Happy pills

[Aidan in Shrewsbury]

I am getting increasingly depressed by my MND. 8 months ago I was able to go on a cruise but could not even dream of doing that now as I cannot get out of a chair unaided or walk any more. Obviously things will only get worse from here on in.

Has anyone gone down the happy pills route? I feel like I need something to cheer myself up.

[ann]

I feel same at the moment and have just been prescribe mitazropine which can dissolve in my tongue as I am unable to swallow. Only had 1 so far so can not comment if they work. I would speak to your doctor or nurse.

[denise]

I haven't tried any. Dont think theyd have one big enough. 🤔

[Claireflo]

My dad has been on medication for low mood for many years and they've helped him over the years. He's coped with MND far better than I thought he would and I've no doubt the medication is helping.

[Ellie]

I am getting increasingly depressed by my MND.

I feel like I need something to cheer myself up.

Aidan, plenty of people here with MND take antidepressants, probably more do than don't.

I don't take any but Citalopram is a popular starter medicine - talk to your GP, if you feel you need something, then you do. xx

[Madge]

I must be one of those that don’t take antidepressants x I have tried but didn’t seem to help me x I do have times when I’m down but I feel they are more up times and I think I am allowed to be down considering what we are going through x I try to watch sports which does help to take my mind off things x

[shelly21]

Aidan in Shrewsbury please please make an appointment with your gp there are good meds out there. Sertraline is a starter. I had crippling anxiety that got to crisis point recently. I broke down at a visit to my hospice and the doctor prescribed me lorazepam. I can choose when I take them. I don't take it everyday and it's small doses.

This journey is a hard one and you've admitted the problem and now its taking the next step to try to fix it.


I've also been offered counselling for anticipatory grief of which I haven't started yet. But I know I want whatever time I have left to be more positive.

Its a 3 way prong:
talk about it
try a medication
And then try each day to push yourself at even a simple task.
Its working for me.

X

[Ellie]

Aidan in Shrewsbury PS. I take daily vitamin D3 supplements - one of its known benefits is mood improvement. xx

[shelly21]

This is taken from the Marie curie site.

When anticipatory grief goes on for a long time, this can really start to wear you down emotionally and physically. It literally saps your energy to keep going every day.

Fear, anxiety and panic can become a part of your life. You may live your life in hyper-vigilance. “What is going to happen next”? This can take its toll on your wellbeing and your stability. You might find your emotions and thoughts are all over the place and you may find yourself very distracted and unable to concentrate.

"Anticipatory grief: grieving before someone dies" https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/talkab...y-grief/271278

[Aidan in Shrewsbury]

Thanks for all the replies which have been very helpful. I think I will try to get some antidepressants from my GP.

[ShiftKicker]

Sometimes it takes a while for a new med to kick in or to get the right dose for it to be therapeutic. It can also take a few different types to find the right one. It depends on a few other things as well- like whether you are getting adequate or restful sleep, whether you are getting appropriate respiratory support at night (these can really make a huge difference) and whether the issue is anxiety or depression (or both!).

If you can, I would recommend you ask your doctor to refer you on to someone who can help you figure out the best meds and route to mood support- your needs are unique and a bit more complex than the "average" person with depression. You deserve specialized support from someone who is well versed in supporting folk with complex medical needs and the issues arising from them. I'm not saying to not get something from your doctor in the meantime, only recommending you ask if there is a chance to see someone whose expertise lies in mood/anxiety issues and meds while you start with antidepressants prescribed by the gp. The wait could be long, but well worth it.

[EvelynMW]

I was taking anti depressants long before I was diagnosed with MND, I have been depressed on and off since I was 8. Moved onto permanent medication several years ago after I realised I spent half a year depressed, then half a year improving.Maybe that's the reason I still feel fine despite my diagnosis?