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Liza G.
Liza G. Sendmail

Depression woes....

posted over 2 years ago | Report

Interestingly enough I am clinically depressed. And I have every right to be. I have been unemployed since March 19 due to the budget cuts in the schools. I spend hours applying for jobs. The one teaching job I thought I was sure I was going to get was given to another and I sometimes feel like I am going to lose my mind. I can’t even substitute teach- there is a hiring freeze. I have lost interest in almost everything. I sit at my computer for hours on end or watch TV for hours on end. I am trying to do my Master’s online- I was successful in one class and flunked in another because my mind was just not into it. (I am going to regret that one….)

I went to my PCP and explained my symptoms. He replied, “You have classic clinical depression.” Yippee…. So I responded- “Is there anyone I can see?” The response, “Sure, but it’s going to cost you.” I have no insurance of any kind so each and every visit to anyone in the medical community costs me an arm and a leg. We decided to go the meds route.

After one week on Zoloft 25 mg I quit- cold turkey. Those things were making me sleep a lot! And I was supposed to start the 50 mg pills this past weekend! I wasn’t awake to even decide whether I wanted to accomplish something in the day or not. Now THAT’S even MORE DEPRESSING if you ask me…. The only real thing I have going for myself is exercising. I was blessed enough to pay for 32 training sessions just before I lost my job and I was equally as blessed to invest $200 in the Women’s Adventure Boot Camp ($100 for the camp and $100 for the shoes and my weights). At first, I was forcing myself to do it. But lately I don’t have to. I spring up from bed and I get right into preparing to go work out. And I have managed to make it a morning routine; at first I was trying to squeeze it into my schedule in the evening with not-so-great success. (Once again- excuses!)

It has been a slow but rewarding process. I guess I am going to let the depression run its course and allow exercise to give me the bursts of energy and confidence I need. My question for the community is this- have you had depression? How have you dealt with it? If you are on anti- depressants, can I know what you take and how they have helped you? Maybe I can take this data back to my doc the next time I go and see him which is in three weeks…. And just maybe you can share an insight that will be beneficial to me…. :)

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  • Lisa L.
    Lisa L. Sendmail

    No I've never suffered from depression. If I was in your situation I would look to relocate to a place where you can find work. If this started when you stopped working then going to a location where you can work again would be the best. Look for a support group. They usually offer them at no charge and or a small fee that is shared by the group. Just something to think about.

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago

  • Liza G.
    Liza G. Sendmail

    I was thinking about that. I am giving myself until December to get something here. There is a career fair on Wed so we’ll see what happens there…. And I was trying to find a support group. Apparently there is none around here! :(

    Thanks for the feedback…. ;)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Colleen G.
    Colleen G. Sendmail

    Liza,
    I own a business, and with the economy the way it is I have been struggling, I always make my house payment late, and can barely feed my teenagers. The stress of this business is so overwhelming these past 2 years, I can feel your pain. I started running in March, let me tell you it has made a huge difference for me. I am not so angry and depressed about the state of my business, and I am handling all of it better, running has actually given me engry to try harder at my business. Keep on your situation will change, my moms friend told me something that I have used in my darkest hours, very simple but helpful, "This to will pass" keep thinking that to yourself. Keep doing some kind of physical activity it will help your depression and stress. I hope all gets better for you. My daughter started college and changed her major to teaching, I hope by the time she's done there will be jobs for her (were in Michigan yea right!) I might show here this maybe she might change again.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Lisa L.
    Lisa L. Sendmail
    in reply to what Liza G. said:I was thinking about that. I am giving myself until December to get something here. There is a career fair on Wed so we’ll see what happens there…. And I was trying to find a support group. Apparently there is none around here! :( Thanks for t... read more

    Have you tried Church groups and or looking in "health food" stores for flyers or posts about local support groups? You have to get really creative when searching for these types of things, but I know you'll find one! Best of luck to you and I hope the career fair turns up something for you. I'll keep you in my prayers.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Liza G.
    Liza G. Sendmail

    Thanks. Lisa! I will do that... I'll let you know.... :)

    Colleen: I can relate with what you are saying. I can tell you this- I have until December in my house. After that, the decision will be made- foreclosure, short sale, etc. I have been dragging this one since October. I certainly hope your daughter can find a job when she graduates. I am dually certified by the state of FL- General Education K- 6 and Middle Grades Science Grades 5- 9. I am also a FL Digital Educator; I am highly certified in educational technology. I have a total of 13 years teaching experience- 1 in Puerto Rico, 4 in St. Croix and the rest here in FL. It seems like I am in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have been through restructuring and budget cuts, the latter twice in less than one school year. There were 60 teachers that interviewed for the last position I interviewed for; there were many more that applied. Yes- things are tough in the education world right now. But as you say- “This to will pass.” Thanks for the advice! ;)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Lisa B.
    Lisa B. Sendmail

    I am now med-free....at times I wonder how...lol. I too am going through a lot of changes in my life. Some, not so bad....just bad timing. In the past I took Zoloft. I did not like it at all. I felt like I was emotionless... It was just not for me. I went off of it. I took Paxil the next time around and that was much different for me. I took it until I got better- I was going through the greiving proccess with the loss of my son. There was no way around it. I had to us meds to get me over the hump while I healed. I hope this helps and try and keep your chin up. Things will get better :)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Lisa L.
    Lisa L. Sendmail

    Lisa,

    Sorry for the loss of your son. I'm thrilled to hear that you are doing so much better. Keep on moving!

    Lisa

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Greg S.
    Greg S. Sendmail

    Sure, I've been depressed. I've been out of work two year today! I've taken online courses to update my skills and have had no luck in the job hunting world.

    What helps is a routine, a discipline I follow. I don't watch TV in the daytime except for 15-30 minutes at lunch. I ride the bike religiously at least three times a week. I try to set goals that are not related to getting that all important job, e.g. read a 'fun' book at least once a month. I make it a point to get out of the house as much as possible. I find going to lunch with a friend a big help even though I can only go once in a while and then, to someplace very modest.

    In short, keep your life as interesting and as 'normal' as possible. Hope this helps.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Rhea K.
    Rhea K. Sendmail

    I have bipolar disorder and anxiety, and the cycling that I started in June after moving here from Oregon has really helped. I would go back to your doctor for a change in meds, they can help you over a tight spot. Can you see him earlier than 3 weeks? As far as work, I agree about relocating if you can, also consider working for a company instead of teaching in a school. Look at your resume and pull out the transferable skills that fit with jobs that you have researched. What about tutoring privately? It would bring in $$ and give you a chance to network with people who have jobs. Also, don't overlook getting involved in toast masters, or other groups that network. Everyone you meet in person or online is an opportunity to network. Losing a job is also a loss of the social contacts with co-workers. Take care, and remember sometimes it's normal to be sad.

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago

  • Katya
    Katya Sendmail

    I had a lot of success with Wellbutrin, for what it's worth, although in the initial ramping-up phase there was some insomnia and anxiety. I've been using a light box recently to get through the dim winter days. Hope this helps & good luck with your job hunt!!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Liza G.
    Liza G. Sendmail

    Thanks, guys! I appreciate all of this feedback! Lisa- I am so sorry about the loss of your son. I am glad you were able to take something and that it helped you feel better. When I was working, a 24- year old co- worker lost her mom suddenly. She was fine as fine can be. A skin cancer took her away from her family in 6 months. And another co- worker lost her 22- year old daughter in 14 months time to leukemia. She too, had never been sick. I know both took anti- depressants to help cope with their sudden losses as well so I can relate to your story…. Greg- Wow! Two years unemployed? I am so sorry. I thought I was bad. I feel terrible because I, too, am taking online classes and trying to improve my skills. Kudos to you for hanging on. Thanks for the great advice!.... Rhea- I am going to call today. He is only in this office Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thanks for that advice and for sharing your story as well…. Katya- I am going to see if I mention Wellbutrin to the doc as well. I am glad it is working for you.

    Thanks once again to each and every one of you! :)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Ron K.
    Ron K. Sendmail

    I was very depressed for years following my 15 year old son's suicide. At that time I had been married 23 years & had 3 great kids, (ages 20, 15 & 10 ) a good job at Boeing in Seattle, life seemed great. It is still very hard to think about it, no real clues as to why. Our family Dr. at that time also had just lost his wife & he suggested Paxil, he also was on Paxil. So I went on that & it helped significantly. It took about 3 weeks for it to take effect, I found that after 3-4 months, my 20 year old son told me he thought the Paxil had mellowed me out too much. So I went off it for a few months, then depression set in again & so for the next 2-3 years I went on & off it. It did work very well for me. It seemed to allow my mind to rest, it helped me sleep & quit thinking so much about negative stuff. My Dr. explained to me that Paxil sort of trains your brain to avoid the painful thoughts, & so a person only needs to take it for a few months.
    Life really does suck at times. I think most people have hard knocks from time to time & we just have to do the best we can & I am positive it will get better, it did for me. :-)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Jimmy J.
    Jimmy J. Sendmail

    We have went through some financial trouble, a church split, me walking completely away from my job, my wife having surgery, the fact that we don't see each other that much, and we've lost alot of the affection we once shared, among other things. I have been truly depressed at times.

    Earlier this year God blessed with another good job that's just like the one I lost. I now work @ (Russell County Medical Center) in "House Keeping". Something I've done for years. But still at times I feel depressed, and I've still not went back to church full time when God has blessed us so much.

    I prayed awhile back and asked God to show me once again if I was truly forgiven. When I did that God so graciously blessed me with another beautiful song. We have been called by God to preach and sing. This coming week I want to go back to always putting God first, family, friends, and yes I want to get really serious again with my running. I know it's possible, but I have to truly trust God, and not be so hard on myself. Yes I did mess up so bad, (even though I was serving God), but he has so graciously told me I was forgiven in another song. Also I know God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost supports everything I do. My family Roxie and Andrew does too. So keep praying and never give up. If you don't pray you can start now, okay.

    I know I haven't lost a loved one like others that have posted here. My circumstances were not as bad as that, but it did leave me so depressed. I plan to get serious with God again before I go see about Meds. After that I'm sure that God will lead in the right direction. I will pray for you Liza, and all those that has posted a comment so far, okay. God can work wonders.

    We don't play any instruments except, (I beat on the drums a little), but we do have the words to each song God has blessed us with and the melody is in our hearts. Sometimes we sing them accappella. Here are the words to my new song.

    When I Heard God's Voice Calling.
    Verse: 1
    ....I was walking through a valley with my head held hanging low.
    ....For I could not find true happiness wherever I would go.
    ....Then I heard a voice so softly whispering my name.
    ....It was the voice of God calling me and I've never been the same.

    Chorus:
    ....When I heard God's voice calling saying child come to me.
    ....I knelt and prayed at Calvary and there Jesus set me free.
    ....I was filled with holy power that day when the Holy Ghost came down.
    ....And now the soul there that once was lost is now the soul that's Heaven bound.

    Verse: 2
    ....I've served the Lord for 15 years trials have come and trials have gone,
    ....And though sometimes I've wondered from the flock the good shepherd's always brought me home,
    ....And though I know I don't deserve one single thing that God has ever done for me.
    ....Still I'll praise him for that blessed day he called when Jesus saved me.

    Don't Look at (Me and My-Family). It's God that blessed us with this song. We are just like everyone on Dailymile. Trying to make it in this life. You are in my prayers, Liza. God Bless "You and Your-Family" is my Dailymile Prayer...+ God Bless Everyone on Dailymile too...+

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago

  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    plenty of studies out there that show that sustained aerobic activity is superior for combating mild depression than any drug.

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Duathlon
    Duathlon Sendmail

    Liza,

    I just stumbled upon this thread. I hope you are doing well, and your life in general has improved. Thinking of you.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Holly T.
    Holly T. Sendmail

    Zoloft has a mild sleepy effect for a few weeks, then the sleepiness goes away. You would have to take it for a longer time than a week to get over the sleepy effect and to see if it actually helps you. This is the same for pretty much all the other depression meds. I meet a lot of people who stop meds that are prescribed without giving the meds a chance, or contacting their Doctor.

    Exercise is a great help for depression, but I wouldn't say no to the medication, as you actually have not given it a chance to even work.

    posted over 1 year ago

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