Brain fatigue/Depression

[riphoffa75]

For the past 10 years I've been suffering from clinical depression. Early on, although having the patented low energy levels, persistent sadness, hopelessness, and apathy - I always was able to utilize my wit and sense of humor. About three years ago, I had a traumatic experience that led to PTSD. This, layering the typical depression drove me into a deep area of vulnerability. I started drinking a lot for about 5 months. I don't drink anymore...

But these symptoms of brain fatigue have not left! It's not pain I feel all the time in my brain, its a diffused feeling. It feels like a perpetual early morning wake up on 5 hours of sleep. The worst part is that I have lost my quick wit and sense of humor. I know when the moments come up in conversation to be witty, but nothing comes out. It's very frustrating. I talked to my therapist and my usual M.D. about this - and they both did not display a feeling of alarm of urgency. But there has to be SOMETHING i can do. Have my neurotransmitters been damaged to the point my entire personality has been ruined? In the interim, is there anything I can do to create a better feeling in my brain - particularly in regards to feeling quicker/wittier in my brain. Any foods or vitamins?

[4Maddie44]

Hello, when I was in a deep depression I felt like you.  I have had clinical depression longer than you.  I remember thinking I wasn't a nice person.  I cannot talk to anyone, or express an opinion when I am really depressed.

I shouldn't think anything in your brain has been damaged.  I must admit I have tried different things like vitamins and omega 3.  Sometimes we just feel like this.

My medication is helping.  Are you on medication?

[Hobby10]

I would see a doctor and maybe get more than one opinion.  It helps to exercise because release of endorphins is sort of a natural high.  And believe that things can change, moods can change---- people can change.  And you have us here if you need someon to talk to.  Peace and love.

[Poo44clooner]

Your symptoms sound exactly like what I was experiencing during my really bad depression days. I have major depression but I am feeling much better because my doc found the right med for me.
But before then I used to remember phone numbers, had a photographic memory, was able to talk and enjoy conversations with people but under severe depression that is all taken away from you. I couldn't remember phone numbers and couldn't even remember what year 9/11 happened. I felt dull and sad and pretty much like a shell walking around. I would watch a movie with my daughter and then the following week I would not have any recollection of seeing the movie. When I saw the movie again it was all new to me. Conversations that I had, things that I said to people that when they repeated it back to me I looked like an idiot because my memories of those conversations were all gone.People mistook me for a liar and a troublemaker because of this. My memory was pretty much wiped out.
I asked my doc about this and he said that it is because of the severe depression, not the meds, and not the ECTs (I had many). It made sense because when I started my new med everything in my life before the depression came back very slowly. My witty humor, memory, everything and I feel alive and not dead inside anymore.
Maybe you are not on the right meds yet.
Hope this helps.
Angela

[littlebit667]

This link has some good info to help.  

http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_men_male.htm