Dear MSWorld MS'ers, I have an appointment with my Primary Care doctor this evening because I am thinking about trying an antidepressant. Can one "try out" an antidepressant? It feels like a giant step and I'm not even sure I *need* to go on one. I have bouts of the blahs where I just feel gray, and uninspired, but not all the time. I have never had suicidal thoughts, but I know I am not enjoying life the way I used to, perhaps because I am preoccupied with thoughts of MS, tired, or just boredom, I don't know. Outwardly, I am a really positive person (put on a smile and the good mood will follow) and feel like a fraud feeling like this on the inside. I have been very open about my MS with friends and do a lot of fundraising with that smiley attitude of 'I have MS, but MS doesn't have me', yada yada. (Truly, I have very few remaining symptoms from my flare, that helped get my diagnosis 4 years ago) And yet, in private, sometimes, MS does have me, and has my former 'zest for life' taken hostage.
When I socialize with friends every now and again, I usually have a drink or two to loosen up and be the person I used to be (sad to say, the alcohol helps, but I don't need to drink, say like an addiction). I would miss having a glass of wine or two on antidepressants, but wonder if the positive effects of the drug would outweigh that urge.
Mostly, I feel like my blahs are affecting the way I am a mother and wife. I'm just not that great company and wish I was invisible. I mean, who wants to be around someone like this?
I do yoga, I have even tried the seasonal affective disorder white light box. When I am busy and productive, and especially when the sun is out, I feel much better, but often days I just can't seem to get out of my own way to get there. I eat a healthy diet, gluten and dairy free. I exercise every day, like a robot. And I have everything in my life I've ever dreamed of--wonderful husband and family and living my dream of being a stay-at-home mom, which is why I feel guilty even feeling like this. I need to change something, and wondering if an antidepressant is the key.
Are there beginner antidepressants? Lesser dosage kind? How long do you need to try them to see if they work?
Sorry for the long story. Any thoughts you have would be most appreciated. Thanks for reading. Marleigh
When I socialize with friends every now and again, I usually have a drink or two to loosen up and be the person I used to be (sad to say, the alcohol helps, but I don't need to drink, say like an addiction). I would miss having a glass of wine or two on antidepressants, but wonder if the positive effects of the drug would outweigh that urge.
Mostly, I feel like my blahs are affecting the way I am a mother and wife. I'm just not that great company and wish I was invisible. I mean, who wants to be around someone like this?
I do yoga, I have even tried the seasonal affective disorder white light box. When I am busy and productive, and especially when the sun is out, I feel much better, but often days I just can't seem to get out of my own way to get there. I eat a healthy diet, gluten and dairy free. I exercise every day, like a robot. And I have everything in my life I've ever dreamed of--wonderful husband and family and living my dream of being a stay-at-home mom, which is why I feel guilty even feeling like this. I need to change something, and wondering if an antidepressant is the key.
Are there beginner antidepressants? Lesser dosage kind? How long do you need to try them to see if they work?
Sorry for the long story. Any thoughts you have would be most appreciated. Thanks for reading. Marleigh
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