Anyone had any luck with St Johns Wort?

[KingJoffreysBloodshotEye]

Am recently back at work after almost 18 months off after a nervous breakdown.

Constant bullying at work (not just bitchiness either, actual lies and accusations) wore me down and I couldn't take any more.

Had a rough time getting over it and at one point even stepped in front of a car after being refused any help at the local hospital (almost impossible to get GP appointments where I am). Did start a thread on here that night and did pull myself together.

Back in January I saw a different GP (again, minimal appointments - you take what you're given) who told me she wasn't signing me off work anymore because I wasn't helping myself.

I was helping myself, she just didn't want to listen.

Perscription for Dueloxotine was also stopped but was allowed to keep the Propanolol.

Couldn't go back to my old job, so I got another and have been back at work part-time for nearly 3 months.

Did feel like I was getting better.

However, I had an incident last week when SiL stayed and basically sniped and bitched at me for 3 solid days. At the time I was just cross and upset but a week later I'm feeling very panicky and shaken up. Like you would after an accident.

I feel very odd. Pretty much like I used to when I was being bullied at work. Like I've been under fire and only just survived. Weird.

I even spent Wednesday throwing up for no reason and have had a randomly horrific period this week. Not even sure one was due.

I didn't realise I'd felt like that for so long until the familiar feeling crept back.

:(

Now I'm scared I'm sliding back into depression. I have work tonight which I really enjoy but today I feel like I'm dreading it - just like I used to.

I've been very nervous about talking to people and leaving the house over the last week and I honestly felt like that was behind me.

I'd cut down on the Propanolol over the last month because I wasn't needing it but am taking it again now.

I don't want to go back to the GP and beg for help so I was wondering about St John's Wort. Could that help?

I just need something to pick me up and get me back where I was a month ago.

Taking St John wort can interfere with medication you are taking prescribed by your GP. It can have side effects which will make things worse. Reading between the lines you are already getting on top of things. i would suggest that a change of scene anywhere but where you are for a couple of days can be of great help, all the best of luck.

I agree with Infernal about the St John's Wort, don't mix it with other meds. Also do a search for it on other threads, there was an interesting discussion recently on how dosage isn't controlled as it is not registered medication, so you never know how much you are taking.

Have you had any talk therapy?

It sounds as if your sil was really rude and unpleasant to you in your own home. Did your dh stick up for you? Clearly her behaviour has triggered feelings of depression/anxiety for you again. You know that you can beat this because you've done it before. Don't panic. Take the meds and if in a couple of days you are not feeling better, go to the gp. You've had bad experiences there, I hear you, but it's their job to help you. Ask for a referral for CBT (cognitive behavioural counselling), which can help you find better ways of coping with unpleasant people and dealing with your anxiety.

mixed results.

I used to take it and it kept me calm
then the dose/composition from same brand got changed and it made me feel worse.

also I know it interferes with contraceptive pills - people who took them both got pregnant

not sure what to suggest, best discuss with your GP