<p>bbecker, thanks so much for checking in. A couple of things I would suggest:</p>
<p>1) What time of day are you taking the Efflexor? Did your doctor tell you when is the best time? Some medications are recommended for “before bedtime” because they can cause the tiredness… which leads to:
2) I think you should give your doctor a call, speaking with her or her nurse, right away about the tiredness. Just to check in whether this is to be expected as part of the adjustment to the medication; or, whether the MD believes you shouldn’t have to suffer with the daytime fatigue, even in the beginning. Or whether she thinks you should change the timing of when you take it per (1), above.</p>
<p>A few people have told me that when they take it, its usually at night or early in the morning. I take my at 2:00pm because I didn’t think it would make a difference the first day I got them so I took them after I got home from the doctor and then i read that it should be taken at the same time everyday and that’s what I been doing. Tiredness was a listed side effect on the effexor website. Besides I dont sleep well at night so I was always tired before I started the effexor but it just adds to it. I’m at the very beginning doses so I dont know if it could be adjusted just yet.</p>
<p>You might want to slowly shift the time you take the Efflexor, maybe by half an hour a day, so 2:30, then 3pm, etc., with the goal of taking it at night if that is a recommended time. But, like jmmom said, do check with your doctor today about the amount of tiredness you are having and tell her about when you take the Efflexor.</p>
<p>I am a psychologist. You are doing a great job. Probably trying your meds later in the day is a good idea to regulate your sleep. Your Dr. sounds good; you could call and ask about the timing of meds. Hang in there–you have started down a path toward better times–keep in touch; we’re thinking about you!</p>
<p>Im going to try taking them alittle later, as you can see. I can’t sleep an entire night without waking up. Now I’ll be up for the rest of the night.</p>
<p>It’s only the 6th day but I feel better. I’ve actually slept the last three nights and I don’t have a headache anymore. I just got back from the airport, My grandmother is headed back to Dominican Republic today. On our way back my mom asked one of the dumbest questions. “How do you expect to be a doctor if you have emotional problems” And I told her “since when can you not be a doctor because you suffered or suffer from depression?” How would they find out anyway? I don’t think depression has anything to do with my work life unless its greatly affected. I hope that when I get to the level in my life I will be alot better then I am now and IF not medication will help balance that out. I also doesn’t think that I should jump into being a doctor, most parents are proud of their childern at this time but noooo she’s discourging me. Oh well, I’m glad to be doing better and not mopping around the house. =] Everday that I take my meds I feel less tired,sleepy and such. It just takes some time to get use to I guess. Thank you soo for all your support, I’m surely glad I asked for advice, If i didn’t I think I would still be sitting here very depressed and lonely. Thank you all so much! =]</p>
<p>Not to put your mother down (after all, she is your mother), but that’s the nastiest thing to say. On so many different levels.</p>
<p>Your realizing that it’s nasty is a very good thing. You’re starting (and actually, you have already started) to separate yourself emotionally; to realize that her opinion of you and her way of seeing the world is not necessarily correct. You’ll need to make your own mind up about what’s true and what’s not; that’s one way “talk therapy” can help. Sitting face to face with someone and discussing Life can help you examine your beliefs – that are so ingrained you don’t even question them. One of those beliefs might be that “You’re a bad person because you’re depressed.” Which I think you already know isn’t true.</p>
<p>Way to go, Bbecker!! As we’ve been saying, it’s really only going to improve from here on in. You will NEVER be as depressed as you were a week ago.</p>
<p>Thank you very happy, I dont know what she was thinking when she said that. But she said that people discrimnate aganist another people for almost no reason at all. I think she’s just doubting me and thinks that I’m going to get all the way to medical school and then quit or and never be anything, Like they’re isnt jobs for biological science majors out there! right? haha.</p>
<p>Sounds like SHE’S depressed, like SHE’S been beaten down all her life. There’s probably some element of trying to protect you from disappointment in her motives, but the real bottom line is that she’s very discouraging of your goals. She’s doing to you probably what was done to her.</p>
<p>I understand; my mother had similar traits. </p>
<p>You, of course, are a completely different person than your mother is, with a complete different upbringing, enviroment, academic surroundings, friends, culture. </p>
<p>You’re in America, where the sky’s the limit, if you can take advantage of it. Consider how far people like Alberto Gonzalez and Clarence Thomas have come from their original backgrounds. (And that’s not an invitation for a political discussion, just a comentary on how people from modest backgrounds can go to college, to graduate school, and become Very Important and Respected People.)</p>
<p>You’ve certainly got some things to overcome, but I am confident you will find the strength to do it.</p>
<p>Hooray for you, bbecker. I am so glad you are on the road to recovery.</p>
<p>It sounds to me like your mom is really in awe of ‘professionals’ and is worried for your disappointment in trying to reach your goals. There are many people who think that there is something flawless about folks who reach those goals. I think your mother might have these underlying beliefs and is worried for you.</p>
<p>It seems you have a better grasp of the reality that all types of people enter all professions. Your depression is really no different than requiring corrective lenses. With the right tools, in your case therapy and medication, you can do your chosen work.</p>
<p>Wonderful to hear things are better for you, bbecker. </p>
<p>Sorry about the continued disappointing interactions with your mother. She is reflecting a mind-set that has been around our culture for a while. But I, personally, think it is very far on its way out if not totally gone. Numerous highly accomplished people have shared publicly their experiences with depression, and it hasn’t stopped one of them, although maybe complicated their paths for a while.</p>
<p>And, in answer to your mom’s specific question, imho, doctors (and many other professionals) benefit greatly from having experienced life’s difficulties. Increases empathy, understanding and wisdom immensely. Decreases jumping to judgment.</p>
<p>You are an impressive young person in your handling of all of this. You will do well at whatever you choose - MD or not. As you say, plenty of possibilities.</p>
<p>When the psychologist, writer, and medical school professor Kay Redfield Jamison decided to disclose her own mood disorder to the department chairman at Johns Hopkins Medical School, it “was not without a sense of dread” that she “waited for his response.”</p>
<p>Here is what he said: “‘Kay, dear . . . I know you have manic-depressive illness . . . . If we got rid of all of the manic-depressives on the medical school faculty, not only would we have a much smaller faculty, it would also be a far more boring one.’” (An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, p. 209.)</p>
<p>I am very glad to read that you are feeling better. I’m sorry that you are continuing to get unsupportive comments from your mom. As others have said, your mom’s comments may spring from a desire to protect you from disappointment. She sounds as though she is aware of the stigma that mental illness has in our culture and believes that there is no one that is not of that mindset. I’m pleased that Epistrophy posted the quote from Kay Jamison’s book. I was thinking about her myself when I read your latest post. Dr. Jamison is proof that people with bi-polar disorder can be high achievers.</p>
<p>You are well on the way to getting a handle on your illness. You are a strong person and will be able to achieve your goals. I think you will make a fine doctor, if that is what you choose to do with your life. Your experience with own illness will help you be more empathetic with your future patients - a very valuable trait.</p>
<p>I am just <em>SO</em> delighted to hear your update, sweetie! It sounds like you are definitely starting to feel better! The sleep thing is CRUCIAL and central to so many others of the things you feel, both physically and emotionally. I am very relieved to hear that you are beginning to sleep and that you are no longer battling the continual headache. </p>
<p>It’s a good thing that you can recognize your mother’s behavior and her inappropriate comments for what they are—namely, a reflection of HER and her state of mind rather than YOU and the depression issue which you are battling so courageously and positively. There are people in all walks of life who have issues with depression or anxiety or any number of other difficult conditions. The world just doesn’t have that many “perfect” people in it ;), so yes, honey, you can do WHATEVER you wish with your future–more than many, perhaps, as you seem to have the type of motivation and resilient spirit that will lead toward success. I continue to admire your tremendous efforts toward your own healing. You really ARE an amazing kid in SO many ways! :)</p>
<p>I so hope that things continue to improve for you. I suspect that they will, and I’m rooting for you all the way!!! Miracles won’t happen overnight, but as long as you can continue to see the small improvements and realize the importance of them, you will have the motivation you need to continue with your treatment, and this is vitally important. Take care of yourself, O.K.? And remember, we’re always here for you, no matter what.</p>
<p>Hey that’s great bbecker. Usually it takes three weeks for meds to kick in fu–and you’re already feeling better a six days! That’s a great sign. Keep posting. Keep spending time with your borhters.</p>
<p>Your mom…well…shoot. In effect, you’ve taken on the parent role and she’s reverted to reasoning like a child. Put her comments in the box marked “Silly”–the one at the back of your mind. Try not to let her myopic view get up your nose. </p>
<p>Lots of parents underestimate their children–some out of naivete–some out of selfishness (if he doesn’t become a doctor he can stay here with me). Mine underestimated me. I sitll love them, they still love me–but I havent’ asked them for career advice–ever. They are smart people but they are too cautious. Their standard reaction has been “You are going to do WHAT?”</p>
<p>I don’t know if its the meds kicking in but I think its mostly actually getting sleep and have energy to do the things I want and need to do. When the meds do really start to kick in, I’m sure I’ll feel even more amazing but I’m just so greatful to be getting a good night sleep even though I’m waking up at 5 in the morning. Tonight will be my first night taking Ambien since she prescribed it, I actually want to sleep the entire night instead of waking up at 5, wake up alittle later. Thank you all for your concern and support :-). I’m so happy to not have a headache and be getting even alittle sleep, it’s the reason of me alittle better now. My sadness haven’t disappeared but like a parent send before “miracles don’t happen overnight” and I’m taking that into full consideration. The little things that have happened have made me able to function again and apply for jobs and such and I have a interview on monday at circuit city, It’s great to continue living my life and soon go to orientation for college =].</p>
<p>BEST OF LUCK with your interview on Monday!!! I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you! And yes, college orientation should be an exciting time for you, and it looks like you’ll be feeling better before attending, so that’s great. I hope that your sleep patterns continue to normalize. Sleep deprivation contributes to all sorts of troublesome issues. You’re on the road…keep up the good work! </p>
<p>Are you exercising? That is not only a mood stabilizer, but it really helps you sleep at night too…</p>
<p>you are clearly moving in a good direction!! There could be ups and downs so don’t get worried if there are. The sleep part is so important. You are doing great!! Keep us posted…with both ups and downs–we all have them. You’ll be a better doctor or whatever for having some human difficulties you’ve overcome. Your Mom may not understand everything, but that’s ok; who does?</p>
It sounds like you are definitely starting to feel better! The sleep thing is CRUCIAL and central to so many others of the things you feel, both physically and emotionally. I am very relieved to hear that you are beginning to sleep and that you are no longer battling the continual headache. </p>