im trying…it turns out that im on a higher dose for the meds that helps me stay awake that is also for adhd. the zoloft is the same dose. so nothing has changed there…i was hoping for some change
Change in dosage of drugs takes time, it is the fact that you are trying that is important. Changes in attitude are hard to achieve, so keep on keeping on! 
the zoloft hasnt changed its my stimulant that was changed. maybe the new dose will help in other areas. i guess i need to try my best. and you are right about changes in attitude. it takes a while to achieve.
Hi @Amy2,
It occurred to me that water exercise might be helpful if you have difficulty walking. And it could be a social outlet too. Some pools might have a water aerobics class and perhaps a volleyball game going. Of course many of these people will be social, but few will understand. But you don’t NEED everyone to understand. A few good friends could make a big difference.
Try something new — join a choir, act in a play. take up knitting, take an art class. Each activity can lead to new friends. If you are only up to participating an hour a week that’s an improvement over no hours.
Finally, consider helping someone else with their depression or their problems. I found great satisfaction in helping others get started with their diabetes management. And for a number of years, I volunteered to photograph stillborn babies at local hospitals so families would have a remembrance. Somehow, the issue of my being diabetic 24/7 like all the other folks here never came up.
I know depression is tough and you don’t just talk your way out of it. Sometimes the chemical fog from your medications makes things a lot more difficult. And I know most people won’t understand, just as they don’t understand diabetes. But when you help others, I think you help yourself as well.
All the best,
Bill
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I hope no one minds me reading their posts. I love this this community of people. I wish I would have ran across TUDiabetes sooner.
i am knitting…its a bit slow tho after losing my right side of my body in 2013 so i have to take my time with that. i sing sometimes at home. i dont drive so getting to places is a bit hard for me. so i do what i can at the apt. its kinda hard to help someone with their depression when your not sure how to help yourself if you know what i mean. i help my best friend clean her house every once in a while tho. it allows me to be doing something at least. i wished there was a way to talk your way out of it. it would be easier. my family unerstands my diabetes but not the depression or the other mental illnesses. i now have to enducate them with the ADHD that i was recently diagnosed with. im still learning myself. ill have to figure out how i can help others.
feel free to read…you may learn a thing or two
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Amy,
Sorry you are having to deal with all this! I would have to say that I don’t understand depression! I had a friend for several years and I tried to make him part of my life. We had some detailed discussions about how he was feeling. And while I found those discussions very interesting, I can’t say I really understand. But I think it’s possible to be empathetic and supportive without the understanding. All you really need to know is that depression is real and isn’t something you can just tell someone to “snap out of it and get on with life!”
In my community, there is a special transportation system. They have small buses that will pick you up and drop you off. I know people that use such a system. It’s not as convenient as driving or regular public transportation — but it’s something. Would that help? Also, in my chorus, we have a couple of singers that don’t drive. So other members pick them up or drop them off or both. I’m guessing that other types of organizations would have similar assistance.
What about online support groups for depression? If anyone is going to understand, I would think they would. What about local community support groups?
Best wishes for some degree of recovery. I know it won’t come quickly or easily. But hang in there!
Bill
Hi Brad,
Of course it’s OK to read our posts! That’s kind of implied when you post on a public forum like this. Helping each other is what this is all about. Please jump in if you need suggestions or can offer something to the rest of us.
Bill
I appreciate it!! I hope one day I can be as informative as people on here. I still have a lot of learning to Do! I sincerely appreciate the support, and hope I will be able to return that favor in some way!
im looking into online support groups. there isnt any transportation that will come to my town. my town is a bit quiet and small. if we did have such transportation that does come to my town then things would be a bit different. i may have to ask my therapist if there are any online support groups. maybe she will know
Hi Amy - sorry to hear about the depression. My first bout with depression start in my late 20’s after I started having random panic attacks. I thought the anxiety was tough until I experienced full-blown clinical depression. I tried several medications, back then, along with therapy. Nothing seemed to work. Ironically, it wasn’t until I was given Cymbalta, for neuropathy, that I started experiencing because I had an unknown glucose issue.
The worst parts of depression were the long stints of lying in bed and complete lack of motivation. The cycle of thoughts in your head, like a large black cloud, that won’t let up. The only things, that have helped me, has been to 1) Accept it. Seems obviously but there is still a stigma around admitting depression. 2) See if medication can provide a long or short term relief. 3) Exercise - it’s hard, I know. Last thing you want to do when you are feeling down. 4) (and most important) break that cycle of negative and lack of motivation. This is the hardest step. Every time I experienced this horrible period of darkness, I dug myself a bigger hole by ignoring responsibilities and daily activities.
Good luck!
my depression started in 96…ive been on various medications…mostly ssri’s. and none are working. im not sure why we arent trying something else. but oh well. i would like to try something we havent. it could be what is needed. i know there is something that can work. i have lack of motivation all right. i look at my apt and see how messy it is and how it could look so much better. that is where i need the most help in having motivation. ive accepted the fact that i have mental illnesses. its just dealing with them the best way i can. i need to work on the medication side of it. i see my therapist on monday and have to update her on my appt i had with the med clinician. exercise is a hard thing for me. i do get up to walk into my bathroom or kitchen, etc. im trying to break the cycle but it isnt easy at all. i need a lift me up that i can do this. supportive ppl that can help and make a difference in a way.
Hello Amy2
Jenn Nash in the UK has a site you will find useful. Her expertise is with diabetes eating disorders. Plus she’s T1 too and a psychologist. Believe it’s called www.positive diabetes.com. ??? Never used it myself but think could be a good fit.
Might do a he trick for you… let us know.
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ill check it out once i am in front of a computer…right now i am using my phone lol thanks