# 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:** 18
**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, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/341 "2013-04-10T17:44:07Z")
> [@Foggy](#): > > 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? Not always. Brains are annoying, like that. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Have you told your doctor about your depression worsening? ---
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/342 "2013-04-10T18:38:24Z")
> [@Ms.Pumpkin](#): > > 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! I’m not sure this will make much sense or even that I have it right, but I think it will be interesting. I had this problem with Straterra (atomoxetine) however I didn’t realize it until recently when I stopped taking it. Now I normally do my homework on the meds I take but I’d been on it for so long it was just part of the “routine.” But when I stopped and everything seemed to improve, needless to say I got very, very suspicious. So, back to the pharmacology data and for that, I need to provide a little background. I think it’s important so I’ll try to do it as painlessly as possible. If you’ve ever been on psych meds you know about neurotransmitters, or at least it would probably be a good idea. If so, you know the big 3 involved in depression - dopamine, norepinepherine and serotonin. There are many, many others often referred as transmitter pathways. A really important one is the glutamatergic pathway mediated my glutamic acid (related to the amino acid L-glutamine). I think virtually every med used to treat Alzheimers for example targets one of the 2 known glutamatergic receptors - NMDA. They are mostly NMDA agonists - drugs that boost the activity of these receptors. What I found out about straterra was that it’s an [NMDA antagonist](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomoxetine#Pharmacology) - the \*\*opposite \*\*of what you give someone if you’re trying to help them remember WHO THE FUCK THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY’RE DOING. Since straterra is an ADHD med but NOT an amphetamine, I didn’t really make the connection right away, but then it occurred to me that maybe it was worth checking out. I think it was, but if so, it doesn’t seem to work quite the same way. Here’s what wikipedia says about amphetamines in general under the [‘mechanism of action’](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphetamine#Serotonin) section (in part - subsection is ‘serotonin’) > [@](#): > > The interaction between amphetamine and [serotonin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin) is apparent only in particular regions of the brain . . . Recent studies suggest that amphetamine may indirectly alter the behavior of [glutamatergic](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamatergic_system) pathways . . . by increasing inhibitory serotonin receptor activity on glutamatergic neurons.[[47]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphetamine#cite_note-JonesKauer-47) [Glutamatergic](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamatergic_system) pathways are strongly correlated with increased excitability at the level of the synapse. Increased extracellular concentrations of [serotonin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin) may thus modulate the excitatory activity of glutamatergic neurons.[[47]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphetamine#cite_note-JonesKauer-47) Now to try to translate that. What I THINK it’s trying to say is that unlike straterra which directly inhibits signaling at NMDA receptors, amphetamines tend to boost the inhibitory role of serotonin in neurons that tend to rely on glutamatergic signaling. I still feel pretty uneasy about that translation so take it for what it’s worth. But if I happen to be on the right track, what types of neurons are involved in glutamatergic pathways. Well, [funny you should ask](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamatergic_system#Neurotransmitter). > [@](#): > > Because of its role in [synaptic plasticity](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synaptic_plasticity), glutamate is involved in\*\* cognitive functions like [learning](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning) and [memory](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory) \*\*in the brain.[[10]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamatergic_system#cite_note-10) The form of plasticity known as [long-term potentiation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_potentiation) takes place at glutamatergic synapses in the [hippocampus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocampus), [neocortex](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neocortex), and other parts of the brain. ---
**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, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/343 "2013-04-10T19:07:30Z")
> [@deltasigma](#): > > …{ **SCIENCE** }… Wow- thanks! ---
**Author:** ![bodangus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c37758/32.png) [@bodangus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bodangus)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/344 "2013-04-11T00:28:22Z")
Well, I’ve read most of this thread and I find I can relate to much of this. I read what I did because I’m more and more concerned about mental state. I’ve never been adequately insured and always just above poverty levels, so I’ve not been diagnosed. With my current state of health insurance I wouldn’t even know where to start. What titled professionals would be able to diagnose me? What is my cheapest option? Good luck to all of you. This state of mind is truly a lonely place to be. ---
**Author:** ![bodangus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c37758/32.png) [@bodangus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bodangus)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/345 "2013-04-11T00:35:02Z")
subscription ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/346 "2013-04-11T00:44:19Z")
[My Friends](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kT5w27YxyI) Makes me think of you guys. ---
**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 11, 2013, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/347 "2013-04-11T01:21:02Z")
> [@bodangus](#): > > Well, I’ve read most of this thread and I find I can relate to much of this. I read what I did because I’m more and more concerned about mental state. > > I’ve never been adequately insured and always just above poverty levels, so I’ve not been diagnosed. With my current state of health insurance I wouldn’t even know where to start. What titled professionals would be able to diagnose me? What is my cheapest option? > > Good luck to all of you. This state of mind is truly a lonely place to be. Hi, there. Do you have any insurance at all? If you have a regular doctor, start with him/her. They can diagnose you. They can also refer you to a specialist, if necessary. If not, you could do a search for something like “mental health clinic” for your area. ---
**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 11, 2013, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/348 "2013-04-11T01:28:25Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > [My Friends](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kT5w27YxyI) > > Makes me think of you guys. I just time-warped back to my freshman year of H.S. for a minute. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2013, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/349 "2013-04-12T00:25:26Z")
So, _The New York Times_ ran an [article](http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/10/how-exercise-may-boost-the-brain/?ref=health) about how different types of exercise help the brain in different ways. Quick recap: - mild cognitive impairment is correlated with a significant increase in the risk for Alzheimer’s. - walking (ie aerobic exercise) didn’t just slow loss of verbal and spatial memory, it _improved_ them. - weight training (ie anaerobic exercise) did the same for spatial memory but not verbal. - rats on a running program had higher levels of Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor, known to help brain cells grow. - rats on a weight training program had higher levels of Insulinlike Growth Factor which has a similar function as BDNF but goes about it different ways. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2013, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/350 "2013-04-12T10:36:51Z")
> [@phouka](#): > > So, _The New York Times_ ran an [article](http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/10/how-exercise-may-boost-the-brain/?ref=health) about how different types of exercise help the brain in different ways. > > Quick recap: > > - mild cognitive impairment is correlated with a significant increase in the risk for Alzheimer’s. This is one of the things that terrifies me about my depression. My mother had early-onset Alzheimer’s and died of it when she was 59. I do not want to end up like she did. I will seriously commit suicide if I’m diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just to keep from putting my family through that again. If depression damages the brain as much as they say…:eek:☹ Well, at least it’s motivation to keep up my exercise regimen. Motorvation, as a friend of mine puts it. 🙂 ---
**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 12, 2013, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/351 "2013-04-12T11:31:28Z")
> [@SpazCat](#): > > I will seriously commit suicide if I’m diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just to keep from putting my family through that again. If depression damages the brain as much as they say…:eek:☹ You’re not the only one who feels this way. --Great-granddaughter and grandaughter of Alzheimer’s patients. ---
**Author:** ![Becky2844](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2013, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/352 "2013-04-12T14:22:05Z")
> [@SpazCat](#): > > This is one of the things that terrifies me about my depression. My mother had early-onset Alzheimer’s and died of it when she was 59. I do not want to end up like she did. I will seriously commit suicide if I’m diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just to keep from putting my family through that again. If depression damages the brain as much as they say…:eek:☹ > > Well, at least it’s motivation to keep up my exercise regimen. Motorvation, as a friend of mine puts it. 🙂 I like that—“motorvation.” Maybe our theme song should be Born to be Wild (getcher motor runnin’…) ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2013, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/353 "2013-04-12T15:29:06Z")
My father has mixed dementia - Alzheimers and vascular. My maternal grandfather had Alzheimers, though late onset. My mom has some (to me) very mild cognitive impairment which can be easily explained by chronic sleep deprivation and stress. She’s told me up front, though, that if her health deteriorates to a certain point, or she has the expectation that it will, she’s going to settle her affairs, and then take an overdose. Honestly, I can’t fault her. I would do, and might end up doing, the same thing. I’m not going to leave my brothers with the burden of caring for my carcass while my mind rots away inside. ---
**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 12, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/354 "2013-04-12T19:18:32Z")
Well, aren’t we all just freaking rays of sunshine? 😃 New topic, perhaps? 🙂 ETA: Let’s talk more about those gym rats again! ---
**Author:** ![Amblydoper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/fbc32d/32.png) [@Amblydoper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amblydoper)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2013, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/355 "2013-04-13T02:41:36Z")
> [@phouka](#): > > - rats on a weight training program … So, how much can a rat bench press? ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2013, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/356 "2013-04-13T10:39:48Z")
> [@Amblydoper](#): > > So, how much can a rat bench press? About as much wood as a woodchuck can chuck at the Rodent Highland Games? ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2013, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/357 "2013-04-13T20:14:58Z")
I am so happy the weather is warm. Random thoughts: 1. I don’t know what this is about, but lately I’ve been irritated by words. Spoken words, especially. I don’t want to listen to people, and I don’t want to have to talk back to them. I _do_ listen and I _do_ talk, but I’d rather not do either. I’m otherwise feeling fine, but I hope this isn’t a bad sign. 2. I need to find another extracurricular activity in lieu of yoga. I keep saying this and yet week after week I keep going like a little automaton. I don’t know what else I can do, though. All the other ideas–like going to the gym–make me want to curl up and hide under my bed. 3. Last week I had a smashing opening day for my sidewalk biz. That never gets old. 4. With the weather getting warmer, I’m having a hard time sleeping at night. Even when I was taking meds, I dealt with occasional summertime insomnia. So now I’m kinda scared about what’s in store, now that I have stopped my meds. Last night’s tossing and turning really sucked. 5. I’ve been off Orap for more than a month now. Today in yoga class I was thinking about how hungry that stuff made me. And how delicious everything tasted. I gained 5 lbs while I was on it because I went all Betty Crocker. I’m kind of glad that’s over with, but now foods don’t taste as good. I think having a ravenous appetite made me feel more alive. ---
**Author:** ![Becky2844](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2013, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/358 "2013-04-14T09:38:58Z")
I’m as low as you can get. What’s going to follow is either blood or tears. ---
**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 14, 2013, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/359 "2013-04-14T10:48:40Z")
> [@Becky2844](#): > > I’m as low as you can get. What’s going to follow is either blood or tears. I’m sorry I don’t know where you are or anything about you, but please reach out to someone who can help. Here is a link for [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline](http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/). You can call them or you can chat with them online. I’m not going to say that we’ve all been there, but I know that I have and I do know that things get better. ---
**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 14, 2013, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187/360 "2013-04-14T11:43:25Z")
> [@Becky2844](#): > > I’m as low as you can get. What’s going to follow is either blood or tears. {_{_{_{_{_{Becky}_}_}_}_}_} [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-ongoing-depression-support-thread/653187.md?page=19)