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highs and lows?

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Depression
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Posted 3/7/2014 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, this marks the first time I've ever posted on this forum. Ever since university, I've had prolonged periods of what seems like depression that are sometimes followed by periods of euphoria. I've been trying for years to receive some kind of diagnosis but all I ever hear is, "It could be this. It could be that." My doctor prescribed cipralex which took three months to start working, but eventually i started feeling better and have remained on it. Felt better for about two years but my mood started dipping again in the fall.

Do other people who suffer from depression have these long periods where they seem euphoric and chatty again? How do your friends react to these two sides of you? Are highs and lows a part of regular depression? Am I going to deal with this problem my whole life?

I've tried it all: antidepressants, increased exercise, healthy eating, therapy. But I keep coming back to this depressed state, where I feel flat and all i want to do is be by myself. And I hate myself for it. I know its all in my head but that knowledge doesn't help. It effects how i do my job (a teacher, who is really disengaged right now), and some life long friends have started disappearing because they are tired of the cycle of my moods.

I don't know what I'm asking. Just wondering if having an actual diagnosis has helped you move forward. And if anyone can say that after their diagnosis they have been able to successfully manage their moods.
Posted 3/7/2014 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi cmm,

Welcome to the depression forum. How high do you get with the highs? You sound like you could be slightly bipolar. We have an awesome bipolar forum too if you want to read there and see if anything relates to you. Though you are so welcome here too. We have a few people here that are bipolar. I am not saying you are, but it sounds like you might be.

Have you talked to a psychiatrist? That would be a good way to get a diagnosis. They are trained to be able to tell what is going on in our minds.

I will be on medication the rest of my life. It is not what I want, but it is what it is. We get use to the idea of that. Though we aren't happy about it. So try to take life just one day at a time, and not think about it.

I hope that you find what works for you soon. It kind of stinks not knowing what we are up against. I am very moody when not on medication. I take pristiq, but I take abilify too. It is for bipolar, though I have never been diagnosed with that. It is also a mood stabilizer and makes the pristiq work better. Maybe that is something you should think about trying. It is expensive, but is going generic this year.

I hope that you feel better soon. Keep posting, as it does help to get things off of your chest. We all understand what you are going through, and we are here to support you.

Hugs, Karen...

PS Keep up with the exercising and healthy eating. Also with the therapy. They are all good things to practice.
Posted 3/8/2014 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
i have rapid cycling bi-polar and until i was re-diagnosed i was being incorrectly treated. i agree that consulting with a psychiatrist is the best way forward for you. things ay seem bleak but it will get better. keep strong, we are here for you. i am sending you many healing thoughts your way. welcome to the forum.
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