Major Depression

[Ma1902]

Hi I have posted a question in the heart rhythm forum but I am hoping that maybe someone will be able to help me here. I have major depression but my GP hasn't been able to find any medication that I can use as I also have Long QT and many antidepressants could cause a cardiac arrest (which I have had before) - I have been suffering depression for the last 4 - 6 months and after my mother's death 10 days ago I am ready to just give up. Ihave asked for help from the mental health clinic but nothing has happened with them yet. I know that the depression is causing me to close down and withdraw from asking for any more help. I have had previous experience with Major depression and Borderline Personality disorder and spent 3 1/2 years in a mental hospital - I was lucky then - after 12 years of therapy I managed to resume normal life in the community and with my family. I have been out of the mental health system for 5 years now. I know that I need help but I am now getting to the stage where I no longer want it. I have also stopped taking my heart medication for the SVT's and whereas my previous suicide attempts obviously didn't succeed I am now armed with new information due to my Long QT - Please if anyone has any ideas that I can present to my GP I would be grateful Thank you

[Ma1902]

I would like to thank you all for your helpful comments - I will keep you posted. Your information has been very helpful and uplifting to know that I don't have to do this all on my own. Apparently the psych clinic is having an intake meeting tomorrow to see whether they will accept me on their list and assign me a mental health nurse/ councillor - everything seems to take so long - even if I am able to use medication it will take weeks to take effect and if I am lucky enough to ever see a psyiatrist or psychologist ??? - the system here is not good - the only reason i was helped so quickly last time was because I tried suicide before I let anyone know how I was feeling. This time I am asking for help but there seems to be no urgency in giving it - I am trying to keep a positive outlook  but it sometimes feels like it isn't worth the effort

[DavidY10]

Also I'm sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you're going through and you must be really strong to have made it this far.

[DavidY10]

Many GPs don't look at suicide as a serious health hazard even though it is a leading form of death here in the US. If you weren't on proper medication for your Long QT they would take that seriously. Similarly if you aren't on proper depression meds you could die and they should take that seriously.

Anyway I agree with the above you need to find a psychiatrist. Keep posting here too. Good luck.

[zzzmykids]

You need to transfer finding out what you can take from a gp to a psychiatrists. Also, if you  have heart problems, you can explain to your local pharmacist and ask what antidepressant could be used if any with this problem. The pharmacist will know which antidepressant will cause heart problems if not immediately, give him/her a day or two to check. Then go back to your dr. But seriously, its like playing with fire when you go with a mental disorder or emotional disorder to your local gp. I know, it cost me most many years ago when I trusted my gp.