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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by vic80 on August 4, 2010, at 10:52:37
Hi,
What could be the practical signs of a remission from depression?
My pdoc says my depression is better and that much of what remains is the 'psychological dimension'. Which makes some obscure sense to me.
I have taken several online tests like Zung's and Goldberg's etc but have only managed to confuse myself.
If I look through the day, I start with feeling ok to getting down and staying dysphoric.... blank.... numb.... then a bit of energy towards the afternoon.... followed with anxiety....towards late evening things start to feel a bit ok and all the way towards late night I feel ok.
How do I assess my situation and not blindly folllow what the pdoc 'tells' me ?
Posted by Phillipa on August 4, 2010, at 13:13:12
In reply to Signs of Remission from Depression?, posted by vic80 on August 4, 2010, at 10:52:37
I wouldn't personally take tests online. But how is you mood, how are you functioning better than before. That's the key I feel is it better than before? Phillipa
Posted by chujoe on August 4, 2010, at 16:20:48
In reply to Signs of Remission from Depression?, posted by vic80 on August 4, 2010, at 10:52:37
The daily pattern you describe is typical of depression & anxiety disorders. Your pdoc may just be saying that your swings are not so severe & that you are now in a position to look at some of the psychological issues that drove the the depression in the first place. Personally, I don't think you can make a hard and fast distinction between psychological and neurological issues, but many doctors are trained to think in those terms.
Posted by linkadge on August 4, 2010, at 18:41:19
In reply to Re: Signs of Remission from Depression?, posted by chujoe on August 4, 2010, at 16:20:48
Yeah, doctors tell me "I'm looking better", but they just say that.
I know I'm better when I go an entire day without thinking about depression, anxiety, medications etc.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 5, 2010, at 9:46:40
In reply to Re: Signs of Remission from Depression?, posted by linkadge on August 4, 2010, at 18:41:19
i had a similar experience recently where my psychiatrist almost dismissively said that my depression was only moderate. unfortunately, i think the implication that being in that state is somehow okay or more manageable is a little misleading - i can barely keep track of my own fluctuations because, personally, moving from 'major' to 'moderate' via a scorecard doesn't create radical shifts in my global functioning. the anhedonia and mental fatigue are still there regardless. it even seems to change on a weekly basis sometimes.
Posted by MaybeSo on August 5, 2010, at 21:08:09
In reply to Re: Signs of Remission from Depression?, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 5, 2010, at 9:46:40
My outward signposts for recovery are that I want to call a friend and I want to go out for a walk with my dog or a bike ride. They usually occur before I realize that the inward signposts have passed (self-loathing, e.g.)
My signposts for depression are the opposite. I don't want to talk to anyone, I don't want to be outside, and negative garbage piles up in my head.
If the things you hate about your life/brain with depression are still there, you're still depressed and still need to be looking for help.
Posted by bearfan on August 8, 2010, at 4:06:53
In reply to Signs of Remission from Depression?, posted by vic80 on August 4, 2010, at 10:52:37
Signs of remission is easy. Its when you forget you ever had depression and living a happy productive life.
This is the end of the thread.
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