sometimes they can stop working. I was on one for 6 years and it just stopped working.
Thats the first step, second, maybe check in with a counselor.
I go to my happy place a lot...
good luck your not alone.

We have to pay full price for dr visits. So I'm spacing out my therapist visits with my med check visits. It sucks. My therapist is awesome and I was seeing him every 2-3 wks now it's every 6-8.

When my husband was picking insurance plans he just looked to see if our dr was in network, but didn't check to see if mental health visits were covered. There isn't any supplemental we can buy either.

It's frustrating and honestly I'm so sick of health care being seen as a privilege

If it is spring, and pollen is out, allergies might be making your mental health issues worse. For real. Google allergies, inflammation and depression if you don't believe me.

I am currently at our vet with my ancient stubborn dog who is getting her acupuncture session. This has been relaxing for me because I know it helps her so much

Till then....hugs

That, for me, can break the downward spiral .....

My favorite is working in the yard....

I do not have to talk to anyone ....
unless I feel like it... and even then it is limited to the exchange of basic greetings with the postal carrier or a dog walker.....

Tears can stream down my face ....
and to any passersby it looks just like perspiration....

I can mow grass, pull weeds, dig dirt, build fences/gates, lay pavers, trim shrubs, paint fence pickets, ...etc.
there is always a project to be worked on...
And I can immediately see what I have accomplished ....
I can choose to be annoyed by mischievous squirrels.... or to be entertained... depending on where I am "at".


On inclement days....
I find that engaging in research -- on any topic which is relevant at the time -- is a way to feel like I am actively contributing to the solution of a problem....

There was a sense of "control" that came with recognizing the therapeutic value of these activities and knowing that I could "use" them as frequently or infrequently as needed.

but somehow managed to make that stressful (because I can't bring myself to make art for sake of creating art - it has to be for someone else. So have been a member of group that swaps various art or craft projects which sometimes is wonderful. However some ridiculous sense of 'perfection' has crept in and now its more stressful than relaxing)

I should go outside more - esp now before mosquitoes really come out - but again, I start judging myself - why am I outside on a nice day? I should find a job and contribute more to household...which sets off another depressive cycle of negativity. I am such a Debbie Downer to myself... I know I would be giving anyone else the same advice.

I wish I could find an off switch in my brain. I like your option of researching - that sounds like something I could get behind Maybe take some webinars as well, so I feel like I am doing something while still not brooding.

For the past 18 months, I was going through cycles where my medication worked and then it didn't. My lows seemed to line up with where I filled my prescription. I was using two different pharmacies in different parts of the same state. I was being given two different generics for the same name brand medication. One formulation worked, one didn't! I spoke with the pharmacy where their formulation wasn't working and they are now ordering the one that works for me!

Just wanted to bring to your attention that not all generics are the same and can change their effectiveness!

When my meds are not working, I spend days sitting and crying.

Thanks for opening yourself up to us.

Peace,

Scruffy

I think you are right.

We had to switch pharmacies and it seems like a crap shoot what type of generic meds I get. I definitely can see that making a difference

You crossed my mind today, so I thought I would say, "Hello!"

Hope you are finding bright spots between the tears.

Peace

Today has been a good day - mainly because my 16yr old Lab mix is having a good day (she has arthritis pretty bad, every 2 wks she gets acupuncture which perks her up) and is up to shenanigans which is fantastic! Also our landlord gave us the ok to adopt a cat (we lost our old kitty last yr and are finally getting to a place were we are ready to adopt).

So furry happiness!!! Thank you again for being so kind - that means a lot to me!!

You'll get plenty of support here. Is there any kind of depression support group near you ?