can't think of a topic

[Zoey7206]

well i have been dealing with alot of depression lately mainly bc
zoey is still in the hospital. My doctor put me on a anti
depressant called Zoloft. has anyone taken this before? Any
suggestions on how to become undepressed? (if that is even a word)

 

[katyf13]

I am also on Zoloft. I love it! I don't plan on taking it forever, just until the stress from the transplant is over. I take it for anxiety (which at one time evolved into anxious depression) and also for neurally mediated hypotension (fainting because of drops in blood pressure- totally unrelated but zoloft helps it for some reason... 2 birds with one stone!!) It helps NOT because it zones me out. It keeps me from getting overwhelmed so it lets me face the things that are causing me stress. That is the only thing that helps me is to think things through, talk things over, and keep everything in perspective. I have not been depressed in about 5 years (for totally different reasons). I have had anxiety lately but that is expected and normal. Hopefully you have someone (friend or counselor) who can help you make sense of everything! Good luck, your daughter is beautiful!

 

[Zoey7206]

Thank you for your input. Do you suffer any side affects? Some body
said you eat less when your on them.

 

[ladybug]

I was on zoloft for about 10 years (with a few lapses)... I think it really helped with the depression, although in my case I felt a little "numb"... like I wanted to cry but couldn't sort of thing. But, maybe that means its doing its job.

Zoloft has the least amount of side effects of many antidepressants... I noticed I didn't sleep quite as well when first starting it and some sexual "depression". Otherwise, no big side effects. I would recommend it. A friend of mine (no cf) takes it and LOVES it... She said its helped so much with her anxiety and everything... she's actually not depressed, just very very anxious.

I think as far as "un-depressing" yourself... I suggest maybe exercising. Even walking a bit everyday. I know this is difficult cause the tendency to sleep and feel sleepy and crummy is the norm with depression. But, exercising releases endorphins, which is the body's natural "feel good" medicine. Otherwise, I also suggest you have someone you can vent to. Being depressed is very difficult if you don't have a support system (its difficult WITH support, but even worse if you feel so alone). Be honest with people around you on your moods and how you feel so they don't feel you're just "moody".... that's one big thing I had to deal with. Once my parents/friends knew what I was dealing with, they were less able to hold things against me (i.e.... sleeping all day as lazy), etc. Just be honest with yourself and others and you'll be fine.

PM me if you want to talk further... I have 15 years experience with depression/anxiety.

Take care,

 

[Diane]

I started taking Zoloft almost 4 years ago for panic attacks and terrible anxiety that started 2 weeks after my largest hemoptysis and first embolization. It got so bad i wouldnt leave the house and was afraid to eat or swallow my medicines. I'd sit and cry when it came time to eat or take my medicine, because i was so fear driven. My nerves were so frazzled i would constantly shake. All i wanted to do was sleep because i felt safe when i was asleep. When i had my second large hemoptysis and my second embolization i agreed to get help. The psychiatrist said i was suffering post traumatic stress, that was causing panic and anxiety attacks. I noticed within the second day of taking it, i started having periods here and there of not being afraid and not shaking uncontroably. Within a week i felt much better. I havent had any side effects that i know of. I still once in a blue moon start feeling anxiety creeping up on me , usually brought on by something scary, but i just take deep breaths, and count while i breathe so i focus on that instead and it usually passes fairly quickly. Without the Zoloft it would not pass at all. I agree with Sonia about exercise. It really does lift the mood . I take walks up and down my driveway sometimes to clear my head and i almost always come back feeling better. Keeping in mind little Zoey will be coming home before you know it, will probably help as well. Think of all your good times with her and her little smiles, and the cute adorable faces she makes, gosh that would cheer anyone up! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

Meds are a help so is exercising. But IMHO if the depression and anxiety is situational (and yours is) then crying, snuggling in bed, fine food, etc are bigger helps and/or talk therapy is the very best.
-lisav