Struggling to cope with Depression/Anxiety

Fluoxetine is what I've been on since I was diagnosed years ago. Recently it hasn't seemed enough - I had a lot of crap happen in my life all at the same time. I am definitely considering asking the doc to increase my dosage or put me on something a bit stronger. when the fluoxetine works I can pretty much manage my mood. If I don't have it my life quickly becomes shambolic with a lot of suicidal ideation :( I've recently been assessed for adult ADHD so I'm waiting for an official diagnosis and to start treatment (I actually WANT  these as at least then I can get on with life!). The most beneficial thing for me is to keep my mind busy (kinda easy with ADHD!) as it keeps me distracted from negative thinking.

I experience depression, anxiety and mood swings sometimes with suicidal ideation. There are a few things I try when I am in a low mood 1. Is I try to think ahead and tell myself this will pass. I do this by thinking of the period when my mood lifts, even though when I am really low it feels like it wont change, reality is it does. 2. as with Jai, keeping busy and forcing myself to do things I really don't feel like doing... including going out. 3. switching my thoughts, it is usually something that is distressing me when I am in a low mood, I try to make myself think of something else and focus on this. something positive or happy that has happened. 4. try enquiring locally for any course available, I have heard a lot of positive things about mindfulness therapy from others who experience problems with their mental health. I attended a mindfulness workshop recently, which wasn't very long but gave a taster for what it was about. You could try a local MIND mental health charity, Rethink if you have these locally or contact adult social services and ask them.

None of the above is easy when you are feeling down, but all of the above is possible :)

It sound rubbish and I'm sure everyone has suggested it to you but just keep your mind busy and learn to ignore what your brain is telling you as it's not you. I've had depression for 6 years and just relapsed now but I know all I have to do is push through and I will get back to normal and so will you

How are you Claire any better?