[MandaBear0511]

I have been diagnosed with depression. I hate how I feel! It is so hard to get through the day. There are days that I am depressed evn when I do take my medicine. Is there anyone out there that has some tips as to how to control it. I hate the way I feel as if I cant, and I can't find anything to stop/ take the attention off it. My parents are really nice about it, and try to help, but I needed an outside veiw on the subject.
Thx,
MandaBear

[J_9]

Manda honey, first I need to know what medication you are on and how long you have been taking it.

[MandaBear0511]

Lexapro, what does it matter?

About Three Weeks.

[J_9]

It matters hun because the medications all work differently and take a different amount of time to work. So, I'm looking at it from the medical standpoint.

Lexapro takes about 6 weeks to be completely effective in your system. So, it may take 3 or more weeks before you get the full effects of it and start feeling better completely.

[MandaBear0511]

Thank You! You have no idea how much it help just to here that! I thought I would never get better! Thank you, Thank You, Thank YOU!

[J_9]

Is this the first time you have been on medication?

[MandaBear0511]

Yeah.

[J_9]

Okay, understand that sometimes meds don't work, and it can be hard to get the right medication at the right dosage.

So, sweetie, if, in 3 more weeks, you don't feel any better by then, this might not be the medication for you.

[MandaBear0511]

Oh, okay, that helps, thanks so much! I will tell you how it goes. It somrtimes comes to the point where I just cry and cry for hours on end, and can't get up to do anything! And then there are sometimes I am the happiest person in the world on the OUTSIDE but on the inside the depression is still there! I HATE IT!

[J_9]

Well, sweetie, remember too that you are a hormonal teenager. These things do happen in adolescence. Sometimes a good cry really feels good, doesn't it?

[MandaBear0511]

Yeah! It really does, but I cry soooooooooooooo much, is that normal!!

[J_9]

For 15 years old, it's normal to cry a lot. Also, you haven't given your medication a chance to work yet. Remember it takes a month and a half.

[MandaBear0511]

Okay, thanks!

[toolguyny]

I don't know if this is helpful, but I have been struggling with depression for years, on and off the meds, and crying uncontrollably for no reason whatsoever. The meds do/can help, sometimes I wonder if depression could be helped by simple life changes, I have no idea what to suggest there as most often, as I well undertand, when depressed, that's much easier said than done when you can't lift your head off the pillow, or get yourself to function outside of the daily routine that you do regardless, just because its what you do. Others can help if you have someone that you can confide in that might be able to just spend some time with you, do... anything... that might make you feel even just a spark, sometimes the simplest of a reach from another can do wonders and give the brain a possitive boost or a jolt to get your head going in a more possitive direction. Best of luck, depression is no fun and more often than not, others don't seem to understand it.

[peoplechange100606]

Hey... honestly... I think everyone on here would be surprised how much exercise/workingout/physical activity can do for depression. It worked for me!

[Wondergirl]

I am depressed evn when i do take my medicine

Does that mean sometimes you DON'T take your meds?

You do realize, don't you, that the depression won't improve if you play around with your meds and take them only when you feel like it.

Any kind of medication works best when it is consistently and regularly taken as prescribed.

[MandaBear0511]

I take my meds! And I don't fool around, I am serious about getting better! I hate it! And unless you felt the way I do I don't think you can say much, sorry but I am very serious about the fact that I feel the way I do! Ihate it, you have no idea at all! Its like everyday is a day in a living nightmare. It screws up everything! With family, friends, and life in general!
I haven't spent as much time with my family, and my friends are worried as hell of me, and I don't think I will be able to stand one more person asking what is wrong! I know they are just trying to help, but I just cry more! I cry everday! I can't take it!

[MandaBear0511]

But, please don't get me wrong, I know my meds will work soon, I am finding it easier to give them a chance.

[Wondergirl]

You're taking your meds as prescribed and you still cry? How recently have you seen the doctor who prescribed them?

Give them a chance? Hmmmmmmm...

[Wondergirl]

My father's side of the family suffers from depression, so I am very familiar with it.

Now, tell me true. Have you been taking your meds--correct dose at the correct time?

Are you supposed to be meeting with a counselor?