Depression

Hello.

I have been clinically depressed for the last 7 years. First, I was taking Prozac for a year but later switched that to Citalopram and Risperidone. About 2 months ago I switched from Citalopram to Cymbalta. I also occasionally take Xanax for anxiety. I am currently in group therapy.

I feel quite miserable, depressed, pessimistic and full of despair. I see no point in living, no joy in anything. I sometimes use alcohol and illicit drugs to escape from the pain. I don't know what to do to treat my depression. I have no motivation to do anything, everything seems so dull.

Any advice?

just stop taking the medication and see what happens

I've tried to several times. When I quit, it gets 10 times worse, it feels awful. Like I was trying to quit heroin or something. So I just end up taking them again because I can't take it.

Hi Tripper...
I feel very miserable, depressed, pessimistic, and full of despair also. I was diagnosed in 2000 with clinical depression, and I am still trying to find purpose in my life. The depression is so overwhelming, it has drained every bit of confidence that I had left in me. Up until 1999, I was able to pick up my boot straps, and carry on (whether I was happy or not really didn't matter). My quality of life has deteriorated so badly, that I have no motivation, no hope, and I need to find a job, but I am scared to death. I have zero confidence. I don't know what to do, and I too sometimes turn to alcohol and illicit drugs for a temporary relief from the misery. Right now my doctor has me on Wellbutrin and Effexor. I don't think they help me really, they just keep me existing. I want to do more than just exist. I don't know what to do. I realize this is not the advice you are seeking, I just really related to some things you said. Good luck to you.

hi tripper86 i think you should focus on what is the root of your depression...maybe you have things that you haven't gotten over or nagging problems that puts a toll on your health. Try sorting them out in a positive way even though everything around you reacts in a negative way. Depression is not an easy thing to cope up with coz I've been going through it too. But I always keep in mind that through all the negative there is always a positive outcome but thinking over before making a decision could greatly affect the result so think twice...medications will have its effect if you stop feeling depressed...hope this helps. Have a great day

Dear Tripper, I am sorry to hear about your condition. I feel much the same way oftentimes. SugaRune offered good advice on her post. I discovered that there were things I did in my past that caused guilt that I never thought could bother me today. I'm age 49 and I'm talking about girlfriends I left heartbroken 30 years ago. Stop the alcohol and dope. Get into AA or maybe Celebrate Recovery group settings to help to quit the alcohol and dope. A psychytrist is the specialized Dr. for helping you, not your general practitioner family Dr. Take the med as perscribed and give the Dr acurate feedback. I turned my back on all of my looser user friends. It's hard to stop using when you are around users. The 12 step I did in Celebrate Recovery addresses forgiveness. You also have to forgive yourself. We all have done things that we may carry guilt for. Forgive yourself if you discover something. Don't give up. This is just a season in your life you are going through. I have been depressed since my dad died in 1975. I have had good times even after several dark times. I am experiencing a very dark time in my life now - divorce after 18 yrs with 3 very young children. I am very sad and heartbroken. You are not alone my friend. Do not tamper with the prescribed meds without consulting the Dr. Be careful with this serious illness. Hang in there my friend. Try to be positive. There are perhaps 5 or 6 BILLION peolpe in this world with no clean drinking water. That's some of the things I think about when I'm down. Glad to be an American with health providers. Hang in there my friend. I send Love and I said a little prayer for you.