Depressed and torn

[naughtoj]

Wanted opinions/experience.

I am still struggling with depression/anxiety, and it is getting worse. Worse some days, not so bad others. I have had a pretty bad last few days dealing with my Dad and schoolwork. I didn't go to one class Friday and one class Sat. Instead I went shopping trying to make myself feel better but basically just wandered about and couldn't decide on a thing. Anyway, I have some concern now whether I am sabotaging myself. The last few days I really felt very unstable mentally and started really truly wondering if I do not have a mental problem (family hx). As time goes on, I feel less and less with it mentally. Can anyone relate to that?

My *new* therapist and I have been exploring a conflict between my TRUE values and what I am doing with my life lately. I am still unsure but the thought of having a baby has come to me lately. Sometimes I think maybe that is what I really want but just don't realize it. Others times I think that having a baby would take the focus off of me and would possibly really fulfill me. I turned 30 on Saturday so maybe it seems more pronounced now. I love my husband and having a child seems to be the next progression in our relationship. I just wonder if I can handle a baby. Nursing School is in the way too...

I have been exploring also Birth Control Pills being the source of some of my mental dysphoria. I have been contemplating going off BCP's and using a diaphraghm to just "see" what happens. Maybe take some vitamins and try to exercise more...Any experience with depression/anxiety and going off the pill? How bout depression/anxiety and pregnancy??

My psych, who is mad at me (but understands) for being noncompliant with my meds (they all make me very sick and tired) recently prescribed Cymbalta. I took one and it made me very nauseous. Then I learned that it is somewhat harmful to a fetus and I had second thoughts about taking it while off BCP's.

Which should I try first? Go off the pill, exercise more (hopefully), and see what happens.........OR.........take the cymbalta despite the nasty side effects and stay on the Pill. I don't want to take the Cymbalta off of the Pill, too risky.

If the Cymbalta doesn't work she is going to put me on a Manic Depression med, Lamictil? She did not think I had that prob, but the AD's have not working for me very well so we have run out of options....

For some reason, I always need everyone else's opinion, so fire away...

 

[sparrow]

Hi Janice,

Sorry you are going through all this. I have had battles of my own in the past and sympathize. I cannot help with the meds but I can say that I am going off the Pill this month because DH and I both think it makes my anxiety go through the roof (I was officially diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder a few years ago). Usually I can manage it with exercise and my own internal techniques but have been failing miserably lately. So, that might be an angle for you to try, at least in my own totally non-medical non-professional opinion.

Good luck!

Sparrow

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage

 

[saia11]

Hi Janice,
Just wanted to let you know that I sent you a PM
Mattea

 

[red_mct]

I agree with Sparrow; I went off the pill about 5 years ago for the same reason. I just thought it messed too much with my hormones and subsequently my mental state. I use a Nuvaring instead, which is excellent, unobtrusive, and has few side effects.

Good luck and I hope you work things out.

Marie

 

[divagirl]

Janice,

I really feel for you because I struggled like that for years being anxious all the time and dealing with OCD in the obsessive part and being depressed. I went through all the antidepressants with bad side effects or them not working and had a few people say that once you find the right one things can change. I would stick with therapy right now. Lexapro worked for me in the end...it was the last one I tried...as I was out of options. I use the nuvaring for birth control and never had a problem with it like a few other oral contraceptives. Please stick with trying antidepressants and start with very low dosages because I can't tell you how things can change once you find the right one. I urge you to not have a baby right now until you feel more stable. I am 31 now and I always thought that if something changed in my life I'd finally be happy but if this has been a battle for you for a long time it is most likely a physical problem in your body chemistry and you will have to accept that. Find a good med, continue exercising, do therapy,stay away from too many stimulants like caffeine and have faith. When you are in a better state of mind I would consider having a family if that's what you choose. The hormonal swings of pregnancy and the stress of lack of sleep with a new born are not what you need right now.

 

[naughtoj]

Yeah, no pg right now. That was a stupid idea, lol

Nuvaring? I don't understand why it does not produce the same SE's? It is hormonal, yes?

 

[beth6395]

Janice. I am sorry you are going through this the only thing I can tell you is I tried Depovera and sesonale for my form of Birth Control and I was literally jekyll and hyde the only ones that worked for me was triphasil 28. Now my tubes are tied.

beth6395