i'm new here

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-10-2004
i'm new here
7
Wed, 03-10-2004 - 3:30pm
I have recently been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was diagnosed after having a small nervous breakdown at the beginning of the year. I am on meds, but am concerned they are not working as well as they could be. I have been having problems with my therapist. I feel like I don't really connect with her. She likes to compare my issues with those she has had in her personal life, and I really don't see the relevence. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how wise it would be to look for a new therapist? I have been seeing my current one since the beginning of Jan, and I still don't feel like we have made any progress with anything. I still don't feel like she knows what my issues ARE! Also, my husband is trying, and being wholly unsuccessful in being supportive. It seems that he and everyone else in my life assume that now I am on meds, and have a therapist, all of a sudden I should be fine. They don't seem to understand that everyday is still a monumental struggle just to get out of bed. I am so frustrated that they expect me to be a great housekeeper, to hold down two jobs, to be a supportive mom and stepmom, and everything else. I am just totally overwhelmed, and have kind of gone on strike. The house is a pit, and I sleep all the time. Anyway, I found this board, and read some of it. I am impressed with how supportive you all are of each other and really am excited to find this resource. I hope someone will have some ideas or support for me too.

thanx for listening

Sara
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
In reply to: sara722
Wed, 03-10-2004 - 4:39pm

Welcome to the board (((((((((((((((((((((((sara722))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


Since you have been taking the meds for just over two months, you may need to have the dosage adjusted and or you may need different kind.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-08-2003
In reply to: sara722
Wed, 03-10-2004 - 9:34pm

Sara~


If nothing else you will find support here!

Dona

Mommy to CJ {03.21.03}& Chantel {08.10.95}  Step~Mom to Carrington {08.12.92}

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-10-2004
In reply to: sara722
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 7:14am
Dona----Thanks for the support. I am on Prozac 40 mg a day, and Ambien 10mg at night. I have been on several night meds to try to help with my sleep, and my prozac has been changed twice, with more dosage each time. I do see some changes, because I can get out of bed easier and it is easier to take one day at a time, but I keep waiting for the "black cloud" to lift and let me see the sun. Rather than feeling better, I feel like I did before the breakdown. I feel like I am just getting by. I am really scared to change therapists, even though I know I should. It was so hard to get in to this one! The therapists in my area are all really booked up. So now I am trying to get the courage to start calling around again. Anyway, thanks for the good thoughts and letting me know that someone out there knows how hard this is.

Sara
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
In reply to: sara722
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 9:01am
Welcome to the board Sara!!

I think Trac is right, you might need to increase the dose of your anti-depressant, or you might even need to change it.

I think if you find a therapist that you "click" with, you will notice yourself feeling better.

I wish I could say that that feeling of the black cloud has gone away for me. But some days it is still there. So we can work on it together!!

Take care. I look forward to getting to know you.

Pamela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: sara722
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 9:06am
I have suffered with depression for over twenty years now. Not all of them bad. If this is all new to you and your family, it will take time for them to understand that you can't just jump back into your life when they think things are better. When they learn to recognize your behaviour and moods associated with your depression, and then subsequently when you feel better, they will know when you are "better". As far as the therapist goes, they can be hit and miss. The thing to remember is that if you still aren't feeling that great right now it might be hard to connect anyway, but if your "guts" are telling you that this isn't the right person for you, then find someone else. You will only be successful with therapy if you feel comfortable and understood. Anyone can do therapy, but not everyone is good at it. You should also make sure that you have other supports in place besides the therapist, ie your doctor - hopefully one that fully understands and is up to date on depression, support networks - good friends. I have been very blessed with a family doctor who specializes in psychotherapy and a best friend who would go to hell and back with me. I too have family members who to this day still think if I don't think about my depression it will go away. Some days it is hard not to be very angry, but when I feel good I can overlook it. By the way, I am new to this site too. This is my first message. I hope it helps. Linda
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
In reply to: sara722
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 10:49am

Sara, I think if I were you I would start by telling your doctor you don't feel the Prozac is helping.

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
In reply to: sara722
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 5:42pm
i am new to the board too, but i just wanted you to know that i so understand what it feels like to NOT BE UNDERSTOOD. my husband thought i was the next thing to a 3 headed freak!! not once when i took my meds did he ask how i was doing etc. you need to do this for yourself, for your life! if he chooses to not get in involved, let it be....but continue to go with getting the right meds/therapy. you have every right to know what happiness feels like and he will notice the difference once you find the right stuff to work for you! it's tough when the house is a mess, you don't want to cook, you want to sleep, kids, etc. take every day, minutes at a time and know you are not alone. you will be better!