BookDragon, You may also want to try daily physical activity to help boost your energy levels. Another strategy to try would be easing into it slowly with foreplay, perhaps earlier in the day when you have a little more energy. Keep us posted. Danielle, Bilingual Support Specialist

Hi BookDragon. If you are on anti-depressants check with your doctor. Mine has told me that one of the (possible) side effects is a decrease in sex-drive and or difficulty having an orgasm. Yippee. Just in case we weren't bummed enough! Bumping up the dosage slowly has helped to keep the side-effects at a minimum for me (I'm on Zoloft). Good luck! Hang in there.

[color=Purple]My depression really affects my marriage. My husband knows I love him and we are not in danger of breaking up. My problem is sex drive. I don't have any...I mean none...zero..and I feel too tired to try anymore.[/color] :(

Perth, Our program in cumulative. Each weeks builds on the other. You must learn certain skills before another subject can be tackled. If you do need help with a particular relationship issue, post it in this forum and we can start pulling material from that session to help you along until you yourself get there. To get you started, here are some of the four most common problems in relationships: Problems in Relationships Depression is characterized by a number of different kinds of problems in relationships including separation, the end of romantic relationships, conflict, disagreements and disputes at work or home, role transitions, loss of loved ones through death, and bullying or abuse. People with depression also experience a different kind of problem in relationships. When people get depressed, they often withdraw from the people around them, mostly because they don’t enjoy the company of others, and they don’t enjoy social activities the way they used to (remember Scheduling Pleasant Activities!). Often depressed people say they avoid their friends and family because they don’t want to be a “downer” or a “burden.” The problem is that withdrawing from other people makes depressed people feel even more depressed! Because they withdraw from others, people with depression often feel even more depressed, isolated and alone. We know that you have heard this all before in Session 1 but we want to make sure you remember the basics. Lack of Social Support: Positive social support is a key ingredient for physical and mental health. Positive social support is different from just having a bunch of people around you. Friends and family can be supportive, neutral or even in some cases, extremely unhelpful. Positive social support is used to describe relationships in which people feel they can trust and confide in the other person and when needed, get the support they need. The presence of positive social support has been linked to a reduced biological (hormonal) response to stress. People with positive social support are at less risk for depression as well as other health problems. And this isn’t just our opinion. Research has shown that people who have even just one close and supportive relationship are at decreased risk for depress

Dear Danielle, Yes, this is a good idea, to jump into session 11 which directly refers to the relationship issues. But: how can I do this, until I have not worked through all the chapters before (sessions 1-10)? I mean, how is it technically possible to open any sessions before you are meant to be there?? (Currently I am also in a situation where I think I could really use some support in this area -I lost someone in my life). Thanks in advance perth

Nelliek, You may also want to take a look at Session 11 which focuses particularly on relationships and no you're not alone. Many of our members have struggled with their relationships. Danielle ____________________ The DC Support Team

nellie, As moderators, we are unable to give medical advice. It is best to check with your doctor and pharmacist regarding dosages and side effects. Challenging those negative thoughts with the help of the program, get help you progress step by step. Let us know how we can help :) Josie ___________________________________ The Depression Center Support Team.

I have been with my boyfriend for a year, I really thought I had found the one. I have been taking Prozac for 2 years and we discussed me coming off the meds. Well I finally bit the bullet and have tapered my dose down gradually but am now experiencing low moods and tearfulness again. The worst part is that I am finding it difficult to feel very affectionate and loving towards my partner and am constantly worried that I will end up hurting him by breaking up. It is so weird because I feel like I don't want to split up with him but that it's almost inevitable that I will. This is what i do when i get depressed I finish whatever relationship I am in and go back to being single. I am so sick of pushing people away and think I am going to end up alone and that i will ruin this relationship too. I feel so confused and miserable. I didn't feel like this before but only since reducing my meds. Does anyone else feel like this? How do you manage to be in love when you feel so contaminated and bad?