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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 18:52:54
Hi everyone. I'm been reading posts for a few weeks now and decided it's time for me to post. If I bore anyone please forgive, I just need to vent. I'm 42 and have been depressed since I was a teenager. I was on and off of wellbutrin since the late 80's. I usually had a good response to it --- it really took me out of major episodes fairly quickly. I have long-term chronic, low-grade depression with periodic episodes of major depression. I've also come to terms over the last couple of years that I have ADD. Fortuneately, Wellbutrin is good for depression and ADD. Anyway, over the summer I quit the wellbutrin -- couldn't take it anymore: too many problems with sleep, irritable, bad temper, tense muscles, social phobia. I was put on Celexa and Ritalin. Celexa made me too sleepy. Finally saw a pharmapsyche doc and he put me on Lexapro 2 days ago (I'm still taking the Ritalin also). I hope something works. I'm making major changes in my life - either this is good or I'm making a big mistake. Yikes! I've resigned my job eff. next week and intend to have a more autonomous existence. I plan on working part time, doing some work from home, spending more time with my child and generally trying to change my life in a way that makes more sense for someone with depression and ADD. I'm tired of trying to make my life revolve around my earning a living rather than making the earning a living revolve around my life and shortcomings. Does that make sense to anyone? I read a great book last year about women and ADD and how certain professions just don't work for people like us. I've been in one of those professions for many years now. So I made the leap! I'm exhilerated, i'm scared, i'm motivated! (Not to worry - I'm not manic LOL) I can always get another job in my field if this experiment bombs. But, if it works, God, it would be great. Please please please hope with me that I don't go into a major depression and have to get a real job again because I can't handle the life without structure! Please hope this change makes me soar, not land with a thud! Anyway, thanks for listening. Judy
Posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 19:11:06
In reply to New to forum - babbling about meds, life changes.., posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 18:52:54
It's me again. I realize I sound terribly flipant in that other post....just nervous I guess about joining. It's like when I go to a new doctor and get so hopeful about the changes that new meds, counselling with make. I cover a lot of area in a short time to get the most bang for my buck. Some people think i'm a little manic at the time....I'm just glad that i'm seeking support and change. Usually i'm depressed and in my head. Having ADD gums up things also. I always give the wrong first impression..... Can someone respond? I feel so "out there" and alone.
Posted by Tabitha on January 2, 2003, at 19:29:17
In reply to Re: New to forum - babbling about meds, life changes.., posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 19:11:06
Hi Judy, Welcome and congratulations on making changes in your job. I admire you for being willing to set limits and to experiment with a new work schedule. I hope it works out better for you, and if not, you still get credit for trying. Keep us posted.
Tabitha
Posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 19:35:33
In reply to Re: New to forum - babbling about meds, life changes.., posted by Tabitha on January 2, 2003, at 19:29:17
Thanks, Tabitha. I really needed that. I'm so glad i found this forum. I don't feel I have anyone to talk to...to say what i'm really going through. I made the usual comments about being home in the afternoon with my daughter, etc. But nothing about how i'm really doing this to change my life to suit my ADD and depression. I'm scared to death. I hope this works.
Posted by Dinah on January 2, 2003, at 19:57:13
In reply to New to forum - babbling about meds, life changes.., posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 18:52:54
Hi Judy, and welcome to Babble. I'm glad you started posting!
It sounds like a very wise idea to make lifestyle changes to reduce your stress. I keep trying to remember that it is my family that is most important, and that it is most important to be my best for them, not for my work. I wish I had the courage to make those changes. Congratulations.
Dinah
Posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 20:06:03
In reply to Re: New to forum - babbling about meds, life changes.. » moodsalot, posted by Dinah on January 2, 2003, at 19:57:13
Thanks, Dinah. I feel i'm either being brave or crazy. Depends on my mood! LOL!
Posted by bluedog on January 2, 2003, at 20:52:52
In reply to New to forum - babbling about meds, life changes.., posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 18:52:54
Hi Judy,
Your story is similar to my own. To live an autonomous existence is one of my biggest fantasies. (Finding love is another one of my fantasies).
Thanks you for your comments in the above thread just above this one re. the depression and dreaming. If you stay I can see that you will be a great asset to this board so I also welcome you to the board (though I'm relatively new to the board so I don't know if I have earned the right yet to welcome new people to the board)
Your story was very heart warming and encouraging for me and I've got to consider myself whether I am a sqare peg desperately trying to fit myself into a round hole in my current job. Maybe I've got to find a job or vocation that is far more forgiving for my social anxiety and depression.
HMMMM.... youv'e really got me thinking. Maybe when the GP I mentioned above told me I might be allergic to work he really meant that perhaps my current job was not suited to my temperament.
BUT it takes a lot of courage to make the necessary changes and I'm a real chicken (social anxiety is the culprit) especially when you have financial commitments. However I've resolved that when my depression stabilises that I am going to make some big changes in my life and that I should no longer keep banging my head against the wall in a rat race to which I'm not suited.
Warm regards
bluedog
Posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 21:15:57
In reply to Re: New to forum - babbling about meds, life changes.. » moodsalot, posted by bluedog on January 2, 2003, at 20:52:52
Hi again Bluedog!
Of course you have the right to welcome me to the forum! And thanks, I appreciate it AND all your warm comments. Its funny that your words about trying to fit a square peg into a round hole was exactly the way I worded my predicament to our HR person. Gosh I hope I can find that round hole to fit into (no pun intended - I'm female ;0 LOL!)
I have to say that I know one reason I think why I just haven't really gotten better is because I've felt for a long time that I needed to make this change and the day I decided to jump off the cliff and go for it I felt GREAT! I'm lucky that I have a little money saved and figure I can survive for a few months if I have to without any real source of income, especially now since I'm getting my child support on time for the 1st time in 10 years (long story).
Keep at it Bluedog, you'll find a way when you're meant to. I really believe that.
Posted by Noa on January 3, 2003, at 2:45:50
In reply to Re: New to forum - babbling about meds, life changes.. » bluedog, posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 21:15:57
Welcome, Judy. I agree with bluedog--we're going to enjoy your posts. And I admire your courage. I wish I had some financial buffer to allow me to take a step back and figure out the next move.
This is the end of the thread.
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