In the session diary, the window to type comments is very small. I'd prefer a wider space to type and read; more like the box here.
Also, is there a spell check that can be used before posting on the message board?
Oh, I've also been meaning to ask is there a way to add signatures to our posts.
Isilzha_veni
Go to your Session Diary and click on the tab 'program reference tools'. At the bottom is a list of the lessons; they are .pdf files. However, you can't open the files until you first complete the lesson online. Of course that doesn't mean you must read it online...just click next until you finish the lesson.
Hope this helps.
Isil'zha veni
I've been struggling with depression for a very long time too. There have been many times when I've felt tired of fighting it. It helps for me to reflect on times when I haven't been as depressed; that allows me to see that my darkest moods aren't permanent.
As for therapy, I know it can be difficult. After seeing my therapist for over 3 years I finally decided to tackle my phobia. So, over the past 6 months I've been in intense treatment to overcome a phobia I've had since childhood. My fear was so intense that I cried the first couple of times I did a progressive muscle relaxation exercise she wanted me to do. I cried because I knew the exercise was one of the first steps in confronting my phobia and I didn't believe I could face the next steps. But after a while I was able to concentrate on relaxing rather than my phobia; it took practice. It was a medical phobia. I've been phobic of doctors and med exams since childhood, but in my early 20's I forced myself to see a gynaecologist. The doctor was so horrible I couldn't see another doctor for years...and my pap smear came back abnormal. I lived with the fear I had cervical cancer for over a decade, but the phobia was so intense I couldn't go back to see a doctor (any doctor).
One of my first exposure therapy exercises was to read information from a webpage describing a typical exam. When I first read it aloud in my therapists office I hyperventilated (so much for the breathing exercises!) I took home a copy and was suppose to read it over and over again for at least a half hour every day. Then my therapist found me a sympathetic doctor who would be willing to work with me and she scheduled my appointment. When I received the email from my therapist with the doctor's name and my appointment date/time I stared at that email for over an hour before I could reply and say I'd go. The appointment was two weeks away and I didn't know if I'd be able to do any more than just meet with the doctor. I took lots of valium during that time too! Every step of the way I didn't think I'd could get through it. But on the day of the appointment I felt ready to try and get everything done...a full exam, a tetanus shot and a blood draw. I'd never had a blood draw in my life (I'm 32) and was terrified of g
Gabbi, did you have bipolar symptoms before taking meds for depression? Sometimes meds can trigger mania. If it is bipolar, please don't panic...it's treatable. If you talk to your doctor/therapist they may put you on different meds/therapy which could make things better.
Good luck,
~Isil'zha veni~
Hi JC,
Finding a good therapist and/or psychiatrist can often be very challenging. I've also had a therapist refuse to treat me after seeing her for several months. At first I really liked her, but then she wouldn't let me schedule appointments with her in the afternoon. It wasn't that she didn't have afternoon appointments, she just believed that I needed to get up early in the morning. I've been a 'night owl' all my life, getting up early isn't easy for me anytime...depressed or not. She kept scheduling me for 10am...and it was an hour drive. When I kept saying I couldn't make it that early she snapped at me and said 'no one should have problems getting to an appointment at 10am, it's ridiculous that you do.' And when I first started seeing her I made it clear to her that I wouldn't take any anti-depressants; I had been on several different ones and was tired of the side-effects. But after a while she began insisting I see a psychiatrist and when I refused she said she'd no longer be my therapist. Her abrubt, insensitive, forceful rejection made me even more depressed and it took me a long time to even try and find another therapist. If she had told me in a different, more gentle way she felt unable to treat me then I wouldn't have felt so terrible...and angry. Some people in the mental health profession should just find a job that requires minimal contact with people!!
But I eventually found a therapist I really connected with and who I saw off and on for 3 years. She was great and helped me conquer a severe specific phobia. So even though it's daunting...and demands energy that's hard to muster when you're depressed...keep trying to find a therapist. There are good ones out there. I'd recommend interviewing them, be upfront about your last psychiatrist and other experiences and see how they respond. And I've seen websites with suggestions of questions to ask potential therapists/pdocs. I wish you the best of luck in your search.
~Isil'zha veni~
Welcome Katie,
I'm sorry about the loss of your son-in-law.
The situation with your job sounds very stressful. I hope you can find a solution. Would it be possible for you to tele-commute several days a week?
~Isil'zha veni~
Don't be afraid to tell your therapist and pdoc, even if ECT is suggested you don't have to do it. Although I haven't had ECT and can't speak from experience, I have read that some people with med resistant depression have had success with ECT.
Have you been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder? More exposure to sunlight or a special lamp can help with that. If you feel more depressed in the fall/winter you should mention it to your psychiatrist.
~Isil'zha veni~
I've also lost weight with Wellbutrin. In July I saw a pdoc and he increased my dosage of Wellbutrin 50 mg/day. I've lost 10+ lbs but haven't changed diet or started exercising.
~Isil'zha veni~
I've been on Wellbutrin for a while now...at least 3 years. I saw a new pdoc this past July and he increased my dosage from 450 mg to 500 mg a day and wants to increase it to 600 mg. From what I've read 450 is the maximum dosage usually prescribed because above 450 the risk of seizure increases. Is anyone else on Wellbutrin above 450 mg? Can anyone point me to current studies which evaluate the efficacy versus risk of dosage above 450?
~Isil'zha veni~
