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I just started with depression and anti depressants and I'm overwhelmed. I need advice.

Posted , 4 users are following.

john83415
john83415

Hi Guys, I'm new to all this. I've spent the last 59 years without any mental disorder and all of a sudden I've been hit with depression and anxiety. I was really hurting so my wife took me to see a psychiatrist who put me on 5 mg and then 10mg Escitalopram daily. I've been on this for 4 weeks now. Everyday was a torture then occasionally I would have a great day. I though I was finally beating it when the following day I would be down in the dumps again. Is this normal? Will it really get better after 6 - 8 weeks pass? Thanks in advance for replies.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • kris1214
    kris1214 john83415

    Posted

    This is very normal. I’m approaching month 3 and I still have an off day but way more good days. I’m also supplementing with magnesium which I think is really helping me more than the medication because it’s calming my system. I would check into that but make sure with your doctor first. 
    • john83415
      john83415 kris1214

      Posted

      Thanks Kris. I wouldn't mind an off day once in a while but for every good day there are a number of bad days and at least 1 hour throughout the day of thoughts of suicide. Days are going by so slow. I can't wait for night time so that I can go to bed, hopefully fall asleep and get some relief. I've been trying to keep busy with manual labor at my business but it's hard. I'm a mess.I'm so tired of all this suffering. 

    • Patient-Mod
      Patient-Mod john83415

      Posted

      Hi john83415

      We note from a recent post which you have made to our forum that you may be experiencing thoughts around self-harm. If we have misinterpreted your comments then we apologise for contacting you directly. But if you are having such thoughts then please note that you are not alone in this, and there are people out there that can help.

      If you are having these suicidal thoughts then we strongly recommend you speak to someone who may be able to help. The Samaritans offer a safe space where you can talk openly about what you are going through. They can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.

      Their contact details are on our patient information leaflet here: https://patient.info/health/dealing-with-suicidal-thoughts, which also offers lots of other advice on how you can access the help you may need.

      If you are having such thoughts then please do reach out to the team at the Samaritans (or the other people detailed in our leaflet) who will understand what you're going through and will be able to help.

      Kindest regards

      Patient

    • john83415
      john83415 Patient-Mod

      Posted

      Thank you very much Patient moderator. It's nice to know someone out there cares about a stranger like me. The suicidal thoughts were strongest a few days ago. They have subsided but in the short time I've been living with this depression, one thing I've learned is not to think they've gone away or that I'm now past those awful days. For ever step forward I'm taking 2 backwards, it seems like. Thanks

  • pam30642
    pam30642 john83415

    Posted

    Hi john,this is normal it takes about 6 weeks to help.I was on 10 mg for 4 weeks and still had some morning anxiety so my psych.increased to 15mg feeling better,I am also on a low dose of klonopin until lexapro is in full effect.I also started with anxiety and panic at 65 yrs. so this just started about 8 months ago and just started to see a psych about 2 months ago,also I see a therapist and he has helped a lot.Good Luck to you and let me know how you are doing.God Bless.
    • john83415
      john83415 pam30642

      Posted

      Thank you Pam. It really helps to know one is not alone and that those who are suffering, like me, are getting through it. Sometimes it feels like this will never end. To know there is a light at the end, is very promising and gives me hope. Thanks again.
    • pam30642
      pam30642 john83415

      Posted

      You are very welcome John,I know how you feel about thinking this will never end but it does and you will feel better.I hope you can find a therapist to help you as well as your doctor because they help you understand what is going on.It seems unreal but it does get better every week. God Bless.
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