I was diagnosed with depression about 2 years ago, while living overseas. Treatment was hard but after a year of medication and therapy I felt much better than I had in years. I went off my meds about 4 months ago (with no negative side effects) and stopped therapy (which, although I missed it, I saw very few negative consequences as a result).
Then, 6 weeks ago, I had to move back home. I'm not where I want to be, my career options here are greatly limited, i'm far away from my friends (especially hard, because i'm not sure I ever had real friends before treatment), and I'm back living with my parents as an adult. And, as a result, i'm pretty much miserable most of the time... with irrational angry outbursts thrown in. Nothing interests me any more, and I simply cannot imagine ever being as happy here.
I'm pretty sure my depression is back. I have an appointment with a new psychiatrist next week and i'm sure i'll be back on my meds soon enough. But part of me feels like this is just a normal response to such a big change in my circumstances. For a while there, and for the first time in my life, I had (or was working toward having) everything I wanted, but now that is all gone. I guess I feel like, the meds are going to artificially lift my mood but, in reality, I'll still never feel truly happy or hopeful like that again because I no longer have those things that helped me to see my life as worthwhile when I was going through treatment the first time.
So, I guess my question is whether it is even worth going on the medication again, or whether I should I instead just try to accept that this is how my life is now, and just learn to live with the (soul-crushing) disappointment? Aren't the meds just going to mask the reality of my situation, when what I really need to do is accept it?
Does this make any sense?
I would really consider going back on your meds especially if that's what the dr thinks you should do...I had to move in with my parents to cuz I've got chronic illnesses and couldn't take care of myself...that was 9 yrs ago and it's hard since all my family and friends are back home and I'm in a different state...if you beat the anxiety and depression before that is awesome ...it doesn't sound like you were using the meds as a crutch but an actual tool to help yourself...don't rule anything out yet
I would really consider going back on your meds especially if that's what the dr thinks you should do...I had to move in with my parents to cuz I've got chronic illnesses and couldn't take care of myself...that was 9 yrs ago and it's hard since all my family and friends are back home and I'm in a different state...if you beat the anxiety and depression before that is awesome ...it doesn't sound like you were using the meds as a crutch but an actual tool to help yourself...don't rule anything out yet
Mornin zoe. Im with lisa as in it sounds like meds may be the way forward. Try not to see them as something ull need forever but a helping hand. U sound like a clever person whose acheived a lot. Uve done it once u can do it again. See this as a glitch. Use the tym at ur folks positively wen ur feeling better have a think what u want for the future. U can acheive lots when positive! That might sound motivational speaker of me lol but its not meant to be. Just dont give up on what dreams u had before. Wishing u luck & once ur feeling better im sure u will see things more clearly & start your dreams no matter where u are living & kp in touch with good friends xx ive learnt quality over quantity !! Xxx
Zoe I say Lets gets some obtainable goals and start moving in the direction you want to go .You might look at Positive Morning meditations or music on you tube .Get up early and start to research what you can do to get you where you want to be . If you need to take medications but the minimal amount possible. Have you started exercising to raise endorphins. Have you tried any of the meditations on You Tube. I did those for pain controll on my 2 1/2 year journey through 3 joint replacements and a bunch of stuff including my husband having a triple heart bypass so it was not coming up roses over here either but things can look like crud and then get better.Just had my 3rd replacement and hopefully things will improve here but we made it through to live to tell the tale.Chin up,get directed,motivated and go for it.It may stink now but it will get better .
Find some local places to volunteer with gets you out of the house and helps
other people or animals. Might even find your new best friend. I am speaking
Of animals. They can provide a lot of comfort. Try and be more patient with
Others around you. Just a temporary bump in the road. Take care.
How true poss82. Animals are a wonderful healer. Xx
I volunteered at a vetenarian hospital . I was a seeing eye person for a blind huskie .She had cataracts and even back then they were working with eye surgery .for dogs .I really found my passion through volunteering . Agree about the volunteering .