Struggling with depression

Barbara C.
on 11/9/11 10:59 am - Raleigh, NC

As Kelly and several others have shared, depression is a serious medical problem, but one that can be managed. I too suffer from debilitating, severe clinical depression. I have had issues with it on and off most of my adult life, but about a decade ago it became very severe and have not been in the work for a decade as a result of my depression. Please do not hear me saying that you are 'doomed' to such an outcome. With quality medical care you can very likely get this under control. As Kelly mentioned in her response, mine ebbs and flows. That said, it is critically important to get quality medical care. If you trust and respect your PCP, I'd contact them first to see about getting a referral to a Psychiatrist. Managing psychiatric medications is what I would consider an 'artistic science.' While there is a great deal of science involved, it also takes someone that can work with you to find the right type of medication or medications. On top of that, it is important to find a therapist that you can work with who can help you manage the depression roller coaster. A good psychiatrist might be able to help match you to a therapist that will work well for you. If you don't 'click' with the first one you see... and you should give it some time, you should keep looking until you find someone who is able to help you. This is not a one size fits all problem and doesn't have a one size fits all solution. There are different types/styles of therapy. It might be helpful for you to understand the styles because it makes a difference on how the therapists approach therapy for/with you... the tools they use and the skill set they help you to develop. I guess I'm trying to say that medication can and do help to an extent, but like with WLS, it's not a magic bullet and you will need someone who can guide you and help you develop an arsenal of tools. 

You are also welcome to private message me if you would like.  

Wishing you all the best, 

Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145

Carol S.
on 11/9/11 12:03 pm - Milwaukee, WI
 I agree with the others.  It is important to take care of this quickly (although it may take a bit to actually feel better).  You damage your brain every time you don't treat the depression (either with medication or therapy-whatever your doctors/therapists decide is best) and the depression just gets progressivly worse.

I'm so glad you are going to talk to someone.  Usually PCP's can at least start a medication and then you can follow up with a therapist/psychiatrist, etc.
Carol

SW/276 CW 150 GW 185

9 Years out.
            
S. abrams
on 11/9/11 9:15 pm, edited 11/9/11 9:16 pm
do u have a friend or neighbor that u can physically be with so that u feel safe as u start the downward spiral? or do u drive? if u do, please drive urself to the nearest emergency room or if that seems too overwhelming call 911 and wait till u get to the ER. and tell the docs exactly how u feel. be blunt! dont give a hoot what people may think. u have nothing to lose. my mother always used to say when u r at the bottom the only way to go is up...and that can be tricky but doable. trust me i've been there too many times i lost count. good luck dear and many prayers for u.

cajungirl
on 11/9/11 11:45 pm
Please consider therapy and getting meds to help.  I've suffered with periods of depression from youth and although I've been able to get off of depression medicines for periods of times there have been life triggers that have forced me to admit I need help and I can't do it alone.

There is nothing wrong with asking for help to get you out of the depression.


Proximal RNY Lap - 02/21/05

 9 years committed ~  100% EWL and Maintaining

www.dazzlinglashesandbeyond.com

 

curvaceousdiva
on 11/9/11 11:52 pm - Hyattsville, MD
nice to see this thread as Im going thru a depression as well.
Thanks for the tips...
Babygirl got her surgery March 3rd...     She's from 339 to 200 as of 6/14/2012.. SOO proud of my bigbabygirl                                                                   
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