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I am exhibiting almost all the signs of clinical depression. I've been highly emotional lately, and constantly sleepy. I've gained weight and can't seem to concentrate for very long. I can't seem to care very much about anything either.
She wants to put me on some type of anti-depressant meds, but I have a real problem with that kind of thing. I'm going to try to fight my way through this without meds, so if I get short with anyone, or vanish for awhile, please don't be concerned.
I believe I know what's causing this depression in me, and I know what I have to do to fight it. It's not just one single cause, but rather, the result of several traumatic events in my life.
I beat this type of thing before and I can do it again, so I don't want anyone worrying unduly about me. I'm only posting this to let you all know that I might be more difficult to contact for the next few days or weeks, or however long it takes, and to beg your indulgence while I try to mend a seemingly broken mind.
I'm gonna beat this,folks. Depend on it.
Hugs,
Catherine Linda Michel
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Why meds are important
Catherine:
Speaking as a person who takes pyshcotrophic drugs to maintain on a daily basis I am asking you to let your therapist give you something for your depression. As a Mental health support Group facilitator I urge you to listen to your therapist and discuss with him/her why you don't feel comfortable with medication,
I use one specific drug when I wake up and another before I go to bed between the two I have not had PTSD episodes, I have not wanted to isolate, and I don't feel depressed.
I tell my support group that self advocacy is important when we are being treated for a mental illness. Most people (not all) refuse to take the meds not because they are afraid of them but for the stigma of taking a pill for mental illness.
NAMI (National Alliance for the mentally Ill ) has a Connections recovery and support group for people with a mental illness. You may want to contact them to see where a meeting is in regards to your residency. The positive side is they are very accepting of transpeople.
I am also a state trainer for NAMI Recovery Group facilitators.
Something else you may want to look into is a Peer to Peer class. It is for people with a mental illness and it teaches them how to take care of themselves and as added attraction they do a relapse prevention chart.
I'll pm you with my phone number if you want to know more. that actually goes for anyone who wants to learn more about NAMI
Jill Micayla
May you have a wonderful today and a better tomorrow
Jill Micayla
Be kinder than necessary,Because everyone you meet
Is fighting some kind of battle.
Please be careful!
Catherine:
As one who has battled depression for several years, I can tell you first-hand that the cause is PHYSICAL. As you've probably read, depression is caused by one of two things: the inability of your body to manufacture the right kind of "brain chemicals" , or the inability of your brain to absorb them. Either way, drugs are a necessary evil to correct the problem. I had the condition for several years, and like you, I was determined to battle my way through it. It didn't work. I became clinically depressed to the point where I was non-functional both at work and at home. It took almost two years for a psychiatrist and I to find the correct combination of medications to get me back on my feet.
Please, Catherine. Don't go "too deep in the hole". As one who's been there, you don't want to be in that predicament.
Take care, and I'll try to remember to pray for you.
Hugs,
Elizabeth
DBT Therapy.
Hi Cathy:
As you know, I was on dosage of Celexa, Welbutrin and Trazidone heavy enough that if I was still taking them, I would not be able to drive in Oregon. There are new laws here, about that, though I do not know the specifics.
Well, I have stopped taking them, but I still see my counselor once a week and attend a group once a week too. The group is called DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and though I thought it was nonsense when I started, I can now see that I have learned lots of new things.
I would not expect the Drugs to solve your problems, but they did keep me calm while the DBT helped me to learn new life skills. I don't think it is wise to make major life decisions while you are taking them. I think that my Divorce and family matters simply exploded and the whole thing perhaps could have worked out with much less pain and alienation. Still, I am very happy as a woman.
It may help you to take them, but certainly not long term. They do too much to your body long term. Call me if you wish to talk.
Many Blessings
Gwen
PS, I have just moved and am not fully on line.
Please,remember that there
Please,remember that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Everyone does it in thier life. Please dont shut out the ones that are there for you, even the ones that dont seem like they should care. Both my brother and my sister have it. Get as much suppoert as you can, and dont lock any one out. There are people who do care. If you are not sure of of the correct aswer, find the ones you love and listen.
Please take care.