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3186679 tn?1388719145

Derealization

What exactly is it want to know if I really have it my therapist still hasn't diagnosed me with anything but depression
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Avatar universal
i have dr 24/7 for 2 and a half months and idk what to do ? does anybody have a few  techniques that can help me out? :x
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480448 tn?1426948538
Thanks, sara!

Really glad we cleared that up!  :0)
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Avatar universal
Yes, I'm sorry I did mistake the topic of the discussion.  

So sorry.  

Yes, it can take awhile to get a medication that works, trying one after the other.  
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480448 tn?1426948538
This thread was really never about medication...when I made that statement, we were talking ONLY about the DR, not meds...I don't see how it needed clarification?  The OP seemed to understand what I meant?

The Wellbutrin wasn't even mentioned until after that post, and it was only mentioned briefly.  We weren't discussing med wait times at all.  I guess I'm having a hard time seeing that my post was unclear to you, we weren't dicussing meds, we were discussing DR.

I think you need to reread the thread....I think you mistook that the conversation was about meds when it wasn't.  It happens, sometimes you'll read a little quicker, and miss something, or assume something.  I do it here and there.

And, yes, I agree that in "about" 6 weeks times, one should hopefully see improvements, but again everyone is different...I don't think it hurts anything to wait even a little longer, if a doctor advises that.  My advice to people in those situations (6 weeks with no changes) is to have a discussion with their doctor.

Depression is something that sadly a lot of people struggle to get under control for years.  It isn't always just as easy as in 4-6 weeks, there will be relief with something.

Hope we cleared this up...I think it was just a misunderstanding...you thought we were dicussing med wait times, when we clearly were not.

:0)
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Avatar universal
I believe that you just stated pretty much the same as what my position was above. A month and half is about 6 weeks.  For it to take longer is asking a lot from someone who is severely depressed.  How long do you think someone has to wait to not feel ANY improvement from the medication?  The clarification that was needed was that the DR can take months.  But on the medication wait times, you and I see things about the same. Am I right?
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480448 tn?1426948538
Oops...forgot something.

When I said this:
"A month and a half is not that long in the grand scheme of things...it just feels that way."

...it was in reference to amber's derealization.  DR can take several months to resolve, even longer for some people.
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480448 tn?1426948538
amber, I'm SO glad to hear you're seeing some improvements!  That's great!  You're on the right track!  Just keep doing what you're doing, you'll get there hon!

Hi Sara.  When it comes to these meds, everyone is different.  Meds in these categories can take 4-6 weeks to be effective, and for some people, even a little longer.  I've been on differents ADs, some worked within a few weeks, and others took me a couple months before I REALLY noticed the changes.

If after about 6 weeks, a person hasn't noticed ANY improvements, then they need to have a discussion with their doctor.  Many times, a dosage increase is all that's needed, as most people are started out on a fairly low dose.  For some people, they need a higher dose to reap the benefits.  If after a dosage increase, STILL no positive effects are noted, then it's probably wise to try a new med.  

A lot of people also don't realize that that same adjustment period applies even for dosage adjustments.  So, once a dose is increased, it may take up to 4-6 weeks to again notice changes, although, typically, the waiting period isn't quite as long as the initial adjustment period, due to the med already being on board.

It's just SO important for people to remain patient, as this can be a lengthy process.  I'm a strong believer too, that ALL possible efforts should be exhausted (including dosage increases) with ONE med before going to another one.  Too many people throw in the towel too early.  It's mnost definitely a trial and error process for sure.
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3186679 tn?1388719145
I do feel improvements I have no more anxiety attacks but at the same time that's the only thing the medication is doing
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Avatar universal
Amber,
I'm going to completely disagree with the wait time posting above.  If you have been on Wellbutrin for a month and a half, it seems like you should feel a great improvement by now, unless it needs to be increased.  The doctor should have increased it by now or changed your medication.

Unfortunately, getting the right anti-depressant is a trial and error process.  Some have terrible side effects.  Some don't work at all.  I went through my share of various anti-depressants until I found one that worked incredibly well.  Depression has been a life long problem for me.

So if you're not better after so long, talk to the doctor who prescribes the Wellbutrin.  Therapists are not the best source to discuss medication with, especially because they realize that if the anti-depressant works for you, you may not have any more problems and then don't need them anymore.  Sad but true.

So don't keep waiting.  You may need to change doctors if this doctor has you waiting and waiting.

Sara
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480448 tn?1426948538
When a person has DR, it usually IS 24/7.  I haven't heard of too many people who have it only here and there.  

How long have you had it, and have you sought help for it yet?
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Avatar universal
what if i have it 24/7 is it still possible to be reversible ?!
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3186679 tn?1388719145
My therapist told me it's what I have I mentioned it to her last week she didn't know what it was so she did research on it and knew right away that's what it is I've heard of people taking fish oils and vitamin b would that help at all
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3186679 tn?1388719145
Ok thank you still not back to work he's supposed to call me if they need help this week and I see my therapist again tomorrow
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480448 tn?1426948538
No.  If anything, the meds will help.  You were on the right track a few days ago...you got to get back there.  This kind of thing involves work and pushing yourself.
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3186679 tn?1388719145
I'm on wellbutrin will that take more time to heal on meds
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480448 tn?1426948538
I already told you it may take a while...what you need to focus on is that it WILL go away.  The more you think about it...the more it reinforces those feelings.  I just cannot stress that enough.  You HAVE to distract yourself and stay as busy as possible.

A month and a half is not that long in the grand scheme of things...it just feels that way.  Remember, the world around you has NOT changed...your perception has, from the anxiety.  It is completely harmless.

The less you concentrate on it, the better it will get.
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3186679 tn?1388719145
I think I do have it I'm so scared its still gonna take a long time for it to go away only had it for a month and a half now and the stories on there were saying 6 months to a year :(
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480448 tn?1426948538
If you haven't already, check out this journal I wrote about DR and DP.  There are 120 user comments, which are so helpful to read.  It just makes you realize how common this is, and how many people suffer.  Check it out.:

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/11569/Derealization-and-Depersonalization-VERY-common-anxiety-effectsplease-read
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480448 tn?1426948538
People don't always get a diagnosis of DR or DP as they are symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, not a condition.  I think it's safe to say you have it.  You describe it perfectly.

Next time you go to see your therapist, ask her/him about it.  Just keep doing what you're doing, and try not to overthink everything.
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