Depression: how long to clear up ??

[Lynnie]

Just wondering how long you would give homeopathic remedies, exercise, and just trying to take it easy to get rid of depression before trying out some meds ?

Updated:
Thanks all. Will try to find the stuff the nurse practitioner gave me a few months ago (got packed away by someone other than me when floors were redone and entire house was emptied) and actually try it, and will give it a little time, but not too much. If I feel the way I did today for more than a few more days, or get worse, don't worry, I'll make the call.

I appreciate the responses. Thanks again.

ps am not staying up and wasting time on computer - would have been asleep for a good couple hours now, which I am sure would have helped, had poor DS2 not woken up with terrible stomach pains, likely from antibiotics, or just a bad stomach virus. Need to stay up another few minutes and make sure he really is alseep.

[Moneypenny]

A couple of weeks. That may seem like a short amount of time, but since you've had PPD and probably can recognize that droopy dawg feeling in yourself, I think two weeks would be enough to know that it's not going away without chemical assistance. One of the symptoms you list, wasting time, is a big red flag for me personally and I know when that one crops up for me that it's more than just a "feeling blue" episode or "coming down with something", ya know?

Hugs!

Susan
mama to my cutie pie, Avery
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[deannamorrison]

May I ask what you were on back then? Did it seem to work at the time?

[writermama]

I agree with PP, a couple of weeks, unless things get worse. Then I'd go in asap. Might be a good idea to get a candidate for doc you'd go to now, or to seek counseling now. A good therapist can help you identify if it's time to try the pharma route and will know a good doc. (If you go the meds route, I really recommend a psychiatrist or other specialist -- psych drugs can be difficult to figure out -- which one and which dose works for you.)

It sounds like you know the diet and exercise things to do (I'm also a big fan of "self-medicating" with carbs and caffeine and I know how hard it can be to stop even when you know it's really making things worse.)

One more thing you can try though -- even though it's not SAD, light might still help, specifically sunlight at a low angle in the morning for about half an hour. So going for a walk outside before 8:30 or 9 might help -- it even kills 2 birds by counting as exercise too. Sitting in front of a sunny window might work, too.

[lizajane]

feel free to email me if you want to talk and need an ear.

honestly, now that you have asked, i think it is time to see a dr. if you are worried enough to ask, then i think you are worried enough to seek a medical opinion.

i just went OFF some meds because they were NOT good for me. i did switch to something new (only 2 nights taking it, fingers crossed). i wish wish wish wish i had listened to ME earlier and had insisted on making the change earlier.

listen to yourself. if you don't feel right, find the right person to tell and get what you need to find your joy again.

[tiapam]

Has your appetite increased? If so, you should get your thyroid checked. And even if not, it's a good idea.

I know, I'm a broken record!

-Pam

DD - Two years old!

[tarabenet]

How long to wait? Well, how long do you think you deserve to suffer this? Go talk to someone, see what a pro might suggest, and if it is meds, get on them and get back to feeling like *you*.

Feel better soon. With or without help, I hope you feel better soon.

[inmypjs]

I agree with the previous posters who advised you to go seek help now. However, seeking help doesn't necessarily mean taking meds. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and I'd suggest making an appointment with a counselor to start. He/she can help you sort out how you are feeling, what your options are, and just be a supportive person to talk to. Keep in mind that antidepressant medication is designed to treat clinical depression caused by a chemical imbalance. If the root causes of your feelings are situational - ie stressful life circumstances like kids, husband, work, etc. - medication doesn't treat that. That's not to say it can't help some, but counseling should be a part of the treatment. I hope that helps. Good luck!