Jenbug12’s Profile

Close Depression
Type: Clinical (Major) Depression

I have a family history of depression and/or bipolar disorder. When I went to college, I decided that I would seek treatment so that I would not end up going down the same path many of my family members had gone (waiting until it had gotten so bad that CBT was only slightly effective). That same year, however, my mother passed away very suddenly and that sent me down the spiral staircase of depression. I've been clinically diagnosed for 5 years now.

Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Working / Worked

I started by going weekly, then biweekly, and now monthly. It helps to get another unbiased perspective.

Cymbalta Not Working

I felt like a nervous wreck the whole time I was using this.

Lexapro Somewhat Helpful

This seemed to work for a while, but it did not help the times when I was deeply depressed.

Prozac Working / Worked

I have been on this medication the longest. It has been the most effective and has been easily adjusted to take care of the major ups and downs. I have had the typical side effects of weight gain and dry mouth.

Trazodone Working / Worked

I use this primarily for my sleeplessness. I've taken it for 4 years and have not had to make many adjustments in dose.

Wellbutrin Not Working

I felt very nervous and frantic while on this medication. I was told it would help with the weight gain I'd had with other meds, but I decided the nervousness was not worth it.

Zoloft Somewhat Helpful

This was the first medication I tried. I was very skeptical of mental health meds, but this really pulled me out. This worked in the short-term, but eventually it lost its effectiveness. I had the typical side effects of dry mouth and minor weight gain.

Close Diets & Weight Maintenance

Treatments

Counting Calories Not Working

I started limiting my caloric intake, but I gained instead of lost weight.

Physical Exercise Not Working

I went to the gym every other day for 9 months (1 hour each day) doing cardio and light weights. I started at 140 and ended at 147 and did not lose inches. Very discouraging.

Slim-Fast Not Working

Didn't work for me. I never felt full enough.