You will almost certainly get more attention to your message if you were to post it on the "Medication" board:
> Hello everyone! I really need some help here - 9 and a half months ago I began to drift into depression. I started having panic attacks that lasted the first three months (no anxiety or panic now), but my anhedonia, apathy, and low libido have been persistent. I can't enjoy music, sexuality, or anything really. All my emotions are flat. I try exercising and taking all those supplements or whatever, and tried abilify and wellbutrin to no avail. This anhedonia stuff hasn't shown any signs of letting up so I'm wondering if this is a permanent problem and what to do (what meds, advice, etc.) I would also love to hear everyone's experience with this condition and tips or which medications to take. Anyone familiar?
It sounds to me that you have the "real thing" - Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Most people with this illness respond to treatment, but finding the right drug can be a protracted trial-and-error process. I hope you and your doctor work together to hit the target within the first few attempts. There are a few people who are difficult to treat, and apparently do not respond well to any currently available treatments. They are labelled "treatment resistant depression" (TRD). Most people posting on Psycho-Babble have TRD because they are "stuck" and looking for education and support. It is easy to come to believe that treatment doesn't work when these TRD people become despondent, demoralized, frustrated, angry, and cynical at their lack of success. Depression is painful. Try to remain optimistic and constructive. It will help you make better decisions and keep you from falling over the precipice into an even darker place. Psychotherapy has a place for some people, even when their depression is so demonstrably biological. It can provide empathy, support, and coping tools that can effectively combat the negative messages that the depression is constantly fabricating. Depression is a liar, and one cannot always rely on their own judgment when they are severely depressed.
Good luck.
- Scott
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