Okay this is both from experience as someone who worked through severe depression and from training (many years ago) as a therapist.
The reason I asked about the walks immediately after mentioning your med levels is that there is a correlation with therapy effectiveness and adherence to an exercise program. The main thing with the exercise is that it works synergistically with the talk therapy and the medication. [For some folks with mild problems, exercise is as effective as medication in treating anxiety and depression. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=combatting-depression-wit] So when you skip that routine, it's as if the level of antidepressants you take isn't as strong. That's one of the few physical components you have control over so I'd suggest that you get back to making that the priority. (Maybe even add short walks at work - convince people to do walking meetings at work when docs aren't necessary, walk before or after lunch, in lieu of smoke breaks or other activities: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression.)
Next, I'd suggest that if you haven't already, you tell your prescribing doctor/therapist what you shared on your blog. Especially that you aren't feeling anything. The things you posted are really good examples of how depression is affecting your work and home life. Additionally, given that you just had another death in the family, it's possible that they may want your antidepressant dose adjusted up a little for a while.
Anyway, this is just my take. Your milage may vary. ;)
Things will get better my friend.
-----
After Maggi gets back to town, I'll check back with you and then see if she wants to set something up.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2009-07-25 06:30 pm (UTC)The reason I asked about the walks immediately after mentioning your med levels is that there is a correlation with therapy effectiveness and adherence to an exercise program. The main thing with the exercise is that it works synergistically with the talk therapy and the medication. [For some folks with mild problems, exercise is as effective as medication in treating anxiety and depression. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=combatting-depression-wit] So when you skip that routine, it's as if the level of antidepressants you take isn't as strong. That's one of the few physical components you have control over so I'd suggest that you get back to making that the priority. (Maybe even add short walks at work - convince people to do walking meetings at work when docs aren't necessary, walk before or after lunch, in lieu of smoke breaks or other activities: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression.)
Next, I'd suggest that if you haven't already, you tell your prescribing doctor/therapist what you shared on your blog. Especially that you aren't feeling anything. The things you posted are really good examples of how depression is affecting your work and home life. Additionally, given that you just had another death in the family, it's possible that they may want your antidepressant dose adjusted up a little for a while.
Anyway, this is just my take. Your milage may vary. ;)
Things will get better my friend.
-----
After Maggi gets back to town, I'll check back with you and then see if she wants to set something up.