Help for depression in sza

Around November, I started having suicidal thoughts. I was put on Lithium. Better for a while. It’s back, though, and it’s been a bit of a downward spiral. I haven’t left the house in over a couple of weeks- even with my husband- and have stopped showering altogether. I think I am in a depressive funk compliments sza, but I shouldn’t take antidepressants because of the sza. Suicidal thoughts frequent, but I am safe for now. I am making things very hard of my family. I don’t know what to ask my doctor for/ about. Any suggestions?

Oh- it’s 300 mg Lithium 1x/day. I’m also on 10 mg Saphris 2x/day.

Read the title of the thread and thought I’d come in and ask if you’ve tried Lithium. Seems I was on the right track. But I have a question for you. What are your lithium levels? Are/have they been checked? 300mg is considerably low unless there’s an interaction/kidney problem/something else at play that restricts raising the dosage.

I’ve never had my levels checked.

Is this being prescribed by some sort of psychiatric professional or a Family Doctor, etc? If by a psych professional, either request a level check (simple blood draw) and evaluate if dosage needs raising, or if the psych professional hasn’t even broached you with this, frankly, I’d seriously consider finding a new prescriber. This is Psychiatry 101, if that.

My doctor responded this morning, and she said that she wants blood tests done 1 week after I start the new dose. She is taking me from 300/day to 300 2x/day.

Ability helps with depression. Or, can you take an antidepressant? I take Celexa along with haldol

I take olanzapine for my depression. The other thing that helps is to avoid stress and wait it out. Life is a cycle and so is sza.

Hope you feel better soon!

Exercise helps.

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