Aged 60 depressed since I was 10
Find a Conversation
| Thu, 08-27-2009 - 4:05pm |
Hi, I have been on and off anti depressants for years. They keep me alive but don't make me feel happy.
I was taken to the doctor by my mother as a "problem child" but after assessing me, I later discovered in a medical report, she was recommended as needing psychiatric treatment, which she refused saying that she was not crazy. Consequently, I was given phenobarbital and something like Valium when I was a child and that gradually evolved over the years. I have taken everything that has been invented as medication for depression, I reckon, from Valium to Prozac, etc., etc. I just wonder if taking so many anti depressants has affected my organism and it's reaction to this kind of medication. Does one reach a stage where anti depressants no longer relieve the illness?
I recently discovered that my depression may be hereditary as both my parents suffered from this illness. I have also been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which I am taking medication for and which I was led to believe may also affect my moods, but no real change has been noticed AND, to make things worse, I am told that as women get older they suffer more from depression and the only treatment is our own desire to overcome the depression!!
After so many years taking medication, now the doctor tells me there is no other treatment apart from mind over matter!!
So my apathy and not wanting to go out with friends, etc. should be overcome by my attitude? Do anti depressants really have no effect when we reach my age?
Thanks for any comments, they may help to sort out my ideas on this subject, because I really am confused.
Eileen

Eileen - it's true that individual antidepressants don't work indefinitely, but I always heard that people are more sensitive to medication as they get older.
hi brightlight!
From what i know of antidepressants, they only help solve part of the problem. In a way, it is mind over matter. I attend a support group where I have learned coping skills, more about my illness, and i have educated myself to be aware of the signs of depression, and to take action. This is not easy, especially when your mind starts taking control of your whole body and you become fatigued and feel lifeless, but this is possible.
I don't know why your doctor would tell you that depression gets worse as you get older-I have witnessed many people with amazing recovery stories as they get older, by using meds and positive thinking and coping skills. Is he a psychiatrist or a family doctor?
I would recommend two things to you-therapy, whether it be group or individual (group therapy has worked wonders for me, and i would recommend it to anyone its a great source of support, advice, and education) or the WRAP program by mary ellen copeland (just google her and you should come up with her website-there might be a local agency where you live that teaches the workshop, otherwise, she also has an online class). Wrap teaches you how to cope by having you list coping skills, makes you come up with warning signs for depression, and teaches you how to praise your accomplishments no matter how big or small. The basic thing though, through any of these, is to learn positive thinking and how to take action against depression. You may find that once you learn these skills, the medication may be more effective, too. I wish you good luck!