1st week...

[hopeful]

hi, well just finished my 1st week on RR. I do feel minimal improvement but not sure if RR has anything to do with it or is it just because i've pretty much decided to get professional help. The improvement is not in any way close to what other people reported. I still feel bad, angry etc. pretty much all the time. i'll keep taking it though or at least a while to see if it helps. I don't know if these things don't work for me because they are just not strong enough for my body chemistry or my depression is severe enough where they are not supposed to work anyway. we'll see how things go. is anybody actually seeing a counselor/psychiatrist and if so, how is it going? does it work quickly and does the medication make a considerable difference? thanks, hopeful

[steve]

Hi Hopeful
I have tried st johns wort 3 months am now on RR but getting only a little help. I myself have decided to go back on antidepressants next week as i cant live like this anymore. I have had good success with antidepressants in the past with some side effects but while on them am more productive.
I understand those feelings of anger and depression you have I get them as well.Depression is a painful lonely road I feel you may need medication as the herbal stuff is not working. I would advice you to see your doctor first speak to him about how you feel. I hope you find some way back from this rotten illness.

steve

[hopeful]

hi steve, thanks for the reply and encouragement. Why did you stop taking antidepression medication? did your doctor tell you too or what? If I need meds which i am sure I will, what should i expect, do they start working right away? are there bad side effect and is there an adjustment period where you have to experiment before you get the dosage right? i have an appointment next month, that's a long way away but i hope finally i can get on the road to recovery and fix my life!!! thanks, hopeful

[steve]

Hi hopeful I went of antidepressants because I wanted to try somthing natural. Antidepressants can take take up to 2 weeks to work and in some people longer. The side effects can vary but most pass with time each person is different some have few side effects while others have a lot.
I feel you need to see a doctor sooner and have a chat I feel your depression is at a level which could get worse if left untreated. Dont be afraid to take antidepressants from your doc and if they dont work there are many diffrent types to try.You have tried to beat this using the herbal route but it did not work so this is your next step to get help.Depression is a painful lonely road with no joy around and only frustration it makes us less social to the world. Try and see your doc sooner.


Steve

[hopeful]

hi steve, this is the 1st time I am doing this. I just found a doctor thru my insurance and made an appointment. mid december is the earliest date available but i'll talk to him and see if he could squeeze me in sooner or take me earlier if there was a cancellation or something.
I've had depresion for a long time but i was always able to keep it from affecting my job, but now it's worse and the scary part is that it is affecting my new job which could be very costly. it seems like i can't keep stuff straight in my head.
I know exactly what you mean by painful and lonely road. sometimes I feel so angry, I want to break/throw things!! btw, what happens in the initial assessment meeting, what kind of questions does the doctor ask and do you know if you need meds or not by the sessions end?
aren't you seeing a doctor who is monitoring your medication? did you get off the med on your own or you and the doctor agreed on it? if anybody else has anything to add, please feel free to reply. i can use all the advice and support i can get!! thanks, hopeful