (Herbal) Obviously they are not for everyone. With my Mum if we are going through a bad period I will take the full dosage and then stop when things get a bit better, but they have really helped a lot. These are worth a go in the first instance (if you can take them). If they don't work then don't feel bad about taking an antidepressant, coping with someone with dementia is exhausting and can be very depressing. You need to look after yourself.
Help in tablet form
i took citalopram whilst initially caring for my 86 year old mum, i stopped since i needed my mind to be sharper than my mums to cope with her constant questions, I think it has made me more tolerant
i took citalopram whilst initially caring for my 86 year old mum, i stopped since i needed my mind to be sharper than my mums to cope with her constant questions, I think it has made me more tolerant
I've know a few people to has some success with St Johns Wort but people do assume that as it is herbal it does not interact with other medications. That is no the case, it can decreases the effectiveness of other medication or even increase the effects of a medication someone takes. It is one of those herbal medications that you definitely need to tell your GP about, particularly if you take any other meds.
In my experience counselling works for some and not others, the same goes for meds - one thing for sure is you need to reach out for all the help you can get when things don't feel right. Even talking to friends openly can make a world of difference. Often anxiety is a symptom of depression. What never ceases to amaze me is that when you speak openly about depression how many other people start to open up about their experiences, things that they may have kept to themselves for years. The stigma of depression is only just being lifted thanks to people like ruby wax and the mind charity.
Hope you find the right help and advice Anongirl and hope your GP can help. If not I'd just speak to another doctor at the practice.
Just based on experience
Kindest Regards
Craig
In my experience counselling works for some and not others, the same goes for meds - one thing for sure is you need to reach out for all the help you can get when things don't feel right. Even talking to friends openly can make a world of difference. Often anxiety is a symptom of depression. What never ceases to amaze me is that when you speak openly about depression how many other people start to open up about their experiences, things that they may have kept to themselves for years. The stigma of depression is only just being lifted thanks to people like ruby wax and the mind charity.
Hope you find the right help and advice Anongirl and hope your GP can help. If not I'd just speak to another doctor at the practice.
Just based on experience
Kindest Regards
Craig
Antidepressants Verses/& Counselling
I've tried both in the past and had a good result from both......only short lived granted but it was a great help to me.
I was very teary and low when I too sent to the doctor who was sympathetic. She suggested MIND for counselling and over the years I have been through 2 x 12 weeks sessions, I've just been for assessment for my third series of counselling and as I'm retired now there is no charge. Counsellors vary so if one does not suit ask if you can work with a different counsellor.
I've tried both in the past and had a good result from both......only short lived granted but it was a great help to me.
I was very teary and low when I too sent to the doctor who was sympathetic. She suggested MIND for counselling and over the years I have been through 2 x 12 weeks sessions, I've just been for assessment for my third series of counselling and as I'm retired now there is no charge. Counsellors vary so if one does not suit ask if you can work with a different counsellor.
Are they needed in severe / advanced cases ?
This might seem off topic, sorry! But I been desperate to find an answer to this lingering query/question: are anti-depressants needed in the case of severe/advanced vascular dementia ?
My mom is 82, had strokes, bleeding in brain. Started antidepressants 4 years ago. Her dementia is very advanced. Cannot talk, or walk, or feed on her own. What's the use of these drugs in her case?
Her doctor left it to me to decide, if will do gradual reduction/withdrawal from Seroxat. But thats totally unhelpful. How I know, that when stopping the drug, she is suffering emotionally - internally wise... since she cannot communicate to me or us (family and care givers) whats bothering her. We support her 100% - as she is effectively 'disabled' physically.
For example: even if she feels like scratching her nose, or a fly lands on her face, she can't wave it away. Such an emotionally disturbing condition for all of us, but most important for her.
Sorry again, if this looks like hijacking your thread.
Wish you all a healthy life.
This might seem off topic, sorry! But I been desperate to find an answer to this lingering query/question: are anti-depressants needed in the case of severe/advanced vascular dementia ?
My mom is 82, had strokes, bleeding in brain. Started antidepressants 4 years ago. Her dementia is very advanced. Cannot talk, or walk, or feed on her own. What's the use of these drugs in her case?
Her doctor left it to me to decide, if will do gradual reduction/withdrawal from Seroxat. But thats totally unhelpful. How I know, that when stopping the drug, she is suffering emotionally - internally wise... since she cannot communicate to me or us (family and care givers) whats bothering her. We support her 100% - as she is effectively 'disabled' physically.
For example: even if she feels like scratching her nose, or a fly lands on her face, she can't wave it away. Such an emotionally disturbing condition for all of us, but most important for her.
Sorry again, if this looks like hijacking your thread.
Wish you all a healthy life.
From a daughters point of view
Hi Anongirl,
I suppose I'm in a different position to you but with our family (which has always been very close) my emotions went all to pot. My dad really struggled to accept my mums dementia and it affected him in a 'living with grief' way. I seemed to be the person he turned on, from not caring about mum/him to any other problem he was experiencing.I'm a 'bottler' where feelings are concerned and it tipped over one day in the doctors and I burst into tears. I was prescribed betablockers for the anxiety and given an appointment with a Cognative Behaviour therapist. The tablets definately helped still my mind when sleeping and I found the therapist marvellous.Like most people I didn't feel I could talk to a stranger but once it started to kick in I felt such relief. I didn't enjoy going but when I left I really felt so much better, sort of lightened. Anything that dad had said or done to upset me she was able to make me realise that it wasn't aimed at me but dads way of coping. I do hope if you get the oportunity give counselling a go. It might not work but it certainly won't harm.
Take care.
Hi Anongirl,
I suppose I'm in a different position to you but with our family (which has always been very close) my emotions went all to pot. My dad really struggled to accept my mums dementia and it affected him in a 'living with grief' way. I seemed to be the person he turned on, from not caring about mum/him to any other problem he was experiencing.I'm a 'bottler' where feelings are concerned and it tipped over one day in the doctors and I burst into tears. I was prescribed betablockers for the anxiety and given an appointment with a Cognative Behaviour therapist. The tablets definately helped still my mind when sleeping and I found the therapist marvellous.Like most people I didn't feel I could talk to a stranger but once it started to kick in I felt such relief. I didn't enjoy going but when I left I really felt so much better, sort of lightened. Anything that dad had said or done to upset me she was able to make me realise that it wasn't aimed at me but dads way of coping. I do hope if you get the oportunity give counselling a go. It might not work but it certainly won't harm.
Take care.
Antidepressants have been found to be no better than placebo (sugar pill)
Antidepressants have been found to be no better than placebo (sugar pill) and cause bad side effects. Long term use is not recommended. They damage the brain. In pregnant women they damage the foetus. Google 'Mad in America'.
Antidepressants have been found to be no better than placebo (sugar pill) and cause bad side effects. Long term use is not recommended. They damage the brain. In pregnant women they damage the foetus. Google 'Mad in America'.
Hi didee54. I still haven't decided what to do but I know my anxiety needs getting under control. I got the letter today about making an appointment to see a counsellor. I'm going to have a think about it.
My OH is a bottler, I'm very much the other way and I need to talk about things and express my emotions. Sometimes this difference between us works, he keeps me calm when I might panic, but in a situation like this it's more complicated. I try to talk about how I feel but I think he finds it hard.
I speak to my friend but I try not to go on too much (don't want to be on a downer too much and put her on a downer).
Today my brother rang me and during the conversation I just blurted everything out, about my anxieties and worries. I know he understands but he just deals with it differently. He said he didn't want me to get ill and said "we'll" sort something out. Just hearing the word "we" helped. I feel like I'm trying to fix this all by myself. I'm a fixer, that's what I try to do. I can't fix this. I think that's why I feel so out on a limb.
Thank you everyone for your replies. I have taken your comments on board. I'm a bit worried that antidepressants will make me less sharp, that's the last thing I need! I have tried St John's wort in the past, I'm not sure I got much from it though. X
My OH is a bottler, I'm very much the other way and I need to talk about things and express my emotions. Sometimes this difference between us works, he keeps me calm when I might panic, but in a situation like this it's more complicated. I try to talk about how I feel but I think he finds it hard.
I speak to my friend but I try not to go on too much (don't want to be on a downer too much and put her on a downer).
Today my brother rang me and during the conversation I just blurted everything out, about my anxieties and worries. I know he understands but he just deals with it differently. He said he didn't want me to get ill and said "we'll" sort something out. Just hearing the word "we" helped. I feel like I'm trying to fix this all by myself. I'm a fixer, that's what I try to do. I can't fix this. I think that's why I feel so out on a limb.
Thank you everyone for your replies. I have taken your comments on board. I'm a bit worried that antidepressants will make me less sharp, that's the last thing I need! I have tried St John's wort in the past, I'm not sure I got much from it though. X
My wife has vascular dementia,not bad,but enough to be damaging our way of life.
She felt low and was prescribed Ramopril by our GP.I was worried about side effects which can be quite serious.
Then the specialist who origianlly diagnosed her condition,told us to stop them.
We have and I don't see any regression.
There may come a time when either of us may need them,at the moment I take prescription sleeping pills,but they seem to be quite addicitve.
She felt low and was prescribed Ramopril by our GP.I was worried about side effects which can be quite serious.
Then the specialist who origianlly diagnosed her condition,told us to stop them.
We have and I don't see any regression.
There may come a time when either of us may need them,at the moment I take prescription sleeping pills,but they seem to be quite addicitve.
Wow it's like reading about myself! I have been taking Citalopram for about 2 years now. I was in the same position. I just felt that I wasn't "right", went to GP & also ended up bursting into tears. She gave me questionnaire to complete & it was at that point I realised I was depressed & had anxiety. My GP pointed out to me that if I had something like high blood pressure & she wanted to prescribe tablets to treat that I probably wouldn't hesitate to take them. I gave them a go. I gradually had dose increased & then slowly decreased again. It wasn't until I started to improve that I realised how low I had reached.
I have no concerns in taking these. They have definitely helped me, my family & friends have seen the difference they've made to my well being. I have had no side effects from them. They're not a miracle maker but have certainly helped me. Everyone is different but I would say they're worth giving a try if recommended by your GP.
I have no concerns in taking these. They have definitely helped me, my family & friends have seen the difference they've made to my well being. I have had no side effects from them. They're not a miracle maker but have certainly helped me. Everyone is different but I would say they're worth giving a try if recommended by your GP.
Hi Bytheway! Do you just take a reduced dose now? My GP said they might make me more anxious at first. This worries me as I don't think I could cope with that! I'm a bit nervous about them affecting my brain, like slowing me down. I just need something to stop this awful panicky feeling inside me.
I'm taking Citaopram, long term if necessary. My GP had no hesitation in prescribing them after I broke down in his surgery. He says 'they should be in the water' 
That was back in September and he said he doesn't need to see me again about them for at least 6 months. He said that if they help me to cope, then why not? After a week or so I felt soooo much better and able to care properly instead of being snappy and tearful around OH. Now I seem to have much more patience and can even enjoy life!
That was back in September and he said he doesn't need to see me again about them for at least 6 months. He said that if they help me to cope, then why not? After a week or so I felt soooo much better and able to care properly instead of being snappy and tearful around OH. Now I seem to have much more patience and can even enjoy life! 
I don't think anyone has responded to your question Porshcha. Off-topic or not, it's a perfectly reasonable question. Clearly there's no definitive answer, otherwise the doctor would have given you it.
Have you felt, at any stage since your mum's been on it, that the anti-depressant has been helpful? If not, it does seem that it would be worthwhile to stop. You might find that you then see a small improvement - you never know.
Ultimately, I would have thought that any medication that cannot be shown to be helping should be stopped on the grounds that it may be contributing to the problems. I'd certainly be looking though the patient information about side-effects before I decided.
But, as I say, it's a very hard question.
