CBT, weekly therapy sessions, and a psych. I am OVER hoping medication alone will "fix" it. I am happier than I have ever been, and I would like to feel it for more than 48 hours in a row.

My problem is that last year I deliberately asked my doctor to switch me OFF of Zoloft, which had been working *beautifully,* simply because I was gaining a few pounds and also having some sexual side effects. I was hoping that something else would work as well as Zoloft but with fewer side effects.

It was a gamble, and I lost. I tried Celexa, which I didn't think was effective, and then switched to Cymbalta, which I'm currently on, and that doesn't seem to be working at all.

So I went back to the doctor this week to say "Okay, my experiment was folly; please put me back on Zoloft, and as for the weight gain, I'll just have to watch my food intake much more carefully, and as for the sexual side effects, well, I'll deal." Because I can't function like this.

So, back on Zoloft. But I know it'll take 3-4 weeks for it to kick in, so I'm just muddling through right now. But I *know* it's always worked for me, so I have that to hang on to.

We may add Wellbutrin in also, which I think will help the weight issue.

In conclusion: me -n- Zoloft 4evah.

Holy crap, Stephanie! Scary. Good dog.

Yesterday was a fun day with meeting people and drinking. I went to the NOLA Brewery tour (new microbrewery in my 'hood!) in the afternoon and chatted with fellow beer geeks while enjoying the pint-sized "samples" that were flowing.

Came back, took a nap, and went to go get Tom and we went to The Avenue Pub for a combo Beer Advocate/local homebrew club meetup. Some very nice folks, and of course some great beer. Tom brought a bottle of his most recent homebrew which was well received, so that was great for him.

Then, Maystache at the neighborhood place (Pete's)! Maystache celebrates the mustaches grown during the month of May with costumes and much revelry. We didn't have costumes (SCANDAL!) but we were able to get elaborate mustaches painted on with face paints and all was well. Really great neighborhood folks, and we had a great time.

We are currently up and slightly hungover and about to head out to the Farmer's Market.

Yay doggies, indeed.

Last night, I decided to go to bed early (10)and was happily tucked up until 2am, when I remembered that I have weekend cat duty for a friend.

My conscience would not allow me to go back to sleep, so Bartleby got dragged out of his cozy crate to walk me to the house of a cat who would happily flay him, given the appropriate tools and time.

Now, in truth, Bartleby would probably rather have a philosophical conversation with a potential mugger, but he does serve as a deterrent.

And can I just say, I love my neighborhood! At 2am, there were still cheerful people walking about...some a bit too loudly but, hey, happy drunks > muggers.

I am researching meds, and Zoloft is one of the ones I am considering, since it seems to work for depression WITH anxiety.

I will, of course, be advised my what my psych has to say, but well...I'm research girl! I'm hoping to also find an AD I can perhaps take in the evening, that will have a sedative effect, or at least NOT an upper effect.

-t, I'm so sorry for your loss. Dear God. All ~mas to you and your loved ones. {{{{{{{}}}}}}}

I am researching meds, and Zoloft is one of the ones I am considering, since it seems to work for depression WITH anxiety.

Actually, my anxiety is almost worse than my depression right now. I've been in a loop of low-to-moderate anxiety ALL day, EVERY day, for probably 6 weeks or so. And I know that on Zoloft, my anxiety is nil. That's pretty much what tipped my decision.

we had a little surprise party for Sean

Oh, good! Sean has good friends.

~ma to your FiL, Seska, and yay house!

Crying for -t. So terrible.

Hmm. That is good to hear, Steph. So far, that is the one I am most interested in discussing with my psych.

Yes, I am shocked and deeply saddened for -t. I can't fathom.

It's heartbreaking. I wish I were down there to support her right now.

So heartbreaking for -t. It's just unbelievable.