Depression cycles

[mike]

I seem to experience cycles in my depressions. At times I feel good for a couple of months, then I get depressed for weeks or months at a time, and then feel better again. It's really straining my marriage because my wife is getting just plain tired and emotionally drained with the ups and downs. When I am feeling good our relationship is great, but when I start to get depressed we fight a lot and there is a lot of negative energy between us.
This is not a good environment for our children, who are 11 and 13.

I'm on meds, and they seem to keep me from getting too high or too low, but I am finding it difficult to maintain sustained periods of happiness. Is anyone else experiencing this?

[hollyann]

Hi Mike, I'm glad the meds are keeping you from getting to high and too low, have you talked to your doctor about your concern?

[Charlie_1987]

In fact I am experiencing similar issues. My "ups" and "downs" change rather weekly. Or daily even. I can´t control it anymore. It´s driving me crazy and I never know whether I will wake up with a depression or not. It´s is really hard. I have been suffering from this for 4 years now und just took a step to ask a doctor. Now, I hope to get medicine and therapy soon. Have you ever had therapy?

[hollyann]

Hi charlie sounds like you are making steps in the right direction, glad to hear it

(((((mike)))))

[Charlie_1987]

Thanks Holly! It probably is the right way. However, after so many years my expectations may be too high and I will be disappointed again in the end.

[mike]

hollyann,

Yes, I have talked to my doctor about my concerns. We have been trying some different combinations of meds to find what works best for me. Things have definitely improved with the meds I am taking now.

[mike]

Charlie,

I have had therapy. It helped me get through some really tough times. It's important, though, to find the right therapist. If the therapy doesn't seem to help after a few sessions or things just don't "click" between you and the therapist, find another one. I'm glad you took the first step and talked to a doctor. Believe me, that's the toughest part. Hang in there, and good luck to you.

[hollyann]

(((((((mike)))))))) Im glad things are improving and that you are trying to find the right combo.

(((((Charlie))))) Try not to think you'll be disappointed again, thats kind of the wrong mind set to go at this with. Maybe lower the expectations so you can see what achievement you do make.