Advice Please

[peter_H]

Hi. I have just started on a sedating anti-depressant, in addition to my ssri which I have been on for 10 years.

Recently moved countries and have 4 children, job is away from home. Feeling like I can't cope with it all.
Trying to get these issues under control but will take some time. How do I deal with this disabling mental state in the meantime?!

I feel agitated and anxious from waking to about 9pm, then feel relatively relaxed between about 9pm - 11pm.
Have been unable to sleep until I used the new sedating anti-depressant.

Symptoms:
Low mood
High anxiety and agitation, some shaking
Low appetite
Zero sex drive
Constant obsessional thoughts and worry about the past/job/family/dying
Unable to fall asleep properly, wake very early and cannot sleep again (2-5hrs sleep)
No enjoyment in life and very pessimistic about everything

I am exhausted.

Has anyone been here recnetly and come through it completely?  What is the first step out?

Thanks

[ty98]

Sorry to here you are having some difficulties.  I can relate.  The first sign for me that it was going to be tough is the constant worries and obsessive thinking, this one really drove me down.  The lack of sleep makes everything worse.  I had extreme irratibility, memory issues, guity feelings about the past, etc.

You are on the correct track by working with antidepressants.  You may need to try a few or several to find one that works for you.  I tried a few and they made things worse and causes suicidal thoughts.  I stopped them and was down for a long time.  Things go worse.  I tried another doctor who took a diffferent path.  That did not work.  I got referred to a good psychiatrist and this Dr knew how the meds work and found one for me.   

It will take some time to work it out.  Hang in there, you will make it.  The meds dont work overnight.  They have to take some time to control the neurotrasmitter uptake and get you going again.  Good luck.  It will work out.   You can also work on some relaxation techniques to.

[mm95432]

Look into 5-htp. It is a natural supplement that is the body's direct metabolic precursor to serotonin. The side effects are minimal to none.