I'm going through a divorce right now. For the last several months I have no motivation to do anything.
I've become more of a procastinator than I used to be..if that's possible. I'm going through some major stress/changes in my life.
Lyme seems to be acting up more latelyt. I was doing fairly well but feel like my adrenals are crashing.
I've heard horror stories of taking antidepressents. The first thing that comes to mind is B vitamins and Sam-E. Those are the only ones that ring a bell.
Thoughts?
Posted by mikken (Member # 2276) on :
Get yourself a nice quality fish oil (omega 3) supplement and take it! Omega 3's do wonders for some forms of depression!
Also evaluate yourself for yeast - the yeastie beasties can really bring your head down and they like to flare when you're stressed (opportunistic little *******s that they are). If you're not taking probiotics (and whatever else works for you and yeast), do so.
Above all, remember that you can get through this! Posted by Annxyz (Member # 9097) on :
Zoloft and prozac are both generic and help a bunch . I know a whole lot of others like myself who think they are life savers . I am not implying that these meds are perfect for everyone , but no one I know has had a horrible experience .
It sounds like your depression is mild , and a low dose would probably work wonders .
I also take fish oil , Carlson's lemon flaovored in a glass of juice. I get by with a low dose of meds .
Others have reported success with : 5HTP St John's wort SAM E Rhodiola
I doubt they would work for me , but they do for some !
I also went thru a divorce when I was first sick . You are living a nightmare . Take care of yourself ! annxyz
Posted by snowboarder (Member # 6346) on :
Thank you everyone. I do take fish oils from Nordic Naturals..seems to help. In a few weeks, I see my PCP and will probable mention this.
I prefer not to take any thing else if I don't have to but sometimes it's a necessity. I definitely need to keep working to make a living and pay my bills.
Posted by csperanza (Member # 9613) on :
I have found that the Lyme is what makes me feel unmotivated. It's like my brain is a computer and the LYme has erased most of the hard drive. Just blank humming instead of processing going on, with periods of spacing out.
I have been on antidepressants for a while due to post-partum depression and a family history of depression. The way I felt when I was depressed wasn't the same -- it wasn't the blankness or apathy. When the Lyme improved and I felt better overall (more energetic, less joint pain, etc.) the apathy lifted too.
Just my experience, FWIW. C
Posted by snowboarder (Member # 6346) on :
Thank you CS. Lyme is so systemic who knows what comes first the chikcen or the egg if you know what I mean.
Posted by Karenelee (Member # 11044) on :
Hi snowboarder,
I've lived with depression for years -- well-managed with medications.
I feel a qualitative difference between lyme malaise and the malaise of depression.
Malaise in depression (for me) feels linked to hopelessness and nattering nabobs of negativity in my nogin.
Lyme malaise feels like a sleeping sickness -- a lack of physical and mental energy.
On the fish oil: the studies I read some years ago found it to be therapuetic for depression dosed at 9 grams daily (which is a lot) and the theoretical time line for effectiveness is weeks or months rather than days, so if you are going to take it, stick with it. AND you must be sure to obtain a very pure oil, as otherwise you could be adding mercury and other toxins to your system that won't help.
As for antidepressants, they can be helpful, and the basic rule is that they have different effects on different people. Some get the magic bullet effect on the first try, some have to try several before they get the right "one."
Good-luck,
the napper
Posted by Kendrick (Member # 10990) on :
This will pass, and I wish you the best. Wish I could be more help.
Posted by wenan (Member # 10993) on :
Snowboarder, check out a book called the Mood Cure. It is a great resource. She actually is not a huge fan of SamE - she does say it works for some people but is not her first choice.
My experience has been (and it showed on my neurotransmitter testing results) that the lyme has really had a field day with my seratonin, dopamine, norep, and epin.
Her suggestions have been a great help and I find that the combo ones help best ie: gaba, lithium, 5HTP, L-theanine, rather than 5HTP all by itself for example.
You also may want to get a thyroid test if you haven't already had one. Hang in there. What a tough thing to be dealing with while you are dealing with the lyme.
p.s. I'm no doctor, this is just what has helped me. Peace
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
snowboarder
Been through the dirvorse thing-it's brutal. Sorry to hear you have to go threw it. But in time life will be good again. Mine is but a breif memory now, but at the time very painful & stressfull.
I have taken St. Johns Wart in the past for mild to moderate depression. Very little side effects for me. But it does interact with some rx's & stuff so make sure to talk it over with your doc first.
I personally would stay away from the SSIR's. Heard some bad things about them.
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snowboarder