Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you.

I'm recovering from an illness last year that required significant antibiotics for several months. I do think that all that has had psychological and physiological effect on my moods. I'm feeling physically pretty good (aside from depression) but am nervous about taking antidepressants. I of course would review these concerns with a doc but am wondering if anyone has tips /considerations /resources to help me educate myself re: antidepressants?

Thank you!

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/condition-1022-Depression.aspx

There are a lot of resources on meds and often people think they will be on them for life but in many cases the need is limited to a specified period of time. I definitely recommend a psych doc over a GP or Internist. Their knowledge is limited and sometimes can do more harm than good. There are many meds that don't have the effects that something like Prozac does. Wellbutrin is a good example. Our chemical makeups are different so what works for me might not work for you.

That said, exercise, and getting out in the sunshine, is a big positive. Schedules for certain activities that include tasks that upon completion bring about a sense of accomplishment. But one thing you shouldn't do is set yourself up within a time frame of what you have to accomplish. Little steps add up to a long and successful journey and trying to project just what that journey might be can be so daunting as to become an obstacle that just adds to the burden.

This topic is close to my heart as I lost quite a lot of my life to debilitating depression, and even started having anxiety attacks, but have been free of both for a number of years now.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, have been taking probiotics and Omegas but not cutting it. It will take a long time to rebuild my gut biome, unfortunately.

Well that's good. Any steps for self care are good and I'm sorry you're struggling with this. I also feel your pain on the past therapy experiences. I too had poor experiences (some just addressed surface issues while others were actually terrible and detrimental to my issues).

I did eventually find one who could dig deep and help me resolve the deeper causes. I don't live there so can't recommend her but how I found her was looking into therapists who work for organizations but also run a private practice. These ones were very well trained and carefully selected by their organization. Examples of organizations: sex abuse centers, suicide help lines, therapists who work with ptsd (army etc.). Any that deal regularly with people that have been through a lot but also see clients on the side. When their organization work is funded they're held to higher standards I think.

Yes, have been taking probiotics and Omegas but not cutting it. It will take a long time to rebuild my gut biome, unfortunately.

Are you on probiotics? I would take some. Omega 3s too. I would try that for a few months before taking anti depressants. You have to force fighting your way out.

OP, based on my experience, my specific advice is to seek a clinical psychologist practicing cognitive behavior therapy. It's designed to get you in and out in a few months (in most cases), not spin your wheels like you've been doing.

I can't find the clinical psychologist I used but she was affiliated with this practice:

http://www.parkhurstassociates.com/

I expect someone else there could help you.

OP here. Thank you.

I'm recovering from an illness last year that required significant antibiotics for several months. I do think that all that has had psychological and physiological effect on my moods. I'm feeling physically pretty good (aside from depression) but am nervous about taking antidepressants. I of course would review these concerns with a doc but am wondering if anyone has tips /considerations /resources to help me educate myself re: antidepressants?

Thank you!

I started seeing a therapist, and she had me talk to my family doctor about getting on anti-depressants. This combination of therapy and anti-depressants has been great. you can find therapists through this website: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/?tr=Hdr_SubBrand

I was really low, and now feel evened out. I wish I had done this years ago.

Anonymous wrote:I'm getting pretty deeply depressed. I haven't ever been at this point before.... is getting worse.

I only have one friend who I know sees someone and when I saw that therapist it was a disaster. I saw another one recommended by my former doctor and while she was pleasant, I felt like it was just a vent session with no strategies for 6 months.

I know that therapy is a good idea in this situation but my personal referral well is dry and I've never had a successful experience with therapy. Any suggestions? Arlington/ McLean/ Tysons/ Reston could all work if you know someone who would be great.

This has gone on too long and apparently getting worse. A therapist isn't the only answer. You need to find a good psychiatrist and seek out some meds.

Have you thought about getting on a good antidepressant OP??

Doing so will enable you to handle your underlying depression while in conjunction w/therapy.

I wish you only the best.
I have been there.

I'm getting pretty deeply depressed. I haven't ever been at this point before.... is getting worse.

I only have one friend who I know sees someone and when I saw that therapist it was a disaster. I saw another one recommended by my former doctor and while she was pleasant, I felt like it was just a vent session with no strategies for 6 months.

I know that therapy is a good idea in this situation but my personal referral well is dry and I've never had a successful experience with therapy. Any suggestions? Arlington/ McLean/ Tysons/ Reston could all work if you know someone who would be great.