[finaliteration]

I think a larger problem is that it’s such a crapshoot about which treatments will work for a given individual, pharmaceutical or not. It took me about 10 therapists with varying backgrounds before I finally found one that would help. It also took me trying several different medications to find a combination that’s actually effective. It’s a lot of work and effort, and most people suffering through depression, anxiety, or another debilitating mental health disorder don’t have the energy to keep trying over and over again after failing. For me it was actually a matter of life or death and needing to keep going for my family that drove me to keep trying.

[Elof]

I had a very similar experience to what you’re describing and most other folks I know that have ‘figured out’ a treatment share a similar experience as well (more info in a comment below).

[InGodsName]

what worked in your case?

[Elof]

I have bipolar disorder and take a stimulant, a mood stabilizer, and sometimes an antidepressant. I’ve done my best to make my personal and professional work schedule comfortable, do mindful breathing exercises, take almost all my meeting outside and walking, and try to exercize 3 times a week. It’s a lot to manage while having a family but it’s very worth it IMO

[finaliteration]

I suffer from PTSD due to childhood trauma which is ultimately the cause of my anxiety, depression, mood swings, etc,. Right now I’m seeing a therapist who specializes in trauma and going through EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) treatment. I’ve also taken Wellbutrin (anti-depressant) and Lamictal (mood stabilizer) for the last 18 months or so.

I also just have to constantly keep busy. I fill my time with work and activities with my family. I rarely take downtime because if I do the dread and flashbacks rear their ugly heads.

[perseusmandate]

I'm also on Wellbutrin and Lamictal and think it is a very underrated combination.

I highly recommend you read The Body Keeps The Score. Immensely insightful and well researched book that will change the way you think about overcoming trauma

[finaliteration]

That book is great! I picked it up when I started with EMDR. There are so many things I didn’t even consider until I started seeing a therapist specializing in PTSD and trauma and after reading that book. For the most part I didn’t even recognize my experience as traumatic until it was presented that way to me.

[wolco]

Have you ever tried Psilocybin? In combation with your therapy I could see success.