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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by vixis on May 8, 2002, at 14:59:12
Hi
I''ve been feeling awful recently and wonder if anyone can offer advice.
About six years ago, my only child died suddenly of a rare viral infection....she was just nine. I got pregnant in a couple of months (which was lucky, considering I was 37) and again a year and a half later - I have two young sons now. I seemed to recover from the bereavement OK, but got what was diagnosed as post natal depression after my last baby. I took various antidepressants, first Prozac, which made me very anxious,then another (sertraline?) and finally amytryptilline, which made me oh, so sleepy. I thought stress from a demading career was partly causing the depression, so I packed it in and got a far less demanding job. I managed to go without medication.
A couple of months ago, my sister died of breast cancer a couple of weeks before her 40th birthday. My dad had a heart attack and stroke (but survived). Since then, I've felt dreadful on some days...all the feelings over my daughters death have returned and I feel confused and guilty...i even feel that people in my village are giving me dirty looks and hating me because my child died. I know logically that this is all rubbish, but sometimes I get wrapped up in these thoughts and feel sick with worry. I don't actually feel depressed in the form I did before (a kind of heavy misery in the mornings) but this anxiety feels like the edge of lunacy sometimes. I'm not taking anything except St Johns Wort and Kava... I'm giving up the SJW in case it's contributing to the anxiousness.I have some antidepressants (lofepramine) I was prescribed for the PND and am wondering whether to start taking them. (Dont like the idea as coming off the amytrip was very difficult) Or is it wise to mask these feelings - should I ride this particular horse out?
All helpful suggestions welcome
Posted by allisonm on May 8, 2002, at 16:14:55
In reply to bereavement and antidepressants, posted by vixis on May 8, 2002, at 14:59:12
It is very understandable that you feel the way that you do. Your symptoms are typical and very similar to what I have been dealing with for the last few years. I also had a lot of bereavement about 4 years ago (loss of mother and marriage in one month). Still not entirely over it. Probably never will be. It makes sense (at least to me) that these recent family losses have brought back feelings from the death of your daughter.
Things like holidays (Easter, Mother's Day) dredge up memories. I have feelings of anxiety and paranoia along with obsessive thoughts that drag me down. It's awful. Plus I have been quite emotional and despairing of late. Am talking with my pdoc and people here on how to adjust my medicines.
My opinion only, I would talk with a doctor who you trust -- preferably a psychiatrist -- and see about getting something to help you through this time. Best to try to nip this in the bud.
There are a numberof drugs that work well on anxiety, obsessive thoughts, etc. You just need to find the right one. You will feel better faster than waiting this out. Psychotherapy also can help a whole lot ... I do both. None of this has to be longterm.You may also want to exercise more. Endorphins do wonders for the brain.
Just some thoughts.
Take care and be well.
This is the end of the thread.
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