HELP A VICTIM OF SEVERE DEPRESSION

[Fireflygirl]

My mother has been suffering from severe atypical depression for 5 years. For 3 years we were able to medicate her and she lived a very functional life, and I even believed that she enjoyed it. For the past two years she has relapsed. The meds quit working. We have since tried at least 6-8 different meds, talk therapy, and ECT. None of this has been effective. It has gotten to the point where she will spend up to 22 hours/day in bed for weeks on end and has no enjoyment. I don't know what to do anymore. Does anyone know of any other effective treatments for depression this severe? Has anyone tried holistic treatments to help with this depression? Does anyone have any advice for me?

[mallard2904]

I agree, check the thyroid. "google in" thyroid symptoms checklist and see how many symptoms exist. Also, "google in" subclinical hypothroidism and read about that. I was told my thyroid was perfect (for 15 years) I knew it wasn't and my doctor wouldn't agree to try and treat it. I went to a naturapathic doc specializing in thyroid who did extensive tests and matched them to my symptoms (I had all the symptoms). On the "normal range", I was 2 points from the bottom and was finally treated with levoxyl. My fatigue went away almost immediately. It helped the depression too, but I still had to go on antidepressants. Also, an endocronologist is a good doc to go to for thyroid issues. Hope this helps. God Bless

[Idab]

Very important what Verona posts - the thyroid can be nasty when it goes haywire, so make sure you let your mom have those bloods done.  Don't despair over your mother's condition as it will rub off on her - help her to see the good side of life - YOU.  Help her to help herself, make her feel important and boost her self-esteem.  The spiritual side of things will come naturally with your positive energy buzzing around her.  It will take some time, as she has been down for so long, but your perseverance will get the better of her and she will be up and about soon.  I will also keep her and YOU in my prayers.  We just never know whose prayers the Lord will answer, so the more prayers the better.  Keep the Faith and Hope will be strong.

[venora]

first your mother has to want the help that is out there.She is very lucky to have you love  and support her.Second has she had her thyroid checked with full blood test labs.A wonky thyroid can cause many ofthe things you describe.
I will kepp you and your mom in my prayers that she will reach out and get the help she needs.You may even have to check her into the hospital.I know that is what I had to do.I am bi polarand I twas tough for me to stay on my meds at first.I would get to feeling better so I would quit taking them.Silly me when that was what was making me feel better.Now I have been taking my meds faithfully for 7years now.Encourage your mom to take her meds.Often it take a combo of meds and therapy to out of depression.it doesnt happen overnite but it vna happen
Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
Love Venora