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JanuaryKing
05-03-18, 12:10 PM
Hi,

I thought I'd introduce myself here as I've had a weird few weeks and feel like I've completely dropped out of circulation as a human being!

I've been unemployed for the last couple of months (and prior to that only had temp work for a few months leading up to Christmas - really I've been out of work for about a year). I've been living off savings (rather than benefits) and watching them constantly diminish (and knowing that they'll take years to get back to where they where) has been pretty depressing (I know, I'm lucky to have had them to fall back on, but still...)

Anyway, I moved to a new city in mid-January to have a fresh start. Things started OK, couple of interviews, flatmates seemed pretty cool. I didn't get any of the jobs I applied for though, and in the last couple of weeks I've found myself feeling more and more isolated. My flatmates still seem like nice people but I've been going out of my way to avoid them - ensuite bathrooms and I've been using the kitchen during the day so I don't tend to have to see them too much. Anyway, it snowed a lot last week and I just didn't leave my room all day Thursday, Friday, Saturday. I've never done that before! At first it was quite interesting, fasting for a day, then two (I still had water). By Sunday I had to leave, but got out of the door as quickly as I could and got a takeaway rather than going into the kitchen to eat any of my food in the fridge or the cupboards (which, incidentally, is probably starting to go off)! I feel like I'm going mad!

I've always been quite a shy/reserved person, but never previously to this extent. I'm curious to see whether anyone else has been through anything similar. How did you overcome it and start facing the world 'normally' again? I feel as though I've dug myself into an insurmountable hole.

Paula
05-03-18, 01:40 PM
Hi and welcome to DWD. Isolating is more common than most people think, and is a lot easier nowadays when we can do most things over the Internet. I haven’t left the house for over a week but I have to say I’ve never fasted. That worries me, hunni, and I really think you need to see your GP to talk about what you’ve told us. If it helps, you can print out your post here and show it to the dr.

Suzi
05-03-18, 01:41 PM
Hi and welcome to DWD. Have you been to see your Dr about how you are feeling?

JanuaryKing
05-03-18, 03:48 PM
Hi and welcome to DWD. Isolating is more common than most people think, and is a lot easier nowadays when we can do most things over the Internet. I haven’t left the house for over a week but I have to say I’ve never fasted. That worries me, hunni, and I really think you need to see your GP to talk about what you’ve told us. If it helps, you can print out your post here and show it to the dr.

Hi Paula,

Thanks for the reply. I've not been to a Doctor, no - I'm a little suspicious of the pharmaceutical approach to be honest. I probably will if I get into a similar situation to the last few days again though, it wasn't good.

Anyway, in addition to a few more job applications I've been out and about a bit today - went to the gym again for the first time in a while (I'd forgotten how good I feel after deadlifting) and have been into kitchen and spoken to one of my flatmates. Feeling better now but will keep an eye out to ensure I don't get so isolated again!

Thanks

S deleted
05-03-18, 04:46 PM
Seeing your GP doesn’t mean you have to take medication. It would give you access to talking therapy give advise on how to deal with things or they could signpost to to local support that’s available. Of course meds may be available but not the only option.

Suzi
05-03-18, 07:42 PM
I completely agree with Stella, seeing your GP only helps get you the right help - whether that be meds, therapy or something else. Much better to talk to them asap as waiting lists can be fairly lengthy..

Angie
05-03-18, 07:42 PM
Hi and welcome to Dwd

JanuaryKing
05-03-18, 08:41 PM
Thanks for the advice everyone. I will make an appointment with a GP, I think, see what they recommend. Hopefully the work situation will improve soon (and the weather pick up) and things will look brighter. Thank you all.

Paula
05-03-18, 08:42 PM
No problems :). Will you let us know how it goes with the dr?

JanuaryKing
05-03-18, 08:55 PM
Yes, will do - thanks

JanuaryKing
19-03-18, 11:58 AM
So, went to see my GP earlier this morning. Have been prescribed some mild anti-depressants and referred myself to the local support services. Hopefully this will be beneficial!

Suzi
19-03-18, 12:56 PM
Which anti d's have you been prescribed? Well done for going to see your Dr. Were you completely open and honest about how you are feeling?

Paula
19-03-18, 01:12 PM
Good news :) the first big step to recovery

magie06
19-03-18, 02:34 PM
Just a heads-up, the antidepressants don't work like paracetamol. They will take a few weeks to work.

JanuaryKing
19-03-18, 02:39 PM
Just a heads-up, the antidepressants don't work like paracetamol. They will take a few weeks to work.

Yeah, the Doctor said much the same thing (also, that it might make things worse for a week before getting better!)

I've been prescribed Sertraline (50mg). I was pretty honest with the Dr I think.

Paula
19-03-18, 05:04 PM
If you’re struggling at the start, please talk to us here. It does help :)

Suzi
19-03-18, 07:05 PM
I'm so proud of you! It's so hard to tell them everything.

JanuaryKing
19-03-18, 07:16 PM
Thanks everybody!

Suzi
19-03-18, 08:33 PM
Let us know how you get on?

JanuaryKing
28-03-18, 01:27 PM
So I'm into my 2nd week on Sertraline and finding it a bit up and down so far! For a few days in the first week week 1 I felt really relaxed and like it was making a real improvement (I suspect there may have been an element of placebo effect in this but I'll take it!) I've been feeling quite anxious for the last couple of days though, bit of a 1 step forward, 2 back situation. Also, been struggling quite badly to get to sleep at night (last couple of nights I've eventually drifted off but not till between 3 and 5!!)

I'm persevering as I've read lots about the medication taking a long time to kick in, are these effects consistent with anyone else's experience?

Thanks

Paula
28-03-18, 04:35 PM
There’s some info here http://www.dealingwithdepression.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?18-Related-Illness-medication-alternatives from other members about medication.

The general rule of thumb is that there will be some side effects to start with but these will lessen over time for most people. ADs generally take several weeks to kick in so it’s still very early days.

Jaquaia
28-03-18, 04:36 PM
The increased anxiety was a side effect I had!

Stick with it, it can be 4-8 weeks before they reach therapeutic level and then you may need a dosage adjustment which will take the same length of time to take effect, but if the side effects becomes too unbearable, please go back to your gp.

Suzi
28-03-18, 09:14 PM
I completely agree with Paula and Jaq. Definitely stick with it if you can.

JanuaryKing
19-04-18, 03:55 PM
Just wanted to give a quick update. I've been taking Sertraline for about 5 weeks now (up to 100mg as of last week) and am really beginning to feel better about things. Obviously the glorious sunshine (even up here in Manchester...) helps but my mood is much better generally. Thanks ever so much for all your advice, I'd no idea that medication could help so much! I still need to find a job but I'm in a much better place mentally to approach that task.

Thanks again

Suzi
19-04-18, 06:00 PM
That's such a brilliant post! So glad things are looking brighter ;)

Paula
19-04-18, 06:02 PM
Great to hear :)!