Depression and ED in young guys

[dannymawg]

DuvalinCT,

Sorry to hear about your depression and subsequent ED. Several years ago I suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. I first sought counselling and after several months, started discusing the idea of medications with my therapist. I did a ton of research and came to the conclusion that Wellbutrin (bupropion HCL... also marketed as Zyban for smoking cessation) would be my best bet. It seems to be in a class by itself when it comes to treating depression. It's not used to treat anxiety... just depression. As a matter of fact, it can make you more anxious... so it's not for everyone. And unlike most SSRI's, it can actually increase your libido. It did for me. I was on Wellbutrin for about a year, and during that time I continued my therapy. I discontinued counselling/medication about 7 years ago and have never suffered depression since.

Tripod,
Where on earth did you come up with the atheist/depression correlation? That's funny!!!!


To all of you telling him to just "get a grip". As someone who was very close to ending his own life... it's not that simple. Medicines, WHEN USED CORRECTLY, can be an effective tool in fighting depression. I was very reluctant to take drugs to treat my symptoms. But I am here today because of them. Anti-depressent drugs DO NOT cure depression. For many they treat the symptoms and allow for the successful treatment of the depression via counselling/therapy/prayer... whatever works best. Don't be so quick to discount anti-depressent drugs just because many have misused them.

The key to remember is that the drug is a tool to assist in the treatment ... it is not a cure. I firmly believe, from my own experience, that when an anti-depressent drug is used correctly, it is an awesome tool.

just my 2 cents...

Thank you for the most salient post, htdc... I'm too new here to be defending posters, but what clicked in me from tripod's view is the reliance on meds as a cure, as you stated - and the lack of the promotion of spiritual living (religious or non-).

On the moral compass point, I can relate on that too. My moral compass told me for so long it was wrong to accept homosexuality as "normal" (in myself as well as others). While not clinically diagnosed, I think this has caused serious depression for me.

Does one run for the medicine cabinet for defense against yet another bad day? I think tripod's trying to say "no". Or at least, try not to, and balance it out. "Psychosomatic" is a word that has always stuck with me - I firmly believe I saw it in action during my dad's 6 year bout with the Big C that ended in a stroke. Had he not had been the eternal pessimist, maybe the chemical balances would have helped him along.

And the root of the issue was tapped by yerself, D...

It's all give and take, trial and error, because we are all so different chemically.

Until modern medicine gets a grip :biggrin1: on chemical balance/imbalance, we're all still in the dark ages.

 

[tripod]

On the moral compass point, I can relate on that too. My moral compass told me for so long it was wrong to accept homosexuality as "normal" (in myself as well as others). While not clinically diagnosed, I think this has caused serious depression for me.

That was not your moral compass dude, that was tribal thinking, pure and simple. THERE IS NOTHING IMMORAL ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY, END OF POINT!

 

[dannymawg]

Word. Tribal thinking rules in the conservative Midwest, and I'm certainly a product of it. It's frustrating having to undo that thinking so late in life though, when other pressures abound. Kudos to young guys everywhere who have an easier time of accepting themselves, and to straights who are enlightened enough to see the issue for what it is.

But I've hijacked the thread. Sorry :redface:

 

[tripod]

These threads wander around and meander at will. You haven't hijacked a thing Dannyhorse, now me... that's another matter. My sincere apologies if I have offended anyone.

 

[D_Harry_Crax]

Try Wellbutrin. Worked for me, in every sense, some years back.

 

[dickman45885]

If certain folks would do their research they would see many mental health issues are just that health issues, the result of various chemical imbalances. Telling folks with such problems to "get a grip" is pure bunk, and frankly a bunch of shit!!!!

I am "blessed" with a chemical imbalance resulting in bi-polar disorder. I have known the depths of depression, wanting and praying to die, and highs so high....I cannot begin to describe them.

My oldest daughter is also so "blessed". You cannot tell me it is not genetic.

To hear or read someone saying to get a grip...well, it tells me there are alot of ignorant jerks out there who do not know what the fuck they are talking about but continue to spout off and prove their ignorance. I have found it better to keep quiet and let people think you are ignorant then to open your mouth, or to begin typing, and remove all doubt.

Sorry if this upsets folks....but I would suggest to do your research before ....

BTW, use of medications to correct a chemical imbalance does not make an individual drug dependent....you gonna tell the same thing to a diabetic, or an aids patient, or a cancer patient.

There is also research indicating homosexuality is genetic.

 

[tripod]

I have found it better to keep quiet and let people think you are ignorant then to open your mouth, or to begin typing, and remove all doubt.

Well said Dickman...

 

[55859]

I've tried several medications and, for me, all have had some degree of sexual side effects, but Viagra and the others all cured that.

SSRIs were bad for me. Efflexor and Cymbalta were horrible -- with both of them, it took me forever to cum. I now take Welbutrin, which has much milder side effects. I still take the Viagra because it makes me hard as a fucking rock, but now I use less.

(Of course, if you take any of the ED meds, get the largest possible size and cut them to the size you need. It's much cheaper, of course, since a larger and smaller pills all cost about the same.)


I'm 49, btw, and hell I'll take Viagra even when I'm off these meds! It's great! Only mild and very tolerable side effects, for me at least.