Help I think I have dysthymia

[Kimlett]

It's been 3 years since I broke up with my ex and my fourth (?) depressive episode started. It's been the longest and it seems to have no end. I've been able to overcome my other depressive episodes but this time seems different. I know depression lies and makes me feel it lasts forever. But three years is too long. Going outside, getting things done although I don't feel like it, socialising... These things have really helped me get out of my other depressive episodes, but they are not working anymore.

Also, I lost interest in videogames, which always have helped me get distracted and have some fun; if I lose interest in videogames, that's when I really know I'm fucked. Fortunately my interest have been reignited a bit thanks to HN Silksong, but I don't know what will happen when I finish the game.

I will probably change therapists. But besides that, should I just accept that this will last forever? Can I reduce the symptoms I've not been able to reduce in 3 years?

All of this for a stupid breakup. I didn't even wanted to break up with him, it was a stupid decision and I regreted it. Anyway, now I am in a great relationship with someone else and I don't think about my ex anymore. Why do I still feel like shit? Should I try to contact my ex and become friends so my stupid brain can have some closure or something??

 

[rs929]

I'm struggling with recurrent depression as well and it sucks. Are you on meds?

 

[Kimlett]

I'm struggling with recurrent depression as well and it sucks. Are you on meds?

Yes, I'm on sertraline, I don't know if it helps anymore

 

[microwaved_dawg]

Yes, I'm on sertraline, I don't know if it helps anymore

I'm also really struggling with medicated depression, for the most part it seems like you sometimes need your dosage checked or meds changed. Bummer public healthcare in my country is shit so I don't have any anecdotal evidence.

Hope at least that helps.

 

[2percent]

What dose? I was on sertraline and was able to increase the dosage every so often as my body built up a resistance. I did get off it eventually after I was no longer finding the max dosage effective, but it did get me several years in a functional place.

 

[Kimlett]

What dose? I was on sertraline and was able to increase the dosage every so often as my body built up a resistance. I did get off it eventually after I was no longer finding the max dosage effective, but it did get me several years in a functional place.

I am on max dosage and I've been using it for several years as well so my body may be used to it.

 

[2percent]

From personal experience, getting off the sertraline helped me make some changes, but I experienced the following when tapering off:
-For ~1-2 months, bad brain zaps/physical disorientation when turning my head or quickly moving my eyes; associated nausea
-Brain fog
-Increased moodiness and sensitivity to physical stimuli

These resulted in reduced performance at work, strain in relationships, difficulty accomplishing basic tasks, etc. but TBH I had been thinking about getting off sertraline for a while and had dreaded the withdrawal, and found that it wasn't as bad as I had feared. After getting off it I am finding it easier to explore different treatment options and try/do things I know I wouldn't have on the sertraline, and the variety and new experiences are helping me feel like a more balanced person again. On the other hand, when I'm sad or anxious I'm really sad and anxious; but in my case I don't really have anything wrong with my life beyond not liking my job or family. If you have real/present/egregious stressors or burdens then you may find it more difficult off the sertraline.