Can depression be permanent?

[[Bh...]]

I'm concerned that my depression and anxiety is permanent. Even though I fluctuate in and out of it, the depression has gotten so much worse. I think it's because I'm pregnant and the hormones are triggering it. During the first trimester, I felt like death every second of the day. Then it got better in the second trimester, but it's still very strong.

 

Before my pregnancy, I had the depression for a few days, and then really nice window days for a few days. It wasn't amazing, but it was tolerable. Now I feel so hopeless. I don't respond to AD...I tried them even being pregnant. They just make my depression worse.

 

I'm worried that I'm going to be stuck with this depression forever, even after I give birth. Deep down, I know the hormones are making everything worse, and once they situate back to anormal level after birth, I'll be better. Everyone keeps mentioning post partum depression, and for some reason I'm not really concerned. I wish more then anything that I could just have my baby and be in the post partum state. I really feel like I'll be better off. My sleep is incredibly broken right now with the hormones anyways. I can't imagine it getting any worse even after the baby, if that makes any sense.

 

Sorry for all the details. I'm just wondering if this benzo related depression will be permanent? I didn't have depression before all of this. Thanks again.

[[Ma...]]

I was severely depressed before taking all the meds, while being on meds I was even more depressed, in wd depression got worse. Now I a fully depression-free.

 

I am sure your situation with all the hormones makes it even more difficult, but I can say that after being out of wd, my depression was gone AND I never had suicidal ideas any more.

 

I get sad or depressed days of course, but I am now able to sit and wait until its gone OR I use one of my 1001 strategies that I learned to cope.

 

so - no! don't think thats permanent.

 

[[Ma...]]

I think there is a HUGE chance your depression will lift. The feeling of permanence is one of the more pernicious messages of depression and benzo withdrawal. The thought, "It'll always feel this way" is just that, a thought, prompted by the negative, absolute feeling of depression and WD, and which has the tendency to prolong the depression. Like you did in your post, remind yourself that you're pregnant and going through benzo WD, and that there are hormones and chemicals making you feel depressed. If you can, try to separate your depression from you--treat it like an mangy dog that keeps hanging around (Winston Churchill called his depression a black dog). You are NOT your depression, and it will leave, perhaps soon, perhaps in a little while. Regardless, it will pass. 

[[ke...]]

Cymbalta helped me tons

[[Bh...]]

It's so nice to hear that you guys were cured of your depression eventually. I do believe that mine is benzo withdrawal related. I will do my best to remember that this nasty dog will eventually leave my side. You guys are the absolute best for having shared your stories and providing me hope. Thank you.

 

I am open to trying Cymbalta, but not until after I give birth. At that point I'd like to see how my depression is after. Maybe I'll stabilize more so and not need it. Nevertheless, it's an option. Thanks!

[Guest [Le...]]

Post-birth hormones can be absolutely great. Nursing was the best time ever - no hormonal shifts, just months and months of lovely, relaxing, happy hormones. 

[[Ma...]]

cymbals was one of those that made me fall into the greatest depression ever, so please be careful. And my weight increased so much

[[Bh...]]

Don't worry! I have no intention on starting any medications right now or while I'm breastfeeding. I'm going to try my best and let my brain heal itself. I'm sure my baby and those post-birth hormones will be just what I need!