Depression is the pits!!!

[kell737]

I've been clean from percocet and Vicodin for 30 days now.  The worst part of all the withdrawls for me has been depression.  Does anyone know what you can do for that, OTHER than Anti-depressent drugs.  I don't want to switch one drug for another  but I was wondering if there is anything else someone has done to help with this.  Thank in advance for any responses.

~Kell

[elyse]

I feel fortunate to have found this site. I have been clean 2 weeks now. Depression is just a part of cleaning up for most of us. Some of us are clinically depressed ( me ,for instance) I've been depresed all my life that's why I would always use. Not to feel. I do take paxil and it works wonders for me,that is if I don't eat xanax like M&M's.I've cried most of past  the 10 years of my life .And it's worst when I quit using , that is until I get some clean time under my belt .That's when the fog clears. Be patient and Thanks for letting me share.

[lostlady]

Depression sucks!  I know you said you didn't want to switch to another drug, but I am taking something called Trazadone.  It's a very mild antidepressant that has an additional benefit of making you drowsy so I can sleep at night.  I don't wake up feeling groggy or hungover and it does seem to help w/ the feeling of being down. It is not addictive (per my doctor, pharmacist and several other members of this forum.)

Another thing that I decided to try for myself was keeping a journal.  Each night before bed, I write down a brief synopsis of my day and try to analyze how I am feeling and why.  Some times seeing it in writing helps me get perspective and see the progress I am making.   I also write in my journal 3 things that make me happy at the end of each day's entry.  My son is usually in this list every day - he is the joy of my life.  Just writing these things down often calms me and makes me feel peaceful.  thought I would share this suggestion with you.  Hang in there - will be thinking of you!

[kell737]

Thank you so much!  I appreciate your response.  Please keep in touch.  I need people like you right now, I know that sounds strange but I'm at the worst stage of depression right now, not suicide but just feeling really down on myself.  My 2 beautiful kids keep me going, along with this forum.  Thanks from the bottom of my heart.  
~Kell

[lostlady]

I am here for you!  I am so glad you posted back.  Was worried about you after reading your post.  You and I have a lot in common, i think - same things going on in our lives.  I am a mom too - have a wonderful little boy - two years old.  He is absolutely the joy of my life.  I know everyone says you need to get sober for yourself first and foremost, but he is definitely my inspiration.  

Kell- please email me directly if you just want to talk.  My email address is ***@****  That is also my MSN instant messenger address.  I would love to exchange "stories" with you. I know we can help each other through this.  

Hang in there - I am here for you!  The best thing I've found about this board is how many great people there are in the world. I am so glad I've met other women like you and Alexandra and SmokethisVette.  KoalaBear is the best - she gives the best "mom" advice I've ever heard.  She set me straight one night when I was gunning to take an extra pill.  I took the pill - then admitted the next day.  She responded back to me w/ compassion and understanding, but at the same time reinforced that I have to stop doing this.  It's not easy, but having people here to be accountable to really makes the difference for me.  I've not posted back and forth with too many people, but anyone I've ever talked to is always so understanding.

We are getting ready to head out for a late dinner but I will check back on the board tonight and my email.


Hope to talk to you soon!
LostLady

[kell737]

First of all, Thank you all for responding.  Jessica I have been clean for 30 days TODAY,  the depression for me started about 5-6 days after stopping the drugs I was on.  It varies from person to person. Some people get depressed  the same day they stop, maybe knowing the drugs are going away , then some people get depressed a few weeks later.  I'm glad you decided to get clean,  It's the best choice!!    I wish you the best of luck and keep in touch.

~Kell

[Jessica5683]

6 day's clean now and honestly, One of my biggest fears is the depression coming back! before I started using my life was one big depression day after day. I hated life before I used, didn't care about like while I was using, hardly ever felt sucidal while using and now I'm still going through withdraws but NOT anywhere as bad as the first few days.... So my question would be when does the depression usually come back? Right now I'm also fighting a huge head cold that is leading down to my lungs and I think I feel more crapy from the cold then W/Ds but I can't tell. Take care everyone and like Kip always say's which I love keep an angel on your shoulder I love that saying thanks Kip Love Jessica