First bout with Depression and scared

[helpjen]

I am 36 and suffering from my first bout with depression.  I think it has been brought on by chronic pain, migraines, and stress (my husband has been working overtime for the last 6 weeks and I am alone with the kids).  I have recently also increased my pain meds from 2 vicodin pills a day to 6 a day, which has caused me incredible guilt, and I think withdrawals (another subject).  I am beginning to taper the narcotics.  Just want to know from those of you who have had it, if these incredible feelings of sadness, snappiness, anxiety, insomnia, and lack of appetite are normal.  I started Wellbutrin SR a week ago and was told I need to wait another week before increasing it to twice a day which is the recommended dosage.  So far I don't feel any better at all on it.  The sadness is overwhelming, I try to talk to my husband about it, but I end up blaming him- which is incredibly wrong!  I know that my family needs me, but I can't stop these feelings of wanting to disapear or die.  It is scaring me as I have never felt this way before and I know it's not normal!

[delmars]

Hello To You,

     OOOOHHHH, I know this situation all to well.  I am not a doctor so I can't say for sure BUT, my situation read exactly like yours.  I broke my back and was on Vicodin for 6 months.  I would bet money that this is causing your depression and feelings of severe sadness.  Google Vicodin and depression and the story will be told. These meds are great for pain and they make you feel good too but they also do something to your brain chemistry and as you will learn from your internet search they CAUSE DEPRESSION.  I weened myself off them over 3 weeks and for the next month I had the same feelings you describe.  After I recovered from them I am back to "normal" and don't have to take antideressants.  Read about it and you will see it is the Vicodin.  YOU WILL BE BACK TO YOURSELF SOON. Focus more on getting of pain meds and less on antidepressants but don't stop taking the antidressants without talking to your doctor..  It will take time but in two months you will be saying " that guy on the forum was right."

[shannonf_bc]

It takes the meds a while to work honey hang in there....

You are a worthwhile, strong person (strong people get help which you did), who is simply suffering from an illness right now that so many people have suffered with.... It will get better and soon.

What you feeling is NORMAL, I have felt it myself, I have had horrible, unthinkable thoughts that I know just aren`t right pop in my head and stick, but diminished and went away after a little while on meds).

YOU WILL GET BETTER.... YOU WILL BE OKAY....THINGS WILL BE GOOD AGAIN SOON!

[jeri47]

After having depression for 5years, I can tell u that what has work for me is a lot of exercise , reading , and talking to friend,or family. I know,I know! Its really hard, but try
to  stay positive. It gets better!!!!!!