Depressed As Far Back As I Can Remember

Reader’s Question

I’m 20 years old and I’ve been suffering from depression as far back as I can remember. In Spring of 2005 it got wors. I was the type that thought I was never depressed. So I saw a psychiatrist about it and she diagnosed me with Major Depression and put me on medication, That summer I quit my job because I couldn’t put up with the stress, and I began to drink a lot. But to make the story short I don’t feel like myself anymore. I used to be really active and really social, but now I’m really quiet, I feel angry, I sleep a lot, I don’t talk to my friends anymore, I feel brain dead, and I don’t take care of myself as well as I used to. I feel I’m fighting a battle that can’t be won. I feel so sad, and every day is a struggle. I’ve been on several anti-depressants that haven’t worked; right now I’m taking Cymbalta at 30mg and I feel it’s not working. What do you suggest I should do? Should I try something else? I’ve also been looking up Wellbutrin; is that a good medication?

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Your medications are on the right track. Cymbalta is a newer medication and people report a good response to it. Rather than switch medications, you might ask your psychiatrist to increase the Cymbalta. Your current dose is often considered a “starter dose” and it may work better at a higher dose. If you are receiving your medications from a psychiatrist, that won’t be a problem. However, if you’re receiving your meds from a family physician, it would be a good idea to return to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists often use medications in combinations that address both the depression and anxiety aspects of your situation. Your symptoms are very treatable. This is a battle you can win.