Heather Mellor, 57, experienced an episode of depression 23 years ago following the death of her father.
Heather recovered from this.
It was only three years ago that she experienced her next bout of depression, following complications from a hysterectomy.
This episode of depression was spurred by other problems in her life.
Heather has had a variety of treatments for her illness, many of which have caused side-effects such as sleep disturbance and reduced libido.
She is now on a new treatment which has restored her interest in sex and helped her sleep.
This is Heather's story.
Q1. How long have you been suffering from depression?I have been suffering from depression for the past three years.
I had my first experience of depression 23 years ago following the death of my father.
It was only three years ago that I suffered my second bout of depression.Q2. What symptoms have you experienced?I have experienced a loss of interest in all the things that I like to do, such as looking after my family and garden.
I have also experienced poor sleep, anxiety and mood changes.Q3. How has your life changed since having depression?My life has changed dramatically since having depression.
I no longer wanted to do anything.
I was tired all the time and had no energy.Q4. How have your relationships changed since having depressionDepression has affected my relationships with family and friends as well as my husband.
My friends have tended to avoid me due to a lack of understanding of what I am going through.
It has been hard on my relationship with my husband, as many of the things that we used to do I am no longer interested in.
It has also affected our sexual relationship.Q5. How is your depression being treated?My depression is being treated with a combination of antidepressants and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).Q6. What has been your experience of antidepressant medication?I have used a number of antidepressants.
Some have caused me lots of side-effects such as nightmares.
I didn't feel comfortable using them.Q7. How has this new antidepressant medication changed your situation?Since taking Avanza, my sleep has returned to normal and I no longer have nightmares.
My energy levels have also improved and my libido has returned.Q8. Since you have been using this new medication, has there been any change in your quality of life?I have now started wanting to do things again, like spending time in the garden and with my family.Q9. Since you have been using this new medication, has there been any change in you relationships?This new medication has allowed me to start rebuilding my relationship with my partner in all ways.Related Links