Hello & Help...

[dreamers paradise]

:frown: Since the birth of my last child, which on September 30, will be 4 years, I have not been the same person. After the birth of my last child, I told my doctor I was very sad all the time, and he would just keep telling me to try and tough it out a little longer and if the problem got worse to come back to him, well its been years later and I have not told him of this problem. Some days are really good, and others not so good. I'm really bad the week before and during my period. I just really don't want to take drugs, I want to try and find a natural way out of this.....and i'm wondering if St. John's Wort is for me ??? I know this may be a stupid question, but am I depressed, does this still have to do with the birth of my child ????? Sometimes I'm sad, I think my friends don't like me, I sometimes can't enjoy my kids. I just want to stop this before it interferes more with my children's lives....
Help....:frown:

[BrightEyes]

Hi

I am new to this site and to the SJW. After reading your post, I just had to reply. Have you thought about seeing another doctor? It sounds as if you do have a problem that warrants intervention; however, I sense that you feel uncertain about its validity and what you should do about it. You may want to ask your doctor to make a referral to a specialist. I know you don’t want to hear the “p” word, I didn’t (psychiatrist). Many times general practitioners are reluctant to make the diagnosis or even prescribe medication because they do not specialize in mental illnesses. A specialist could evaluate your symptoms, validate your concerns and possibly provide therapy. On the down side, many of the specialist are not familiar with and do not promote alternative treatments like SJW. Seeing a therapist does not mean you have to be prescribed or take medication. You can discuss that with them. If you are concerned about the costs, check your yellow pages. Often times there are Christian counseling centers or others similar that provide services based on your income. They may be listed as “Christian” or “Pastoral” counseling centers, but they often provide a wide range of services, not just religious. They are there to help, even if you can not afford to pay. I do not recommend local Mental Health Department. I am not sure about your area, but through my professional contact with state mental health programs they are not that great. I can not say the therapists are bad, but their caseloads are typically out of control.

I struggled with my general practitioner for nearly a year before I decided to see someone else. My depression did not occur after having a child, but I sense that you are experiencing some of the same difficulties I did. My doctor just did not seem to take me serious. He gave me the impression that I would “get over it”. I work in the field of psychology and also have a close friend who is a therapist. With my knowledge and her support, I was able to recognize that I had a serious problem. I continue to struggle and some days are better and worse than others. Sometimes these problems get better without intervention, but sometimes they don’t. It sounds like you have given it enough time.


I hope this helps.

Brighteyes

[shy1]

Hi,

Here is a test for clinical depression that I like (1st one): http://depression.about.com/cs/diagnosis/l/blscreenquiz.htm
My first time through I scored 8/10, today 1/10. What a change!

Take one or more of the online tests. Try to steer away from ones that are tied to a product for sale. If you feel that you suffer from mild to moderate depression then you will probably want to seriously investigate St John's Wort and maybe even try it. After 30+ years of being sad, I can tell you that there is hope! In my case, SJW did help ... as per my first and most recent test results.

[dreamers paradise]

Thank you both for your replies...I have started the SJW tonight, i'll try this and if no success, I will then visit my doctor. I am so hoping that this works. I did take the Quizz and I also scored an 8 out of 10. I guess tonight tonight isn't a good night. I had a fight with my best friend and it all stems from being sad. I really have to tell her what is going on in my life, but I don't want to burden her with my problems....How long should I take SJW before I notice a difference????
thanks again...

[shy1]

Dreamers Paradise,

Congratulations! You've taken a positive step towards recovery.

I think you will find the answers to alot of your intitial questions under FAQ which is located on the green bar at the top of the forum pages. The search feature is also nice for finding information.

We all react differently to SJW. Some will have an almost immediate reaction, but for most of us it takes some time. You probably won't notice any difference, but then you'll notice subtle changes. You may notice yourself laughing when maybe you haven't laughed in a long time, or perhaps you'll discover that you want to do something that you haven't done for a long time. You will also begin to notice that you view your relationship with your friends differently, more positively.

You have decided to do something to help yourself. That is an important decision. SJW should help, but if not, please remember that there is a solution.

Wishing you the healing you are seeking.

[allemande814]

I found that it helps sometimes to tell someone else and your best friend could be one of the people. It's not the same as a broken arm because that's perceived as a "normal" illness and you might be afraid of being stigmatized by others because depression is a "mental" illness, but hopefully people will start to understand that it's something that can happen to almost anyone.

For the people who are close to me what I did was I talk about it when I have my good days, even though I didn't want to on those days because everything seemed perfect....good luck

[dreamers paradise]

Yes, I am affraid of being stigmatized as having a mental illness. Thats why for me, I have felt I should keep it a secret for all these years. I will talk to my friend about it, she is somebody I can trust. This is the first time in almost 4 years that I am talking about it...and I think it was about time....thank you very much for all your answers. They are very helpful in getting me started on a new road in my life. Thanks again !!!! :dance: