Posted by MattD on May 5, 2003, at 14:56:26
In reply to Depressed and Desperate in the Midwest, posted by Ethel Basset on May 5, 2003, at 10:43:55
I'm sure you will get lots of good advice on meds from others. I want to address another point--the Midwest vs. CA. I spent 29 years in the Midwest and then moved to LA. My mood increased dramatically. In fact, I've decided never to leave such a climate because of my mood. People from CA always wonder how I could handle the cold of Chicago, or the snow (or if they know anything about Chicago, the humidity during the summer). None of these were problematic for me. What *was* problematic was the 4-5 months of gloom during the fall/winter. One reason why spring was so euphoric in Chicago (and Madison) was that it was so dark and bleak and grey for so long. Even when it's sunny in Chicago during the winter, the sunshine is weak, at least compared to the sunshine in LA. I noticed this when I went back to Chicago for 3 weeks this summer.
Anyway, I hope you find relief. I wanted to confirm the difference between the two places, especially if you're from SoCal.
Best,
Matt
Hello people;
> I have been reading this message board for a couple of years and have received a lot of good information and encouragement from the posts.
>
> I never thought I would post anything but I am desperate. I have always been subject to depression, but I was at a point in my life where I could handle it because the circumstances in my life were good. I had finally reached the point where I had my dream job, a husband, a beautiful condo in southern California and all my bills were paid - and I wore a six 8!. I was able to stay mentally stable by trusting God.
>
> Then my husband was transferred to the Midwest and this Californian went into a nose dive of depression due to culture shock upon moving to this state. We have been here three years and it hasn't gotten better. Right after I arrived here and realized I needed help, I sought a pdoc and was put on paxil. That helped the depression but I gained over 20 pounds and became puffy looking and tired and wear size 16 now. Needless to say, being overweight adds to the depression. I am now on Celexa and I am adding phentermine (on my own). I don't want to self-medicate but I am desperate to have more energy and to lose weight. I am thinking of adding Wellbutrin instead of phentermine.
> Does anyone know of a good antidepressant, or combo of antidepressants that don't dull the senses, have energizing effects and that don't cause weight gain (might even promote weight loss?). I tried selegiline for one day, but didn't have the patience to wait for it to work. The depression came back with a vengence so I went back to Celexa. I hate having to take all kinds of medication, but I can't afford to have a nervous breakdown here in the middle of the flatlands. I have no family and no close friends that I can confide in. My husband is baffled by all of this. On top of it all, I am saying, where is God? Anybody have any ideas?
> thanks.
poster:MattD
thread:224446
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/224511.html