Relapse?

[Iandjsmummy]

I was depressed last year. I saw my gp and took antidepressants and also had counselling. I managed to stop the ads quite quickly, before the counselling started. During the sessions, it became clear that the depression was caused by a combination of being massively overburdened by a demanding job, the stress of being on my own a lot because dh travels for work and my little ds being seriously ill.

I thought I was on top of things but ds has been ill again and I feel bad again. We are working towards a really big lifestyle change. We are selling our house and then I will give up work. I feel really stressed by all the moving stuff, beside myself with worry about ds's health and the tests he is having and completely disconnected from work. I am struggling to eat, called in sick because I felt too down to go to work and just want to cry.

The counselling helped but it is finished. If I go back to the gp will it be really counted against me because I haven't managed to stay well? Ds's illness is so tough, will they understand? I don't think I can keep going like this, it is getting hard to do all the things I need to.

Sorry, this is rambling. I guess I am asking what will be the repercussions of going onto ads for a second time?

[GetDownYouWillFall]

I am so sorry, what a lot you are going through. No one will think any worse of you for going back on ADs, and a GP shouldn't bat an eyelid - people go on and off ADs all the time.
You need them at the mo, but you won't always.

[ellymouse]

completely agree with GDYWF, you won't be judged dont worry.

[Iandjsmummy]

Thanks. I feel embarassed and like a failure. Dh is away until Saturday and I've been really struggling so I guess I will discuss it with him as he was very supportive.

[GetDownYouWillFall]

• you have a stressful job
• you have a DS
• your DS is seriously ill
• your DH is often away
• you are selling your house
• you are contemplating a huge career change

This is a list of classic stress trigger points. Any ONE of those things could cause a "normal" person to fall into depression. The fact you have all of them and have been coping so far is amazing and a credit to you. Get the help you need, and do not feel like a failure. Look at all you have achieved. And look forward to your last day at work when you can walk away from one major stress in your life at least, and concentrate on the things that really mean the most to you.