Question and Support

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Question and Support
4
Sun, 11-22-2009 - 9:30pm

Hello all.

A little background info on why I'm posting here...I'm in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend of 3 years. I moved for college in another state a year ago where my bf lives and my dad ended up making me move back because of the high out of state tuition costs and two because he found out about my bf who is older than I am. Well I'm now back "home" and going to college here and I hate it, it's a more difficult school and it's just not for me I miss where I lived.

Well...a few weeks ago I went to a Nuerologist because I've been struggling at my new university and I thought I had reading comprehension problems and my dr. did other tests as well and came to found out I am also very depressed and have a lot of anxiety because of my involuntary move back and because it hasn't been the smoothest transition for me.

He suggested I go see my dr. to get on antidepressant/anti-anxiety medicine.

I'm really excited that I can finally have something that may help. I'm very emotional all the time and crying more than usual because I miss my bf and where I lived and because of how much I've been struggling and dislike it here. On the outside you would never be able to tell I'm depressed because I hide my emotions well but on the inside it's a whole different story. A few people in my family are on similiar meds but because of recent deaths in the family. I'm just wondering how this medicine will make me feel and if it will really work? I really only think I will have to be on it until I can graduate and move back with my boyfriend. My mom couldn't really describe how they help her or make her feel all she said is that she feels off balance if she doesn't take them and they've made her almost emotionless she said it takes a lot to make her cry now. My dr. (neurologist) also suggested I see a free counselor on campus to talk about my move because otherwise he said it would "eat at me" but I really don't know if this would help my depression as I don't want to spill all of my personal details about my life and my bf and I'm not sure how it would help because the way I feel won't change until I move back.

Any thoughts? Thank you all!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-1999
Mon, 11-23-2009 - 5:18am

Hi Steph and welcome to finding the board.


I have read valid articles that therapy AND meds can be the best combination to getting better sooner.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 11-23-2009 - 5:45pm
Hi & welcome! I am sorry to hear that you're having depression/anxiety problems. Major life changes do affect us. Sometimes as they happen. Sometimes later. With the change in school, move from your bf & the recent deaths, you must be overwhelmed. I hope you're making time for yourself & de-stressing through exercise or activities that you enjoy.
I am glad that you sought answers & that you're eager to try the meds. I have been on antidepressants & for the first few days, I felt like I was *on* something. Some cause sleepiness or sleeplessness, dry mouth, jitteriness, constipation, diarrhea or headaches, etc. Generally nothing serious & nothing that won't pass. They do take 4 to 6 weeks to reach the optimum affect. I wouldn't say they're happy pills. They restore balance to our brain chemicals & over time, you don't feel as anxious or depressed.
ITA w/the previous reply, that seeing a counselor is a good idea. You don't need to share what is uncomfortable for you. In fact, lots of counselors deal w/the *here & now.* They don't focus on the past & work only on alleviating the present problems. It's always good to find someone you can share with who doesn't judge & is objective. I hope you'll consider it.
Please keep in touch w/us. We care & want you to feel better. GL & GBU! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Mon, 11-23-2009 - 9:28pm
Thanks so much, Jan! That was comforting. I will for sure consider counseling then. :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Mon, 11-23-2009 - 10:57pm

Hi Josie!

Thanks, I think counseling might help then. :)