Can we talk about depression for a minute?

I'm getting concerned that I may have some depression.

I do NOT want to take medication.

I never really got postpartum (Cailen is almost 22 mts) - I had the blues, but it came from the overwhelming thing of having a baby with no help.

Lately, in the last month or so, I feel this horrible feeling, a lot of the checklist items of depression. Anxiety, guilt, worried thoughts, wanting to cry, no desire to do anything (which I do NOT have the luxury of entertaining! ) a feeling of hopelessness, and these fears about death. I have disturbing, restless dreams. I'm tired all the time.

What should I do? I feel the only person right now that can bring me joy is Cailen, and DH. In that order. I have been taking things out on DH. I feel like Eeyore with a cloud over my head, and I can't shake it.

I have a doctor I see once a year for a physical - he's not someone I feel comfortable telling him these things. Could I talk to my OBGYN? Could she help me? Or make a referral? If I saw someone, are they going to say "meds" right off the bat?

I'm at a loss of what to do. I want to get rid of this. I feel like no matter what I do, it comes with me.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

When I was having the same feelings, I decided to seek out a therapist to talk to. Sometimes you can look for recommendations on here, or from your doctors.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

I find that I experience those same feeling just about every year at this time. If you do not want to take medication, I recommend finding a therapist. It helps to also know that you are not alone. I know of 6 people who are all suffering with seasonal depression right now.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

I think your OB is a good resource.

If you trust and like him/her then you can talk to them and they can lead you down the right path.

In my vast experience with therapist, meds are usually the LAST thing they say or want.

I found that going to a licensed social worker was good resource - cheaper than a PhD or Psychiatrist and less likely to go to meds.

I also found, oddly enough, that there are a few really great podcasts on depression - free and helpful if you have an ipod.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

I was treated for depression and anxiety 5 years ago when I was going through a very tough time in my life. I stopped taking the meds before I got pregnant with Caden....

I was fine for the first 6 months or so after his birth but once the spring rolled around I definitely started seeing some signs of depression. I started taking my meds again and they did very little to snap me out of my funk....

I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's back the beginning of December. We have basically figured out that it was the hypothyroid that was causing my depression symptoms this time around...

It's just a thought and maybe something you might want to bring up to your GP...

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

Does your insurance require that you get a referral? If not, I'd research and find a therapist on my own so I didn't even have to worry about talking to the Dr I wasn't comfortable with. But if it does, like the other ladies suggested, you can ask your OBGYN, or - if your PCP is anything like my old one was - you may be able to just call the regular doctor's office and ask for a referral to x-type of doctor and only give minimal details, so you don't have to "confide" in anyone there.

In my experience, going to see someone does NOT necessarily mean you're going to be slapped with a prescription. There are many wonderful therapists and social workers out there who use talk therapy and behavioral modification and other non-pharmaceutical-based interventions to help their patients. And you can always make your feelings about not wanting to take meds known right off the bat as well, so there's no misunderstanding.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

I like cognitive behavior therapy - I use that with the individuals I work with, and think I personally would respond well to it. I don't want to talk - I want tools to use!!!!

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

When I was depressed I took melatonin (sp?) and it helped quite a bit. I get winter blues bad, ginkgo helps as well. They are natural...not really meds.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

I suffer from my mild depression. The main reason is because I have gained so much weight and hate to look at myself. I also have very little desire for sex. I feel once I start exercising, I should look and feel better. Hope you feel better.

Message edited 1/30/2009 8:51:33 PM.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

I'm so sorry your struggling right now.....Can I make a suggestion? It could be seasonal depression. There is a HUGE increase in Depression in the winter months. I LOVE winter and do not get it now, but in the summer I do. I prefer cold, snow, rain and overcast days so bright sunny hot days depress me something feirce. I would try to see what has changed in the last month and start eliminating causes there. I would also consider talking to someone. HTH

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

TRy exercising and yoga/meditation. Also, continue with your good eating habits. Try to get up and go to bed the same time every day. Minimize alcohol or any other substances, which can effect a chemical imbalance if it is already present. Omega 3's are suggested to help as a mood stabilizer in addition to other cardiovascular benefits. Try this for a few weeks, and if it does not get better, speak to your doctor. ANd SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, is very common right now. Try to go outside in the sun as much as you can. It will help tremendously, even if it's just a few minutes in the natural light. Let me know if I can help!

Message edited 2/1/2009 1:24:12 AM.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

Posted by dree

Posted by hbugal

I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's back the beginning of December. We have basically figured out that it was the hypothyroid that was causing my depression symptoms this time around...

It's just a thought and maybe something you might want to bring up to your GP...

Same here...the symptoms are very similar so I would suggest an overall physical w/ bloodwork first to rule out anything medical. I would just tell the DR. that you are feeling sluggish and in a fog and want to have your thyroid levels checked (and anything else he/she suggests)

(as well as the therapist, exercise, eating right etc ...I know ...easier said then done )

Message edited 2/4/2009 11:35:53 AM.

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

Two things - first, I would go to your doctor or ob/gyn and get all of your hormone levels checked out. About a year and a half ago I was experiencing the same thing - I chalked it up to the stresses in my life, infertility and taking care of my father. But when I started seeing a fertility specialist she did all the bloodwork and detected that my thyroid levels were off. She prescribed sythroid, and within about 3-4 weeks I started feeling SO much better. I didn't even know how far I had slipped until I started taking the meds.

Also, what helped me was seeing a therapist. I think there are always underlying issues to depression and anxiety that we don't always recognize in ourselves, and those feelings won't go away until we explore the true root of the problem. It brings to the surface some really raw and painful emotions, but getting them out and experiencing them helps you move on and feel happy again

Re: Can we talk about depression for a minute?

Just so you know a psychologist isn't allowed to prescribe medicine so maybe you might feel more comfortable speaking to one. My mom is the office manager for a Psychologist in SI, that's how I know this.