Depression, or just life?

Hi Catherine,

Glad to hear you are doing better.  I do think after all that they do us we do get PTSD, so if you have a set back that would be realistic.  So if you did need to take meds again it would be okay.  After 2 1/2 years I am still taking anti-depressents. (Just takin a low dose.)

Congrats on the new job & being able to handle it. You go girl!!! NJ

Cathmg...Hope you're doing well.  I have a lot of experience with Depression because it gallops in my husband's family and he's been dealing with it for the last 15 years of our marriage.  I very rarely discuss my husband's journey because if you've seen any of the commericals for Depression medications, you'll know that Depression "hurts."  When I see some of the commericals, I just pause and say, "That's it."  Anxiety is an all together different ball game.  Anxiety can eventually trigger a Depression or be a part of Depression and can be equally as debilitating. Anixety can also, as another poster mentioned, be a part of life.   A good therapist can figure out the difference and then treat you accordingly, if necessary.  I know we all have stressors in our lives. All of our brains are wired differently and some of us have better ways, so to speak, of dealing with stress. But you have to be very careful with how much stress you can "take" once you've had a Depression, because the anxiety that accompanies the stress can eventually put you back into a Depression.  It's a good sign that you can distinguish your feelings now from the Depression that you had.  I urge you to continue to follow up with your therapist.  Sounds like both of you know what you're doing.  I just also want to warn you, if the doctors push "anti-anxiety" meds on you....be very careful.  They can become addictive and hard to get off of.  If the therapist thinks your stress is just a part of life, then continue to look for stress reducing activities. Hopefully, that will be all you need.  Good luck!

For me the depression stems from the fact that I can't get my former life back. There have been many, many losses as a result of BC and I can't accept the new me and new life. My life was much better before

LauraLC....some more advice. My husband and I do not discuss his treatment plan with family members, except with two of his cousins who are also treated for depression. We would never have discussed it with them except that the doctors believe there is a genetic component and think whatever meds the cousins respond to might work well for all of them.



If you are continuing to get bouts while taking the meds, speak to your therapist about manipulating your meds and/ or dosages. My husband's problem was that after feeling better for a couple of years on the meds, he would hate the side effects and then ween himself off. After a year or two off of meds, he would relapse. He now knows that despite the side effects, it is in his best interest to take the meds for the rest of his life. He also knows now that on the right cocktail he functions well and we are all able to enjoy life.



If you are on the right cocktail, when you are stressed, you will be able to deal with it.



Last thought... Part of my husband's cocktail includes exercise. Exercise fuels the brain with happiness.



Good luck!