8 replies to this topic

[sollykar]

Hello,
i was diagnosed with depression about 5 months ago and prescribed lamictal and cymbalta.
i have been suffering from these intense symptoms for the last 2 years and dont know wether i have been correctly diagnosed. note: there was no extraordinary event that caused my depression, but i am a perfectionist so might be very stressed about everything subconciously.
Symptoms are
1) Total mind blockage. brain feels like wood and plastic. Feels like theres no fat there. Mind doesnt work at all. Like my brain has shrunk.
2) detachment from feelings and emotions. Intuition, perception, satisfaction and elation all vanished. Robotic feeling.
3) Concentration and memory problems. Cant learn new things. Forgetfulness.
4) depressive mood, no happiness, motivation, desire or passion. Interest in hobbies, sports and socialising all gone.
5) depressed chest, shallow breathing
6) some pain while urinating.
7) low fluidity in thinking and planning.
8) dark outlook for future.
90 Lethargy and heaviness.

Please note that I have felt a bit better after taking the medications, but I still havent reached my optimal point, where my brain feels all powerful and intelligent. i used to be connected to the world, emotionally and thinking. now I am a bit like robot.
My thinking has become better, but still need to be in control of my life, not the other way around. I used to be so confident of myself, felt I could take on anything. Also felt at peace with world and spirutally. Now thats gone.

Please advise whether this is depression or something else.?

A very very concerned person

[kassem23]

Hello,
i was diagnosed with depression about 5 months ago and prescribed lamictal and cymbalta.
i have been suffering from these intense symptoms for the last 2 years and dont know wether i have been correctly diagnosed. note: there was no extraordinary event that caused my depression, but i am a perfectionist so might be very stressed about everything subconciously.
Symptoms are
1) Total mind blockage. brain feels like wood and plastic. Feels like theres no fat there. Mind doesnt work at all. Like my brain has shrunk.
2) detachment from feelings and emotions. Intuition, perception, satisfaction and elation all vanished. Robotic feeling.
3) Concentration and memory problems. Cant learn new things. Forgetfulness.
4) depressive mood, no happiness, motivation, desire or passion. Interest in hobbies, sports and socialising all gone.
5) depressed chest, shallow breathing
6) some pain while urinating.
7) low fluidity in thinking and planning.
8) dark outlook for future.
90 Lethargy and heaviness.

Please note that I have felt a bit better after taking the medications, but I still havent reached my optimal point, where my brain feels all powerful and intelligent. i used to be connected to the world, emotionally and thinking. now I am a bit like robot.
My thinking has become better, but still need to be in control of my life, not the other way around. I used to be so confident of myself, felt I could take on anything. Also felt at peace with world and spirutally. Now thats gone.

Please advise whether this is depression or something else.?

A very very concerned person

Could you elaborate on what kind of pharmaceuticals you have tried? I would suggest trying something like Wellbutrin (Buproprion HCL) which is, according to anecdotal stories an awesome anti-depressive drug.

Best of luck.

[wild2side]

Hello,
i was diagnosed with depression about 5 months ago and prescribed lamictal and cymbalta.
i have been suffering from these intense symptoms for the last 2 years and dont know wether i have been correctly diagnosed. note: there was no extraordinary event that caused my depression, but i am a perfectionist so might be very stressed about everything subconciously.
Symptoms are
1) Total mind blockage. brain feels like wood and plastic. Feels like theres no fat there. Mind doesnt work at all. Like my brain has shrunk.
2) detachment from feelings and emotions. Intuition, perception, satisfaction and elation all vanished. Robotic feeling.
3) Concentration and memory problems. Cant learn new things. Forgetfulness.
4) depressive mood, no happiness, motivation, desire or passion. Interest in hobbies, sports and socialising all gone.
5) depressed chest, shallow breathing
6) some pain while urinating.
7) low fluidity in thinking and planning.
8) dark outlook for future.
90 Lethargy and heaviness.

Please note that I have felt a bit better after taking the medications, but I still havent reached my optimal point, where my brain feels all powerful and intelligent. i used to be connected to the world, emotionally and thinking. now I am a bit like robot.
My thinking has become better, but still need to be in control of my life, not the other way around. I used to be so confident of myself, felt I could take on anything. Also felt at peace with world and spirutally. Now thats gone.

Please advise whether this is depression or something else.?

A very very concerned person

It could be depression, but it could also be a problem with your thyroid or something else completely. I think the smartest thing for you to do is go to a doctor and explain your symptoms. He/she will do a standard series of tests to rule out physical causes, and if everything is normal, most likely will prescribe you something like an SSRI or SNRI.

Trust me, rather than waste your time and money trying out different sups and noots, just go a professional that deals with these things on a regular basis.

[stablemind]

Hello,
i was diagnosed with depression about 5 months ago and prescribed lamictal and cymbalta.
i have been suffering from these intense symptoms for the last 2 years and dont know wether i have been correctly diagnosed. note: there was no extraordinary event that caused my depression, but i am a perfectionist so might be very stressed about everything subconciously.
Symptoms are
1) Total mind blockage. brain feels like wood and plastic. Feels like theres no fat there. Mind doesnt work at all. Like my brain has shrunk.
2) detachment from feelings and emotions. Intuition, perception, satisfaction and elation all vanished. Robotic feeling.
3) Concentration and memory problems. Cant learn new things. Forgetfulness.
4) depressive mood, no happiness, motivation, desire or passion. Interest in hobbies, sports and socialising all gone.
5) depressed chest, shallow breathing
6) some pain while urinating.
7) low fluidity in thinking and planning.
8) dark outlook for future.
90 Lethargy and heaviness.

Please note that I have felt a bit better after taking the medications, but I still havent reached my optimal point, where my brain feels all powerful and intelligent. i used to be connected to the world, emotionally and thinking. now I am a bit like robot.
My thinking has become better, but still need to be in control of my life, not the other way around. I used to be so confident of myself, felt I could take on anything. Also felt at peace with world and spirutally. Now thats gone.

Please advise whether this is depression or something else.?

A very very concerned person

It could be depression, but it could also be a problem with your thyroid or something else completely. I think the smartest thing for you to do is go to a doctor and explain your symptoms. He/she will do a standard series of tests to rule out physical causes, and if everything is normal, most likely will prescribe you something like an SSRI or SNRI.

Trust me, rather than waste your time and money trying out different sups and noots, just go a professional that deals with these things on a regular basis.

A doctor would most likely direct you to a psychiatrist. From my experience, MDS will give you a very basic test. They will check your blood pressure, check for anemia, check thyroid... but rarely go beyond that. All of those symptoms except for number 6 have been plaguing me my whole life. I've come to realize that you gotta do most of research yourself first, a lot of doctors really dont know shit. Put clues together... like are you depressed in the summer/winter... check your nutrient levels, etc.. supplementing may help enough so that you can get something more powerful.

The symptoms you described is similar to depression, but depression IMO is an oversimplification of a broad range of possible issues.

Just wondering though, do you have the feein tha you cannot relate to anyone? Like you don't really have feelings for people. You don't "feel" a certain person is more of a friend than another...

Edited by racingmind, 07 May 2010 - 12:41 AM.

[NDM]

isn't the last line in the op contradicting the claim that you don't have feelings and emotions?

[Aimilee]

isn't the last line in the op contradicting the claim that you don't have feelings and emotions?

Where in the post did he say he didn't have any feelings or emotions? Apathy can be very concerning to the person experiencing it whether it sounds contradictory or not. Besides, these symptoms can come and go leaving the person time to reflect on past states. I really don't know what reason you have for pointing this out, but geez you sure like to kick them when they're down! Why would you try to put this person suffering on blast like this?

Anyway, it certainly does sound like Major Depression. I have experienced everything that you listed and have been diagnosed with Major depressive disorder. I agree with going to see your primary care physician, not just for your depression symptoms but also that burning sensation that you have been getting when you urinate. You could have a Urinary Tract Infection or something. While your there, have your doc check your blood and get an overall physical.

A supplement to look into that is beneficial no matter what the case is a good omega 3 oil. This could really improve your depression and cognitive functioning. So, you might want to google that or, even just do a search on this site. I'm sure there are tons of threads on omega 3 benefits.
If all else fails and your still feeling like crap, you might want to talk to your psychiatrist about trying a new antidepressant or combo. It may take a few tweeks to get it just right, but when you do it will be life changing! Take care and good luck.

[Prozac]

I read recently that there is a common genetic defect most people who suffer from depression have (MTHFR). It doesn't allow your brain to get enough L-methylfolate used to synthesize neurotransmitters. If you don't want to get the genetic testing for it (usually runs ~$200), there are prescription products indicated to address the genetic defect and improve mood. The one I'm taking is Deplin and their website has some information on this genetic error Deplin.

Regardless I hope you get the releif you need.

[stablemind]

I read recently that there is a common genetic defect most people who suffer from depression have (MTHFR). It doesn't allow your brain to get enough L-methylfolate used to synthesize neurotransmitters. If you don't want to get the genetic testing for it (usually runs ~$200), there are prescription products indicated to address the genetic defect and improve mood. The one I'm taking is Deplin and their website has some information on this genetic error Deplin.

Regardless I hope you get the releif you need.

Joined: Today, 03:06 AM

Nice marketing

[NDM]

isn't the last line in the op contradicting the claim that you don't have feelings and emotions?

Where in the post did he say he didn't have any feelings or emotions? Apathy can be very concerning to the person experiencing it whether it sounds contradictory or not. Besides, these symptoms can come and go leaving the person time to reflect on past states. I really don't know what reason you have for pointing this out, but geez you sure like to kick them when they're down! Why would you try to put this person suffering on blast like this?

Anyway, it certainly does sound like Major Depression. I have experienced everything that you listed and have been diagnosed with Major depressive disorder. I agree with going to see your primary care physician, not just for your depression symptoms but also that burning sensation that you have been getting when you urinate. You could have a Urinary Tract Infection or something. While your there, have your doc check your blood and get an overall physical.

A supplement to look into that is beneficial no matter what the case is a good omega 3 oil. This could really improve your depression and cognitive functioning. So, you might want to google that or, even just do a search on this site. I'm sure there are tons of threads on omega 3 benefits.
If all else fails and your still feeling like crap, you might want to talk to your psychiatrist about trying a new antidepressant or combo. It may take a few tweeks to get it just right, but when you do it will be life changing! Take care and good luck.

You seem to miss completely the point of my post: if you are familiar with Martin Seligman's work on the cognitive aspects of depression, you know that one of them is the tendency to overgeneralize...On of the therapeutic paths indicated with depressives is to point out their overgeneralized claims and to educate them to qualify them (as in Toulmin's model). Since their overgenerlized claims are usually negative ("I'm a disaster across the board"; "can't feel emotions"), any attempt to qualify them is a window of hope.