depression

March 7, 1999

You know I've noticed that depression IS a big pain to many in the group who

are grappling with awful RLS problems to boot. I've been wondering though,

has anyone received any truly long lasting relief through professional help

other than constant medication to dull it? Has anyone been armed with a way

out of a period of depression without having to go back for continuing

counseling etc. I mean is there a cure or is it like RLS, something one has

to battle indefinitely?

Cheers and prayers,

Jeanne and Mr. Biggles in Poultney VT

March 7, 1999

Jeanne,

Depression often runs in families, even different types of

depression may be present in one family, such as " regular " depression

and bipolar disorder(manic depressive). Medications that truly help do

not " dull " anything. They work on increasing the effects of the

neurotransmiters just like some folks who have diabetes take insulin

because their bodies don't produce enough. those of us who are prone to

depression must take meds which get our bodies back in sync. I imagine

there are some folks who never stop taking anti-depressants,

just like many of us will never be able to stop taking meds for our RLS.

I was able to stop for about a year, but realized I was getting in

trouble again and went to my doc who is trying me on a new med that

hopefuly will not mess with the RLS like the others have. When I am

" able " and the weather is " friendly " , I will make sure I get back to

running. That's the best med I've ever had for my depression. It's not

possible though to make yourself get out and exercise if you're already

in the " GRIP " of

severe depresion. Once you get help and are able to see things in a

positive way again, and actually have hope for tomorrow, then it is

important to do whatever is good for " you "

to keep your mental health in balance. Didn't mean for this to be so

long. I just got carried away - Sorry.

March 8, 1999

I have been on and off anti-depressants since 1995. I was on them for 2

years straight and at that time, the Dr.'s told me I may need them the

rest of my life. I don't go to counseling anymore, the issues that

brought on the major depression are over with and long gone. But I

notice in the winter months, I start getting down and nothing will pull

me out, usually by xmas I am starting my crying jags. Part of my problem

is SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or lack of sunshine in the winter.

My currant Dr. does not want me to go off the anti depressants for

several months yet, maybe not at all. At first I was really upset at the

thought of being on meds for this and felt like I should be able to " kick

it " the fact is that I am now resigned to possibly having to take this

med all the time, it's much better than living in that black hole day

after day, not even getting to enjoy the simple things in life because it

requires to much energy. Incidentally, my RLS/PLMD got MUCH worse after

my depression hit, and even though it still bothers me now, I must say

since the Dr. increased my zoloft I am sleeping better, I still have to

take the xanax to quite my legs, but I am functioning better during the

day and not waking up feeling like a zombie all day. Coincidence? I

don't know.. Time will tell I guess.

Debbie

, Ca.

42

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March 8, 1999

Jodi,

It is frightening to read all of the medications you were and are still

taking. I wonder if you could (after talking to your doctor of course ) stop

all but the antibiotics and steroids - those to actually stop the illness.

The others seem to me to be treating symptoms - the sinus congestion, upset

stomach. Please Jodi, I am not taking this lightly and understand that the

symptoms are probably miserable. I am just stunned at all that you are

taking. Several years ago my father was prescribed a medication for acid

indigestion that he suffered after every meal. Soon after he started taking

the medication, he became very depressed, very unlike him. This went on for

several weeks and we were all very scared and watched him very closely.

Finally, my mother began to question the medication and yes, lo and behold , a

side effect was depression and he was taken off the medication and gradually

returned ot normal. I would check each medication you have taken or are

taking for that side effect even the ones you take for upset stomach. My

husband has been prescribed Entex in the past. He sleeps like a baby on it.

I have tried it and am up all night with bad RLS and wide-awake. I hate the

stuff. Sorry if I sound preachy, but it is worrisome.

Please take care.

Lynn, Ga.

March 8, 1999