I was recently diagnosed with depression......I'm 18. Everything was fine up until a few months ago when I graduated. I was Valedeictorian, and through a program at my school, I was able to complete my Associate's degree at the same time. It should have been a happy time for me, but instead, I found myself spiraling downward into an unhappy person. Problems arose, and instead of tackling them with the confidence I had before, I built a wall. I pushed away friends and family. I'm struggling with school....not that the work is any harder, I've just lost desire and motivation. That applies to everything. I quit my church choir and stopped doing things on the weekend. I've gained a lot of weight, and I stopped tanning. I don't date anymore.
After talking to my doctor, she gave me Zoloft, and I thought it would be a magic remedy. Instead, I've had sleepless nights, nausea, and I'm not looking forward to gaining any more weight. I know that I will kick this, and I will find my motivation and happiness again, but I'm so lost right now. My friends really can't relate, and I just need reassurance that I'm not alone. Thanks!
Your letter reminded me so much of what I went through when I was 18 years old and what I'm currently still struggling with. I'm 20 years old and my almost perfect life I fiind not worth living anymore. I feel guilty for feeling this way for no reason at all and have become a depressed person who just want to dissapear of this earth.
I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. There are many of us who have gone through exactly the same thing you are going through now.
I was recently diagnosed with depression......I'm 18. Everything was fine up until a few months ago when I graduated. I was Valedeictorian, and through a program at my school, I was able to complete my Associate's degree at the same time. It should have been a happy time for me, but instead, I found myself spiraling downward into an unhappy person. Problems arose, and instead of tackling them with the confidence I had before, I built a wall. I pushed away friends and family. I'm struggling with school....not that the work is any harder, I've just lost desire and motivation. That applies to everything. I quit my church choir and stopped doing things on the weekend. I've gained a lot of weight, and I stopped tanning. I don't date anymore.
After talking to my doctor, she gave me Zoloft, and I thought it would be a magic remedy. Instead, I've had sleepless nights, nausea, and I'm not looking forward to gaining any more weight. I know that I will kick this, and I will find my motivation and happiness again, but I'm so lost right now. My friends really can't relate, and I just need reassurance that I'm not alone. Thanks!
I wanted to tell you welcome to Healing Well forum. We are glad to have you.
It is great that you were able to be Valedictorian of your school and also get your Associates degree at the same time. Some people can have Situational Depression when they have a major life change, like going off to college for example. An antidepressant in these type of cases is appropriate type of treatment for short term. Until the person is able to adjust and feels more stable usually 6-8 months. Perhaps Zoloft is just not the correct medication for you. Also in females any weight gain can certainly make depression worse. Maybe give you doctor a call and let them know how you are feeling. There are lots of good medications out that can help.
You are defiantly not alone in this. Please keep us updated on how you are doing and come back and post often. It can help......
Natie said... Your letter reminded me so much of what I went through when I was 18 years old and what I'm currently still struggling with. I'm 20 years old and my almost perfect life I fiind not worth living anymore. I feel guilty for feeling this way for no reason at all and have become a depressed person who just want to dissapear of this earth.
I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. There are many of us who have gone through exactly the same thing you are going through now.
Natie, I wanted to also welcome to Healing Well forum. There are so many great people here willing help someone else and I am glad that you have joined their ranks.
I was wondering if you are in counseling or on any medications? I am 32 now and my depression started at a very early age.
Welcome to HW. You will find lots of support here. Although I have been depressed for years, I have only been on meds since June. You didn't say what dose you were on. I take Zoloft and it has been increased twice. I also take Wellbutrin. It does take awhile, your meds may need adjusting but hopefully it will help. Give it time . . . Therapy can also be helpful. You have accomplished so much already, don't give up. Come here often, we understand.
Oops, forgot to ask., what time of day do you take your meds? Zoloft makes ME tired so I take it at night, the Wellbutrin in the morning. I also have anxiety and take Ambien CR to help me sleep. If you haven't already, try taking your Zoloft at a different time of day.
It really does help to know people can relate to what I'm going through! I took your advice, sadsunshine, and took my medicine later. I tolerated it alot better.....thanks for the words of wisdom! I decided that the only way ANY treatment is going to work, I'm going to have to meet it half-way......I bought some study books to bring up my grades, and scheduled a lunch date with a close friend. Baby steps......
I also took my zoloft at night, but I also take my prozac at night (I'm not on Zoloft anymore) - my doctor actually encourages me to take medications at night. He even had me take my prenatal vitamins at night when I was pregnant.
Seriously, though, if the zoloft doesn't meet your expectations 4 or 5 weeks after starting, talk to your doctor about switching. There are so many antidepressants out there, it makes sense to see if something will work better for you. As you mentioned, though, you do have to meet it halfway. Medication is an aid for our depression, not a cure. You sound like you have a good handle on things to do that will help you out. This is a good forum for ideas if you are needing help.
When I was on Zoloft I found that it was better for me to take it at night. However, once it reaches therapeutic level it really doesn't matter any longer as it is constantly in your system.
I decided that the only way ANY treatment is going to work, I'm going to have to meet it half-way......I bought some study books to bring up my grades, and scheduled a lunch date with a close friend. Baby steps......