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Depression - What's Normal?

Posted , 6 users are following.

gen07717
gen07717

I have suffered with depression for the last 8 months.

I take Mirtazapine, 30mg for 10 weeks, Venłafaxine, 225mg for 4 weeks and Quetiapine, 100mg for 2 weeks.  This is my first bout of major depression and I'd really appreciate advice from anyone who has been through this and has come or is coming out the other side.

Over the last couple of weeks I have felt very slightly better.  Mornings remain my worse time, I sometimes wake with anxiety, this can pass after I'm up and about but doesn't always.  My mood is still very low in the mornings but not as deeply low as it has been.  Last week I had good afternoons and evenings but this weekend I seem worse again.

Is this normal?  Is it a sign of getting better or just the normal ups and downs of depression?  When you do start to recover what happens? I know it depends on lots of different things and that everyone is different but as I haven't been through this before I'd be really grateful for your thoughts or views.

Thank you very much

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Aspinan
    Aspinan gen07717

    Posted

    Hi, I've. Been through it 4 times, this latest bout has been brutal but everything you've said in your post resonates with me and is normal for depression.

    The road to recovery is bumpy but once it's got a foot hold the trend will be up and stay that way.

    i feel like it goes through levels;

    - downward trend followed by levelling off

    - period of not getting worse or better

    - bouncing with ups and downs 

    - feeling better for short periods concentration starts to improve and you start to switch off from your depression

    - NOTICE your feeling better and trend is upwards although can be wobbly but upwards

    - You start to look back at how you were more but your optimism is back

    Thats my experience of it, don't you worry sounds like your on the mend and perhaps ready to make that upwards trend! Hope so... N 

    • gen07717
      gen07717 Aspinan

      Posted

      Thank you for your kind response.  Did you find that your mood could change from mildly positive to negative within a very short space of time, even hourly?  Genevieve 
  • julie74890
    julie74890 gen07717

    Posted

    Hi gen it is normal to have ups and downs I have surfered with anxiety and depression for a few years now Are you still on meds I am on 5mgs citlopram and I keep a diary as well .
    • gen07717
      gen07717 julie74890

      Posted

      Hi Julie, that's a low dose so you're doing well.  Yes, I'm on 3 different meds, see my list above!

      Do you find/have you found that your mood can change as frequently as hourly? 

    • julie74890
      julie74890 gen07717

      Posted

      Hi gen yeah my mood changes but it depends how I am feeling that day if I am keeping myself busy I seem ok but if I am just sitting my mind starts to wonder but I have been keeping a diary of how I am feeling that and also what I have eaten it also depends if I have had a lot of sugar xx
    • julie74890
      julie74890 gen07717

      Posted

      Hi gen have you seen your gp lately you might need to change your meds I would see the gp if this is happening on a hourly bases xxx
  • Desperate_now
    Desperate_now gen07717

    Posted

    Hi, gene I'm not a mental health specialist but you seem to be on a very high dose of antidepressants.  Are you under the care of your GP or do you have input from psychiatric service.

    i have suffered with depression on and off for a number of years. I have been on medication since 2008 but no where near the amount you are on. I can be up and down my mood is always been worse in a morning but some improvement in evening. Yes it is normal. Hopefully this is a sign of you getting better, but certainly don't rush to reduce anything take advice from the medical profession.

    i wish you well cause it is a horrible place to be in.

    • gen07717
      gen07717 Desperate_now

      Posted

      Hi Diane, thanks for your message.  Yes I'm conscious of being on high doses and it does frighten me, especially as they're not doing a lot to help but I am under the watchful eye of a psychiatrist.

      I'm sorry you've suffered for a long time, it's a dreadful illness.  

       

  • lawren26693
    lawren26693 gen07717

    Posted

    When you feel depressed, what are you thinking. Oftentimes, our thoughts can provoke depression.  Get up earlier and get out in the sun. If you are not able to do this, try getting a light box or full spectrum light.  I know this sounds weird but oftentimes, the sunlight does affect our mood and if you are living in a state where the sun does not shine often, having a light box can help.  You only need to sit about 30 minutes a day; depending how quickly the affects of the light box.

    Also try to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes a day five days a week and eat a little healthier.  All of these can help in addition to the medications you may be taking for your depression.

    Hope this helps...

    • gen07717
      gen07717 lawren26693

      Posted

      Thank you Lawren.  

      My negative thoughts are always about the depression, how it makes me feel and how scared I am that I won't get better, especially as I'm on high doses of medication but not getting better.

      Thank you for the tips and for taking the time to reply x

  • simonlebon
    simonlebon gen07717

    Posted

    Just curious how you turned out on this? Did you end up recovering?  I'm on Lexapro and seroquel. Just curious. I am experiencing these ups and downs as well and from what I'm told it's common.  Thanks and hope you are doing well!
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