Depression? - Florence,CO

My doctor told me the same thing. I like you did not feel sad or depressed. I also have a very low thyroid but the doctor also told me that was normal.
So I did not go back to my doctor as I did not feel that was what was wrong with me. I ended up going to a doctor that deals with Hormones and he put me on thyroid medicine. I have felt so much better since then. So if anti depressents do not work for you try a different road. Good Luck!!

Stay away from the anti-d's, the side effects can be awful.Sounds to me like you are having a rough year, nothing more. Try to eat right and get some exercise, Exercising 3x a week is as effective as anti-ds. It will also help you sleep better and feel better.

I got my blood tested and discovered that I am low in several things, one being progesterone, that give depression like symptoms. I have taken the vitamins and things that the doctor said I was low in and I am feeling so great again!! There are a few things also that you can pick up at the health food store that can help. Just talk to one of the consultants there. I just went through a horrible divorce from a horrible man and things are finally starting to work themselves out. Stress can be a major player in health issues too. I do think that depression is a catch all for many doctors when they have no idea what else is going on. I would suggest that you go to a doctor that specializes in bio-identical hormones and get a thorough blood screen done.

My first thought was thyroid too - all the symptoms seem to fit. It is also possible that it could be depression, but I am suprised your doc gave you meds right off. We are certainly over-medicating for things that could be dealt with in other ways! (And before anybody gives me flak for that comment - I am one of those who must be on meds to maintain my sanity, so I know it's necessary at times. But not in all cases).

I would get a second opinion. And honestly, I would wait until tests come back and you get another opinion before taking the meds - once started you have to be very careful when stopping, even if you didn't really have depression in the first place.

I agree with the post that recommended regular exercise. Also make sure you are eating well and staying hydrated. I would say regular sleep, but I understand the insomnia thing (one thing your doc could have tried giving you is sleep aid - they're safe for short term and can be all it takes to break the cycle of insomnia). And have some support - someone to talk to when you are feeling overwhelmed and just need to vent.

I hate to disagree with a doctor but in this case I will. In my opinion go to a naturapathic physician and let that doctor help. There may be nutritional options available to you that would be better for you. No one is ever antidepresant difficient, but many times our bodies are difficient of the nutrients it needs to help us stay well. I have studied nutrition for many years and know the body is an amazing thing. It responds to good things so much that it can actually heal itself. I also help people lose weight in a very healthy and fast way. If you are interested in that, I can help. Just respond to this letter and I will get you information.

I think the fact that you are questioning says it all. We need to take more control of our health care and if you want to wait until the test results come back on the thyroid then wait. If you still feel like you are not depressed then seek a second opinion in which you are comfortable with. It sounds to me that you are questioning the Dr's diagnosis and there is nothing wrong with that, but you should seek a person's opinion you feel you can trust and that you see results. The pill does not alone solve depression if that is the cse you must understand for yourself why you are depressed. Good Luck

You have received some great advice. Mine is in the same vain. Don't just except the diagnosis of depression if you don't feel that it is correct. My option is that Dr's use a depression diagnosis when they are not sure what it is, as a catch all. The side effects of depression meds are sometimes far worse than the symptoms that you are currently experiencing and can lead to a giant rollercoaster of events. My suggest, having been where you are, is Naturopathic -Homeopathic, Chiropractic, Exercise, Eating better- reduce processed foods - more organic food, and maybe even a therapist to talk out your eventful year. You have been through a lot in the past year or so and it can take its toll on you physically. It is a case of trial and error to find what is really going on with your body. As far as your blood work, look at your hormone levels, and just because you are in a "normal" range you may still need to make some adjustments to get to an opium level for you, that will make you feel like you again. A Naturopathic -Homeopathic Dr can help find your "Normal". Best of luck, trust your instincts, you know your body better than anyone else. Keep us posted on your progress.

Good responses already, but I had to chime in! The fact that this diagnosis doesn't seem to 'fit' means you aren't done checking it out. In giving the doctor the benefit of the doubt, he may have seen or heard some things that led him to that conclusion (maybe reading between the lines, etc.). They don't just pull things out of the hat. However, you're right- many of those symptoms can be vague and therefore apply to several diagnoses.

If you don't like this doctor, of course you should move on. If you do like him, I would follow up. When you go back in two week I would have another conversation with him. Specifically ask why he diagnosed depression and, more importantly- what ELSE could it be? He probably has good reasons for his diagnosis, but should be open to talking about other possibilities and ruling other things out or in. He should be willing to discuss this with you to help you either understand and accept this diagnosis, or explore other options- whatever YOU feel comfortable with. This conversation is what will tell you what kind of doctor he is, not simply the fact that he diagnosed you with depression.

Good luck!

Hang in there mama! We’ve all been there. Here are some things that have helped me get through some of the same feelings.
1. Yoga has been an incredible release for me. It is my time to relax and start over. I feel like I get a restart every time I go and I look forward to it. Check out www.corepoweryoga.com They have a work for trade program where you can clean the studio once a week for a couple hours in exchange for free, unlimited yoga.
2. Anti-depressants can help in the short-term to help you get back up on your feet, or long-term if you need them to maintain balance and stability in your life. Millions of people are on medications, so try to have judgment on yourself.
3. An alternative treatment for depression and anxiety is an herbal supplement called Luminex. Do some research and look into it further. I just started taking it myself this month and noticed a difference in just a couple of days. It contains natural ingredients including St Johns Wart, griffonia seed, folate, and vitamin B12 that help with depression and anxiety. I don’t think it can be combined with other medications, but it may be an alternative treatment for you to consider. Let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

Of course you COULD have depression. Lots of people have it, and your life experiences certainly could have triggered it, but your flooredness (is that a word?) makes me stop and think. Most people, when they get a correct diagnosis, sort of say "Oh, THAT'S it!" That doesn't sound like your response. My thought would be to follow up on your original hypothyroidism hypothesis, but with a naturopathic physician, or other holistic practitioner. It's quite possible you do have an underfunctioning thyroid but not quite low enough to meet the clinical threshold. But it could be too low for your optimum metabolic needs. Does that make any sense? Hypothyroidism can also result in symptoms of mild depression, but from your reaction, that may not be the root cause of what's going on. And antidepressants ARE a way of making a whole lot of symptoms just go away, but they may not be what you really need.

Good luck!

Mira

I had those symptoms w/ a little weight gain (but couldn't lose it), as well as sporadic periods and uptight about things more than usual. My dr. first suggested menopause (at 44?), and then when I went back a month later they compared blood cultures w/ the first one....now they thought I had hypothroidism. (Some results can skew that diagnosis). I am taking levothrytoxine-50 mcg. I didn't notice any changes, but my blood tests showed more favorable results after 5 months. (Hubby says I am not as crabby-LOL). I do take an antidepressant to sleep at night (doxepin 100 mg) (sounds funny but it worked better than the sleep aids which usually made me have nightmares. Whatever you decide, continue to research. If you don't like what the dr. said, please get a second opinion.

I know this is late and I see there are a lot of other responses. It will be interesting to see what your lab results are...a lot of times Hypothyroidism can have the same symptoms as depression. I wish you the best of luck!!

Hi M.
Yes, you can have depression without knowing it. Often, the person with the depression is the last one to know it, because you are just experiencing symptoms, like sleeplessness, and weight gain, and you don't put a name on it. Depression has to do with holding things together. When you hold things together, you use so much energy that you get exhausted and you can't sleep well. You may worry about things, and when you worry, you eat too much. Food is a replacement for love, so that is why people often put on weight when their love life isn't working right. So, what you really need is letting go...
The problem with anti depressants is that they are suppressants. They will make you feel better by suppressing what is really going on. If you just want to escape from your sadness, anti depressants are fine, but if you want to face what you are going through, and learn from it, anti depressants are not the answer.
One thing to remember is that just because you go to see a doctor, you don't have to take the medication he prescribes if it doesn't feel good to you. Only you are responsible for your own healing, so if you don't want the pills, don't take them.
It is normal for anyone in your situation to feel bad for a while. You are moving on and getting resettled - this all takes time. So, give yourself the time to figure it all out - no doctor is needed!

Although it could very well be depression,I have one question. Do you have any pain that you can't explain? Like a dull ache all over or in locolized areas. If so you may have Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue. I had most of the same symptoms as you,but also had a lot of pain and could not be touched. Ask your doctor. Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed as deprssion.

I have hypothyroidism and have to be monitored closely. I was having dizzy spells, severe memory loss, and other "brain" problems. Since my thyroid test was good, they were thinking that I was having seizures. Before the seizures they thought it was grief and depression since I lost my sister, a baby and my dad in one years time and that is when my symptoms started. In the mean time, I hurt my neck and had to see a new chiropractor since mine retired. I told him of my other problems and after fixing my neck, checked me for food allergies. I tested allergic to 27 things and he cleared them with acupuncture. He said that sometimes after trauma or grief, your body can become allergic to the foods you are currently eating. It's a response to the adrenaline your body produces...After he cleared my allergies, my symptoms totally went away. I ended up not seeing the neurologist after all but I got pregnant and my symptoms came back. This time it was my thyroid... I'm really sensitive so I have symptoms and respond to treatments like this but I thought I'd share my story in case it helps you. Good luck to you!

Unless you feel sad most of the day nearly ever day, have lost interest in the things you typically enjoy and have little to no motivation you are NOT depressed. Yes, you have some symptoms (weight gain and sleep problems are symptoms of depression) but without either loss of pleasure or interest and sad mood you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Family docs are horrible at diagnosis of mental illness. PLEASE do not take medication that you do not need. Antidepressants are, in fact, not even very good at treating mild forms of depression anyway. I am a psychologist and am often just amazed that doctors are willing to diagnosis something as a
mood problem without really checking off all possible medical causes first.

First, I would find a new doc. Second, have them check your thyroid (you are describing hallmark symptoms) as even a low but within "normal limits" thyroid level can result in weight gain and sleep dis-regulation. Third, have them run a few other tests for vitamin d, white cell count, red cell count and a few other basics.

Feel free to send me a private message, but stick to your guns!!

Of course you can be depressed. Are you? Probably not medically....Doctors overprescribe antidepressants and if you haven't started on it yet, don't until you do research and decide you want to take it. Anitdepressants have more side effects than almost any pharmaceutical one of which is DEPRESSION....you also can't just "try" it for two weeks. Weaning off an antidepressant has more side effects, some deadly, than taking them.

My advice is make sure your diet is good, get on an absorbable multivitamin (there's only one on the market that is guaranteed to absorb) and take a walk every afternoon. These symptoms may be more severe but they also are symptoms of not getting proper nutrition and healthy activity. If you do this and you still feel bad them, you should seek out more help. Because we have so much "bad" food now, I find that most people just need balanced nutrition and time for themselves.

Let me know if you want to talk. I'm available.

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

Funny how depression works. You may have depression but I would maybe look at getting a second opinion before hitting the drug route.

Depression seems like it is being over diagnosed and over drugged. Our bodies are made up to be very tough and ailments can be worked through in many different ways. Whatever you do don't take it lightly, our bodies give us signs that it needs our attention so look into what you can do to take care of it. The depression drugs have a ton of side-affects and tough to get off of.

Good luck and don't worry too much, you will get through it.

It sounds like your thyroid to me. I would go to an endocrinologist to get it checked out, especially before taking an antidepressant if you are unsure about taking one. You could also go see a therapist as well. Most insurance plans have some sort of behavioral health benefit.

yeah, you can have depression and not know it. Ask someone close to you if they have noticed, that is usually the best gauge--I'd also ask your doc to tell you why he thinks its depression. he might have seen and heard things that brought him to that conclusion. one of the best gauges I've come across is
http://www.cet-surveys.org/Dialogix/servlet/Dialogix?sche...
it will ask you questions, answer them truthfully and it will tell you if you are likely to be depressed or not and at what level.
in my personal experience I've had my meds kick in within a couple of days as far as helping me, they aren't built up to their peak at that point but it can start to change the way your brain is communicating it depends on your level and type of depression if that is what you have. If you have depression be gentle with yourself, its our bodies response to a medical condition just like diabetes or hypothyroidism, its just something in your body not functioning the way the organism should be. I'm guessing if he thinks you are struggling with depression he wants to see you in 2 weeks to gauge how you are doing not to follow up on the drug yet--but ask. if he says its to follow up on the drug only, I'd get a second opinion, better, get a referral to a psychiatrist because they are trained to know the anti depressants and how they work with bodies. so much better than a general practitioner who knows some drugs better than others but doesn't specialize in this field.
take that test though, it will be a really good indicator for you if it is depression or not. as for it being the "new problem everyone has" I think that once diagnosed whether the doc is correct or not you hear about it more--like when my mom got pancreatic cancer suddenly I heard all kinds of stories of people with cancer, pancreatic cancer and I though why all the sudden is this around everywhere? but I think we notice more because its on our minds--hope that helps. Insomnia is the number one thing a doc should be working on with you since it can absolutely trigger depression--my psychiatrists main thing he is working on with me is the insomnia right now because it becomes so cyclical if you don't get sleep you don't function, your body can't function you can be more depressed which makes it so you don't sleep etc. etc.
with all that is going on I hope you remember to be gentle with yourself.

Depression affects everyone differently. If you are not comfortable with the doctors diagnoses then when you go back for your 2 week I would discuss this with him. But you should take the meds he prescribed and see if you feel any different. Good Luck! I hope everything works out.
S.

Hi, my thoughts are simple~~get out and walk... I'm a cancer survivor, I went thru a rough spot for awhile, before admitting it to my doctor.. He said he could put me on a antidepressant but, he said lets just try something that is free, walking.. I too suffered from many of your symptoms, all of which can happen because of stress and the high use of the chemical serotoin, sometimes depleteing it. Walking helps release that feel good chemical, lets the mind unwind,and gives our bodies the needed excercise so we can rest at night. Just start out slow, a 10 or 15 minute walk, then working up to 30 minutes, finally 60 minutes, take your time and build up to each new level. However, with that said, you still need to follow up with your doctor, especially the blood tests, to make sure all is well..

I would also recommend at least a second opinion before taking any medications.

Also, I wonder how much unexpressed anger you may have that you are burying. I have come to learn how depression works from the mind/body perspective. I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression many years ago. None of the medications helped at all and some of them ended up being life threatening. I began to study about how our thoughts and unconcious belief systems effect us physically. I now know, because I no longer suffer from depression, that there are alternative ways to deal with what our bodies are reacting to.

There is a direct link between supressed anger and depression. I learned as a child to be a "good girl", to not express anger, to suck it up, to be nice, etc. When I had children and was in therapy I began to understand how not having permission to express my anger appropriately had undermined everything in my life. I then learned to express my anger, not only at current situations, but also, the deep resevior of anger I had stored up.

I also began to dissect the "good girl" belief systems and learn what healthy boundaries were, learned to say "no", and really leaned into self-care. I put myself first on the list and started to give myself all the care I hadn't received from my parents or my spouse.

I no longer suffer from depression. My body is healthier and stronger than it has ever been. I am enjoying my life like I never even thought was possible.

I'm not saying to not look at physical symptoms. I am suggesting that along with medical attention, there is likely an emotional, psychological, cognitive, element that will utimately shift things for good. Even all the studies on anti-depressants admit that they are only helpful in the short-term. Therapy and other modalities of thought and behavior shifts have been proven to cure depression and other physical ailments.

There are many doctors now that are realizing how the mind effects the body. I highly recommend that you do some research. Deepak Chopra has done a wonderful article about this that I just read a few weeks ago on the Oprah website.

Believe it or not yes depression can be the answer! Alot of times depression sinks in and we have no real cause or even know it has hit us. Going through a divorce is a biggie! Although you donot feel like you are depressed it does take it's toll and 3/4 of the people in the world are depressed for one reason or another. The world in itself can cause depression. Rapid weight gain and forgetfulness, not sleeping and exhaustion all are forms of depression. Depression hurts. I hope the doctor checked for diabetes also because putting on weight can cause that and if sugars are elvated can cause forgetfulness. I have both thyroid problems and am a diabetic. Allot of times they go hand in hand. CAll the doctor for your results should have most in by now! TC I hope this helps some. L.

Sounds like you've gone through a lot emotionally, which could definitely be depression, or not. I've suffered from bouts of depression for a few years now and have been on different types of anti-depressants; while they may help you out in the short term, they don't get rid of the root of the problem. Of course, this also depends on the severity of the depression. Rather than take anti-depressants, I've opted for counseling in an attempt to find out what depresses me and handle it the best way I can. This isn't always easy, but I didn't like the side effects that most anti-depressants cause. Now for the hypothyroidism, I would suggest going to see an endocrinologist. I had been to several general practitioners complaining of fatigue and whatnot, but all they ever told me was to lose weight. I knew that I had to lose weight, but my problem was having the energy to do it. Started seeing an endo doc and that made all the difference in the world. I'm still taking medication, but my dosage has been reduced since I've been able to lose weight from exercising and proper dieting. Mentally & physically I feel better now that I exercise because I feel that I'm in better control of my health, which is important since I have an active toddler at home. The thing that puzzles me about your symptoms, though, is that you have had insomnia. Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I couldn't sleep enough. If anything, I was always falling asleep. Still, it wouldn't hurt to see a different doctor if you're not happy with the diagnose of depression.

You have many good answers here and I would totally agree with those who are recommending exercise, because it is MORE effect than drugs in helping with depression without the side effects.

Have you considered checking to see if you have a sensitivity to gluten? Diet is so related to health and 1out 3 are sensitive to gluten and it is recking havoc on their health. There are some 300 symptoms so it it hard to diagnos, but worth looking into!
http://www.glutenfreeworks.com/symptomology.php
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/inde...
I hope that helps! It helped me when doctors were clueless. Doctors don't have a tendency to look at nutrition because they don't have an education in nutrition.
Good luck!

I had just had a baby. She was in the hospital for an enlarged heart which made it so she couldn't breathe well. My sister said she t hought I was depressed. I didn't think so. I went to the dr for somethng unrelated and when he asked about the baby I cried becuase she was really sick still. He put it in my chart that I cried easily and prescribed anti-ds. I took them for about a month and a half and then got off them becuase I didn't feel they were doing any good. I still don't think I was depressed. I didn't usually cry when I talked about my baby, I think he caught me on a bad day. If you don't think yoi are depressed, get a second opinion.

i didn't read the other responses so this may be a repeat, but one time i was trying all kinds of antidepressants and they weren't solving the problem (i'd been through depression years before so i recognized it). finally my doctor had my thyroid tested a that's what was causing the depression. i had to try different thyroid medicines and doses, but once we got that right, the depression went away. and i could keep my eyes open through the day. good luck!

If you have questions about hypothyroidism, please contact me directly. I'm hypothyroid. A lot of doctors do not know how to deal with it and if you fall within a certain range, they could say you're fine, when in fact, your thyroid is not at the right level for you. Make sure they don't just tell you you're fine--get your numbers! I had to go to a few doctors as well. Try an endocrinologist or a gynecologist, who are more likely to understand this issue, which is primarily a woman's issue. I was dismissed the first time I went in too. In terms of depression, this strikes me as odd. I have several friends who do suffer from depression and here's how they knew to get treated--they felt depressed! I would call a close friend to get a good read on this. Someone who will be honest with you. Seems to me that he's taking the easiest way out and isn't really diagnosing you. I don't want to make this a gender thing, but you may want to find a female doctor.

I think you should have your hormones checked for perimenopause or menopause because it causes all those symptoms. And low thyroid often goes in hand in hand with perimenopause/menopause.

I have suffered from depression, and I agree, when you get diagnosed it usually isn't a surprise. If you take anti-depressants and aren't actually depressed, it could really mess you up. I personally would wait to take those until you get the results of your thyroid test back. If they come back normal, go see your doctor again and ask WHY he thinks you are depressed.

Another cause of all your sypmtoms could also be sleep deprivation. It is a nasty cycle with sleep dep- the more exhausted you get the less you can sleep. It can give you all kinds of physical symptoms too. I would check into that too and see if there is something that can be done about your insomnia. Sleep issues can easily cause weight gain (and anti depressants can make you gain more weight, therefore making you more unhappy), and all kinds of other symptoms.

Even if you are depressed, 2 weeks will not be enough time to be "better" on the antidepressants either. You might see some difference, but it takes a full month on them to see full results. Since you don't think this is the problem, I would wait on the pills and look into some other possibilites. Good luck!

Hi,

I did not read all of the many responses you recieved but I might have a different approch for you. My Chiropractor treats thyroid issues, depression...you name it he can help. You may already have a Chiropactor but this guy is different. I know he can help because I've seen it work! I have a good friend who had Hypothyroidism. She was on medication. After just a few months of going to my Chiro. she was able to back off her medication and eventually go completely off of the meds all together! Here is a link to his website. http://www.maximizedlivingdrarvay.com/
He is located in Northglenn. If this is to far for you, just give them a call and ask for another Maximized Living Chiropractor who might be closer to you. He truly has blessed my family's lives and some friends too. We are healthier than ever before. I hope Dr. Arvay can bless you and your family too!

Sounds like hypothyroidism to me. Keep in mind that the "normal" limit is high. Many docs believe anything over 2 is hypo, though I believe 5 is still in the "normal" range. You might want to seek another opinion!

Keep calling them to get those blood results! Or go see a different doctor and get the test re-done. Thyroid problems can really mess you up. My sister had hypothyroid when she was in puberty and several doctors said she was using drugs or alcohol, that she was just moody, that it was normal teenage girl behavior. She was sleeping ALL the time, sick a lot, put on weight, sleep walked, cried at anything: a real mess! Finally, a new doctor asked if she had had her thyroid tested and suggested that my sis had thyroid disease. The test was ordered and my sister put on synthroid. Almost instantly, she was a new person and normal again.

It took me a year to realize I had post partum depression. My symptoms were trouble sleeping and anxiety. I had NO idea that these were signs. I was so thankful to at least figure out that there was something wrong and got the help I needed. I hope you, too, will be feeling better soon now that you have a diagnosis.