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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 Spector on December 26, 2004, at 1:48:03
I am in a depression that was caused by taking Adderall (prescribed to me by a psychiatrist who knew my medical history) which triggered a bipolar relapse after 13-1/2 years of complete remission.
I have been in the depression part of this relapse for over 2 years. It is not a mild depression, or even a moderate one that I am limping along with. It has been nearly incapacitatingly severe with crippling anxiety, causing me to have had to leave my home, my dear husband, and my career in order to move back into my mom's house for full time care.
I have tried 13 drugs, ECT, CBT and about 12 or so additional therapies more on the alternative side. I am currently working with a very experienced homeopathic doctor and pray -- really more like beg -- that she will be able to help me.
I probably don't have to tell many of you reading this the unspeakable toll this has taken on me and my family. I do not hesitate to say that it has been mental and physical torture.
I've become preoccupied with the length of time it has gone on. The four depressions I had when I was much younger (was just as treatment-resistant then) were horrific, but they ended within 4 to 5 months.
Am I correct that a depression this severe lasting this long -- 25 unrelenting months so far -- is quite rare? I am assuming that it has been so cruelly stubborn because it was drug induced, but I would like to hear if other people have experienced or know of a very severe depression lasting this long, whether drug induced or not.
Thank you,
Nomi
Posted by crazychickuk on December 26, 2004, at 13:23:37
In reply to Longest devere depression?, posted by Spector on December 26, 2004, at 1:48:03
Hi, I am so sorry you feel this way... suppose my only advice is to stay positive about the new doc..
I would sue the doc who gave me a med that induced depression knowing well my history..
Got to remember you were there onece before and got better, so i am sure you will get over it this time too ..
good luck to you.. xx
Posted by banga on December 26, 2004, at 14:30:08
In reply to Re: Longest devere depression?, posted by crazychickuk on December 26, 2004, at 13:23:37
My heart goes out to you. Depression can come in many shapes and forms and lengths. There are definitely people who have suffered for very long periods, and eventually found something that worked. I am so inspired that you have not relented, that is such a sign of your courage, at some point it will pay off. Not knowing when and how is so hard.
My latest depression has been more on than off for over 4 years. I have had periods of remission, but they have not lasted very long, almost more of a tease as I begin to try and set up a more normal existence, only to have it get nowhere before the depression comes back; but given that some meds have helped even short-term, I still try to seek what med will help and keep on helping. So I have had at least a few sunny days that help push me forward. But I lack the strength I sense in you to persevere.
I too have that crippling anxiety component. It is so draining and tiring to try and combat it, as well as the negative thoughts induced by depression.
I am currently trying Lamictal, and feel a little encourged especially after a very disheartening experience with Cymbalta. For me, the completely unrelenting part in the last 2 years of my disability is a brain fog that does not lift. I am living as if life were on the other side of a window-I can see everything, hear everything but it is all muted and not tangible. This then is the element that disheartens me the most. I try to keep the faith that someday it will lift.Just hang in there, keep looking. People on this board and other places will be with you.
Posted by Phillipa on December 26, 2004, at 16:54:03
In reply to Re: Longest devere depression?, posted by banga on December 26, 2004, at 14:30:08
Banga; Me too! You said it so well. I, too am weaning off Cymbalta because it was another med that did nothing for me. My pdoc is "addicted" to drug reps, and couldn't wait to start giving out the Cymbalta samples. I never had to buy any in the 4 months I was on it! Phillipa
Posted by olysi79 on December 28, 2004, at 18:05:29
In reply to Longest devere depression?, posted by Spector on December 26, 2004, at 1:48:03
Hi there,
I am so sorry to hear about how long your depression has lasted. It sounds like a severe mixed episode, judging by the amount of anxiety you are experiencing, and I know those all too well. Over the course of the past year, I have had periodic breakdowns as well. Sometimes I am ok, other times I am not. I believe that you need to work with both a homeopath and a psychiatrist. Taken together, that should help at least a bit. Please don't give up!! My mom went through terrible problems for over 3 years of severe depression and anxiety, and she refused to take meds during that period. She endured agonizing hell with crippling anxiety. Guess what, she's doing ok now, but it took awhile. Another instance. My aunt's boyfriend had a major breakdown about a year and a half ago that required hospitalization and ECT treatment. He has his ups and downs, but overall he is ok. He has severe diabetes so he is on disability. But now, he is able to laugh at things and enjoys himself. I hope that you will be ok. Keep your chin up.
Chris
> I am in a depression that was caused by taking Adderall (prescribed to me by a psychiatrist who knew my medical history) which triggered a bipolar relapse after 13-1/2 years of complete remission.
>
> I have been in the depression part of this relapse for over 2 years. It is not a mild depression, or even a moderate one that I am limping along with. It has been nearly incapacitatingly severe with crippling anxiety, causing me to have had to leave my home, my dear husband, and my career in order to move back into my mom's house for full time care.
>
> I have tried 13 drugs, ECT, CBT and about 12 or so additional therapies more on the alternative side. I am currently working with a very experienced homeopathic doctor and pray -- really more like beg -- that she will be able to help me.
>
> I probably don't have to tell many of you reading this the unspeakable toll this has taken on me and my family. I do not hesitate to say that it has been mental and physical torture.
>
> I've become preoccupied with the length of time it has gone on. The four depressions I had when I was much younger (was just as treatment-resistant then) were horrific, but they ended within 4 to 5 months.
>
> Am I correct that a depression this severe lasting this long -- 25 unrelenting months so far -- is quite rare? I am assuming that it has been so cruelly stubborn because it was drug induced, but I would like to hear if other people have experienced or know of a very severe depression lasting this long, whether drug induced or not.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Nomi
Posted by Spector on January 1, 2005, at 0:06:02
In reply to Longest devere depression?, posted by Spector on December 26, 2004, at 1:48:03
Thank you all for your thoughtful responses and good wishes. Very much appreciated.
Nomi
This is the end of the thread.
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