[nandm]

Welcome to the Mental Health forum.

Wow, sounds like you have a lot going on right now. No wonder you are feeling a little overwhelmed. The only thing I can share with you is my experience. I fight with chronic pain from a back injury that occured in an automobile accident. I have made the choice to deal with it as much as possible without drugs. Therefor I utilize a TENS unit (electrical stimulation of the nerves that disrupts the pain message and increases circulation to the area), use Ibuprofen to keep the swelling and irritation down, and use oxycodone only when absolutely necessary (A 30 day supply lasts me over 2 months on average). There are many methods of dealing with chronic pain other than drug use, there is accupuncture, chiropractors, TENS units, physical therapy, yoga, meditation. I have never been a pot smoker as drugs were really not my thing I am a recovering alcoholic.

I also fight with depression. My experience is that the antidepressants have been a lifesaver for me. I have never been a pot smoker as alcohol was my addiction.

My experience comes in the form of my oldest daughter. She did pot for several years. Ultimately when she finally quit she found her depression and anxiety went away. She had even tried anti depressants while using pot to help with her depression and anxiety. But they always seemed to make her feel worse. Going by her experience I wonder if the pot has something to do with your depression. I do realize that chronic pain can create depression, it probably contributes to mine. I also do not discount how you are feeling in any way as I am sure it is miserable right now. I would suggest talking with a doctor even if you have to find a new one. See if they will send you to a pain management clinic to find an alternative to the pot for your pain. You may find that your world gets better if you do as it is possible it will not only help with your back pain but with your mental health issues right now.

Take care and keep us posted. You are not alone.