No improvements inspite of opting for meds and therapy
It's been 4 years since I have been on anti depressants . And yet I haven't made much of tangible and substantial progress . I have tried dozens of meds . I even opted for therapy last year . Inspite of all this I am still stuck and my situation is getting worse day after day . What next should I do ? I know nothing will happen overnight and that improvements will come in form of little baby steps . But I am really tired and frustrated of all this .
It sounds like things are feeling very exhausting and hopeless to you right now, and I can totally understand that. Like you said, there is no overnight magic solution, but I have hope for you! And I believe there are options out there.
I've had severe depression for 12 years and like you did not get any relief until about a month ago. I had tried many different combinations of medication, therapy, mindfulness, writing, distracting myself, walking, everything I could think of but kept feeling worse and worse.
But I did finally find a combination of medications that help last month--I know how frustrating it is that it's all a trial and error. And therapy has been helping me, but I did go through 5 therapists before I found one who was effective and a good fit for me. Things are up and down, but I can say that I have more "up" days than before and that I spring back from the "down" periods a bit quicker than I used to.
Are you working with a psychiatrist? Are they recommending any other medications or treatments?
How long were you in therapy? Did you feel connected to the therapist you were working with? Would you be willing to give a different therapist a shot?
CBT is a therapy model that has helped me a lot to identify my harmful thinking patterns and begin to reframe them (even if you don't believe it at first--which I didn't! but overtime I did begin to internalize). This website has a ton of free workbooks and self-help materials if it's something you'd be interested in checking out.
I know that when you're in the thick of depression, nothing seems enjoyable and our negative self-judgements can run wild, but try to increase the frequency of any activities that remotely bring any pleasure or neutral feelings. And try to be compassionate if you can -- you are fighting a terribly difficult battle and you are so strong to keep going.
Wishing all the best to you--I hope you get some relief soon, however small.
@Shanna
Hello there . Firstly, thank you so much for replying to my post.
Yes I am working with a psychiatrist . Apart from medications they aren't recommending anything . My psych. tells me that I am over dependant on meds and that I should push myself more and not expect meds to do everything . I kinda agree with him but I am left with no energy whatsoever to push myself.
And as far as therapy is concerned I have just had around 7 sessions with a therapist . I haven't seen much improvements in me . May be I should wait for some more time and continue with the same therapist . I will talk about CBT with my therapist . Lets see if that works for me.
Thanks again. :)
@calmsoulmeet Of course, you're so welcome!
I agree with his sentiment that meds aren't a cure all--their purpose is to bring you up to a chemical baseline where you're able to do the more emotional and behavioral work that is required to fully feel better--they're meant to sort of level the playing field a bit. I disagree though that he should be blaming you or saying you need to try harder--part of HIS job is to find ways to motivate you or strategize what additional activities or practices you could do to help make the meds more effective. Depression is so consuming that it makes it so hard to even wash a dish or take a shower, so no one can expect you to just suddenly find a burst of energy to tackle all of your issues--you're doing the best you can in the circumstances. We are always doing our best, and sometimes our best changes from day to day or moment to moment depending on so many factors including depression.
I hope that continuing to work with your therapist will help--maybe they can collaborate with your psychiatrist to problem solve what could help relieve some of this depression, or at least give you some sort of recommendation or plan so you're not left thinking "ok well there's nothing I can do so now what!"
Hopefully incorporating the CBT in your sessions could be helpful also.
Feel free to keep me updated on how things go! I'll be rooting for you.
@Shanna
Thank you so much Shanna. You have no idea how much it means to me to finally find someone who relates with what I am going through and is compassionate towards me . I will surely remain in touch with you.
Thanks again !!!
