New to Depression

danare · 05-16-2008, 03:48 PM

I have a few questions for those of you that are or have suffered with depression. My Dh and I decided last OCT. to stop TTC after 5 years of trying the last straw was when I hyperstimmed and was in the hospital and it all costed almost 7 grand. Since then I have switched to a job that I am very unhappy with and it seems everyone around me is getting pregnant. I must say that I think I have always dealt with some form of depression but over the last few months it has gotten worse. I have an overwhelming feeling of dread almost every day I have what I feel like is an emptiness in my chest, I am almost always on the verge of tears and when I am not crying my temper is very short I can fly off on a dime. I have such a bleak outlook on life now it just consumes me, I have come to the point that my thoughts are overcome with the meaning of life. I am almost 28 years old and I am in a dead end job and I virtually live pay check pay check to pay check, I am almost 100% sure I am never gonna have children and I see a very dismal future for myself. I totally have never felt like this before. My question is what kind of results have you ladies have with seeking medical help? Did you go to your family Dr. for advice or your obgyn? Please help any advice is greatly appreciated!! I know I can count on my cysters to lend me a helping hand!

tina_d · 05-16-2008, 06:06 PM

When I need my script filled, I talk to whoever I'm visiting the soonest. We're still trying to find the right med after almost 2 years, but part of that is my fault. My dr and gyn are both in the same healthcare network, and can pull up my records and visit notes from either to look at, which includes my prescriptions.

Over the past 6 months I sort of put my PCOS treatment on the backburner because of a health issue and family problems. I ran out of my Welbutrin over 3 months ago, and never thought to have one of them rewrite it for me. A few weeks ago, I went in to see my dr because I was having so much trouble focusing, having 'blue days', etc. So he knew the reason why I was there. He was so funny that day. He asked me why I thought I was depressed, and I just said 'Hello, PCOSer here.' Then he remembered, and we went over my past prescriptions for antidepressents and reviewed that they didn't work. He decided on what we were going to try next, and started reviewing my med list in his computer to see if there would be any interactions. He notices that in March I had scripts for Tylenol 3, Vicodin, and 800mg ibuprofin. I had to remind him that I had just had surgery and told him I must not be the only one having trouble staying focused.

I think you should go to which ever dr you are more comfortable talking to. When I was first diagnosed, it was with my family doctor, and she kept me there for an hour and a half. The majority of the time was spent talking about my emotional health.

Bethann · 05-19-2008, 02:41 PM

For an initial screening/recommendation to a psychiatrist I would go to whichever doctor can see you first/you feel more comfortable with.

Ideally, if insurance, etc. permits it you really should eventually see a psychiatrist--sometimes mental health issues are more complicated than they seem and it's really best to have a specialist to work with.

If you feel like you are in danger of harming yourself, please call your doctor's office ASAP and tell them that and that you need to be seen immediately.

SunsetMuse · 05-20-2008, 03:56 AM

I can relate. I'm sorry you are having a tough time. I went to my PCP and explained it to him because I have a better rapport with him. He was very understanding, I've tried a few different meds and nothing seems to have helped, I am lucky ATM I seem to be alright. Please do seek out help of any kind though it's not good to feel that way and I know it can be hard to get motivated to see someone after things not working, etc. If you want to be medicated I would definitely suggest a Psychiatrist, they are better at determining the underlying problem and have different meds and dose sizes that they can prescribe than a reg. dr can. If you don't want to take another medication Psychologists are good and Social Workers/Counselors are great at talking with you and helping you manage stress finding all your triggers, etc. They can really give you a lot of techniques to overcome it, also if you do opt for medication going to a counselor in conjunction with the meds you have a better chance of your medication being more effective and not becoming dependant on it for a long time. I truly hope things work out for you and do keep us posted. *HUG*

neen4ash · 05-23-2008, 06:59 AM

I'm sorry you're feeling so down. I was diagnosed with depression yesterday and when I read you post I could really relate to what you're saying. The dr talked to me and offered me meds but I refuse [it's totally up to you if you take them but I said I wanted to learn how to be happy myself.] I go to the dr again in 3 weeks and start councilling in around 5 weeks. Again Im so sorry to hear your so down. Hugs xxxxx

Somewhat Damaged · 05-23-2008, 09:57 PM

If you are considering pharma therapy, I would highly suggest you see a psychiatrist vs. your general practitioner. Ask for a referral from your doc if you don't know where to start. I think that, too often, GP's tend to just throw the antidepressant of the moment at you, and then maybe you spend a little time talking. With a psychiatrist, you will mostly talk and then you can discuss meds.

Also, from personal experience, find another job. Please. If you are not happy where you are, start looking for something else. Even if you think you are too depressed to look for another job, even if things are sometimes bearable where you are... find something else. Life is too short to spend most of it at a job you hate, and dread going to every day. Things improved for me immensely when I left my job that was making me so unhappy and stressed.

danare · 05-29-2008, 12:04 PM

I wanted to thank everyone for helping me and giving advice. I have been looking for another job without any luck thus far, I feel that this job has definately been a pivotol thing that has played into my depression. Somedays have been pretty good but other days are nearly unbearable. I have gotten to the point that when I wake up I can tell if its going to be a good or bad day today is a not so good day. If its going to be bad day I will get little or no rest at night and I wake up well before the alarm goes off which I can say I never used to do, then it seems I am just washed over by the sadness. Its a terrible empty aching feeling literaly in my chest its terrible. Im not sure if this is at all related to my hormone levels and such but I have not had an AF since early Feb. so obviuosly something is wrong yet again there. I have an appt. with my obgyn in June and since I am most comfortable with her concerning this I think she will be the one I talk to and I will ask her for a referral to a Psychiatrist. At this point I just want to be happy again, I want to be able to go throughout the day without crying for no reason at all. I used to be such a happy person Im not sure when things went south, I truly have a great life a wonderful husband and family so its very frustrating that I spend so much time sulking!! Anyhow thanks again for the support and I was wondering if any of you dealing with depression have had problems with your testostorone level and progestorone levels?