You have the energy to make numerous RU-vid videos, you have a supportive husband, you have a full time job, you practice self-help......that is not depression to me... just be thankful. I cannot even function b/c of my depression. My Fiance left me when I fell depressed. I've been fired from 3 jobs b/c of depression, I can barely speak to my family let alone friends, I've had ECT with major memory problems. Nothing has worked for me. Just wanted to share . Best!
I can really relate with not even taking that first step. I am so overwhelmed with all the things that I need to do. And beat myself up for wasting so much time in bed because of my depression. But then I worry about it so much, I don't even start, the anxiety just paralyzes me. So here I am still, and I can look back at all the missed opportunities piling up over the years. All we can do is take that first step, then take the next one. We'll all fail at some point, but at least we tried. But just staying here, I'll just continue to be stuck. Things are usually never as bad as I think they will be, then I can pat myself on the back that I got it done!
Hi Jessica, my very strong advice to you is to force yourself to call someone (a friend or family member) who you can be ugly honest with about what you just said (above) and ask them to help you actually make your appointment as well as go with you TO your appts for awhile. Ask them to make the appt for you if you need to. Will you have to be "exposed" a bit. Yes, but that's much better than continuing the downward spiral.
I soooooo know that feeling. I got 10 more treatments to go with my tms. I was doing much worse until a few days ago. I think it’s finally kicking in and feeling much much better. I had to fight really hard to get the tms and I was like you could barely get out of bed. You have to trust your feeling and if it says to try something just focus on it and push to do it. Your worth it and you know you are so do what it takes to make you happy.
Hi Jenny, As per the documentary, which I am very excited to hear about. I do live in NYC and it would be a pleasure to participate. However, in my specific case, I have already been through 2 sessions of ECT with total remission that started in May of 2016. I also did have TMS and still work with them with new treatments and brain exercise and training. We have documented and mapped with imaging my brain before and after ECT treatment, which might prove useful. I still work with many people in the ECT community in my area to get a further understanding of the effects of ECT and life moving forward from there. As I am sure you know, there is not much education and even doctors do not have a complete firm understand of ECT. What is just as concerning to me is that not one person I know that has had ECT in my area has had proper follow up and documentation and post treatment after ECT. We lost so much valuable information that can save lives and educate people that are interested in ECT or have had ECT done and are learning to adapt to life after. Sorry, I am ranting. As always I am available to give my input and resources to this matter. You helped me tremendously to take my first few steps to getting ECT, and I am still very grateful. Thank you Jenny, -A My contact info: Wanderingwolf91@gmail.com
Jenny, I found your diary tonite by chance. I started TMS today and I'm encouraged by your story. Any and every little step forward helps us. Please DO keep us informed of your ups, downs and the many many sideways!
Hi Jenny, thank you so much for your videos. I am writing to encourage you to do another update, because I'm curious how the TMS is working for you. I have been very depressed for many years, and think I might try TMS....... Depression: I hate it!............
Thank you so much for your videos Jenny. How are you going at the moment? Any chance of an update? I am considering TMS, and I am very curious how your recovery is going. I hope you are well, you are an inspiration.
Quick question, I was listening to your videos and in one of them you mentioned you couldn't drive because of the ECT, why and for how long were you not able to drive?
You totally helped me with my decision to have ECT. And I am so happy I did. Thank you so much. Also please let us know when the documentary comes out. I really want to watch it. Thanks for your courage and for sharing your experience. You have really helped more people than you could possibly know. :)
Hello, I think you are so brave and wonderful for sharing your story with us. I've been dealing with major depression for 2 years. I've had ECT and now I'm going on to try TMS. I just want to know, have you reached full remission from your depression?
I was wondering if you have ever had gene testing done. I have been on over 25 different SSRI, SSNRI, anti depressants anti psychotics etc and found out that every medication I have been on my body can't metabolize. It is a very useful test and important information.
Yes! Me too! I am a poor CYP metabolizer which is how most psychiatric drugs are metabolized. This finally validated my side effects and failure to respond to over 50 medications that I have tried. The drug levels will build up causing toxic side effects. Plus my dr checked and found have problems with methylation which helps create neurotransmitters, and utilizes nutrients in your body for a lot of things. It was so enlightening/validating to find this out. The methylation issues can be treated with a prescription vitamin. It made me feel better too because some dr's did not believe that the medications were actually making me that sick. They though I was an attention seeker, I just wanted to feel better! All through gene testing, finally I cried some tears of happiness to know instead of the regular tears.
Can you give me some of the self help books that you've read? I'm about to start the ECTs and praying they help. It's been a very rough ride lately and I just need some help not only from my dr and therapist but some things that me and my husband can help with. Thanks girl for your posts, your the one that made me choose to do the ECT because I was not going to go through with them until I found you and your videos!!
Get the book, The Healing Codes. Don't let the weird title throw you. I don't love the title, but the contents you'll be greatly helped by. (Only 2nd to God, that is)
Hi Jenny. You are precious! Thank you so much for being so transparent in telling us so honestly about how you are doing at each point of your journey! I am considering ECT but knew little about it. Your videos have helped a great deal! Wanted you to know about a book that a very dear friend of mind has been drastically changed by (other then the Bible, of course). It is called The Healing Codes. (We are both 50 yrs old and have been close close friends since age 9). I can see not only a significant difference in her but a lasting difference. Perhaps it would help you also. Bless you sweet lady!
How bad was your anxiety before you got treatment? I am currently dealing with some extreme depression that was brought on by a bout of severe anxiety. Since I have GAD and panic attacks.
Thank you so much for your videos. You’re great! I haven’t heard you mention trauma, or complex ptsd. I’m wondering if you’re familiar with Gabor Mate. You might want to look him up (books, website and RU-vid videos are available). He’s one of the most knowledgeable experts on this topic, influencing the worlds of mental illness and addiction. I hope you’re doing well!
Hi Jenny. I messaged you a long time ago and was wandering if you ever researched the Fisher Wallace (cranial electrotherapy simulation) device. It is literally $500 with a doctors note, thousands less than ECT and highly successful. I did this to help you out with the least amount of side effects. CES devices had literally no serious or even moderate side effects.