Need some advice re depression & medication

DH has been feeling depressed, angry, anxious the whole range of emotions over the last 12mths he has also lost a lot of weight due to stress I think. I finally convinced him to see his GP who sent him for blood tests which came back all clear so its not a physical problem its definitely emotional.

So after seeing his GP today he gave him a script for Zoloft. Not really the outcome I was hoping for, I was hoping he would give him a referral to talk to someone as its way outside my area of knowledge & I feel I am not objective enough to help him work through his problems.

So just a question about Zoloft has anyone been on it & what where the pros & cons.

Hi rnr

I have suffered with Post Natal Depression & anxiety since our little boy was born 18 weeks ago and it was awful. However I sought help and saw a pshycologist after 6 weeks and I think it is the best thing you can do. I feel that medication only masks the problem and does not solve it.

For me the pshycologist taught me how to challenge my thoughts rather than thinking negatively, simple things like that and after only 3 appointments with her I felt so much better.

I know it might not be this simple for everybody but the sooner you seek help and can speak about it the better. I dont think medication is the complete answer when it comes to depression.

Anyways I hope things work out and that this may have been helpful, even if it is only in the slightest way.

Best of Luck

Hi there

I was prescribed Zoloft for my PND (post natal depression) with DS (now 7), I did go and see a Psychiatrist first however I didnt feel like she was actually listening to me and what I needed so I stopped and that when i went and saw a dr who prescribed me the Zoloft. However I do wish that I had tried to find another psych to go see as even though the zoloft did get me out of a pretty deep rut i was in it was just masking what I was depressed about not actually helping me fix it. That is something I have learnt about dr's and other health professionals. Dr's generally give you things that mask the problems or symptoms while other health professionals eg a psychiatrist will help you get through the problem and find a way together to over come whatever it is that is making you (or in this case your DH depressed!!!)So even though it may be a good idea for your DH to be on the Zoloft it would also benefit him (and possibly you) to go and see someone else to help work out why he is feeling this way and what he can do as an individual (and then you both as a couple)to better the situation. You need to also understand what he is going through and learn more about it so you can help him when and if he asks for it!!!

Did the dr tell you that it will take at least 2 weeks for the zoloft to kick in and up to 2 months for him to really start feeling the effects of it and feel better about himself and his situation!!! there also can be side affects, which for me were insomnia (which doesnt help when you really need to get a good nights sleep to help fight your depression!!) and I also had slight paranoia, which was a very uncommon side affect. I am now not on any medication but after having DD (now 4)I had to go back on the tablets as I felt myself going down hill again!! That was hard for me as I felt tlike I was in such a good place when DD was born!!!

Anyway I hoped that this has helped in a way and good luck and I hope things turn around for DH and you both get the support and help that you deserve!!! xxxxx

Thanks ladies for your advuce smile I just feel starting medication is a little extreme at this point. DH has always been a stressor & has very little patience which my DS is testing him on at the moment as well as his job. So I just feel that talking to someone & putting some coping strategies in place for those times would be better than starting down the medication route. I just don't know how we go about getting him someone to talk to. Do you need a referral from your dr??

maybe he could contact Beyond Blue

I am not sure about referrals as the lady I went to worked in my Obstetricians rooms.

You could just phone one, their ladies in the office will let you know if you need a referral or not and then just go to your GP and say 'I want a referral to Dr......' and dont let them tell you otherwise.

Thanks ladies for your advuce smile I just feel starting medication is a little extreme at this point. DH has always been a stressor & has very little patience which my DS is testing him on at the moment as well as his job. So I just feel that talking to someone & putting some coping strategies in place for those times would be better than starting down the medication route. I just don't know how we go about getting him someone to talk to. Do you need a referral from your dr??

No you dont I went and saw someone that I found in the phone book!! But then she wasnt much help at the time. I think ringing beyond blue is a great idea they could give you a couple of names of people who can help you in your area, or him even talking to someone over the phone might be a little less confonting to start off with!!! Good luck honey and I always feel that going with your gut feeling is the best thing to do!!

Just letting you know that we have some information on our site on Paternal Depression, which you may be interested in reading through.

All the best.

Thanks ladies for your advuce smile I just feel starting medication is a little extreme at this point. DH has always been a stressor & has very little patience which my DS is testing him on at the moment as well as his job. So I just feel that talking to someone & putting some coping strategies in place for those times would be better than starting down the medication route. I just don't know how we go about getting him someone to talk to. Do you need a referral from your dr??

I don't think starting medication is extreme. Many years ago, when I was first battling with anxiety, I really needed meds and I was with someone who convinced me not to have them. In the end I left them as I knew I needed them, and they never supported me, they just assumed I could "talk myself out of it". Sometimes, that just isn't the case. Meds, really saved me. Like I've stated in a previous forum, taking meds didn't make me super woman, or give me self esteem. It just helped me to feel stable, and not so anxious, so I could make everyday decisions without all the panic, anxiety and depression.
Going through a life changing stressful experience can be enough for someone to start experiencing severe anxiety...and having a baby..well, that's a pretty stressful and life changing experience. One thing you should remember is just because your DH feels like this doesn't necessarily mean that he's unhappy with his life or family. Like me, for example. I love my life. My DP and DS are so beautiful...I appreciate them to bits....but I still suffer from terrible anxiety and after having my baby, it's come back and I will be starting meds again soon. Also, it's important to know that some people with terrible anxiety, like myself, are very good at making it not look as bad as it is. Maybe your DH is afraid to share with you how bad it really is for him. I think you should let him take the meds if he wants. They may be a life saver, like they were for me. Also, if the Zoloft doesn't work, there are other choices available. I found Effexor really good for me.
Good luck with it all