Some information for newcomers on depression, mental illness, and recovery
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Some information for newcomers on depression, mental illness, and recovery
Hello all,
So I've been noticing that a lot of people have questions about the intersections between depression, mental health, and recovery, and as I've been on anti-depressants for five years, in therapy for longer, and an alcoholic SINCE BIRTH (lol) I thought I'd share what I've learned over the years.
I am not a doctor and no one should take this information as medical advice. It is simply for those who feel they may be suffering from mental illness and wish to learn more about depression and talk about it with someone who's been there.
Depression symptoms (as found on WebMD) can include:
There are different types of depression.
All of them are serious medical conditions that can lead to reduced ability to function, less enjoyment of life, injury or death if left untreated. Being depressed does NOT mean you are weak, lazy, "crazy," or "just unable to get it together."
Some types include depression that gets worse with seasonal changes (Seasonal Affective Disorder), depression with episodes of high energy/mania (Bipolar Disorder), chronic depression, Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Depression, etc.
Causes of Depression
From Web MD
Some people, such as myself, have depression rooted in brain chemistry that requires medical treatment. Our brains do not produce enough of the neurotransmitting chemicals that make us happy and give us energy- serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, etc. I have suffered with chronic debilitating depression since I was nine years old, when puberty began. My depression was dysthymic. Dysthymia is defined on the Mayo Clinic website as follows:
With dysthymia, you may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, and have low self-esteem and an overall feeling of inadequacy. People with dysthymia are often thought of as being overly critical, constantly complaining and incapable of having fun.
Remedies
Certain people with certain types of depression can be cured through lifestyle changes including exercise, yoga, herbal remedies, dietary changes, vitamin supplements, Seasonal Affective Disorder therapy lamps, and other treatments. Some respond best to a combination of homeopathic and/or lifestyle changes as well as medicine. Some people and forms of depression only respond to medication.
I have been on anti-depressants for 5 years. I have been on, consecutively, Lexapro, Zoloft, Pristiq, and a combination of Zoloft and Wellbutrin.
Anti-depressants allow me to function in every day life.
They do not get me high, they are not "happy pills," and they do not turn me into a zombie. I still feel highs and lows. Depression, for me, was always like a lens that changed my point of view. When depressed, everything seems sad to me, I am tired and unmotivated, I procrastinate and lay in bed all day because I can't do anything else. When not depressed, I still get angry, upset, sad, anxious, and more, but I experience these emotions normally. They are not overwhelming and they don't last more than a few days at the most. They are normal reactions to things that actually happen in my life, and not a film coloring everything I see and experience. When I was depressed, I never had a "reason." My life was fine. It was the inability of my brain to process chemicals that made me sad and unenergetic.
Again, a doctor or psychiatrist can evaluate you and your need for different treatments. And you have the freedom to choose what you want to do. No one will hold a gun to your head and force you to take pills. Try exercise, try vitamins, try herbs (just tell your doctor if you are on medicines because they can interact and harm you, like St. John's Wort), try medications.
When Antidepressants Don't Work
Sometimes, you start taking pills and feel the same. Antidepressants usually take a few weeks to begin working. There are also different medicines that work for different people. For example, Pristiq and Lexapro did not work well for me. Zoloft and Wellbutrin do. I have never had bad side effects from my antidepressants, however I know people who have had awful side effects from the same medications I've taken with no problems. Everyone's brain is different, and if something doesn't feel right, talk to a psychiatrist. There are many, many different medicines and combinations of medicines you can take. I take Wellbutrin, which gives me more energy, and Zoloft, a different kind of antidepressant, together.
Depression and Alcohol
Substance abuse is listed as a cause of depression, but I think that's inaccurate and accurate. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows your body and mental functioning. It can make you depressed, and make depression worse.
However, I believe many depressed people drink BECAUSE they are depressed; they are not depressed because they drink! Correlation does not imply causation. I know I certainly drank, and began drinking, as a way to take away the pain of depression. In any case, alcohol does not make depression better, except temporarily. Depression can make you relapse if left untreated, as it is so severe and debilitating emotionally! If you drink to relieve depression or anxiety, you must treat the underlying causes or they may drive you to drink again!!!
Alcohol and Anti-Depressants
Alcohol and anti depressants should never be combined. Unfortunately, I did so for years, which was stupid, extremely dangerous, and proof of my alcoholism - I simply did not care. Anti depressants double the effect of any drink you have. This means that you get drunk twice as fast, as having one beer is like having two, etc. In my drinking days, this was a positive for me! (SO SAD lol I am so embarrassed even writing this. I was very sick). I would even take my medicines before drinking to increase the effect, which is dangerous to the extreme. Depression medications in combination with alcohol can be deadly. The two interact in very dangerous ways.
When I stopped drinking, my depression improved extremely. I believe that the alcohol was interfering with the medicines I take. They were not as effective. Also, alcohol is a depressant, and as I said before, CAN cause depression. I was also taking much better care of myself
and addressing personal issues and personality traits that were unproductive and negative.
In any event, I could write a book about this, so I'll stop now.
What are your experiences with depression and alcohol?
So I've been noticing that a lot of people have questions about the intersections between depression, mental health, and recovery, and as I've been on anti-depressants for five years, in therapy for longer, and an alcoholic SINCE BIRTH (lol) I thought I'd share what I've learned over the years.
I am not a doctor and no one should take this information as medical advice. It is simply for those who feel they may be suffering from mental illness and wish to learn more about depression and talk about it with someone who's been there.
Depression symptoms (as found on WebMD) can include:
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
There are different types of depression.
All of them are serious medical conditions that can lead to reduced ability to function, less enjoyment of life, injury or death if left untreated. Being depressed does NOT mean you are weak, lazy, "crazy," or "just unable to get it together."
Some types include depression that gets worse with seasonal changes (Seasonal Affective Disorder), depression with episodes of high energy/mania (Bipolar Disorder), chronic depression, Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Depression, etc.
Causes of Depression
From Web MD
- Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can cause depression later in life.
- Certain medications. For example, some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers or reserpine, can increase your risk of depression.
- Conflict. Depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
- Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, can also increase the risk of depression.
- Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is passed genetically from one generation to the next. The exact way this happens, though, is not known.
- Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring.
- Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can lead to depression.
- Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or is a reaction to the illness.
- Substance abuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.
Some people, such as myself, have depression rooted in brain chemistry that requires medical treatment. Our brains do not produce enough of the neurotransmitting chemicals that make us happy and give us energy- serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, etc. I have suffered with chronic debilitating depression since I was nine years old, when puberty began. My depression was dysthymic. Dysthymia is defined on the Mayo Clinic website as follows:
With dysthymia, you may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, and have low self-esteem and an overall feeling of inadequacy. People with dysthymia are often thought of as being overly critical, constantly complaining and incapable of having fun.
Remedies
Certain people with certain types of depression can be cured through lifestyle changes including exercise, yoga, herbal remedies, dietary changes, vitamin supplements, Seasonal Affective Disorder therapy lamps, and other treatments. Some respond best to a combination of homeopathic and/or lifestyle changes as well as medicine. Some people and forms of depression only respond to medication.
I have been on anti-depressants for 5 years. I have been on, consecutively, Lexapro, Zoloft, Pristiq, and a combination of Zoloft and Wellbutrin.
Anti-depressants allow me to function in every day life.
They do not get me high, they are not "happy pills," and they do not turn me into a zombie. I still feel highs and lows. Depression, for me, was always like a lens that changed my point of view. When depressed, everything seems sad to me, I am tired and unmotivated, I procrastinate and lay in bed all day because I can't do anything else. When not depressed, I still get angry, upset, sad, anxious, and more, but I experience these emotions normally. They are not overwhelming and they don't last more than a few days at the most. They are normal reactions to things that actually happen in my life, and not a film coloring everything I see and experience. When I was depressed, I never had a "reason." My life was fine. It was the inability of my brain to process chemicals that made me sad and unenergetic.
Again, a doctor or psychiatrist can evaluate you and your need for different treatments. And you have the freedom to choose what you want to do. No one will hold a gun to your head and force you to take pills. Try exercise, try vitamins, try herbs (just tell your doctor if you are on medicines because they can interact and harm you, like St. John's Wort), try medications.
When Antidepressants Don't Work
Sometimes, you start taking pills and feel the same. Antidepressants usually take a few weeks to begin working. There are also different medicines that work for different people. For example, Pristiq and Lexapro did not work well for me. Zoloft and Wellbutrin do. I have never had bad side effects from my antidepressants, however I know people who have had awful side effects from the same medications I've taken with no problems. Everyone's brain is different, and if something doesn't feel right, talk to a psychiatrist. There are many, many different medicines and combinations of medicines you can take. I take Wellbutrin, which gives me more energy, and Zoloft, a different kind of antidepressant, together.
Depression and Alcohol
Substance abuse is listed as a cause of depression, but I think that's inaccurate and accurate. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows your body and mental functioning. It can make you depressed, and make depression worse.
However, I believe many depressed people drink BECAUSE they are depressed; they are not depressed because they drink! Correlation does not imply causation. I know I certainly drank, and began drinking, as a way to take away the pain of depression. In any case, alcohol does not make depression better, except temporarily. Depression can make you relapse if left untreated, as it is so severe and debilitating emotionally! If you drink to relieve depression or anxiety, you must treat the underlying causes or they may drive you to drink again!!!
Alcohol and Anti-Depressants
Alcohol and anti depressants should never be combined. Unfortunately, I did so for years, which was stupid, extremely dangerous, and proof of my alcoholism - I simply did not care. Anti depressants double the effect of any drink you have. This means that you get drunk twice as fast, as having one beer is like having two, etc. In my drinking days, this was a positive for me! (SO SAD lol I am so embarrassed even writing this. I was very sick). I would even take my medicines before drinking to increase the effect, which is dangerous to the extreme. Depression medications in combination with alcohol can be deadly. The two interact in very dangerous ways.
When I stopped drinking, my depression improved extremely. I believe that the alcohol was interfering with the medicines I take. They were not as effective. Also, alcohol is a depressant, and as I said before, CAN cause depression. I was also taking much better care of myself
and addressing personal issues and personality traits that were unproductive and negative. In any event, I could write a book about this, so I'll stop now.
What are your experiences with depression and alcohol?
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York City
Posts: 154
I mean it's what my psychiatrist told me, you can take it up with him. Here are some other negative effects. Antidepressants and alcohol: What is the concern? - MayoClinic.com
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 5,678
Thank you Isinganyway 
That's really helpful information x
Depression is something I need to address at some point. I think I have been depressed since I was a child (I've only had too bouts which were really bad though) but I have never done anything about it, except drink...
That's really helpful information xDepression is something I need to address at some point. I think I have been depressed since I was a child (I've only had too bouts which were really bad though) but I have never done anything about it, except drink...
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York City
Posts: 154
Hypochondriac, I have a similar situation... it was rarely so awful I couldn't function, but there definitely were a few times that that happened. Usually though it was pretty low level. Treatment is really effective so don't lose hope
Sobriety is Traditional
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Posts: 9,066
Thank you so much for this!
First on interaction of anti-depressants and alcohol: they always have that martini glass with an "X" symbol (DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHEN TAKING THIS MEDICATION). Of course, I ignored this--but I do not think the effects of alcohol were doubled (this really seems to be the only error in your whole excellent post). As for effectiveness of the medication--how would I know, I was drunk and miserable? The more I drank, the worse my depression--but heaven forbid I should ever tell my therapist the truth.
So now that I am sober, I am wondering if I really need anit-depressants. I also have suffered from depression since childhood--or maybe prenatal alcoholism (there is a story about Mom being drunk and dancing on a bar and almost getting decapitated by a ceiling fan...).
Who knows. In the meantime, I'll keep taking the meds.
First on interaction of anti-depressants and alcohol: they always have that martini glass with an "X" symbol (DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHEN TAKING THIS MEDICATION). Of course, I ignored this--but I do not think the effects of alcohol were doubled (this really seems to be the only error in your whole excellent post). As for effectiveness of the medication--how would I know, I was drunk and miserable? The more I drank, the worse my depression--but heaven forbid I should ever tell my therapist the truth.
So now that I am sober, I am wondering if I really need anit-depressants. I also have suffered from depression since childhood--or maybe prenatal alcoholism (there is a story about Mom being drunk and dancing on a bar and almost getting decapitated by a ceiling fan...).
Who knows. In the meantime, I'll keep taking the meds.
x
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,554
I do think I battle depression, like you, as a sort of low level constant state since childhood. I was horribly teased and berated daily by my older brother. It was hard to feel happy or good with that.
But, I am one who had some frighteningly bad reactions to Prozac, and then worked through a few meds, with a psychiatrist, to get off the Prozac, and onto something that did not have neg. side effects. eventually weaned off Lexapro, my final one. It managed the anxiety well, but never lifted the fog, or fatigue of depression.
While I have had some relapses, my experience was that sobriety, exercise and a 50 pound(needed) weight loss greatly improved my mood and energy.
I think I do also had SAD.
Great info.
Ro
But, I am one who had some frighteningly bad reactions to Prozac, and then worked through a few meds, with a psychiatrist, to get off the Prozac, and onto something that did not have neg. side effects. eventually weaned off Lexapro, my final one. It managed the anxiety well, but never lifted the fog, or fatigue of depression.
While I have had some relapses, my experience was that sobriety, exercise and a 50 pound(needed) weight loss greatly improved my mood and energy.
I think I do also had SAD.
Great info.
Ro
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Location: Melbourne Australia.
Posts: 3,748
I do not think the use of anti depressants are entirely clear cut for everyone.
The only anti depressant that seemed to help me to some degree was Serzone which was taken off the market because of a series of fatal acute liver failures.
Many anti depressants cause unpleasant side effects.
One American psychiatrist , Peter Breggin, has written a huge amount about the severe withdrawal syndrome, involved for some, when cutting down on these drugs, among other disadvantages.
It is also thought by some that much of the so called a/d benefits are largely a placebo affect. These people also claim that so called chemical imbalance of the brain is still not proven.
It appears that, while seeming to work for some, anti depressants are no wonder drugs.
Of course this doesn't stop Big Pharma laughing all the way to the bank.
The only anti depressant that seemed to help me to some degree was Serzone which was taken off the market because of a series of fatal acute liver failures.
Many anti depressants cause unpleasant side effects.
One American psychiatrist , Peter Breggin, has written a huge amount about the severe withdrawal syndrome, involved for some, when cutting down on these drugs, among other disadvantages.
It is also thought by some that much of the so called a/d benefits are largely a placebo affect. These people also claim that so called chemical imbalance of the brain is still not proven.
It appears that, while seeming to work for some, anti depressants are no wonder drugs.
Of course this doesn't stop Big Pharma laughing all the way to the bank.
Sobriety is Traditional
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Posts: 9,066
Thanks, Rochele!
One of my many counselors did nothing but say I needed exercise. I had previously run cross-country in high school, so I knew what he was talking about. But did I lift a toe about it and do anything? No, I wallowed in self pity.
Then about five years later, I was married and got into a terrible fight with my wife just before she went to work one day. I felt awful and depressed after she went to work, and we had no phone to call her and apologize. So I ran two miles to a pay phone to call her and say I loved her. The run lifted me from my depression, and started twenty years of being a competitive runner. I ran a race four times, 36 miles sea level to 10,023 feet; and did dozens of marathons all over the world.
20 years later, my wife was dying of cancer. I started drinking heavily and stopped running. I remarried. We both were heavy drinkers. My wife got a DUI, went to rehab, and was told the only way to stay sober was AA. But did we lift a toe about it and go to meetings? No. It took six more years of progressive misery before we almost ruined our lives. I went to a week of detox, and was told the only way to stay sober was go to AA meetings. We have been almost every day since.
And now, I am getting back into exercise. On a "dare" after a post I made here at SR, I went for a four mile hike the other day. It hurt every step of the way--it is incredible how strong I was and how weak I have become. But if I can quit drinking, I really know I can beat depression (maybe with the help of meds) and (uh oh, I hear a commitment coming) run a marathon this year? Did I just type that? How long do I have to edit this post?
One of my many counselors did nothing but say I needed exercise. I had previously run cross-country in high school, so I knew what he was talking about. But did I lift a toe about it and do anything? No, I wallowed in self pity.
Then about five years later, I was married and got into a terrible fight with my wife just before she went to work one day. I felt awful and depressed after she went to work, and we had no phone to call her and apologize. So I ran two miles to a pay phone to call her and say I loved her. The run lifted me from my depression, and started twenty years of being a competitive runner. I ran a race four times, 36 miles sea level to 10,023 feet; and did dozens of marathons all over the world.
20 years later, my wife was dying of cancer. I started drinking heavily and stopped running. I remarried. We both were heavy drinkers. My wife got a DUI, went to rehab, and was told the only way to stay sober was AA. But did we lift a toe about it and go to meetings? No. It took six more years of progressive misery before we almost ruined our lives. I went to a week of detox, and was told the only way to stay sober was go to AA meetings. We have been almost every day since.
And now, I am getting back into exercise. On a "dare" after a post I made here at SR, I went for a four mile hike the other day. It hurt every step of the way--it is incredible how strong I was and how weak I have become. But if I can quit drinking, I really know I can beat depression (maybe with the help of meds) and (uh oh, I hear a commitment coming) run a marathon this year? Did I just type that? How long do I have to edit this post?
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Great post, ising, thank you! Clearly written, easy to understand and very helpful.
I, too, have struggled with depression all my life, having a few very serious bouts of Major Depression. As I read your post I realized that right now I have almost every single symptom of depression and didn't recognize it. I was aware of some PAWS type which has been getting a little better but not the overall and underlying (if that makes sense) depression. I guess if it's not a severe, major episode I don't even realize I'm depressed. Food for thought and action. Thanks again.
I, too, have struggled with depression all my life, having a few very serious bouts of Major Depression. As I read your post I realized that right now I have almost every single symptom of depression and didn't recognize it. I was aware of some PAWS type which has been getting a little better but not the overall and underlying (if that makes sense) depression. I guess if it's not a severe, major episode I don't even realize I'm depressed. Food for thought and action. Thanks again.
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@ Murchovski,
Yes, antidepressants are certainly not for everyone. Like I said, a lot of people can and do use exercise, herbs, vitamin supplements, light therapy, etc. to manage their depression! They work very well for me but that's because my brain chemistry fits the medications. The withdrawal syndrome is no joke, you have to taper off so slowly. when i don't take my meds for a few days (cold turkey) i get what feels like electric shocks in my brain... not fun. I think everyone needs a different solution for managing our brains
Yes, antidepressants are certainly not for everyone. Like I said, a lot of people can and do use exercise, herbs, vitamin supplements, light therapy, etc. to manage their depression! They work very well for me but that's because my brain chemistry fits the medications. The withdrawal syndrome is no joke, you have to taper off so slowly. when i don't take my meds for a few days (cold turkey) i get what feels like electric shocks in my brain... not fun. I think everyone needs a different solution for managing our brains
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@coldfusion - running is amazing for mood. I'm trying to get in the habit myself because although it's difficult to start (especially as it's 20 degrees here!!) it's soooo good. I think it's really important to get your body moving so blood can flow strongly and flush everything out... we're made to move! and yeah, if you didn't have any depression before hand, it may be situational and could very well be made better by diet/exercise etc
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@rochele - I have heard horror stories about prozac and like I said, lexapro did nothing for me. I'm interested in your weight loss story - how do you stay motivated to exercise? I'm not overweight but I don't get nearly enough physical activity.
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Also, I am diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder. I tried Lexapro, and didn't like the sexual side-effects. Wellbutrin left me dazed and confused. I now take low doses of Zoloft and Risperidone.
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Wow, I just looked up Dysthymia & I probably have all the symptoms! I have had numerous counslors & rehabs, but I have never been told about this. Been on & off anti-depressants, trying to find which one works. When counslors asked how long I have been depressed, I say "I was born depressed"! I am struggling with why not one of these specialists ever told me about this! And, I drink because I am depressed, or filled with anxiety & then when I do get some sober time, I feel the same & so I drink again. I have been going round & round in circles all my life. My family has trouble with why I just can't fix my life, my friends dump me & I am sure I appear to people to be depressed, so who the hell wants to be around me. And I am critical & negative also. Thanks sooooo much for posting this, now I need to figure out what to do.
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