Posted by Ems on November 5, 2003, at 14:16:21
Hi
I've just started to take venlafaxine.
I have suffered several bouts of depression over the last few years - most for no apparent reason !
My GP is extremely unhelpful and unsupportive and has always made me feel like I am wasting her time and usually sends me away with a 'pull yourself together' and perscription for Cipramil.Although the Cipramil did help lift that awful feeling of blackness and just about enabled me to carry on with work and life (to a fashion) it left me feeling so exhausted I never wanted to do anything - which kind of makes you feel even more down.
After the last episode earlier this year I decided to pay privately (as my GP refused to refer me)and got an appointment with a clinical pychiatrist.
He was really helpful and I have now been diagnosed with severe Seasonal Adjustment Disorder (SAD). Now I think about it - I have all the symtoms and it all falls into a recurrent pattern of being unwell most of the winter and hitting rock bottom in January but its difficult to look at things objectively and logically when you are depressed.
I have now decided that my depression is something that I just have to learn to live with and I am doing my best to try and control it, just the same as if I was diabetic or something.
I am trying different medication this year (venlafaxine) and am hopeful that this will make things better. I have also been researching Omega 3 / 6 suppliments, changes in diet, the use of a light box and exercise.
I think the most important thing I have realised is that you have to try and recognise the signs early and do something about it before the depression gets a real hold. I am also trying to avoid situations that are likely to stress me out or chesse me off - easier said than done !
I just really wanted to say that things do get better, although I am by no means out of the woods, so to speak, I do feel more positive about my depression and for the first time in years I am beginning to feel like I am in control of the depression rather than it be in control of me. Yes I still do have good days and bad days but the good are starting to outweigh the bad. So for those of you in a bad place right now hang on in there !!
Well that's the end of my life story !!
If anyone has any useful info re Venlafaxine or its use for the treatment of SAD or even if you just want a chat I would be really interested to hear from you.
Take care
Ems
poster:Ems
thread:276877
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/276877.html