# 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:** 17
**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, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/321 "2013-04-08T18:38:15Z")
> [@perfectparanoia](#): > > 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… I was on Seroquel, recently. I don’t want to jinx you, or anything, but I took it for two weeks and the extreme daytime sleepiness didn’t improve at all in that time frame(I did sleep great, though!) However, somnolence has always been a major symptom of my depression, so that probably wasn’t the best choice of drug in my case, to begin with. I hope you do better with it- good luck! ---
**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, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/322 "2013-04-08T18:58:00Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > I was on Seroquel, recently. I don’t want to jinx you, or anything, but I took it for two weeks and the extreme daytime sleepiness didn’t improve at all in that time frame(I did sleep great, though!) However, somnolence has always been a major symptom of my depression, so that probably wasn’t the best choice of drug in my case, to begin with. I hope you do better with it- good luck! So, I may have to choose between sleepy but feeling good or hyper-awake but feeling crappy? Shoot! ---
**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, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/323 "2013-04-08T19:29:15Z")
> [@perfectparanoia](#): > > So, I may have to choose between sleepy but feeling good or hyper-awake but feeling crappy? > > Shoot! Well… how much coffee are you willing to drink? 😛 Is your problem with falling sleep, or staying asleep? I have a hard time falling asleep(racing thoughts, recounting my day endlessly, worrying, etc.). I’m on a prescription antihistamine(hydroxyzine), that helps with anxiety and obsessive thoughts, in addition to just plain old making you sleepy. If the primary reason for him prescribing the Seroquel is to help you sleep, and not the antipsychotic aspect, I say give it a week or 10 days, and if you’re still falling asleep during the day, ask if you can try something else. Obviously I’m not a doctor, yadda yadda- just someone who’s tried a gazillion medications. ETA: Actually, since you ARE feeling better on it, first maybe just try taking it earlier in the evening, so the sleepiness fades sooner the following day. Or maybe a smaller dose is in order. ---
**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, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/324 "2013-04-08T19:39:30Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > **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! Thanks. > [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > 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. **Malleus, Incus, Stapes!** started [a great thread on prosopagnosia](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=542932) a while ago. In it, I describe what it’s like: > [@"Ask The...":Prosopagnosia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-prosopagnosia/520375/23): > > The general effect is something like being surrounded by an eternal costume ball. Everyone’s identity is obscured by a mask of varying opacity, and only the people I’ve known well have transparent masks that I can see through and see who they are. But that developer at work I met twice is a masked figure saying hi in the hall. And if the light reflects oddly off the mask of someone I’ve known for twenty years, I can’t see them either. ---
**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, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/325 "2013-04-08T19:53:50Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > ETA: Actually, since you ARE feeling better on it, first maybe just try taking it earlier in the evening, so the sleepiness fades sooner the following day. Or maybe a smaller dose is in order. That was my thinking also so I took it with dinner last night. It’s _just_ fading out now. It seems to be it’s most potent an hour after and fades out. I will keep playing until I get the best. (Though from everything I read the effects will change in a week or so.) ---
**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, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/326 "2013-04-08T20:28:08Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > Thanks. > > **Malleus, Incus, Stapes!** started [a great thread on prosopagnosia](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=542932) a while ago. In it, I describe what it’s like: Thanks for the link- that was really interesting to me. ---
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2013, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/327 "2013-04-09T07:32:50Z")
> [@perfectparanoia](#): > > 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… Different people react differently - which is pretty much std operating procedure for most drugs but seems to be especially true for this one. In particular, many people find a low dose sedating but not a higher one. I’ve known people on doses in the 500mg+ range who had no problem with it at all. ---
**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 9, 2013, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/328 "2013-04-09T09:46:47Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > 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_~~ ** Hooray for amazing Dopers! 😉 I’ve had material help from forum friends from time to time, and it is a touching and humbling experience. It’s nice to have a village when one is really needed. I’m so glad you’ll be able to get by in spite of your workplace’s cockup. First day at the new job yesterday, and I was absolutely floored with exhaustion and overwhelm by the end. I feel a little bit out of my depth because the similar job I had before was in a much less professional organization, so I’m not as familiar with “common” policies and procedures as they expect me to be, but I was honest about that with the woman who inducted me yesterday, and she gave me some tips for getting up to speed. I’m sure it’ll work out, but the first few weeks is going to be a rough adjustment. With luck, we’ll have the car sorted by the end of the week so I’ll no longer be spending cash that should be going toward bills on a 3-hour public transport round trip. Today I have an appointment with the pshrync who was looking into letting me take Wellbutrin, I hope it’s good news. ---
**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 10, 2013, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/329 "2013-04-10T03:49:48Z")
> [@Dunkelheit](#): > > Today I have an appointment with the pshrync who was looking into letting me take Wellbutrin, I hope it’s good news. How’d it go? I slept alllllll day. And still no fucking paycheck. I was excited when I got what _looked_ like a check in today’s mail. It was actually a letter telling me in no uncertain terms, that if I do not report back to work on the agreed-upon return date, I will be terminated that day. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/330 "2013-04-10T05:52:21Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > **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. I’m another member of the face blind…I was born only able to see light and colour and no definition or depth perception and adapted so well no one realized until my 2nd year of school, by then recognition had been firmly ground in my head as being done by recognizing voice, scent and how people made the air shift around them. Just never have caught on to faces ---
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/331 "2013-04-10T06:05:23Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > How’d it go? > > I slept alllllll day. And still no fucking paycheck. I was excited when I got what _looked_ like a check in today’s mail. It was actually a letter telling me in no uncertain terms, that if I do not report back to work on the agreed-upon return date, I will be terminated that day. > > :rolleyes: something tells me whoever sent that letter needs a visit from the 'Rhoid fairy. ---
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/332 "2013-04-10T06:14:05Z")
> [@phouka](#): > > 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. where I’m near alopecia because of the thyroid. our bodies do such wie’normakrd things and such a varaity of ways Ive a hard time with anyone laying claim to ‘normal’ I don’t thimk there is such a critter:dubious: ---
**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 10, 2013, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/333 "2013-04-10T06:42:25Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > How’d it go? I got it! Well, not it yet, but permission to take it, with frequent followups and blood tests (fun fun). Of course it wasn’t stocked at the local pharmacy, but with any luck they’ll have it this afternoon and either **Paulparkhead** or I can pick it up so I can start taking it tomorrow. > [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > I slept alllllll day. And still no fucking paycheck. I was excited when I got what _looked_ like a check in today’s mail. It was actually a letter telling me in no uncertain terms, that if I do not report back to work on the agreed-upon return date, I will be terminated that day. > > :rolleyes: :eek::mad:☹ Nice employer you’ve got there. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/334 "2013-04-10T15:14:46Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > How’d it go? > > I slept alllllll day. And still no fucking paycheck. I was excited when I got what _looked_ like a check in today’s mail. It was actually a letter telling me in no uncertain terms, that if I do not report back to work on the agreed-upon return date, I will be terminated that day. > > :rolleyes: Off hand, I’d say if they fired you for not working when they don’t pay you, you probably have a good case for collecting unemployment. ---
**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 10, 2013, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/335 "2013-04-10T15:35:00Z")
> [@phouka](#): > > Off hand, I’d say if they fired you for not working when they don’t pay you, you probably have a good case for collecting unemployment. I spoke to the head of payroll this morning. Her assistant “forgot” to cut the check. I have eleven bucks in the bank. If I do not get this money before my back-to-work date, you can be absolutely sure I’m going to “forget” to go back in. Job be damned. It’s like they saw that I’m out for mental health reasons and decided to play a nice game of “stress out the crazy lady”. New topic, since this one’s bad for my blood pressure: Has anyone here taken Adderall? Did it affect your short-term memory at all? I keep forgetting words(that “it’s on the tip of my tongue” feeling), or I’ll want to Google something, but when I get to Google I’ve forgotten what it was. Or I’m watching a TV show, and a commercial comes on, and I can’t remember what it is I’m even watching. I’m afraid I’m going senile! Oh, just noticed- **Dunkelheit** - yay for the Wellbutrin! But boo to all the rigamarole involved in getting it. ---
**Author:** ![Becky2844](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/336 "2013-04-10T15:44:48Z")
Glitch in the proceedings about the house. I’m trying to stay calm but not doing very well with no meds. That might get changed before too long—saw the doc and he set me on a course of action that might result in treatment again. (Yay) Seems like a lot of us are taking two steps forward and one step back. But I guess as long as we’re trying, progress is progress no matter how long it takes. The kitchen is getting a good nervous cleaning today. At least I’m out of bed. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/337 "2013-04-10T16:35:07Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > I slept alllllll day. And still no fucking paycheck. I was excited when I got what _looked_ like a check in today’s mail. It was actually a letter telling me in no uncertain terms, that if I do not report back to work on the agreed-upon return date, I will be terminated that day. Oh, FFS. What is \*wrong \*with these people? Congrats on getting your hands on Wellbutrin, **Dunkelheit**. I hope it works for you. I’ve decided to try harder and exercise a little every day. I know it’s supposed to be good for depression and it’s obviously a good thing for the body, but the motivation has been seriously lacking. I finally decided I was mad at my body for not serving its basic biological functions, so fuck this shit. If I can’t get big and pregnant, I’m going to be skinny and HOT. Take that, muffin top. You’re going DOWN. FWIW, **Sunspace** , I think you’re amazingly brave to be back at school. I’d be terrified, more by the daily social aspect of it than the courses, and I’d probably just shut down and not talk to anyone. You’re meeting people, which is great, and even if they’re not “date” material, you’re expanding your circle of friends and acquaintances. And that’s got to be a good thing. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/338 "2013-04-10T16:35:43Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > I spoke to the head of payroll this morning. Her assistant “forgot” to cut the check. > > I have eleven bucks in the bank. If I do not get this money before my back-to-work date, you can be absolutely sure I’m going to “forget” to go back in. Job be damned. > > It’s like they saw that I’m out for mental health reasons and decided to play a nice game of “stress out the crazy lady”. > > New topic, since this one’s bad for my blood pressure: Has anyone here taken Adderall? Did it affect your short-term memory at all? I keep forgetting words(that “it’s on the tip of my tongue” feeling), or I’ll want to Google something, but when I get to Google I’ve forgotten what it was. Or I’m watching a TV show, and a commercial comes on, and I can’t remember what it is I’m even watching. I’m afraid I’m going senile! > > Oh, just noticed- **Dunkelheit** - yay for the Wellbutrin! But boo to all the rigamarole involved in getting it. I’ve been on Adderall for (counts on fingers) six years now, and my short term memory has really only been in the crapper for the last year. It’s not as bad when I’m at home, but it really shows at work. Pisses me off, too, because more than a couple of my coworkers think I’m a flake. This doesn’t help. _Depression_, on the other hand, is murder on short term memory. There’s pretty extensive evidence that during a bout of depression, the hippocampus (center of memory, thank you) shrinks. In some people, it shrinks a lot. This, combined with lower activity levels in the frontal lobes and neocortex, means that the link between long term memory and short term memory is kaput. It’s more difficult to form memories. It’s more difficult to recall them. It’s more difficult to move short term memories to long term memory storage. So, I cope by writing down stuff - just the act of writing stimulates memory. At one point, I had such a hard time concentrating and remember, I was writing lists for everything and posting them where I could see them. I may start doing that again, as it was very helpful. As a teacher, I know that the more senses involved in learning something, the more likely that something will stick permanently. So, see it, say it, pantomime it, spritz a scent you associate with it, chew one flavor of gum . . . whatever you can do to provide sensory associations to aid with recall. The other thing is, more and more research shows that aerobic exercise helps combat depression - as in, as much or more than prescription medication. ---
**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 10, 2013, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/339 "2013-04-10T17:17:47Z")
> [@Becky2844](#): > > Seems like a lot of us are taking two steps forward and one step back. But I guess as long as we’re trying, progress is progress no matter how long it takes. Absolutely. > [@Antigen](#): > > Oh, FFS. What is \*wrong \*with these people? Typical corporate disregard for workers they see as easily replaceable. [QUOTE=Antigen] If I can’t get big and pregnant, I’m going to be skinny and HOT. Take that, muffin top. You’re going DOWN. [/QUOTE] I’ve never said this before in my life, but “You GO, girl!” 🆒 > [@phouka](#): > > …_Depression_, on the other hand, is murder on short term memory. There’s pretty extensive evidence that during a bout of depression, the hippocampus (center of memory, thank you) shrinks. In some people, it shrinks a lot. This, combined with lower activity levels in the frontal lobes and neocortex, means that the link between long term memory and short term memory is kaput. It’s more difficult to form memories. It’s more difficult to recall them. It’s more difficult to move short term memories to long term memory storage. Huh. _That_ is certainly interesting. And disheartening, and kind of scary. ---
**Author:** ![Foggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foggy/32/1082_2.png) [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/340 "2013-04-10T17:31:23Z")
I’m depressed, well OK I’m always depressed, but somehow I feel more depress or sad and I have no fucking clue why. Shouldn’t there be a trigger? Of course this isn’t the first time I’ve felt this way. On top of that, I forgot to pay the rent. I need to write the check and take it downstairs before 4pm today. That gives me 5 hours, I should just make it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187.md?page=18)