constantly depressed

[october]

It seems that I am constantly depressed. I am on an antidepressent, effexor xr 150 2/day, which I think is alot. Is this because of decreased dopamine? I am so busy, working, taking care of my mom, granddaughter, and my family. I have no time to clean house, do something for myself. I am becoming increasingly overwhelmed and could cry at the drop of a hat. I am crying right now. And to make matters worse, with the parkinsons, I am slowing down big time and can't keep up. I am starting to consider "what if" long term disability. My family is too far away to help with Mom, I love Mom, but it is too much. She has gotten so fragile that it would be bad to move her. I have been doing this for going on 4 yrs, with my Dad also. He has since passed away. They have offered to help, but I am too kindhearted, I think that is why, to say "Mom, I can't take care of you anymorer." I am mad at them tho, because no one has put their foot down and just done it. They know I am exhausted and my health is bad, but none of them say, "Joan, we are taking care of Mom, no matter what you say!" I know it is up to me to just do it, but it is very hard. She is in a nursing home nearby, so I visit her often.
I am just venting, I just feel so trapped and depressed. I know there is lack of depamine, but is constant depression part of parkinsons? I am somewhat rambling and really just wanted to talk, so anyway, hope I feel better soon.

[Eve]

It seems that a good percentage of people with P.D. are depressed and have anxiety. I was prescribed an A.D. before I was dxs with Parkinson's. Since then I have changed from Paxil to Effexor. Perhaps you need a change, it sounds like the Effexor isn't working for you now. You also need to get some help, the stress alone from trying to work and keep a family going is enough without the worry of your parents health. Its time you started to look after yourself or you won't be any help to anyone. I had to stop work when I was dixs 3 years ago. I was dragging myself through the day so fatigued I don't know how I was doing it. Since then I am much better, you need to be able to take time for yourself and your family, if it is at all possible you should consider it. Hang in there!

[october]

I am so fatigued too and wonder if I should quit work. I like my job and don't think I qualify for long term disability yet. I have to be unable to do my job and so far I still can. What gets me is all the other stuff I have to do and you're so right about what you say. I need to get help, I need to tell not ask my family that is time for someone else to help. I will check with my doc about another antidepressent. I see him next week for a female check. Thanks for your help Eve :)

[steve m]

This is an earth shaking transition that we go through with pd..Our lives continue to change so much that it does get to be overwhelming..PD changes everything..It is not always easy, but I try to go with the flow as much as possible..Acceptance is the ultimate answer..getting to it is another story..Ive recently come to the understanding that life is, will, and has to go on with or without pd, because life just keeps on happening..Ive been trying to go on and taking pd out of the equasion of what happens that wasnt caused by pd, even though it seems to complicate everything that touches my life..As for disability..I have been on SSDI for a little over a year..I saw the handwriting in the wall and realized that I had to file before this disease ran me over..I still work part time, and just do what I can..Fatigue is an ongoing problem with me too, and when Im fatugued my meds dont rescue me from it..The only thing that helps is a nap..I havent any experience with anti depressants, but yes depression can be caused by pd, and you are doing the right thing by getting help..Basically, I had to admitt to myself that there are things that I just cant do anymore, that I now have limitations..It just complicates matters when I try to fight it..Also Eve brought up a very good point about how stress will agitate our PD symptoms and add to our depression..I wish you the best October..Keep us informed

Steve

[october]

How did you go about getting disability? I need to check into that. You are right Steve in what you say. I am definitely a perfectionist, and when I can't do something, I try harder. My motto has always been you can do whatever your heart wants to do. Now I can't and it makes me very sad. I still try to go all day long, being "productive" and I haven't figured out yet that I can't do it anymore, so I do it and pay the consequences. I am dog tired at end of day, totally wiped out, don't cook dinner, nothing.

I do want to say Steve that if your posts are any indication, pd has brought out a very good part in you. You are very helpful and understanding. Thank you.

[steve m]

October..The first I had to do was to talk with my neurologist about it, and naturally in order to do this thing he has to be in agreement that you are disabled enough to qualify for SSDI..You are taking anti-depressants..It is important that you get documrntstion from the Dr who is prescribing those anti-depressants that your depression is Parkinsons related, because it is easier to get SSDI with a dual diagnosis..Then call or visit your local social security office that serves your area, and make an appoitment to file..I believe they will send you some paper work, and amongst it will be a request for your Drs records..I hired a disability lawyer immediately incase there were any problems, but in my case it went through without a hitch..The lawyer I hired wanted 25% of the settlement, but only if I got rejected and he had to appeal the claim..That didnt happen, so the lawyer was free..Usually lawyer want 25% of the settlement whether they have to appeal or not, and I would have been willing to do that, but luckily the lawyer was a friend of mine..I filed in Feb of 05, and got approved in June of 05..It required one visit to the SS office to go over my case..Documentation from any Drs you have seen related to your case is important

[Chicory]

October-
Is there any way you can take time to lay down during the day for 20 or 30 min or even an hour? I lay down for an hour in the afternoon and it makes a big difference in getting through the day. When I was working as a substitute teacher, I would lay down when I came home from school. Now I give music lessons in my home and lay down in the afternoon before I start teaching at 3:30. You mention caring for a grandchild- maybe when there is something on tv like Sesame Street or you could put in a video and lay on the couch and rest while still watching your grandchild.

Chicory

[steve m]

Yes Chicory..That works for me too

[october]

There is a couch in the ladies lounge at work. When I am getting over a cold, I lay down there during my lunch break and it helps alot. I think that is a great idea, so I will try and do that on my lunch break as needed. Thanks for the help. I also appreciate your help Steve. I need to check into SSDI up here in the state of Washington. It should be the ssame, isn't SSDI by a government agency? ;) Night all (good news is I can still sleep well).

[clouds z]

id stop the drug-i heard some that take it or luvox or prozac get more depressed

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