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Posted 10/25/2012 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
hi there.
21 years old
Finally decided to let my family know and get help.

And here I am, looking at my new Zoloft prescription for the last 3 hours.

Why do I feel like this is the worst mistake of my life? that my life is spiraling out of control.
Did you guys want to take antidepressants? Or did it get to the point where you ran out of options.

My psych also recommended behavior therapy. Can anyone give me some information on this?
Posted 10/25/2012 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
Giraffe,

Welcome to the forum! We are all glad you found your way here. I don't think anyone ever wanted to take medications. This is probably the best choice you've made in a long time - far from a mistake!

If your Doc has suggested this course of treatment, then follow his advice. Understand this, it will take at least 2-3 weeks for the meds to have any measurable effect on your moods. Be patient and take comfort knowing that you've made the first step towards feeling better about yourself and your life.

I was first diagnosed with Depression in 1996 after suffering for nearly 30 years and, although it took some time, the suffering eased considerably. I've been on one med or another ever since and it has changed my life.

All for the better! Do not think for a moment that you are alone or that there's something "wrong" with you. This site is occupied by people going through, or who have gone through exactly what you are. This affliction ignores all barriers of age, sex, culture and creed.

Please keep coming back and open up whenever you feel the need.

I will leave it to others with more experience to address your questions about behaviour Therapy. Don't give up on the meds, Giraffe...give them a chance to work. if after 3 weeks you feel no better, don't just stop it! Talk with your Doc and be 100% honest with him/her - it's the only way they can truly help you.

Stay strong, smile and take things one day and one step at a time.

Brian
Posted 10/25/2012 7:33 AM (GMT 0)
Giraffe,

You have done a good thing. Take your meds. While I cannot say wheter you will overcome your issues 100%, I can certainly say that you will get 95%+ relief. Dont ever stop taking your meds.

Once you get the relief, and your mood improves, you can then make lifechanges u require.

May Grace be with you.

Posted 10/25/2012 10:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Giraffe,

Welcome to the forum. I hope that you do try the medications, sometimes we have to try a few before we find what works for us. You may get better sooner, but realize it takes time. Work and patience. One day at a time.

I hope that you continue to post and that you do try therapy. Behavioral therapy works whether it be cbt or dbt.

Take care,

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/25/2012 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
Since it's bothering you taking medication consider an alternative. Your Doctor recommended Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  Studies show that with 20 sessions about 75% experience decrease in symptoms.  Other alternatives are:

Exercise

Diet for Depression (do a search)

Yoga & Meditation

5 HTP

St. John's Wort

Multi Vitamin Supplement that contain all the B Vitamins

400 Mg Magnesium Glycinate (very important)

Source Natural Theanine Serene with Reflora.  This is a calming complex that acts like a mood stabilizer.  Inexpensive and can be purchased at any local health food store. 

If you don't get any positive results from CBT & the above recommendations then fill out the prescription.  Discuss all of the above with your parents. 

 

Posted 10/25/2012 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Giraffe,

Welcome to the forum!

Micheal has some good suggestions. I do alot of them myself. However, I also take perscription medication. If the doc suggested it. I most certainly would try it.

It maybe just want you need to get over the hump and into behavioral therapy. Not everyone stays on medication. A lot of people end up, coming off their medications because the therapy is now working so well.

It all depends on the root causes of the anxiety and depression.

This is not a death sentence either! I know I felt like my life was over as I knew it. NOT TRUE! If you had an infection, you would take antibiotics to get better. Same thing here.

You always have choices, be honest and communicate with the doctor at all times, only way to get the help you need.

Keep posting we are all here to support and listen.

Stay strong and wishing you peace.

Trina
Posted 10/29/2012 8:10 AM (GMT 0)
well I decided to start taking the pills.
Zoloft makes me really tired so I've been taking them at nighttime.

Things have not been going so well in the family.
There's definitely tension. (like when the time my dad found out he had a tumor)
My mom is still in denial. It makes me feel like I've failed to grow up normally like the rest of my siblings.

How did you guys deal with your family issues relating to depression?

I'm also failing all my classes. Going to drop this semester. I just need a break from school.
Did anyone take a semester off? Any advice?

failing school. failing family. failing life.
I honestly don't know what to do..
Posted 10/29/2012 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Giraffe,

I've been where you are. I had tried a lot of things to avoid taking antidepressants. I was first diagnosed with depression when I was 11 years old.

I went thru years of therapy. I went through years of self medicating. I went through most of my life being miserable. Finally, when I was in my late 30s I gave in and tried an antidepressant. It was a miracle for me.

It saved my life. My quality of life has improved immensely. I have a chemical imbalance and nothing but antidepressants has worked for me. Now I feel like life isn't so bad.

I think of it this way. I take medicine for my diabetes, why would I not take it for my depression.
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