Question:
How long does the depression last?

I am almost 2 months post op and I am so depressed. I don't want to do anything or see anyone.I have been this way for about 2 weeks. How much longer will I feel this way? HELP    — Shelby G. (posted on June 23, 2002)

June 23, 2002
Shelby, All of us are different. At two months I was just about over my depression, but mine started a lot sooner than yours. Mine finally went away when I started getting out of the house, keeping myself busy, doing all the things I enjoyed then, and now at 9 months, doing all the things I used to enjoy before my weight gain :) My key was just keeping busy. I love to read, loved dreaming of what I was going to look like, loved pulling out my old 'thin' clothes and trying them on (if you don't have any 'thin' clothes... go get ya some!), I puttered around the house, doing housework, around the yard, doing what yardwork I could, I would hop in my truck and just DRIVE, if you don't want to see friends, call them on the phone instead... just keep busy! Hey, you could even 'e-mail' me if you need something to do :) I'll give you my phone number and then you can 'call' me if you need something more to do *grinz* Good Luck Hun!
   — DonnaCarol

June 23, 2002
You may want to research "clinical depression" on the 'net and see if any other of the symptoms apply to you. Possibly the trauma of surgery caused a "short circuit" in your brain that can be corrected with a few months on anti depressants. I think if you type "depression" in the library of this site, you will see additional information. Personally, I am on Zoloft (I tried the liquid and hated it, but I can break the caplets in half and they work fine). Others swear by Wellbutrin because it has an "energizing" effect. Good luck. Post back and let us know how you are; this question shows up often here!
   — Karen F.

June 23, 2002
Shelby, I'm sorry you're feeling so down. The best thing I can suggest is to check in with a professional. It doesn't have to be long-term. Sometimes, just talking to someone qualified, with an objective view and thorough experience in dealing with depression, can help. I have had several episodes of acute and severe clinical depression, and currently am on both Zoloft and Wellbutrin to help keep me on an even keel. So I know and sympathize with what you are feeling. Depression need not be crippling. Look at what Mike Wallace (a famous depressive) accomplishes every week, and he is past 80 years old. Know that others are thinking of you and wishing you well. Margie B
   — Marjorie B.

June 24, 2002
Depression can be really debilitating. One of the things that helps me is to stay very active. I find it nearly impossible to be depressed when I am actively working my exercise program. I also have to stay away from carbs. The carbohydrate metabolism turns carbs to glucose, releasing insulin. That interacts with the other neuro-chemicals in your brain (like seratonin and norepinephrine). For me it leaves me feeling sluggish, blue, crying easily, and at some times in my life it has left me feeling suicidal.<p>Exercise, careful diet, lots of water, a good shrink (whom I speak to infrequently now), and my antidepressant meds keep me on a pretty even keel. There are still occasional blue days--but blue is a lot better than black!
   — phoebe