Suggestions until Meds Kick in

[pjacats]

I'm trying to get slowly get back on my meds and am increasing the dose gradually every few days. I've called in sick to work the past couple of days because I don't want to see anyone. I'm really trying hard to cope and just get through the day. I was pretty nutty this morning again playing the how many pills would it take game. Unfortunately my only relief was to begin the binge purge cycle again which I've taken back up again when I got off the meds. I guess it's better than the other alternative I was thinking of.

I have to go back to work tomorrow. I absolutely loathe everything about myself right now and don't even want to be in public. I'm going to a meeting tonight for recovering alcoholics who suffer from depression and I'm hoping it will help. But I'd really like some suggestions from this forum. It's a lot easier to ask for help here than in a meeting. What can I do to feel better until the meds kick in?

Thanks!

I work with doctor's who deal with these issues and we had an interesting discussion last week. They were talking about a program and a book written by a doctor they know. He has a treatment program where the focus is getting up and having a routine that you follow. The conversation was brief, but from what I gathered it would be a daily routine of getting up, bathing, hygiene, dressing, making your bed, exercising, etc.. They said that after two weeks of following this routine the depression decreases tremendously without medication. With medication it goes much faster. The next time I see the doctor I'll ask her for the name of the book. You might try setting up a daily routine and maybe add writing in a journal, meditaiton, relaxation etc..
Make sure you follow the routine. If you're like me you'll have to force yourself at first.

It's a nice time of the year. Maybe you could add gardening to your daily routine. I do believe that going to work will help.

Hugs,
MG

[Juls]

pjacats,

I know what you mean about feeling like you don't want to be seen in public, I've felt like that too. MG's suggestion about establishing a daily routine is very good. I've had to force myself to do things like that, but it really does help how you feel.

Give it a try. If your bingeing and purgeing doesn't that interfere with the meds ability to work. If your feeling very suicidal, please call a crisis intervention line. Talk to somebody and get if out.

Juls

[powerpuffgirl]

I'm so glad you decided to get back on your meds.
That suggestion about getting up and doing a routine is great...it really can help just to accomplish a little bit, the basic stuff.
Go easy on yourself, too. Remember that this isn't YOU, that it will pass. i'm stuck in a very bad depression right now, and that's one thought that really helps me not get over the edge and start thinking really bad.
Take care of yourself, and PLEASE don't be afraid to ask for help, not only here but from AA's and Professionals. They more than anyone understand what you're going through. I used to show up at therapy all stinky, unbathed...I never conceived of a day when I would feel differnt...now my worst days are nothing like they used to be!
It will pass.
-PPG