Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group No spark

I know just how you feel. I took anti-depressants for years and while one would work the side effects would be intolerable so I would start another one and repeat the process- all the time not getting adequate relief. I swore off them after the excruciating side effects of withdrawl from effexor. Now I take sam-e which helps some- it also helps my joints. My doc seems to think that the depression comes from the pain and fatigue of AS and that once i start enbrel (if it works) that it should eleviate all the mental symtoms. Here's hoping! In the meantime, I try to tell myself every day that this world is amazing and we only get to do this once and for the sake of my family I put on a happy face and try as hard as I can. Best of luck to you. Be careful if you decide to stop taking the antidepressants- withdrawl is no picnic!

Hi Lisa
I went to see the doctor today (gee there's something new) and I told him how I was feeling. We both agreed I should cut back on the Lexapro and see if that still takes care of the depression. I know it will take awhile to see the results of a reduced dosage but I am hopeful. Like I said though I don't feel depressed but having nothing ever bother me does not feel right either.

Hi Chris
I think my depression is linked to not being able to get into the woman's forum (I had a nice dress picked out and everything) O.K. seriously I have been feeling kind of blah for some time now but didn't put a whole lot of thought to it. The real clincher was when a deer ran into my truck on the highway and I didn't stop, didn't panic. My heart never even raced or skipped a beat. I just shrugged my aching shoulders and said to myself that I would look at the damage at my next stop. I really had the feeling that I just didn't care.

Hi Josh

Thanks for the advice. I am glad what you are taking is helping you. I don't know if I ever got the chance to welcome you to the forum. If I didn't for some reason....WELCOME!!!

I hope reducing what I am taking will give me some of that "edge" back without major depression sneaking back in.

Iain

Thanks for your perspective. I really like how you called it the zone. That's really where I feel I am at. Not having the lows is great but never feeling the highs really stinks. I am hoping to get out of the zone soon because that's where all the living is.

Good I am glad you went to your Dr....just promise me when you cut back if you start feeling depressed or you know anything out of the ordinary you will get back in to see your Dr...

Now don't say anything but for a pretty penny ( I can accept bribes since I am not Admin..) I will see about getting you in the womans forum...shhh! of course we would need to change your picture, because you are not a very pretty woman right now...lol

Seriously girls you do NOT need to worry we are just joking, Admin works very hard making the womans forum private, safe and secure for us just like they do the mens forum for them.

Keep us updated on how you are feeling over the next few days, hope it works.

Hugs,

Lisa

Men's forum????? I want in!!!!

Hi Wendy

When I went to the doctor today we agreed to cut back on the Lexapro first and see what that does before adding something to the "mix". I am to call him once a week now to let him know how I am doing and to see if we need to change anything. Thanks for all the info in your post. I'll refer back to it if things seem to be going in the wrong direction.

Hi Fonz

Thank for the support. I think when people see you as outgoing and then all of a sudden you become reserved(anti-depressants) it can be misread as moody. Make sure to talk to your doctor on your next visit or sooner if it gets any worse.

Jeffery - I'm so glad you've decided to tackle this. I don't believe anyone needs to stay in the "zone" but I also wouldn't want to return to the "black fog" that was my depression. It's a case of finding the balance and I truly believe that's possible.

I also think it's important to share our struggles with mental health and meds because we need to demonstrate that mental health is as important as physical health. I make sure that my staff is aware that I have had those struggles so that they recognize that it's okay to acknowledge if they are having difficulties and not be embarrassed. There's this idea that, if the boss has battled mental health issues, then it's okay for the rest of the staff to feel safe about getting help.