my antidepressents dont wrk anymore,im very depressed but have hyper phases, these do not last very long anymore but i have suffered this since i was 12. im now 33 and at the end of my tether. i cannot function properly and that makes me very depressed pl

As I understand it there are different types of depression: situational, chemical imbalances, and bipolar. I have been in all three catagories at one point or another. Right now it is a situational depression with a lot of symptoms of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I am on Sertraline, Viibryd, Clonazepam, and Trazadone for sleep. I have been trying with three different psychiatrists to change the Sertraline but none of them will change it and I don't understand why. It does not work well, I've been on it for 5-6 years now. I guess they think it is a good SSRI. and feel there is nothing in that category of drugs any better. I was a severe BIPOLAR as a child and teenager and young adult but untreated as a child. Then I was put on an antipsychotic for many years. I've had 50+ ETC treatments, to no avail, except for lost of memory. I have spent a total of 5-6 years in hospitals, 30 days at a time, minimum. I was also diagnosed with Schizo-affective Disorder. At the time, I was under the care of an excellent doctor, but she stopped seeing patients and ever since it has been a toss up as to my diagnosis treatment. I am confused and not getting any better because of a stressful living situation and several incurable, but treatable, chronic conditions that I am not adapting to very well. The symptoms are getting worse and I get very little support any more. I do know there is no cardiac component! My pulmonologist and neurologist are following me closely and doing what they can. I am just so tired of being everyone's caregiver and having no one to support or help care for me. (A note of self-pity, if you will.) A very dear friend and one I did a lot of caregiving for, as she was an invalid, passed away just before Christmas. I flew up for the memorial service and stayed on to help the widower to go through her things and clean and rearrange furniture. It was physically and emotionally challenging and I spent 3 days in bed recovering. But, I am trying very hard to focus on the small things in my life for which I am very thankful. God has been very good to me and He watches over me. Keeping me safe. Providing food and medications, and good medical care. I lack on friends, but I am to focus on Him and His provision, so I do. Depending on humans leads to disappointment so many times . God never lets you down. bbnrse

Different drugs and have different effects. At the same time you may need to change the drugs also. consult your doctor immediately..

If you are homeless try to go to a psychiatric hospital ER, explain your situation and they have to help you or refer you to care available where you are. They may admit you so they can evaluate you and get you the proper treatment, medications and counseling. I don't know where you live but that is the way it works in America. They may also be able to refer you to a free clinic that can help. I pray for the best for you. Try not to focus on your current problems but on the One who can solve All problems. Stay focused on those positive things in your life and not the negative. There is always something good in our lives we can be thankful for if you just look for them. God's blessings to you and try to keep your chin up.
bbnrse

If you can see a psychiatrist who can offer counselling not just medication that would be a good start. Medication has many limitations, but good counselling - it doesn't work overnight - can make a real difference.

im still taking the meds as prescribed sertraline, but i can feel myself slipping again. i dont no what to do, im th person that originally posted the first question.i think iv actually had enough. i think i had some sort of breakdown, because of a berevmant, bieng homeless and gaining allmost 12 stone in a year. nothing can get worse . help.

Thank you. I'll look for some help. bbnrse

bbnrse, that's a good point. Having someone to help you work through the issues is probably a prerequisite to getting off meds, as is working with a psychopharm person to help you get off them (and that part comes later, anyway.) Probably the best thing for now is to focus on doing the best you can in the current situation.

Thank you, Dr. Heller, your explanation really helps me understand the process much better. Do you think there is ever a chance I could get off the antidepressant (Sertraline) or the antipsychotic (Abilify)? or should I just leave well enough alone. It has been too many years. I really need a good social worker or psychologist to help me work through some issues that I've never worked through before, for one reason or another. They are hard to find and I hate "trial and error" method. There has to be a better way. Anyway, thank you so much for your good information. bbnrse