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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2003
new to this
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Sun, 03-07-2004 - 8:43am
Hi Everybody,

I've recently been diagnosed with depression. My husband died last December after suffering from lungcancer for two years. I nursed him all that time, but I couldn't save him. Now he's gone and I have to build a new life for myself. I'm, young; only 33, and I most certainly believe there's a future for me. But I'm three months down the road and I still haven't been able to wrap up the business affairs and start anew. My doctor has prescribed me celexa; 40 mg a day. I've been on it for 8 weeks now and I'm still tired, suffering from migraines; I've lost my appetite, and I'm unable to sleep for any length of time. I've lost six pounds off my already skinny form and I feel awful.

After reading about grief and depression I realized that I have ben depressed more often in my life, after major incidents, and frankly it's quite a relief to know what is wrong with me. I'm starting counseling next week and I am looking forward to tackling this challenge. The only thing that really bothers me is that I can't seem to find the energy. Shouldn't the medication be working by now?

Jules

Avatar for kimberlyndarrell
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: ijules1000
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 10:39am
well Im no expert but my doc said the meds take a few weeks to work (4-6) I would think by 8 they should be working. Maybe you need an increase?

HUGS about your DH. Im soo soo sorry. You've been through an awful time dont expect your body to just rebound. My Dad died from lung cancer 2 years ago, it was such a very scary thing to see. I cant imagine what you went through again HUGS

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2002
In reply to: ijules1000
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 10:44am
Welcome Jules -

Glad that you have found us. I was on Celexa for almost 2 years. If you feel that it isn't working you might want to talk with your doctor. You might be able to increase your dose to 60mg. That is the highest that you can go on that medication. I found that it made me tired as well so I started to take it at night before I went to bed. I am sorry for your loss...I will be praying for you!!!! As far as your migraines....are you taking any medication for those??? There are lot of different option out there as well. I am also a migraine sufferer. I can praise the Lord that I have been migraine free for almost 2 months now!!!! This is an awesome place Jules. Make yourself at home. The women here are awesome and wonderful and always willing to help out!!!! Keep your chin up sister!!!!

God Bless Ya

~Jen~

Anne
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: ijules1000
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 11:37am

Hi Jules!!


Welcome to the board!

*hugs             

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
In reply to: ijules1000
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 11:47am

((((((((Jules)))))))), I want to welcome you to our board.

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-01-2004
In reply to: ijules1000
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 10:07pm
I am so sorry for what you have been through. You have to give yourself time and I pray you have support from family and friends, you have been pulled through a knott hole backwards, it takes time to come to terms with grief and loss, talk to people that care about you and if you can, or so desire see a therapist. Come here and talk, these people are so compasionate. I will pray for you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
In reply to: ijules1000
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 10:55pm
Welcome (((Jules)))

First off, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. It is very important that you grieve, sweetie. And it takes a different amount of time for everyone.

I agree with the other ladies, I would consult your doctor about the meds not seeming to work. She/he will either want to increase the dose or switch meds. It can sometimes take many tried before you find the right medication/dose combination. But it is well worth it when you find the right one.

I am happy to read that you are going to see a counsellor. A grief counsellor might also be thought, I think there is also a grief board on IVillage.

Please take care and know that I am holding you close in my heart.

Pamela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
In reply to: ijules1000
Mon, 03-08-2004 - 4:11pm

((((((Jules)))))), Pamela is right.

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2003
In reply to: ijules1000
Tue, 03-09-2004 - 2:58am
Thank you all for your kind messages. I do feel as if I have finally found a place to be heard here. Before my husband became sick, I had had a few serious episodes in my life which were never diagnosed as depression but now, since I have been reading about depression, I recognize nearly everything. The only thing I do not have is the bleak outlook on life. I definitely believe life can be wonderful and rewarding, no matter how tough it gets. I have always felt like an outsider, though, and am always doing my best to please others. I have no internal appreciation of myself and always seek validation outside of myself, never relax, am an extreme perfectionist and though socially active in good periods, I hardly ever really open up because I don't think people like me. In bad times I isolate myself. I have a history of anorexia and infertility; both stress induced, and I had a serious car-crash 4 years ago that made me give up my hard-earned clinic and pursue a new course in life. Now I am a writer which I love (and which I have always wanted to be, but of course I was too scared to try it when I was younger). It's wonderful and I'm enjoying it; but working alone is not the best thing in my situation. I need to develop strategies to dealing with this isolation. And frankly, right now, on the celxa, I have been too tired to do anything. My doctor has prescribed effexor at my request so I'll start that tomorrow and I hope it helps. What do you ladies do to stop yourself form holing up?
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
In reply to: ijules1000
Tue, 03-09-2004 - 12:53pm

You have found one of the things I do to avoid holing up.

AcornLeaves