Hard times... (long)

Maybe this is more appropriate for a PM, but it might help others who are afraid to post so I'll leave it public.

I needed meds because my problems were just so severe and interferring with school. I just couldn't function. I slept all of the time and I didn't eat (one of best things! ha!). I literally just laid in bed all day long. I totally get the no motivation because that was me. One thing I remember was that I didn't do laundry for like 8 weeks. Can you imagine? and trying to catch up on 8 weeks worth of laundry after you feel better? UGH. Almost enough to throw you back into depression! It's one of signs I look out for now though: if I start to feel bad and I wonder if I might be relapsing, I look at my laundry pile. If it is merely a week or two's worth or so, I'm good. :)

For me, I did the best with an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, Effexor XR). I don't recall the side effects being bad, but it was a while ago, obviously nothing memorable to have me warn others off of it. I was also having some social anxiety issues so I did therapy (CBT) to help with that as well as the depression. I needed meds for maybe 9 months? a year? CBT did wonders for me. That, too, was HARD. But goodness, it really works.

Mad props to you for doing a doctorate while working full time and raising a family! Please give yourself credit!!! I only had myself to worry about and I barely made it. You are super impressive!

LMK what else I can offer. I'm here to help!

 I'll give you a call tonight after the kids go to bed, around 9.  Hugs and I know this is hard now, you are going through some of the worst of it right now, it will eventually get better, but it will take time.  You are doing just about everything you can to keep going and doing the right thing.  Just hang in there for now.

I wish I had something to say that could help. Any ONE of those things--the school/work problems, your husband's heart attack, a looming divorce--is one of those top stressors that can cause depression, but to be dealing with them all at once is beyond hard. If the St. John's Wort isn't cutting it, I would certainly look into an anti-depressant--I have many friends who have taken them temporarily, for some months or a year, during a bad time (and this WAY more than qualifies) and it can help...I really don't know you yet, but I do sense a LOT of strength and determination and incredible focus in you. I don't know what to say except that I wish you strength, peace...and I wish there were something more concrete I could offer. If I lived nearer, I could make you some nice low carb food or go on a walk or something. But I'm glad you've come here to get whatever support we can offer. I will be thinking of you!

Lizanne

  Just sending you hugs and will keep you in my thoughts.

Hey girl...so sorry you're suffering and going through this rough time.  Keep strong...my divorce sucked big time, but I was really young and I did find a wonderful husband the second time around! 

Laura