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Depression?

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Posted 1/30/2006 6:47 PM (GMT -7)
I have never been diagnosed with depression but im not ruling it out as a posibility...

I just dont know where to begin with doing some research before I go see my Doctor. I guess it has mostly to do with that I burst into tears at the drop of a hat. I have no control over my emotions what so ever. It becomes very frusterating. I dont sleep through the entire night, I always wake up at some point concerned about something. I have also been losing weight in the last 6 months as well. this has been because im not happy with my body, im not overweight its just not ever good enough. To me it sounds like depression, im not sure what else it could be, my family doesnt really have a history of it though. Any ideas? Thanks for your help in advance.

Lori
Posted 1/30/2006 10:26 PM (GMT -7)
Could be depression. I think I'd meet with a therapist before I saw a doctor about meds, though. You may need some coping skills to get you through this part of your life... and they can really help with the body image.

Everybody gets "depressed" sometimes. Changes in your life, losing a loved one, breaking up with a boyfriend, stress, bad grades, general malaise, etc. Unhappiness isn't always clinical depression, or it could be that you're having a depressive episode but you're not dealing with a chronic depression. You don't say how old you are, but it's good that depression doesn't tend to run in your family.

Call your insurance company and see how many "mental health" (I hate that term) sessions you can have on your plan, and ask your family doctor to recommend a few qualified therapists. (Sometimes they're booked and you can have a hard time getting to see them, better to have a few qualified candidates to choose from.) Talking to someone is a great first step.
Posted 1/31/2006 12:57 AM (GMT -7)
Hey Cliche SAHM Thanks for the Reply,

I'm 21. I've seen a psychologist about 10 times since September. I stopped because of winter break, I was doing it through my college. She always talked about me being stressed. I never found her to be very helpful, she was someone I was "assigned to." Perhaps going about it through my insurance would be smarter, however I am going to graduate and then be going into an occupation of self-employment. My mom just reccomended I see my doctor to rule out other possiblies like diabities and hypoglycemia. Like I said before whats most concerning to me is the crying spells, perhaps thats something in its own. My grandmother, also faces that, and it drives her nuts becasue its like you dont feel too upset but there are tears coming out of your eyes. Im not sure, perhaps in the wrong place.
Posted 1/31/2006 6:36 AM (GMT -7)
Lori, Cliche is right about checking into your medical plan.  To me it sounds like anxiety but there can be so many reasons your feeling like this.  Has your Grandmother ever gone in to see if there is a problem?  It took my mother-in-law several years before she finally went in and was diagnosed with bi-polar and my sister-in-law went in and also found out she was bi-polar (not as aggressive but still had it).  Since I am not a doctor/psychiatrist I can't pass any real information.  Stress is a nasty monster and if it continues unchecked it can lead to more serious problems. 
Posted 1/31/2006 4:59 PM (GMT -7)
MI,

To the best of my knowledge my grandmother has never gone and gotten it checked out, it is actually news to me that she deals with it, my mom just told me the other day when I was talking to her about it. I go to see my doctor next monday so we'll see what she has to say about it all. I'll have to talk to my mom about my medical plan, I would imagine that I would need a referal because it seems as though I need one for everything, hence why I'm starting with my doctor. Thanks for the input.

Beth,

I've always thought that I wasnt someone who stressed out, so its hard for me to think that it is stress. But I'm starting to accept that it may be the cause. What do you do about it, if you dont mind me asking, is there something that makes you stop crying or feel better? I feel like I would do anything to not cry. And thank you for your reply too.


Lori
Posted 1/31/2006 5:18 PM (GMT -7)
Also, I forgot to add, I am on Topamax which I think has significantly affected my relationships as well as my social life.
Posted 1/31/2006 6:34 PM (GMT -7)
Topamax, for epilepsy? I'm sure there are medications for anxiety that could be used in conjunction with the Topamax. But, if the Topamax is affecting you negatively, aren't there other medications that your doctor could use? My friend is on Neurontin, and she is not bothered by negative side effects. Have they tried anything else? (OK, I'm assuming you have epilepsy, but you might not. I know they use epilepsy drugs for other things, too.)

If you get in with a good therapist before you graduate, perhaps they can work out a payment plan for you after you get out of school, or see you less often since they might have an idea by that time of how best to help you? Just an idea.
Posted 1/31/2006 7:05 PM (GMT -7)
I'm on Topamax for Migraines. Yeah that would a good idea. I will have to talk to my family Doctor first on Monday.Thanks :)
Posted 2/1/2006 3:44 AM (GMT -7)
Just wanted to say HI Lori. 

There are differences between depression and anxiety.  And there can be different drugs for both.

My basic descriptions are Depression:  Living in a black cloud, see no hope, don't take good care of self, going through the motions.

Anxiety:  Worry, can't relax, thoughts going through mind can't stop them & can't sleep.  Edgy. 

What you said in your first post sounded more like anxiety.

Posted 2/1/2006 7:21 AM (GMT -7)
Beth,
Thanks for the advice, I started knitting last year and that helps me out some. Cooking just stresses me out because im a terrible cook hehe. But I'm sure it's different for everyone and I could find other things that work for me. I am going to try going off of my topamax to see if that is causing it. I didn't grow up down or upset so I could see that it could be the medication. At this point the side effects are worse than the migraines.

Kitttie,
Thanks for those descriptions, I was never really familiar with the difference. Like I said earlier I am going to talk to my Doctor about removing topamax, then if in a few months the emotions and all are still there then it probably is something I should talk to him about anxiety once I've removed the posibility of it being a side effect of the meds.

Thanks guys for all the input and advice :)
Posted 2/1/2006 7:35 AM (GMT -7)
Hi LoriR15 - I wanted to welcome you to Healing well forum.  Finding things to reduce stress is a good idea if that is indeed what you are experiencing.  It sounds as if you have a lot going on in your life getting ready to graduate from school then going into business for your self is a huge step in your life.  It may not be depression per say or even a problem with your Topamax.  I would strongly recommend seeing your family doctor and discussing these problems with them and see he or she says.  Please keep us informed of how you are doing.....

~elisha

Posted 2/1/2006 9:32 PM (GMT -7)
Elisha,

Thanks for the reply and the welcoming, I'll keep ya'll posted. I had to change my appointment and go next Friday! Thanks!

Lori
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