# SDMB Ongoing Depression Support Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 17, 2013, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187 "2013-03-17T18:12:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 16
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/301 "2013-04-04T03:43:14Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > THIS. > > Yes, some people who tell you this do have depression, and truly understand and can relate. But a lot of people do not understand/believe that there is a difference between being down in the dumps and having an actual mental/medical condition. > > It’s the same with migraines. I get them. I know what they are. And I want to hit people who walk around at work, complaining about their “horrible migraine”, when really they just have a fucking HEADACHE! > > Ignorance like that certainly contributes to some people’s attitudes that those of us who are actually suffering are just whiners, malingerers, or attention-seekers. We should just “suck it up and deal with it”. You know, just like _they_ did, when they were sad that one time. > > Jeez- I’m awfully grumpy today. migraines are when the windows are covered, the lightbulbs unscrewed, you have sunglasses on and earplugs in and you are on a sleeping bag next to the toliet because you can’t stop puking…not wandering around the office bumming advil. ---
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/302 "2013-04-04T03:46:33Z")
> [@Dunkelheit](#): > > **Perfectparanoia** , my experience with psychiatrists is that they’re great for dispensing medicine, but not as great at counseling as a psychotherapist. Mileage varies, of course. > > In other news, I have a job! I start Monday. > > I’m absolutely terrified. congrats! as for the good news/bad news cha-cha, damnit, doesn’t always seem to be? why can’t there just be something good without the tornado around it? I’ll be hoping it all balances well in the end ---
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/303 "2013-04-04T03:52:05Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > I don’t really have any information for you, other than to say, when my best friend was pregnant, she said her doctor would only prescribe fluoxetine(Prozac) for her depression, as well. Possibly it has to do with Prozac being older than Wellbutrin, so more clinical studies have been done regarding its effects on pregnancy and fetal development, so they’re sticking with what they know? there is also the factor that many drs accept bonuses and perks from the drug companies for pushing specific meds and getting people to switch meds…look at the neurontin class action lawsuit. I would suggest talking to a pharmacist. Its their job to know these drugs inside out, **stay updated** (which drs do not do) and they don’t get perks because they have no say. ---
**Author:** ![Ms.Pumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@Ms.Pumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms.Pumpkin)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/304 "2013-04-04T03:57:48Z")
> [@sidhechaos](#): > > migraines are when the windows are covered, the lightbulbs unscrewed, you have sunglasses on and earplugs in and you are on a sleeping bag next to the toliet because you can’t stop puking…not wandering around the office bumming advil. THANK YOU! I’ll add, while balancing a bag of ice on my face, trying to be as still as possible, and thinking I may very well be dying(and hoping it happens as soon as possible). Haven’t had one in awhile, knock-on-wood. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/305 "2013-04-04T10:51:52Z")
> [@sidhechaos](#): > > I would suggest talking to a pharmacist. Its their job to know these drugs inside out, **stay updated** (which drs do not do) and they don’t get perks because they have no say. That’s not a bad idea, thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Dunkelheit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dunkelheit/32/248_2.png) [@Dunkelheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunkelheit)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/306 "2013-04-04T10:53:08Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > You’ve used the phrase “off-license” a few times- what does that mean? I hate not knowing things! Wellbutrin is not licensed for use as an antidepressant in the UK. It is available as Zyban for one-time use in quitting smoking, but can’t be prescribed for long-term use or for any other purpose. So, in order to use it as an antidepressant, I’d have to be prescribed it “off license” (or “licence”, I think is how they spell it here), which probably means that if something went horribly wrong because of it, the manufacturer wouldn’t be liable. The pshrync was really reluctant to even pursue the possibility, but it’s really the only anti-d that’s worked for me without horrible side effects. She told me during our single meeting that medication wasn’t the solution to my depression, that I had to address the underlying causes, but she didn’t actually make any suggestions as to how to do that\*. So, at least if the meds take the edge off the anxiety and depression, I might at least be more functional and able to be a decent wife, employee and citizen, er, I mean resident. \*the only suggestion she made was that I might be happier if I lived in the country again instead of the city. Thanks, genius. I never would have figured that one out. :rolleyes: Unfortunately not an option at this point, though once we’ve both got jobs and at least one car our options for changing our living situation might improve, eventually. **phouka** , I thought it was the other way around, that it was prescribed as an antidepressant and people noticed that they stopped smoking while on it. **sidhechaos** , thanks for the term “good news/bad news cha-cha”, I’m going to have to steal that. 😉 And thanks to everyone for the congratulations and good wishes. I do have a good feeling about this job, as it directly ties in to my previous experience and I know I’ll be able to do it reasonably well. Plus, if I’m as good at securing funding as I used to be, I’ll probably be able to get it extended past the initial two-year contract. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/307 "2013-04-04T13:19:25Z")
> [@Dunkelheit](#): > > **phouka** , I thought it was the other way around, that it was prescribed as an antidepressant and people noticed that they stopped smoking while on it. Oops, you’re totally right. I reversed it in my head. I do remember reading that Viagra was originally researched as a hypertension drug. Then the test subjects started reporting spontaneous recovery of erectile function. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/308 "2013-04-04T13:21:30Z")
> [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](#): > > This is my first time stopping by this thread because I was too busy when it first started and I didn’t have time to read it and keep up. > > I was originally diagnosed with clinical depression in something like 2004. Several years of treatment later we found out that depression was only one piece of the puzzle as I am, in fact, bipolar 2. > > I can’t particularly say that I’ve been having depression issues lately, but it’s problems with all of the other ‘stuff’ that can go along with it. Like today, for instance, it’s sitting on the couch crying because I’m overwhelmed with anxiety because of all of the things that I need to do in the next week and a half. Meanwhile I could have made a decent dent in those things if I’d just gotten off my rear and stopped feeling sorry for myself and started working. :smack: > > It’s a process of living and learning, I guess. Hey, stop beating yourself up. We all do the best we can do, right? Just don’t be afraid to reach out if you need a little support. And, just because you’re not experiencing the crushing weight or despair or self-hatred of depression doesn’t mean you’re symptom free. Anxiety is a big symptom all by itself. ---
**Author:** ![Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sticks_and_scones/32/16951_2.png) [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/309 "2013-04-04T14:34:22Z")
> [@Dunkelheit](#): > > She told me during our single meeting that medication wasn’t the solution to my depression, that I had to address the underlying causes, but she didn’t actually make any suggestions as to how to do that\*. To put it mildly, what an idiot. I’m sure I’m not the only person here who can attest to the fact that without medication I would not be here today. But for me, it’s not the whole solution. That includes therapy and help from wonderful friends who help to keep me heading in the right direction. And speaking of, thanks, **phoukaroo**. Today is like a vicious cycle. I’m so tired that I can’t study very well but when I try to nap I can’t sleep because I’m worried about not having studied. Nonetheless, I’m back at here again as soon as I post this. ---
**Author:** ![Dunkelheit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dunkelheit/32/248_2.png) [@Dunkelheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunkelheit)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/310 "2013-04-04T15:52:07Z")
> [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](#): > > To put it mildly, what an idiot. I’m sure I’m not the only person here who can attest to the fact that without medication I would not be here today. But for me, it’s not the whole solution. That includes therapy and help from wonderful friends who help to keep me heading in the right direction. And speaking of, thanks, **phoukaroo**. Exactly. If you (the pshrync) are going to emphasize that taking medication that helps me be more functional in general isn’t the whole solution, then at least offer some suggestions as to what else I might try, other than abandoning my husband and running home to mom’s farm. > [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](#): > > Today is like a vicious cycle. I’m so tired that I can’t study very well but when I try to nap I can’t sleep because I’m worried about not having studied. Nonetheless, I’m back at here again as soon as I post this. I get that “too anxious to sleep, too sleepy to function” cycle too. Sometimes I’ll just be drifting off when a sudden thought about what I should be doing, or even some circumstance I have no control over, will make me jerk awake in a panic with my heart trying to escape through my throat. Not conducive to restorative sleep. I use Valerian to try and counter that sometimes, and it does make my sleep more restful, but you have to be careful with that stuff. Long-term use can contribute to depression. ---
**Author:** ![Ms.Pumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@Ms.Pumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms.Pumpkin)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2013, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/311 "2013-04-07T21:05:04Z")
So, I didn’t get the missing paycheck Friday. Shocking. :rolleyes: This leaves me with two dollars and some change to my name. Can’t refill my medication, can’t even fucking EAT. Good thing I really don’t feel like it, anyway. My brother came over the other day. My next-door-neighbor saw him and actually stopped him to ask why I haven’t been working! I guess he keeps track of when my car is in my driveway? Jesus Christ- nosy, much?? Add to that a current pit thread where people in my line of work are being absolutely shat upon and referred to as whores, and worse(I KNOW I should ignore it and stay out of it, but I can’t help but feel personally insulted). So, yeah. I’m doing great! How 'bout you? ---
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/312 "2013-04-08T02:52:46Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > THANK YOU! I’ll add, while balancing a bag of ice on my face, trying to be as still as possible, and thinking I may very well be dying(and hoping it happens as soon as possible). Haven’t had one in awhile, knock-on-wood. I found that eating between 2 and 4 oz of dark chocolate every day and being on birth control pills year round (I skip the placebo week) has nearly eliminated mine. also knock-on-wood. ---
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/313 "2013-04-08T02:55:37Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > That’s not a bad idea, thanks! you’re welcome! Anytime I have the slightest question on meds I go talk to Dipti, if she is uncertain she is at least able to help me formulate ?'s for the dr ---
**Author:** ![Amblydoper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/fbc32d/32.png) [@Amblydoper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amblydoper)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/314 "2013-04-08T03:52:56Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > So, I didn’t get the missing paycheck Friday. Shocking. :rolleyes: This leaves me with two dollars and some change to my name. Can’t refill my medication, can’t even fucking EAT. Good thing I really don’t feel like it, anyway. ☹ I’d buy you lunch if I could. I just got in from my walk/jog. I am keeping up with the exercise, and it’s helping me feel better, but I still need a good kick in the butt to see a therapist/whatever. Baby steps? I’m counting it as a win, at least, incase anyone is keeping score. ---
**Author:** ![Dunkelheit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dunkelheit/32/248_2.png) [@Dunkelheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunkelheit)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/315 "2013-04-08T06:27:23Z")
{_{_{_{_{_{Ms Pumpkin}_}_}_}_}_} Can’t they even advance you the money that should have been on the cheque? That’s so irresponsible of them, I hope it gets sorted soon. And two fingers to your nosy neighbour, I hope your brother gave them an earful. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/316 "2013-04-08T13:16:46Z")
> [@sidhechaos](#): > > I found that eating between 2 and 4 oz of dark chocolate every day and being on birth control pills year round (I skip the placebo week) has nearly eliminated mine. also knock-on-wood. Really? It was the opposite for me. My doc put me on Yasmin, and that not only gave me my first (and hundredth) migraine, it also spun me off into my worst yet bout of depression. I moved to California and changed prescriptions to some other brand (can’t remember which), and my migraines increased in frequency until I had them two days of every three and couldn’t hold down a job. I saw doctors, I was going to a public clinic, I got my head scanned to make sure it wasn’t a tumor . . . Someone made a passing comment about the Pill and migraines, and out of desperation, I quit taking the Pill. _\>poof!\<_ Migraines stopped. This sucks in that the reason I’ve been on the Pill my entire adult life is because I have polycystic ovarian syndrome, and without regular hormonal supplement, I’ve sprouted enough hair to make the Wolfman say “_Damn, woman!_”. But, better hair than migraines. ---
**Author:** ![Ms.Pumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@Ms.Pumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms.Pumpkin)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/317 "2013-04-08T16:19:14Z")
> [@sidhechaos](#): > > I found that eating between 2 and 4 oz of dark chocolate every day and being on birth control pills year round (I skip the placebo week) has nearly eliminated mine. also knock-on-wood. Well, I haven’t had one in a long time, but I’ll take any excuse to eat chocolate! > [@Amblydoper](#): > > ☹ > I still need a good kick in the butt to see a therapist/whatever _Kicks **Amblydoper** in the butt_ DO IT!! 😃 > [@Dunkelheit](#): > > {_{_{_{_{_{Ms Pumpkin}_}_}_}_}_} > > Can’t they even advance you the money that should have been on the cheque? That’s so irresponsible of them, I hope it gets sorted soon. And two fingers to your nosy neighbour, I hope your brother gave them an earful. Ooh, sparkly hugs- thank you! That’s what they said they were doing(advancing me the $)! Left another message with the payroll dept. an hour ago. As for the neighbor, my brother just told him he had no idea what he(neighbor) was talking about. Now my good news: Due to a couple of **_amazing_ Dopers** , I will shortly have some cash for groceries and stuff! This floors me, really. It certainly wasn’t my intention to solicit anyone’s charity, but I’m also not in a position to turn down help, realistically. I am so touched that people are willing to help a complete stranger through a tough time, like that. I’m equally grateful for the supportive atmosphere of this thread. Jeez, I’m getting all teary, here… Oh, and I was able to borrow a few bucks from my brother to get my meds. So, yeah. I’m feeling much more positive today. Now I just need to get some stuff accomplished. That’s still a huge problem. ** ~~_Sharing today’s happy vibes with you all_~~ ** ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/318 "2013-04-08T17:18:10Z")
Yay! to **Ms. Pumpkin**! 🙂 I am still having troubles. I ought not to; I’m close to the end of term, I’ve been getting good marks (mostly), and I even received an inheritance two weeks ago. So why do I feel like I’m going down in flames, and worse, trying to pull myself down? I think part of it is the unexpected emotional difficulty of going back to school, at age 49… without an immediate family or support system.It would have been a lot different if I’d had a wife or girlfriend; as it is, I feel I stick out like a sore thumb, and I have almost NO chance at meeting women socially. I get along better with many of the teachers than I do with many of the students. I never had much of a chance at meeting women, actually; I haven’t the looks or social skills for that. Never had a wife or even a long-term girlfriend; only two four-month relationships in twenty-five years, and both of them broke up with me. (I recently read a biography of Sam Cooke; talk about a golden child! _He_ never had a problem socially… well, until he was killed, anyways…) I say almost no chance; yet somehow, against all odds, I actually met someone here at the college, another mature student. We get along amazingly well in some ways, yet she is uninterested in me beyond distant acquaintance. And there is no other chance. This is crushing; if there was someone else, I could at least get away from my first failure. But the loss of morale has caused my marks to plummet in the last month. I am now seriously wondering whether I am in the right place. I have appointments on Wednesday. Academic advisor, doctor, counselor. Sometime soon I am going to get tested for ADD, and I hope they can give me definitive word on the prosopagnosia, Asperger’s, and depression. _Something_ to get me out of these death spirals I get in to. And I haven’t heard from the French immersion program yet. I’m on a waiting list to be chosen or refused… I hate depression. ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/319 "2013-04-08T18:27:37Z")
So, went to the psychiatrist. As I expected, he’s starting by messing with my drugs (which is good since I am not sleeping). He started me on Quetiapine (Seroquel) on a low dose to help me sleep. While I am now getting the best sleep of my life (and I am mentally feeling really good), I am really drowsy all the time. I read up and apparently it will go away after a few days but WTH am I supposed to do until then. I haven’t yet fallen asleep at my desk but it’s pretty darn close… ---
**Author:** ![Ms.Pumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@Ms.Pumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms.Pumpkin)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2013, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/320 "2013-04-08T18:30:01Z")
**Sunspace** , I wish I had some helpful advice for you, but I have absolutely no experience with college(I know now that my mental health was a major factor in deciding not to further my own education), and I’m terrible at making friends, romantic or otherwise. Maybe you can seek out the woman you get along with, and try to become friends. Even if she’s not interested in you, she might be a “matchmaker” type with single girlfriends! Okay, it’s a long-shot, but it’s all I’ve got! I just googled “prosopagnosia”. Would you mind explaining a little more about it, as it relates to you? It seems like there are a lot of variables and levels of severity among its sufferers. If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. I’d just never heard of it until now and I’m curious about what it’s like. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187.md?page=15) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187.md?page=17)