Posted by Shar on July 29, 2001, at 11:23:06
In reply to Re: loosing hope » Anna Laura, posted by Else on July 29, 2001, at 10:24:02
> > I am appalled that a psychiatrist would tell a depressed patient that there isn't much hope for them especially given that hopelessness is a symptom of depression.
Anna/Else:
I am also dx dysthymia, and had a pdoc tell me that I would essentially be depressed always. Plus, she added, I was really not that bad off, I wasn't having hallucinations, did not try to commit suicide, could handle daily life reasonably well....Whew! That was a BAD day for me. So, I went to yet another pdoc. He and I discussed my situation and he took a conservative approach. I did not change the meds I was on, but rather how I took them.
When that didn't help a lot he added risperdal to the cocktail; just a little bit. That helped a lot.
Anna, there are many things to consider when it comes to meds. I believe that it IS usually possible to be helped. I am not depression-free, I am usually feeling a bit depressed but it is SO MUCH less than before, I'll be happy to live with it.
I have more energy since the risperdal, but have to admit my memory and smarts are somewhat worse than before. However, people will just have to put up with that. I hate it, do what I can about it, and will see what happens.
If you, Anna, will become your own expert and learn these meds, by doing research here on babble and on other med sites, you can be a much more active participant in your own care, and discuss/suggest things to your pdoc.
Best of luck,
Shar
poster:Shar
thread:72328
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010725/msgs/72360.html