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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I manage my depression without drugs?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health
    I'm 21years old and I've always felt down. I have a close relationship with my family. I am successful in life and know I have a lot to be happy for, yet struggle to feel happy.

    I've been bullied through schooling, and even as an adult by the parents of my ex-boyfriend. I've had counselling as a child and adolescent but feel it hasn't been sustainable in lifting my sadness. I'm studying psychology honours at uni so have a good understanding of mental health yet seem to be at loss of what to do.

    I've been prescribed venaflaxine 75mg by my GP thinking it may be a chemical imbalance. I took one and experienced dizziness, blurred vision, suppressed appetite, shaking and severe nausea (vomiting) so stopped taking them.

    I know the symptoms are common but after researching others experiences of venaflaxine I'm nervous to take them and don't like the thought of my body being addicted to a drug. I'm at a real loss of what to do. I just want to feel a zest for life. Do you have any suggestions?
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  • CrochetQueenKerry

    HealthShare Member

    I also want that “zest”. There is very little that interests me which also gets me down. I used to be quite keen on a variety of hobbies but not so much now. One thing I have noticed occasionally is that I might get interested in something different. I took up the ukulele. But of course nothing is guaranteed and if I am very depressed I can't seem to do anything, however simple. I have a psychologist and a psychiatrist helping me, and progress is slow. I understand about how extremely unpleasant the side effects of medication are especially when incresing the dosage. I think I am in for the long haul. I admire your tenacity and wish you all the best for a brighter future. cheers, Kerry.

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