I get "tested" every time I am at my neurologist (part of the annual neuro testing), so they should have questionaire's you can fill out to see ...

I used Celexa for a while, and it worked well. Like many of them though, there are side-effects for some of us; weight gain, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, etc. However, when you are depressed, getting help for that is very important, and sometimes we only need them for a short while too. You can always go (wean) off if things settle down in your life ...

Cherie

I was going to ask the same question a few days ago as I was feeling what I can only describe as an overwhelming sadness. I'm not sure whether to put my blues down to hitting depression in the stages of grief or as a result of beta jabs.
I'm reluctant to go down the ad route. I'm not convinced that's what I need. I'm still trying to find my way with God and have come across many ocassions and people to help me on that journey.
I must also admit that each ocassion brings me a glimmer of hope that eases the cloud over my head.
But sure isn't anything to be ashamed of trying. and I think I will ultimately be taking that road also. I'm going tough at the moment.
Doesn't prozac (and others) diminish the ability to reach the big (or little) 'O' ? It's bad enough that I'm getting few jollies as it is without not getting an end result

For a clinical depression diagnosis.... You would need to have 5 out of 9 symptoms for at least two weeks. (one of the first two on list must be experienced)

Symptoms being:
depressed mood
loss of interest or pleasure (in things that you normally enjoy)
insomnia
fatigue
feelings of worthlessness nearly every day
diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness) feelings of
obesessive thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts
lack of (or increased) appetite
being slower moving (or hyper)


Cymbalta is a frequently used antidepressants for those with MS. It also works to help with nerve pain, so that is an added benefit if you suffer from that MS symptom as well.

It's really hard to give a written definition of depression for someone because it's so personal. But if you've experienced these things nearly every day for two weeks....you can say you're depressed.

Of course, some of those things on the list go hand-in-hand with MS (like fatigue and insomnia)....but you are really the only one who is in your body!

It's also best to talk to a psychiatrist regarding medications because they do know more than General Practitioners know when it comes to antidepressants!

Good luck and hope you find relief soon!
~Keri