***What if medication and counselling dont help.............What next??????***

Have been clinically depressed for years really if I'm totally honest .
Have done 3 lots of counselling over the last few years, and have FINALLY come clean with my parents and G.P about the seriousness of it, have been on Effex for about 3 months and went to G.P last week whos doubled my dose as I said I've really slipped back down to where I was when I became open about it all, BUT what if this doesn't work, what are the next steps in fighting this terrible illness???.
Thanks for your advice or sharing.

Hi angiebabe,
when the doctors were no longer able to help me they referred me to mental health because they are specialists in their field. They did every test under the sun. It might be something you should discuss with your doctor.

Angiebabe, hiya.

Treatment seems to be a bit hit and miss at times - there can be a lot of fine tuning of meds and dosages until a drug and dosage level is found that helps you maintain some balance and sense of control and doesn't leave you feeling like crap 24/7.

Conrgats on being able to talk to your parents and GP - thats a major acheivement.

It may help to keep a small daily diary to just jot down random feelings, thoughts, fears, etc. Use that, as a basis for letting your medical support team know how you are REALLY feeling. The more you can let your doctor know about your illness and its impacts on you, the more information your doctor will have when considering what meds may be of help to you.

So says a man who went nearly 35 years without saying a word to anyone about that was wrong.

The next step? You're taking it. You are reaching out, talking, sharing, questioning, and obviously, hoping. Don't let go of that last one. We need hope.

Take care, aye.
Pat.

Thank you-----------isn't it such a shame, that I still feel ashamed if not embarrassed by addressing this issue, I guess its cause I hid it for so long, I had to come clean 1st to myself and take off the facade?.

Ang,

Yes, it is a shame. Its really sad, because only by choosing to step out from the sanctuary of whatever masks have sheltered us for so long, can we begin to find alternative and maybe, better ways to regain some control over ourselves, our thoughts, our lives.

I wish I was as brave as John Kirwan. I don't know how he can go on telly and say how things have been with him. He really has my admiration and respect.

Today, I decided to tell my local community newspaper about this site and what we are trying to do, and why. Even with anti-panic attack meds in my system, I'm still, more than two hours later, shaking and having trouble breathing. I went WAY out of my comfort zone, because I believe in what this Forum is doing. The meeting sorta went OK, until the end.

"No, you can't have my 'phone number to ring me and talk more about the site." 'Why not?" "Because um, I won't answer my 'phone if it rings. I just can't."

Damn, talk about walking away feeling stupid!

Paddy
I found at one point that having caller id was invaluable, it allowed me to talk to the people who could help me and be there for me.

HEY........



WELL DONE Paddy for as you say "stepping out of your comfort zone"----Congrats
my new friend, it will be all worth it in the end.
Hugs to you

Thanks. I really aprreciate that.

I've spent most of the last 12 hours or so 'beating myself up' over how stupid I was at that meeting. I've thought of all sorts of things I could have said, should have said, and how in all probability, the world would not have ended at Midnite had I given them my 'phone number.

Yet, I know I'd not have answered my 'phone if it rang. I'd have panicked, but I wouldn't have anwered it. I've a confidential, unlisted number, simply so people can't find what it is and make my 'phone ring. I've not even listened to messages on my various cellphones for the last 10 years or so. I just clear the message icon, so I can pretend there are no messages.

Sorry, people - I should have found a way to handle yesterdays interview more professionally, because I think that gettting the word out about this Forum is important.

Anyway, I hope that you are all safe and well today?

Pat.

Hey Pat,

Congrats, what a huge step for you to take. Don't worry about it not being perfect, just remember step by step. The thing with the phone - you can't make that disappear over night, you can work on it, and I am sure if you chose you will be able to conquer it in time. Don't be to hard on yourself, you have really stepped out over the last few days.