what works in relation to depression?

[Katie Smith]

Hi, I have been going through a depressive episode for the past year and a half; I'm at my wits end! I have tried 3 different medicines but one seemed to work for a short time, and the rest had no effect! My current symptoms are thoughts of suicide; lethargy; lack of motivation; poor decision making; agitation; easily upset and more. I have also relapsed in self-harm. I'm just a bit stuck atm what can I do? I've tried councelling but it didn't help either. Thanks, Katie xxx

[Pi.R^2]

How long did you give it with the counselling? Do you think it was the particular type of therapy or the therapist him/herself that wasn't helpful? You could go back to your GP/whoever referred you for counselling and ask to see either a different counsellor or try a different type of therapy. You could also look into support groups for depression/self harm to see if that kind of support is helpful for you.

I know it's frustrating having already tried 3 antidepressants, but it could be worth going back to whoever prescribed them and see about trying a different dose or another different antidepressant- I've actually been on six different antidepressants in total and even though the first five didn't work out for various reasons, this last one has really turned thing around for me!

[sherlock holmes]

You'd need to go back to your GP in regards to medication. There are different types of antidepressants, and it may be the 3 that didn't work for you were all from the same group. But don't despair, there are many other ones to try. I tried 3 or 4 before finding the one that worked.

[Katie Smith]

I tried counselling for 6 months. I felt it was unhelpful because I felt like we were repeating things. It didn't allow me to see things from a new perspective at all.

All 3 antidepressants have been ssri's.

[chinahorse]

There are many different types of therapy, not just counselling. It may be you need a more practical type of therapy. Totally worth going back to you gp and seeing what they have. Its not like youre obliged to take them up on the offer. Might also be worth looking at what your local mind offers.

And like has been said before, theres loads of different types of AD and sometimes it take a little bit of perseverance to find the right one.

[Bellatrix]

SSRI's affect seratonin only.

You could go and ask to try a tricyclic antidepressent or MAOI's which affect different neurotransmitters as well as seratonin.

As for therapy,maybe you would benefit from a more rigid, CBT type therapy? There are many options out there so don't give up!

[Richardken]

hi katie,

you can try some alternative treatement to overcome your depression. you need to gain more self confidence to manage yourself to get better relief from depression. spend more time in your favourite hobbies. schedule your daily plan and include morning and evening workouts everyday, have a healthy diet habbit and spend more time on your work which you like to do most. you can also try to learn some martial arts/ yoga which heals and strengthen your soul power.

after 3 to 6 months you will see a change in your life with more confident.

[larahabig]

Depression roots start from our non healthy diet and less sleeping, I think healthy diet removes mind dis orders and long sleep makes you more relax and most important be social with your old friends.