What now?

[DadIsSad]

I've been on ADs (Lofepramine - was on Citalopram initially) for 5 months now. Recently went back to my GP and he upped the dose after I had another bout of depression. Have had some counselling which I wasn't sure was doing me any good (I found I got more depressed every time I went due to thinking about the things which get me down, without it actually solving anything) so I stopped that. Am feeling really down again - unable to make any decisions and no motivation to do anything, not even stuff I supposedly enjoy. I wouldn't say I'm continually depressed - sometimes quite happy recently, more so than I've been for a while - but it's like it's always there in the background as my default state I slip back into if something triggers me, or even if I just forget to make the effort to be happy.

So what now? Am I doomed to always be like this? The popular wisdom seems to be that either the drugs sort you out or counselling helps you get your head straight. I feel like I've tried both and nothing is really helping - have been feeling just about as low the last few days as I can remember being. I think I'm already on the maximum dose of my ADs, though I took 4 pills instead of 3 yesterday anyway just in case it helped (I knew it was pretty futile, but it feels like I'm trying at least). At least before I admitted I needed help I had the hope that if I really needed it I could get drugs to make it all better, don't even have that hope any more.

[amillionyears]

i suggest you read the previous threads on this board,to see if you can get some ideas and inspiration from them.

[Upwardandonward]

Have you gone back to your GP and said how you feel now? There are other meds.

[Arana]

Unfortunately you've got to keep on doing the medication circus. Either you'll find one that works for you, or your depression will sort itself out.

I'm in a similar scenario - a year on 4 different ADs, I stopped 2 months ago because nothing worked. I'm trying a new one tomorrow that's totally different (agomelatine) so maybe this one will work.

Can't say I'm hopeful.

[strawberry17]

Hi Dadissad, I think I remember reading your thread a while ago on the relationship board. I know I'm stating the obvious but your relationship is the root of your issues, and I don't know if you have got anywhere with resolving those issues, but I don't think you'll get anywhere with your mental health issues unless you are able to resolve the relationship one way or another.