Hi Tbt, just to answer your question, when we are talking CLINICAL depression, obviously, the diagnosis previously came from somewhere professional.(??) Oftentimes, if a person with a bad depression walks into a therapist and starts working, it will not always be successful. Why? There are a few reasons but one is that the patient is too symptomatic and will be resistant to being able to concentrate or process the work that needs to be done. You put someone like that into a CBT or DBT program and they will never come back. They will also decide that therapy stinks. Getting them back is something I need to work very hard at sometimes with a client.
So, understand then, that meds would help first and then therapy at some later point.
My point was not who is the right person to go to first. Both are many times needed. My decision is based on what I am hearing and how workable I think this person is. Some people are very stigmatized by the very thought of meds, and so I will advise therapy and hope that the therapist will be able to ease them into this idea of considering the meds. I am always glad when someone can work through his/her issues in therapy w/o needing to start the trials of medication. Medication can be a lifesaver for some, but it definitely is not candy. I have seen some amazing turnarounds thru meds, and at the same time, have seen some of the best Dr’s that I have worked along with, having a nasty time trying to find the right drug with the least amount of side effects. (Even, believe it or not..Dr. Leibowitz, whom I have been involved with. Good Dr. i.e. but also only human)
In regard to seeing a regular pcp(medical Dr.) I have for example Postpartum women who are feeling very anxious and having panic, and I could easily assume that they are manifesting Postpartum anxiety. However sending some of them for bloodwork, will sometimes show a thyroid imbalance which mimicks the same symptoms as anxiety many times. They go on thyroid medication and feel much better. I think that is amazing when they could be walking around trying to battle anxiety which is really an out of control place to be in. If bloodwork comes back normal sometimes, again, depending on how extreme, we consider some alternative approaches, looking at her diet and her lifestyle and what needs to be changed. We would then continue on to consider therapy, meds, etc
My dear mischief maker, what a thing to say, did you really mean that? I know it must feel that way sometimes but on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst, how seriously did you mean that comment? If you didn’t then you really can cause some mischief…
If you are feeling that bad please dont ignore it and get in touch with someone to help you lower those thoughts.
Happiest, I’m happiest that you feel better after that “bad mood ” day! However understand, that since you have some history, you have the knowledge of what your patterns are. If you would say, on a bell curve of an upward scale, you have little downward dips but are still on the up curve, and you are functional on those days, then you can say that little setbacks can be within normal,( for example, depending on what outside things are going on in your life that may influence anyones moods, on any level)although you need to be vigilant and watch for a pattern.
Sometimes when people have a little setback they get so discouraged and fearful that this in itself can throw them into Anticipatory Anxiety, which makes it all worse. You need to focus on how far you have come and what you have already acquired and learned. Taking secure thoughts with you, will keep the “mood” at bay and hopefully it will pass successfully. If you are worried, call your therapist and touch base.
Hilly Billy, It is really hard to work things out and be ready for life. But hey- you are already living it in this present moment.
Spending too much time thinking about FUTURE and PAST actually is very anxiety provoking. You sound like a very responsible person, but we are only people and cant always assume that we will have answers to everything in order to take the next step in life. Focus on being in the moment and not past or future. That doesnt mean you shouldnt think about what you need to do at a specific time tomorrow, but what I am trying to say really is, try to separate the things you CAN control and the things that are beyond your control. Beyond conrol and future worries, we need to leave to Hashem because that is where it belongs. Past thinking, about how “normal” you once felt, only makes you feel inadequate today. So stay in the moment and make that count. People overoccupy themselves a long time trying to prepare for marriage, kids, relationships etc. and because they are so busy worrying about it, they develop a fear about if they will be able to handle it or be successful at it. Fear stops one from putting himself/herself out there, and perfectionism paralyzes them from taking risks. You need to find your inner courage(which you already have in there, by the way)and start believing that you are good and valuable and everyone has challenges to work through,Take it from me. (the finest and the best, the most beautiful, and the most talented etc.) Challenges in this world are equal opportunity jobs that we all need to step up to. That is why we are here… If you think there are people that have it easy, look again. I am privy to a lot of information that has changed my perspective on life. You will meet someone that will appreciate the person that you are. Don’t be scared to get out there. If you are, get someone to help and support you. Work on your courage and please give yourself permission to be happy, make it a good day, you deserve it!