Question:
has anyone gone through severe depression 7 months out and would like to share?

hi. After surgery i made the mistake of going off my anti depressants b/c i felt great losing and my whole life i've been battling this and for once i started to feel "normal". now i am in really bad shape. i don't want to leave my house, i am missing class and i am so embarassed, i don't know what to do. the good thing is that i have started back on my two anti depressant zoloft and wellbrutin and been taking clonopin to help with the sadness(basically just sleeping it away). i am so ruining everything and i am in a big hole. i have meeting with the university psych next week. why did i do this? i knew this would happen. why was i so stupid? i guess i had to vent thanks    — Jennifer S. (posted on February 28, 2003)

February 27, 2003
All I can say is that I also am on meds for depression and anxiety and often don't want to take them. After even 2 or 3 days without them I fall into the depths of despair. You just have to decide which life you want: depressed or happy. Then do what you need to do (take the meds) CONSISTENTLY) to achieve that. Maybe I'll heed my own advice here!
   — M. B.

February 27, 2003
Hi, You are certainly not alone. I did exactly the same thing. I am now back on meds and feeling like myself again. Don't beat yourself up, just get on your regular cycle of meds and go from there. I am also 7 months out. If you need an email buddy I'm available. Good luck to you. I try to think positive, I had this surgery for myself and now I need to take care of other parts of my "self". Love yourself, and tell yourself everyday you are worth it, because you are. Penny :-) 7/31/02 5'3" 245/171/?
   — pcollin4

February 28, 2003
Jennifer- Try not to get to upset with yourself over this because most of us have done the same thing; but, DO make sure that you don't continue this pattern indefinately. I can't tell you how many times I have felt that I was better and didn't need my medication anymore only to be in the depths of despair a week later. I think for some reason that some people who suffer from depression find themselves in a self-destructive pattern, although I think maybe subconciously, because for many years being depressed and miserable is all they've known. I think that has been the case for me anyway. After the last time I did this to myself I had to ask the same question that the earlier post suggested and that is "Do I want to be happy or depressed"? Trust me I choose Happy and it sounds like you do too. I'm glad to hear you are back on your meds and if you can afford it try to see a counselor once a week because I know that my therapist will hold me accountable. She ALWAYS knows if I haven't taken my meds and doesn't let me off the hook for it either. LOL. If you are only seeing a psychiatrist for med control once a month or even two months than a lot can happen in that time. I know I would feel ashamed because I hadn't taken my meds in three weeks and would cancel my appt. until I got back on track but would go months without because I was too depressed to do the right thing for myself. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. Good luck. Feel free to e-mail me if you need to talk! Take care.
   — denisel

February 28, 2003
Jennifer, you're not alone. I was forced to be taken off anti-depressants that I had ben on for over 6 years. I had ulcer surgery/ repair a hole in my stomach- and I was on alot of meds, and they didn't think my stomach can handle it. It's been two months and I am up and down constantly, will probably return to my medication soon. It's getting better though, but I do agree with the previous posters, stay consistently on your anti-dep. I know when I am off them for a few days, there is a noticeable difference, and I just am so emotional I want to cry all the time. Plus, we have gone through a major surgery, and our bodies are constantly changing, so we have issues we haev to deal with. But the previous poster said something about you have to let yourself be happy, I cannot remember exactly, but I fully agree. A year ago, I just told myself that I can either look at things negatively or positively. "You're only as happy as you choose to be." And I am happy for the most part, despite some illnesses. I figure life is too short to be upset, and I kind of just forced myself to look at the brighter side of things. I know it's harder than it sounds, and it took me time to do it, but I eventually did! You're doing the right thing by going back on your meds and talking with a professional- I think that will help you alot. Goodluck to you, wish you all the best!
   — Lezlie Y.

February 28, 2003
I have suffered with depression since I collapsed at work in 1989. I fought this long hard battle, and have found my #1 perscription I take daily is: Prayer, God's Word, and time with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, then, "His peace,which surpasses all understanding, will guide your heart and mind in Christ Jesus". I also will not go without my "LIGHT BOX"! I use it everyday to maintain good mental health and lift me from the "blahs" of the dreary Ohio winter wheather! I know it has been a God send for me, and it could help you too! If your interested in this write me @ [email protected], however, I am having surgery on 03-03-03, so I won't be able to answer after then, until I get home around the 7th. I will remember you in prayer. Sincerely, Linda Carpenter
   — Linda C.