Depression

[WillIEverBeASizeTen]

I started a course of Prozac around 3 weeks ago as the GP said to try these before HRT (basis my depression diagnosis). I am not coping well at all despite the AD. I feel useless/hopeless/worthless, don't particularly want to go to work (which I love) and am now struggling with even wanting to go out in sociable settings. I'm going on holiday in a week, my 50th birthday celebration, a lovely family gathering and I really have no interest at all.

Although a lot of the thoughts I have (useless/worthless etc) I've suffered with before, I have never ever been so down on myself like this. I look around and see people having a good life and I have nothing, no direction,aims,goals and no one cares either. Now I know this really isn't the case but the feeling now is so intense it's affecting everything I do.

Has anyone else suffered this? I don't know how much longer I can function (and that is basically all I am doing) like this. I am so incredibly low, I feel I have lost my sparkle and desperately want it back.

sorry :(

do you have other meno symptoms that warrant HRT?

have you thought about counselling or CBT to help your negative thoughts?

One other angle- do you exercise? it has been proved that 30 mins 4-5 x a week can have as much effect as ADs.

can you get out for a really brisk half hour's walk a few times a week? I do and really miss it if i don't.

Hi cabbage

I have "spoken" with you before, and you offered me some good advice then, but the situation hasn't got better with ADs.

I am having the hot flushes and not had a period for some time. Yes I must exercise, but it's a vicious circle, don't feel motivated, so don't exercise, so feel rough, so don't feel motivated etc etc.

I think it may have to be back to the Drs and HRT, what do you think?

I think HRT is worth a go- and if it helps use that as a springboard to get exercising.

Even 20 mins 3x a week would help. have you got a walking buddy - a friend who could go with you?

Or can you timetable it into your day and make yourself do it?

I can't understand why I feel so awful on these ADs. I've had them before and they did the trick, could it be that because my hormones are out of sorts, they are not agreeing with me? I have made a further appointment for the GP, unfortunately I'm on holiday next week and they were fully booked this week! So it'll have to wait till I get back.

Sadly I don't have a walking buddy (I lack motivation) so I have to learn to be self disciplined, anything that might make me feel better...

Thank you..

Well, the obvious answer is because ADs are not what you need!

Have you had a look at Prof John Studds website? he is a gynae who has a strong belief that too many women are given ADs when what they need is oestrogen.

If you navigate the menu on the left you should see depression ( I think) and HRT.

I have read the article on depression and it makes sense. I think it is HRT and not ADs I need. As I write this, I feel so so low, to the point I don't want to go in to work tomorrow as I have a birthday lunch and just can't face it. That is so not like me.

oh poor you.

try to make the effort with the lunch- cutting yourself off will make things worse.

if you don't get any help from your GP ask for a r eferral to a meno clinic- not all areas have them but some do.

willIever just another thought, I have just hit 50, and I did a lot of that reassessing stuff - where is my life going, I'm 50 and I'm still too fat, I never learned to play the saxophone, did I marry the right man, etc etc. I also did a similar thing when I hit 40. I think that might be part, but not all of it for you. Or it might not, does it ring any bells? Hope you start to feel better soon.

feature in health Daily Mail online today about exercise and depression.