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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Simon Peak on March 27, 2001, at 2:27:09
Hi everyone,
I am new to this webpage, and have eagerly been reading up on lots of relevant information on this discussion board.
I live in New Zealand, and am a college student. It should be an enjoyable time for me, but unfortunately, like so many other people in these forums, I am plagued with depression.
For over two years, I have been suffering from what seems like dysthymia. I feel unmotivated, lacking in energy, tired most of the time, uninterested in pretty much anything (this varies in degree), very forgetful and slowed down, and find it hard to get up in the morning (tired). I am finding classes extremely hard because of this.
I have known something was wrong with me for about a year, and have been on Prozac (20mg), and Moclobemide. It's hard to say what effect the Prozac had... at first I felt great, but in the end I came off it because I felt it wasn't working any more. The Moclobemide made me feel different... sort of light headed, but I found that I still felt depressed.
It is also worth mentioning that although this depression bothers me for lots of the time, it is NOT always a problem! Sometimes I feel great. I have lots of energy, am not tired, basically just feel normal; happy, confident, and not bothered by all the things that dragged me down when depressed. But it's not mania... I don't talk fast or feel 'high', just as if my depression has disappeared. This 'normal' mood happens about once every 6 weeks, i'd guess and lasts a few days to a week.
I am just wondering if anyone here can offer me any advice on what to do. I am currently:
1. Getting counselling
2. Getting regular cardio exercise at gym 45minutes per day
3. Eating a very healthy diet minimal sugars/dairy
4. MeditatingI also started taking moclobemide again, because I had some left over, and was desperate to improve my mood - I felt so depressed and almost like life wasn't worth living at one stage. Now I feel somewhat better, but sort of lightheaded and like I'm on something.
I am not going to give up on this depression, and won't stop trying absolutely everything until it's beaten completely.
Please post anything you like - advice, tips, info, experiences... I would be very grateful. And sorry for writing such a long post.
Love,
Simon
Posted by Bill L on March 27, 2001, at 9:05:39
In reply to Dysthymia problems at university, posted by Simon Peak on March 27, 2001, at 2:27:09
Simon - Since the Prozac worked at first, it sounds like you need an antidepressant. The doctor should be able to play around with the drugs to find the right combination. Are you still seeing a doctor that can prescribe medications? Is your councilor a doctor that can prescibe medications? If not- you need to see a doctor that can.
> Hi everyone,
>
> I am new to this webpage, and have eagerly been reading up on lots of relevant information on this discussion board.
>
> I live in New Zealand, and am a college student. It should be an enjoyable time for me, but unfortunately, like so many other people in these forums, I am plagued with depression.
>
> For over two years, I have been suffering from what seems like dysthymia. I feel unmotivated, lacking in energy, tired most of the time, uninterested in pretty much anything (this varies in degree), very forgetful and slowed down, and find it hard to get up in the morning (tired). I am finding classes extremely hard because of this.
>
> I have known something was wrong with me for about a year, and have been on Prozac (20mg), and Moclobemide. It's hard to say what effect the Prozac had... at first I felt great, but in the end I came off it because I felt it wasn't working any more. The Moclobemide made me feel different... sort of light headed, but I found that I still felt depressed.
>
> It is also worth mentioning that although this depression bothers me for lots of the time, it is NOT always a problem! Sometimes I feel great. I have lots of energy, am not tired, basically just feel normal; happy, confident, and not bothered by all the things that dragged me down when depressed. But it's not mania... I don't talk fast or feel 'high', just as if my depression has disappeared. This 'normal' mood happens about once every 6 weeks, i'd guess and lasts a few days to a week.
>
> I am just wondering if anyone here can offer me any advice on what to do. I am currently:
>
> 1. Getting counselling
> 2. Getting regular cardio exercise at gym 45minutes per day
> 3. Eating a very healthy diet minimal sugars/dairy
> 4. Meditating
>
> I also started taking moclobemide again, because I had some left over, and was desperate to improve my mood - I felt so depressed and almost like life wasn't worth living at one stage. Now I feel somewhat better, but sort of lightheaded and like I'm on something.
>
> I am not going to give up on this depression, and won't stop trying absolutely everything until it's beaten completely.
>
> Please post anything you like - advice, tips, info, experiences... I would be very grateful. And sorry for writing such a long post.
>
> Love,
>
> Simon
Posted by loosmrbls on March 27, 2001, at 11:19:18
In reply to Dysthymia problems at university, posted by Simon Peak on March 27, 2001, at 2:27:09
It sounds like you may have cyclothymic disorder. Mania (especially hypomania) does not always have euphoria. Do you have agitation, irritability, or insomnia with your "good periods." The way you described them also makes them sound cyclical (every 6 weeks or so).
Just a thought. If you continue to have poor responses to antidepressants, I would consider a mood stabilizer. Lithium is used to augment antidepressants in treatment-resistant unipolar depression anyway, so the "label" (bipolar verus depression)doesn't matter.
Perhaps a trial of another antidepressant, and if that doesn't work maybe lithium or another mood stabilizer. That's my advice.
Hope this helps.
Posted by Simon Peak on March 27, 2001, at 18:27:06
In reply to Re: Dysthymia problems at university, posted by loosmrbls on March 27, 2001, at 11:19:18
Hi,
Thanks for the responses guys! It's always nice to hear ideas from other people.
I have considered the possibility that I might have cyclothymic disorder as there are definate mood shifts. I don't really have insomnia though, during the up phase, but I do not feel tired like when I am depressed. I also feel faster as though my actions have sped up dramatically. Next time I have an up period, I will take note of whether I feel agitated or not.
Mostly I am just depressed though. In fact, I think I might be more depressed than I realise. When I was talking to the counseller today, I was on the point of tears. I was telling him about how I can't feel great happiness, or even properly sad - for example when my cat was run over I felt like the news of that wasn't getting thru. It's like all my emotions are flattened severly. I really am in hell, but have just got used to it I suppose.
It does make me very sad that there are so many depressed people in the world, and that the cure is usually quite elusive. I wish to everyone who reads this happiness and joy!
Simon.
> It sounds like you may have cyclothymic disorder. Mania (especially hypomania) does not always have euphoria. Do you have agitation, irritability, or insomnia with your "good periods." The way you described them also makes them sound cyclical (every 6 weeks or so).
>
> Just a thought. If you continue to have poor responses to antidepressants, I would consider a mood stabilizer. Lithium is used to augment antidepressants in treatment-resistant unipolar depression anyway, so the "label" (bipolar verus depression)doesn't matter.
>
> Perhaps a trial of another antidepressant, and if that doesn't work maybe lithium or another mood stabilizer. That's my advice.
>
> Hope this helps.
Posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 14:26:00
In reply to Re: Dysthymia problems at university, posted by Simon Peak on March 27, 2001, at 18:27:06
> Do you ever not want to go to bed when you feel great??? I didn't necessarily have insomnia (although I would take nightquil or perks at night just to calm my brain and so i would not get up throughout the night). But, I have Cyclothymia. I was even told I have Bipolar II. So, my point, it sounds like you may have cyclothymia despite the absence of insomnia. You may want to get that checked out. Just a thought.
Posted by Mr. Scott on March 30, 2001, at 14:57:44
In reply to Re: Dysthymia problems at university, posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 14:26:00
> > Do you ever not want to go to bed when you feel great??? I didn't necessarily have insomnia (although I would take nightquil or perks at night just to calm my brain and so i would not get up throughout the night). But, I have Cyclothymia. I was even told I have Bipolar II. So, my point, it sounds like you may have cyclothymia despite the absence of insomnia. You may want to get that checked out. Just a thought.
Hi QueenB,
What do you do to treat your cyclothymia? Has it been successful?
Mr.Scott
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