A warning to all who feel Depression: Prozac isn't that good.

[Break]

OT: It's been determined that I experience a "moderate" (seriously, what does that mean?) level of depression, and that's on my good days. I've been thinking about seeking counseling, and perhaps, if need be, pharmaceutical treatment. However, I've been wondering if I should even attract attention to it at all. I haven't been officially diagnosed with anything yet, and feel that there is still the possibility that I am experiencing either normal mood swings, or that I am experiencing not quite so deep-seated as depression. I've looked into what I believe to be called the Beck Depression Inventory exam, and, though not a tool used for diagnosis, it has it's merits. I plan on determining an average for roughly 4 months, and have currently completed 3 months of my data collection. So far, things are not looking good. I go from "moderate" depression on days that I actually fell are decent in comparison to the majority of my days, which can be classified as "severe", though not "extreme". I'm wondering, do you think there is any weight to my concerns about whether or not I have depression? Or should I wait it out and see if my condition improves, perhaps determining that this is not a medical issue?

Three months, with recurring depressive symptoms? Yeah, go see your doctor. Tests like the BDI are used as a quick and easy way to get a rough idea of what a patient's emotional state is like. Considering that the idea behind the test is that the average, non-depressed person would probably score less than ten, getting results that put you in the "average severity" depression range is absolutely worth getting a professional opinion about. Even if it turns out that you don't, in fact, have depression, you would be right to seek confirmation either way, and you have every reason to raise the question with your doctor.

 

[Jumplion]

DAMN that's freakin' brutal man! I hope she gets some just deserts, that has got to be the most insincere way of dumping someone.

But, yes, I do understand how you feel. Well, maybe not exactly, but currently I am on half a pill of an anti-depressant which is barely anything, and now I'm weening off to see if I can deal without it.

I've never hurt myself or anything serious, but before treatment and therapy I did occasionally hear thoughts (not exactly "voices") of harming myself that did become severe enough for me to go to a "behavioral treatment center" (more like an asylum) to get fitted for medication.

I have never used Prozac and hopefully never will, but my support goes out to you. If you need to vent anything out, I'm more than happy to receive a PM and talk with you. I don't mind listening if you don't mind talking.

 

[Jumplion]

Wall of Awesome

...I think I love you. That text was full of awesome.

 

[Carlston]

Prozac and the like are to fix chemical imbalances. Not all depression is a imbalance. It could just be life sucks right now...

If you have the chemical problem it will help a bit... if not, stop taking it and do crap that makes you happy.

I was put on Lithium when I was younger damn crap messed me up in a very bad way.

 

[open trap]

The Escapist would be lot more booring without you im glad you didnt kill yourselfe because the truth is i look forward to your posts, espically with Calumon.

 

[MelasZepheos_v1legacy]

I've never liked medicating my depression. I tend to be okay when I go into a depressive state, though sometimes are of course worse than others.

I guess I kind of have the balancing effect of periods of manic energy which make things a little more fun.

 

[Wordslinger]

It blows my mind that there is such an epidemic of "depression" out there. Now, I'm a bit of an optimist myself, but there's only one thing I have to say.

To all those suffering from depression:

There are people all over Africa suffering from far more than just being depressed. Starvation, disease, homelessness, wild animals, drought, civil wars, marauders, pirates, warlords, genocide, slavery and more.

Your personal problems really aren't that bad, now are they?

Hello, it appears as though you haven't done any research. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, not just a case of the blues that everyone gets from time to time.... though sometimes doctors prescribe things like Prozac for people who ARE just feeling sad, and don't actually have depression.

*the more you know*

 

[TelHybrid]

I agree. It's best to be careful in regards to taking prescription drugs.
I've known people who have gone on different forms of anti depressants, to feel complete nothingness. Just a blank slate in regards to emotion.

Once they came off them, the withdrawals were terrible.

A lot of the time taking non chemically based steps to try to improve one's life can be more therapudic. Perhaps take up a new hobby as a form of distraction, or do some charity work to help others and make one have a sense of self worth.

Hell even regular masturbation can help.

 

[MoonPenguin]

I just read the OP, none of the responses. I'd like to think most folks are intelligent enough to realize anti-depressants have varying classes and methods of how they work. Further, each medication affects individuals in different ways.

Blanket statements like the OP suggests are not the all-encompassing truth they proclaim to be.

 

[DayDark]

Prozac, an anti depressent. Has notoriety for side effects and I'm being hit by them. Right now.

If you get upset when your on Prozac, your mind makes it just that much worse. You know your on the stuff, but you believe it's not working, your mind constantly feels like it's crushing in on you. Old habits catch up to you and make things worse. You can't think straight.

Currently, I just got viciously dumped by my girlfriend who I thought was a good person. Then she sends me a video of her with another guy, having sex. Video was recent, as it was showing the LOST finale in the background... A thought entered my head about killing myself before I snapped into reality and got a grip. Others might not so lucky to snap out of it.

This is a warning to those with depression. Sometimes, Drugs don't help. Now I need to calm down. Going for a bath then getting some shut eye. Night all.

Oh, and to promote discussion value, give your thoughts on Anti Depressants.

Holy fucking shit, I need some context for that, what the fuck is wrong with her, what the hell did you do to deserve that?

you know with the right information on the internet, some pretty shitty stuff can happen to some pretty shitty people, just saying.

 

[Metal Brother]

Send the video to her parents.

I'm usually not big on revenge, but the ironic beauty of this really appeals to me. Burn it to DVD and drop it in the mail. Life is good. ;-)

 

[Macgyvercas]

Prozac, an anti depressent. Has notoriety for side effects and I'm being hit by them. Right now.

If you get upset when your on Prozac, your mind makes it just that much worse. You know your on the stuff, but you believe it's not working, your mind constantly feels like it's crushing in on you. Old habits catch up to you and make things worse. You can't think straight.

Currently, I just got viciously dumped by my girlfriend who I thought was a good person. Then she sends me a video of her with another guy, having sex. Video was recent, as it was showing the LOST finale in the background... A thought entered my head about killing myself before I snapped into reality and got a grip. Others might not so lucky to snap out of it.

This is a warning to those with depression. Sometimes, Drugs don't help. Now I need to calm down. Going for a bath then getting some shut eye. Night all.

Oh, and to promote discussion value, give your thoughts on Anti Depressants.

I was on that untill a week ago, that shit is fucked up.

I was on it for a while. Nothing bad ever happened with me (Then again, I do have a habit of being rather mellow about stuff regardless).

Also, I love your avatar.

 

[Marik2]

It blows my mind that there is such an epidemic of "depression" out there. Now, I'm a bit of an optimist myself, but there's only one thing I have to say.

To all those suffering from depression:

There are people all over Africa suffering from far more than just being depressed. Starvation, disease, homelessness, wild animals, drought, civil wars, marauders, pirates, warlords, genocide, slavery and more.

Your personal problems really aren't that bad, now are they?

You took the words out of my mouth. Seriously since when did people become such pansies and think "Oh I have the worst life ever"

My grandma was kicked and punished everyday by her mom for no good reason and she still had the time to be happy.

 

[Lizmichi]

I've been on Prozac for about 3 years now and haven't noticed any change other then my moods are allot better and I don't think about killing my self. When I'm off it I'm a mess and when I don't everyday I ether wake up crying or fall asleep crying. Didn't help I was forgetting to take it during a bad 2 month long break up from my fiance and that literally almost killed me.

Meds effect people in different ways and it depends on what else you take as well and what else you have. If your bipolar Prozac makes you suicidal. (not saying your are just stating a fact)Because one doesn't work doesn't mean the others don't. Hell even sometimes meds aren't the way to go. I'm on meds for a whole mess of things (ADHD, depression, and anxiety)and I see a therapist once a month. By seeing her I feel so much better in and of it's self. I'm sorry you had to go throw that kind of pain. No on should even have to or should. I'm not a doctor but I'd say talk to yours and see what they say. Maybe Prozac isn't right for you. I hope, I truly hope for the best for you or anyone that has the same problem. Depression is a nasty road to take.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Currently, I just got viciously dumped by my girlfriend who I thought was a good person. Then she sends me a video of her with another guy, having sex.

If she's under 18 turn the video into the cops and have her done for sending you underage porn.

 

[KEGman321]

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a rough time in your life. I used to be depressed for about a year and a half. It was horrible, but my family didn't notice. They never really paid a lot of attention to the things that I did.

Just try talking to someone, if you feel comfortable with doing so. It helped me greatly.

OT: I was never prescribed anti-depressants, and I'm glad I wasn't. By the way you all are describing them they sound terrible.

 

[Mrsoupcup]

Prozac, an anti depressent. Has notoriety for side effects and I'm being hit by them. Right now.

If you get upset when your on Prozac, your mind makes it just that much worse. You know your on the stuff, but you believe it's not working, your mind constantly feels like it's crushing in on you. Old habits catch up to you and make things worse. You can't think straight.

Currently, I just got viciously dumped by my girlfriend who I thought was a good person. Then she sends me a video of her with another guy, having sex. Video was recent, as it was showing the LOST finale in the background... A thought entered my head about killing myself before I snapped into reality and got a grip. Others might not so lucky to snap out of it.

This is a warning to those with depression. Sometimes, Drugs don't help. Now I need to calm down. Going for a bath then getting some shut eye. Night all.

Oh, and to promote discussion value, give your thoughts on Anti Depressants.

I was on that untill a week ago, that shit is fucked up.

I was on it for a while. Nothing bad ever happened with me (Then again, I do have a habit of being rather mellow about stuff regardless).

Also, I love your avatar.

Hmm, might be the dosage your on.

Also thank you, I think it's quite smexy. (I always thought yours was perty too)

 

[Soluncreed]

When you brought this up it was the only song i could think of. Personally I stay away from medication. I don't like being dependent on things that I can cure myself. The easy way out isn't the best way.

 

[Lizmichi]

It blows my mind that there is such an epidemic of "depression" out there. Now, I'm a bit of an optimist myself, but there's only one thing I have to say.

To all those suffering from depression:

There are people all over Africa suffering from far more than just being depressed. Starvation, disease, homelessness, wild animals, drought, civil wars, marauders, pirates, warlords, genocide, slavery and more.

Your personal problems really aren't that bad, now are they?

That is possibly the most ignorant thing I've ever heard regarding mental illnesses. Granted, some people claim depression when they just have a low mood but there are those who suffer from Depression from a mental chemical inbalance. There is no way for them to help it and hearing someone tell them that their problems are not as bad as other people's would seriously effect the depressed person in question. You think they don't know that some of their problems aren't that big a deal to others? Most of them probably do and that knowledge fuels depression making it a lot worse all by itself, and that is without the outside influence of someone telling them that. That I was taking up others time with silly problems was my greatest fear when my depression got really bad and those are the kind of thoughts that had a big part in my trying to commit suicide, it didn't help that one of my friends told me that exact same thing you just said in your post. Please, choose your words very carefully and research depression. It isn't just sadness and a lot of the time it effects people who may not even have that bad a life but effects them becuase of their brain chemistry.

I really couldn't agree more with you Disaster even if I tried. Telling that to someone like me is only going to make them so so so much worse. It adds fuel to an inferno of self loathing which leads me to my next point; people with depression will hate them selves for feeling low when there are whole countries dying or starving. I can say that I hate my self, I shouldn't but I do.
So please Johnnyallstar be kind to those that suffer from something like this. In allot of cases you can't just tell them to "Suck it up and stop bitching." In allot of cases as well someone with depression will burst into tears if you yell at them, well I did not sure about others.