Hi everyone.
Sorry, I've been MIA lately. So many of you responded to my post about depression and medication, that I wanted to give you an update.

A few weeks ago, I finally talked to my Doctor and I decided to try medication. I feel *so* much better. I just feel normal again. I have not snapped at my DD at all! The day will pass, and I notice I didn't lose my temper, not once! So, I feel the best about that. I feel like I can focus on my Parenting skills again, instead of just trying to make it through the day. My DH has noticed the difference and has been really supportive, so that helps too.

I just wanted to share with you all. I'm feeling so much better! Thank you all for the support and advice.

By Rayanne on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 11:22 am:

I'm glad that you are doing better. {{{{{EVE}}}}}

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 11:24 am:

{{{{{{{{{{{{Eve}}}}}}}}}}}

By Fraggle on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 11:28 am:

I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better.

By Christylee on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 11:29 am:

I'm glad you're feeling like yourself again, it's amazing how good it feels after you've been "gone" doesn't it? I'm glad things are better for you!

By Vicki on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 11:30 am:

I am also glad that your feeling better. I remember that post and I remember responding to it because I wanted to try to describe how much better I felt while I was taking Paxil. I too was so reluctant to start taking it. Not too many people even know that I was ever on it. The best way I can describe it was that it just took the edge off. It gave me that split second to collect my thoughts instead of reacting to something. It really doesn't even make you "feel" different, you just notice here and there that your life is calmer some how. Is that how your feeling too? In any case, I am glad that you talked to your Dr and that your feeling better!!!

By Boxzgrl on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 11:34 am:

Great to see you back and happier as ever!

By Colette on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 11:34 am:

I didn't see your original post, but I am glad you are feeling better.

By Kernkate on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 11:39 am:

{{{{EVE}}}} Glad to hear you are feeling better

By Tink on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 12:35 pm:

I'm so glad to hear this! It just makes life's little daily irritants less...irritating! What medication did you and your Dr. decide to use?

By Sunny on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 01:37 pm:

(((hugs)))

I'm glad you're feeling better!

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 01:41 pm:

Great news!

By Emily7 on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 01:57 pm:

I am happy you are doing better.

By Cat on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 02:49 pm:

That's great that you found something. I'm glad you're feeling like you again!

By Amy~moderator on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 05:22 pm:

I'm so happy for you! It's like a miracle, isn't it?

By Truestori on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 05:25 pm:

Eve,

I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling much better. Take care of yourself.

By Andi on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 07:03 pm:

I guess I missed that post...I am soooo glad you are feeling better.

By Laurazee on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 08:27 pm:

Eve - glad to hear. The effects of medication are gradual, but sure noticeable when they kick in. Must be a relief for you, as well as for all the people who care about you.

By Nicosmom on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 01:19 am:

That's great news Eve. I was on Paxil a few years ago. Yes, I know the feeling of being edgy and anxious at the same time.

By Feona on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 07:21 am:

What did they give you? I didn't know medication helped with temper. I could have used some yesterday for sure (class trip).

By Amecmom on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 07:44 am:

Great news, Eve. I was also unaware that a quick temper might be a sign or symptom of depression. To echo the other ladies, what did the doc give you? Can I have some?
Ame

By Eve on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 09:08 am:

Thanks, everyone. It's very good to feel like me again.

No, it's not about temper exactly. It was more like DD would spill something and I would be almost reduced to tears because I couldn't handle cleaning it up and dealing with the situation. Every parent has moments of losing their temper and being annoyed with children. This was waaaay beyond that. It was the making of lunches, getting DD dressed and bathed, and the other daily things that overwhelmed me. DD would say "It's ok, Mom, be happy." I was "getting by" and not living for a couple of months. So, I guess you would have to examine how you are feeling when you lose your temper. Hope that helps explain it a bit.

By Conni on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 09:51 am:

This is a personal question so you dont have to respond to it if you dont want too. Did the doctor think this was brought on by depression from what all you have been thru recently?

I am glad you recognized how you were feeling and you took action by talking with your doctor about it all! Good for you! You are a very strong wife and mommy!!

Very happy to see you posting again!

BTW -- I have taken medication before too. I felt much better after I took it as well. I have definitely btdt and I would do it over again in a heartbeat.

By Dana on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 11:10 am:

Glad to see you feeling better! I went thru this a couple years ago. My first day on meds my 4 yr old told me "thanks for being so nice today!" I was shocked, glad it made a difference, but sad that I had gotten so bad that it was that noticable.

FYI, I tried a couple times to stop the meds, figured lifestyle change would help. But it never did, UNTIL I combined a serious healthy diet with 3 meals and snacks, daily exercise and daily doses of Omega 3 tablets. I was religious about all three until my current pregnancy. Praying I can go back to that after delivery. I suffered PPD with DD and never knew that is what it was until 3 yrs later. Speaking of the omega3, if you decide to check into it, ask your dr first, it can react with mood meds.

By Eve on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 11:45 am:

Oh my gosh, Dana! My DD did the same thing. She said "Mom, you're nice to me!" I felt the same as you. Thanks for the info about Omega 3. I was actually just going to buy some. I wouldn't have even thought about drug interaction.

Conni-No, not too personal. My Dr. asked me to explain the symtoms and how I was feeling. He asked me how I felt I wanted to proceed, with counseling or how I felt about medication. I asked his advice and he said he felt comfortable prescribing medication for short term depression for me. So, it could very well be what I've been through lately. It's just that the way I was feeling was making it not very possible for me to function or even think about counseling. So, now that I'm feeling more myself and I can think more clearly, I can decide where I want to go from here.

Good question though. I think some people are just more prone to depression. It does run in my family. I can tell you depression doesn't feel like how I thought it would feel. I've been sad before, but this is just different. It feels more physical, than emotional. Hope that helps.