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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 17:18:01
I go to a therapist, who can't prescribe meds. Thus, my regular doctor does all of the prescribing for her. However - she's the type of person that hates medicine. She wants me to fix my overwhelming anxiety and depression with yoga and meditation (Which do *not* work for me. Trust me. I've tried them many times.). I'm on 45 mg of BuSpar daily and on .. well, whatever one pill of Trazadone is for sleep problems. I felt like I was getting better for awhile, and then I plateaued (I *know* I spelled that one wrong :P) for a little while, but now I feel like I'm holding on by my fingernails and sliding backwards anyway. Therapy isn't working very well at the moment and I'd sort of like to try to increase my medication (Doesn't BuSpar only work for depression at higher doses?) - but I don't know how to convince her or my mother! Should I even approach her about increasing or do you guys have any advice? I'm feeling increasingly depressed and feeling not-so-inclined to living (Not gonna do anything about it. I just don't feel like this is life, which makes me *more* depressed). PLEASE help!
Posted by JahL on April 1, 2002, at 18:53:02
In reply to Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP!, posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 17:18:01
> I go to a therapist, who can't prescribe meds. Thus, my regular doctor does all of the prescribing for her. However - she's the type of person that hates medicine. She wants me to fix my overwhelming anxiety and depression with yoga and meditation (Which do *not* work for me. Trust me. I've tried them many times.). I'm on 45 mg of BuSpar daily and on .. well, whatever one pill of Trazadone is for sleep problems. I felt like I was getting better for awhile, and then I plateaued (I *know* I spelled that one wrong :P) for a little while, but now I feel like I'm holding on by my fingernails and sliding backwards anyway. Therapy isn't working very well at the moment and I'd sort of like to try to increase my medication (Doesn't BuSpar only work for depression at higher doses?) - but I don't know how to convince her or my mother! Should I even approach her about increasing or do you guys have any advice? I'm feeling increasingly depressed and feeling not-so-inclined to living (Not gonna do anything about it. I just don't feel like this is life, which makes me *more* depressed). PLEASE help!
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi. Your description of yr 'therapist' sounds depressingly familiar. If she is actively sabotaging your efforts to seek relief through medication then I wonder if she really has your best interests at heart. Personally, I run a mile from anti-med zealots and will have nothing to do with them.
I can't see how Buspirone & low dose Trazadone will address the depression.
Have you thought about seeing a proper PSYCHIATRIST? They, after all, are the individuals best suited to treating mood disorders (whatever yr opinions of them, and I've met a few wrong 'uns), especially if you're experiencing 'dark' thoughts.
Have you tried any antidepressants at therapeutic doses? You can take medicines and do yoga (which is no bad thing in itself) at the same time ;-)
If the therapy isn't helping it might be worth asking why you still participate. It isn't compulsory and a lot of people (myself included) find it doesn't do a great deal for them. I guess much depends on the nature & circumstances of yr depression.
Just some thoughts,
Good luck,
J
Posted by shelliR on April 1, 2002, at 19:23:06
In reply to Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP!, posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 17:18:01
Hi TenelKa,
I'm definitely on board with Jah. I think that therapy can be useful, but with bad depression, that's going to get in the way of working out any problems you might have. You need to be stable first, generally with medication.
Yoga? Maybe for mild anxiety, but for severe depression and anxiety, that's not going to do much if not augmented by meds. I'd be looking for a psychiatrist like Jah said. If your therapist has problems with that I'd fire her. I'd also copy some stuff from web pages like Depression Central to show your parents that there is usually a chemical change that causes depression.
If you have problems caused by your parents, or how you relate to others, meds will help you to be able to really work with a therapist on those issues. If you like your therapist in general, stay with her, but only if she respects your judgment that you need more than talk to help with your depression.
Shelli
Posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 19:23:28
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP! » TenelKa, posted by JahL on April 1, 2002, at 18:53:02
I meant my Dr is the non-medication neohippie lady, not my therapist. My therapist is all for anything that will help...
I was on Zoloft for awhile, but it gave me really bad heart problems and it made me very paranoid :P And therapy *usually* helps me feel a little better; I haven't been at it too long, but it's just lately nothing seems to be helping.
Posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 19:57:32
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP! » TenelKa, posted by shelliR on April 1, 2002, at 19:23:06
My doctor is the one who hates meds, not the therapist, who is wonderful. Thx for your advice, keep it coming if you can ;)
Posted by IsoM on April 1, 2002, at 20:12:21
In reply to Clarify: Doc's against meds, not therapist!, posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 19:57:32
Then hopefully it shouldn't be too hard to find another doctor. If you're old enough, surely you can pick your own doctor & not have to rely on your parent's choice (if she's also their's). Why not ask your therapist if she knows of any doctor who's knowledgable of meds & depression that she could recommend?
Posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 20:45:56
In reply to Re: Clarify: Doc's against meds, not therapist! » TenelKa, posted by IsoM on April 1, 2002, at 20:12:21
I'm not old enough to choose my own doctor
Posted by IsoM on April 1, 2002, at 21:13:12
In reply to Re: Clarify: Doc's against meds, not therapist! » IsoM, posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 20:45:56
Got a list of question for you, if you don't mind:
1. Is it possible then to get a counsellor (or a trusted teacher) from school to act as your advocate?
2. Are your parents that closed minded about helping you find a new doctor?
3. How did you originally get your therapist? Was she chosen too? Perhaps she could help persuade your parents.
4. Do you mind me asking how old you are, & how old you have to be to choose your own doctor where you live?
I think it's so important for parents to understand their children's illness & work with them. It's understandable that your parents may be nervous about using meds for you. There's been such a backlash against over-prescribing to kids who didn't always have real problems but instead weren't paid any attention by their parents who'd rather just medicate them. The numbers weren't large but the whole issue was blown out of proportion but many well-meaning people. I hope things go well with you & a new doctor who understands.
Posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 21:27:20
In reply to Re: Age in Choosing » TenelKa, posted by IsoM on April 1, 2002, at 21:13:12
1. Considering I loathe school and I hate everyone in the *(*#@ building, that's not an option, but a good idea nonetheless.
2. My mother is a control freak and afraid of change.
3. My mother worked with a friend of my therapist, who recommended her. And I'm going tomorrow again to see if I can persuade her to talk to my mother.
4. 17, and with my insurance I have to be 18.My mother works in the emergency room as a technician, and she's extremely against drugging me up. She's also resistant to anything that gives her less control over me *sigh* :P
Posted by IsoM on April 1, 2002, at 21:59:31
In reply to Re: Age in Choosing » IsoM, posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 21:27:20
Posted by mouse on April 2, 2002, at 20:52:17
In reply to Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP!, posted by TenelKa on April 1, 2002, at 17:18:01
> I go to a therapist, who can't prescribe meds. Thus, my regular doctor does all of the prescribing for her. However - she's the type of person that hates medicine. She wants me to fix my overwhelming anxiety and depression with yoga and meditation (Which do *not* work for me. Trust me. I've tried them many times.). I'm on 45 mg of BuSpar daily and on .. well, whatever one pill of Trazadone is for sleep problems. I felt like I was getting better for awhile, and then I plateaued (I *know* I spelled that one wrong :P) for a little while, but now I feel like I'm holding on by my fingernails and sliding backwards anyway. Therapy isn't working very well at the moment and I'd sort of like to try to increase my medication (Doesn't BuSpar only work for depression at higher doses?) - but I don't know how to convince her or my mother! Should I even approach her about increasing or do you guys have any advice? I'm feeling increasingly depressed and feeling not-so-inclined to living (Not gonna do anything about it. I just don't feel like this is life, which makes me *more* depressed). PLEASE help!
TenelKa,
I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling. It's tough having big feelings and not the support that you would like. Hang in there. I don't know about your state, but in Oregon when you reach 16 you can get medical treatment without a parents consent. My daugher did not like our doctor when she was 8 and I went out with her and intervied various doctors with her. She made the decision as to who she would see. She has a wonderful doctor now. (one we have a difficult time getting into because other people think the same thing). Anyway, when she was 16 it became possible for her to go to her own appointments without my presence. Your insurance may not let you choose your doctor but they won't stop you from going to the emergency room and telling a differnt doctor that you are having dark thoughts. You may need to use the "word", (suicidal thoughts) in order to get them to pay attention. But if you go in calmly and tell them that you feel this way. Then explain what you want and go from there they may be a supportive resource for you with your regular GP. About your mom being a control friek... most mom's have a hard time letting go, but I bet if you told her how seriously bad you are feeling I bet she'll help too.
mouse
Posted by TenelKa on April 6, 2002, at 19:08:40
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP!, posted by mouse on April 2, 2002, at 20:52:17
My mom thinks I just have to learn to live and deal with it.
Posted by IsoM on April 7, 2002, at 1:28:53
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP! » mouse, posted by TenelKa on April 6, 2002, at 19:08:40
I'm coming back in with a comment, Tenel.
If your Mom thinks you just have to learn to live & deal with it, tell her you agree. Try be agreeable, telling her you're doing your best to deal with it. Then as mouse said, ask your therapist to help intervene. She should be able to schedule one of your appointments to include one or both of your parents. A lot of doctors & psychologists prefer to involve parents to some degree to help with their children's improvement.
Perhaps she can explain that for this time period, at least, medications initially need to be prescribed to get the ball rolling. You can tell your Mom that you won't need meds indefinitely - hopefully you won't. But just as a person may need an operation, or antibiotics, or whatever for some medical problem before healing can take place, you, too, need some medication before your body/mind can heal itself.
So many parents are really scared to get their kids on meds. I'm not sure why there's such a backlash from parents about meds for their children, but for many, there is. Many hesitate for a long time before they finally realise that medication is necessary. Then they often say they wish they hadn't waited as long. Most parents have a little of the control freak in them. They're honestly concerned for their children's welfare but that doesn't mean they always make the right choices. I'll bet anything, you're the first-born or at least the first-born daughter. As their other children grow & mature, thewy find letting go easier.
If you're as agreeable with your Mom as possible while still asking for the therapist's help, it may work better than arguing with her. (Not that I am implying that you argue with her.)
Posted by TenelKa on April 7, 2002, at 8:19:37
In reply to A little More » TenelKa, posted by IsoM on April 7, 2002, at 1:28:53
You're dead-on with the control freak part. My mom has many OCDs, and I'm one of them :P (Which my therapist is definitely talking to her about on Tuesday.) My therapist is also going to call my Dr, who is exceedingly hesitant about increasing meds/giving me anything else but BuSpar (which doesn't touch depression and barely touches anxiety on the dose I'm on). So I'll let you all know how it goes on Tuesday... and yes, I'm not only the first-born daughter, I'm an only child. 17 years old and I'm still treated like I'm 4, go figure :P Thank you for all of your help!
Posted by mouse on April 7, 2002, at 16:08:52
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP! » mouse, posted by TenelKa on April 6, 2002, at 19:08:40
> My mom thinks I just have to learn to live and deal with it.
Only until you are 18 and then you can make your own decisions.
Mouse
Posted by TenelKa on April 7, 2002, at 20:13:49
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP!, posted by mouse on April 7, 2002, at 16:08:52
Unfortunately I have an entire year until I'm 18.
Posted by mouse on April 7, 2002, at 23:36:38
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP!, posted by TenelKa on April 7, 2002, at 20:13:49
> Unfortunately I have an entire year until I'm 18.
Yes, and it will be a long year from what you tell us, however you have lots you can do including getting your mom to go with you to therapy and/or getting your therapist to advocate on your behalf. You can also go to the emergency room and let them know that you are feeling suicidial and that you need meds to help you. The doctors there can talk to your mom as can the social workers. You have lots of options. The problem is that like most of us who are depressed it either seems too overwhelming or you feel unmotivated or you just can't cope with the problems. So the answer? Do what you can. When you can. Hang in there. You just need to do what ever it is that will get you through the "crisis" part of how you feel. A lot of people will tell you that the rough feelings will pass. Yes, even without meds you can cope. Yes, it would be nice if your mom would listen to you. It really sucks that she is being consertive, but often parents are. So without meds you keep yourself as safe as you can. Keep in mind the ER and the other suggestions that everyone has contributed to you here. That's all we can do for you. We hope the best for you. mouse
Posted by TenelKa on April 8, 2002, at 17:50:13
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP!, posted by mouse on April 7, 2002, at 23:36:38
I guess I just don't know how to cope with obsessive fears and thoughts, depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc all at once. I've dealt with depression before but it came back, it seems... it's been almost a year since I've started to be like this and I just hope I can get a little peace... thank you all for your help, because it's good to know that there's hope out there when it doesn't feel like I have any. Thank you.
Posted by mouse on April 9, 2002, at 12:49:17
In reply to Re: Is it just me, or am I screwed? PLEASE HELP! » mouse, posted by TenelKa on April 8, 2002, at 17:50:13
> I guess I just don't know how to cope with obsessive fears and thoughts, depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc all at once. I've dealt with depression before but it came back, it seems... it's been almost a year since I've started to be like this and I just hope I can get a little peace... thank you all for your help, because it's good to know that there's hope out there when it doesn't feel like I have any. Thank you.
{{{~W{~A{~R{~M{{{TenelKa}}}~H}~U}~G}~S}}} Hang in there and keep talking. Someone will hear. mouse
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