familial depression- there must be some other way

Posted by amy_oz on October 9, 2002, at 18:11:22

Hi,
I have just started paroxetine (Paxil) after suffering a severe depressive + anxiety episode. After a few months its definitely helping (I also take fish oil and SAM-e). I know I am very lucky to have responded so well but the doctors have warned me that I may be on AD's for the rest of my life cause of my family history of mental illness.
I don't really want this cause of the long term effects of AD's (esp SSRI's) aren't so well known. The side effects aren't too crash hot either (Sexual dysfunction + apathy). So what to do?? Just put up with the fact that its part of my genes? Is there anyone out there with this kind of family and has managed to moved beyond their depression?
I noticed Mr Sad Puppy Dogs link about familial depression and the disturbed sleeping patterns, but how do you fix something like that?
BTW for those who are interested.
Immediate family
Sister with severe depression, ADD and OCD
Mum's side
Severe depression- aunt, 3 cousins, grandmother,1 great grandfather
anxiety- mum, other greatgrandfather
severe ADD- another cousin

Dad's side
Depression-grandmother, great grandmother, uncle, 2 cousins
Schizophrenia- another cousin
severe ADD- yet another cousin
There's possibly more but I haven' asked everyone. I guess the strike rate in my family is a little more than the national average of 20%.

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familial depression- there must be some other way amy_oz 10/9/02
Re: familial depression- there must be some other » amy_oz BrittPark 10/9/02
Re: familial depression- there must be some other way waterlily 10/10/02
Re: familial depression- there must be some other way Gracie2 10/10/02
Re: familial depression- there must be some other way Mystia 10/10/02

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poster:amy_oz thread:122969
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