Anyone see a shrink for dealing with mental issues?

there is one in every family (I believe), who knows everything about everything even though they know nothing about the subject, and will not take the time to properly research.

A family member who I rarely hear from dropped I'm for a visit. They insisted I go for counseling to deal with my depression.

I do know that good mental health is essential in any healing, however, in some ways, I feel as though lyme (or anything that infiltrates the brain) is a bit of a different matter.

As the brain detoxes, will one return to their earlier state?

I tried to point this out, but her way of thinking is that with your mind trained toward the positive, you will reach your goal of wellness.

I'm not agreeing or disagreeing on this subject, and I going to seek counseling.

Just wondering if any of you have experience with seeking​ out a mental health practitioner.

I grew up in a positive family situation, surrounded by positive literature, why should I count this? Must be my depression 😔

Me too. I totally understand. I never in my life needed an antidepressant until the ticks got a hold of me.

It's all I ever heard from Dr's when I was trying to find out what was wrong will me, that I was depressed and needed to treat for it. I even had my first Dr. where I lived sneak in amitriptiline (s) under the generic name of "Elavil", telling me it would help me sleep, which was the "cause" of Fibromyalgia. Which of course I didn't have.

3 years on that before I got tired of being woke up by seizures in my legs, and acting like a falling down drunk when I tried to walk. I talked to the druggist and he said it was building up in me and to cut down. I did, and then weaned right off of it. It wasn't until I got my medical records I saw it was for my "depression".

And I have also been talked into taking those little pink pills (mind just went blank). Did those for 2 spells for a total of 5 years.

I have residual nerve damage from at least one of those.

All those years I tried to tell them I wouldn't be depressed if they believed what I was telling them about my symptoms.

What has already been posted, it is a depressing state to be in, have our life's activities taken away from us, feeling like crap all of the time.

Thing is, there is a difference between being depressed over these things, and being put into what I call a chemical depression because of hormones robbed from you because of what the factors in the illness do to you.

As you know I have a very sick horse. Most of the time she looks happy in spite of everything, but she has her days where she absolutely looks depressed. Animals can get that 'look', or expression.

I don't think anti-depressants are the answer for her. But for you, it's something you have to 'suss out in your heart, because no one, not even your family, can really know what's going on.

I discovered I have unused packs of anti-depressents from years ago in my medicine cabinet.

Maybe try what PeteZa suggested, but be strong and don't let someone that doesn't understand Lyme tell you what you have to do.

(((hugs)))

I see a therapist regularly. I don't take any medications for depression, but I do think just having a place to vent and talk is very helpful. My insurance covers it as well, so bonus points for screwing them a little by costing them as much money as I possibly can.

Post Edited (mm57553) : 3/25/2017 4:02:27 PM (GMT-6)

Finding a Lyme support group is a great idea, goshawk - you are spot on! (I went to one and it helped a lot - it was a shame I couldn't go more as I had to return home to Greece and it was in the UK where I started treatment). It might be worth looking to see if there is one in your area??

Well maybe you could make contact with the group somehow and you never know one of them might be able to help you out with a ride once in a while so you could go.

That would be really nice. Take care, Jo

Dr Horowitz in his old book explained that dealing with trauma can help make recovery faster. He mentions emdr, eft, and other things. Some patients rely on psych meds temporarily while in treatment and that's ok too sometimes you need that support. But remember with remission all depression anxiety etc will go away. These are brain infections. Follow your instincts

Post Edited (jennydancingfish) : 3/25/2017 5:09:11 PM (GMT-6)

Thank you all for reinforcing what I already know. No one gets "it" like someone going through​ it AND those who are close enough or concerned enough to understand and care. XOXOXO

I think therapy is a good thing, assuming there is a level of trust and comfort with the therapist. I've always fought my battles with depression and anxiety but it took a SERIOUS turn suddenly, around the time I suspect being infected with Lyme. My general physician asked me to start therapy and suggested I see a psychiatrist. I did both. We tried a few different meds and settled on Zoloft, which seems to be working great for me. As for the therapy, I could probably take it or leave it at this point, but I have to continue it to stay on the meds, so I will. I pray that things will return to normal if I get rid of whatever bacteria this is tearing me up. Anyways, I'm a social worker so I have to say this, but there's no shame in therapy or medication! Even if it's just temporary. It works for me and there's nothing wrong with seeing if it could work for you too.

I saw one but stopped going after a couple meetings..turned me off when she kept calling it "Lymes" disease

Yes, most families have an ignorant know-it-all. Usually when they say "counseling" what they mean is "drug stupor". Having someone to talk to who is knowledgeable can be helpful. Reassurance that yes, you have a pathogenic disease. No, you do not have a congenital brain disorder. While the symptoms may be the same, the therapy and results are different. You can recover. There is no time line and the therapy must be individualized, but there can be recovery. Depression is an unfortunate part of it. Hang tough. Talk to someone, yes. That family member - no.

5-HTP is another option. a precursor to serotonin.

Keep in mind a depression can be due to low serotonin or low dopamine.

I've tried Mucuna, which provides L-dopa.

You can try either, and see which one helps. The 5-HTP wasn't a big boost for me, but it help me out and leveled me emotionally. Mucuna will make you alert, but not buzzy or wired.