Is that it forever now...?

[mommathatwearspink]

I’ve been suffering with depression since my son was born but was only diagnosed and put on a low dose of Citalopram last November. For a couple of months I felt amazing, like my old self again but now my medication doesn’t seem to be working as well and I feel low and depressed daily again. I’m seeing my GP tomorrow and presumably they will up my dosage. Is this it forever now? Will I be depressed for the rest of my life? Will I always need medication? I feel awful on my family, they suffer when I’m feeling so low.

Hi momma - hope you are well. I feel for you regarding depression. I suffered emotional and physical abuse as a small child and managed to have what I thought was a normal life for 50 years until I suffered a huge mental breakdown about 2 1/2 years ago. I was diagnosed with severe depression and prescribed 40mg citalopram - something I didn't like but realised I needed. I have had psychiatric therapy and have changed lifestyle to live healthier and less stressfully (not easy if you have little kids, I'm afraid).

When first diagnosed I was determined to get off Citalopram as quickly as possible and did manage to get as low as 10mg at one point in consultation with my doctor, however I then relapsed and ended up back on 40. My GP discussed this with me and addressed my desire to get off the drug quickly which stemmed from my OCD/control issues. Several GPs I have spoken to regard 2 1/2 years as a MINIMUM period to use Citalopram and none have expressed any worry about long term use.

At the moment I am taking 30mg per day but I am the happiest I have ever felt in my life. This is a very strange feeling for me but I think it goes to show that depression is beatable with help. Equally there are times when you will need a little extra help.

I suppose what I want to say to you is not to worry about using Citalopram but to try to address the other issues in your life little by little. If you have to take Citalopram forever so what? Your first responsibility must be to feel better about yourself as then you can feel better about others too.

Two tips: (1) Avoid Alcohol completely if you can as it has a strong bearing on the efficacy of Citalopram. (2) I find meditation to be a great help.