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JSchaaf Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 22 2005
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Posted: Feb 07 2006 at 7:37am | IP Logged
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After 5 months of being sad, anxious and irritable I realized I've slipped into a depression that I can't get out of on my own. I thought things would improve once Nick joined us here in Texas but things aren't better. I can't seem to put the whole Katrina ordeal behind me. I am off to see a psychiatrist this morning, and possible will be put on a anti-depressant. Nick doesn't think this is necessary, that with a little willpower and self control I should be able to function better-but I can't. Please pray for me-I haven't really talked with anyone at length about the storm (except you guys) and I'm not quite sure how I feel about "telling all" to a psychiatrist. But I don't know what else to do.
Jennifer
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jdostalik Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 15 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: Feb 07 2006 at 7:48am | IP Logged
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Dear Jennifer,
I am so glad that you are going to see a doctor who will hopefully be able to help you on the road to recovery. Also, my prayer is that the Divine Physician, with the help of this doctor, will give you healing and peace.
I will also pray for your husband and little ones...
__________________ God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
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Courtney Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: Feb 07 2006 at 7:52am | IP Logged
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Jennifer, our prayers are with you. I haven't experienced anything like what you have, however, I did go through a very big depression during college and felt like I "should" be able to pull myself out of it. I could not and did finally seek help. I thank God daily that he put people in my life that could help me through that. Think about how many huge changes you've gone through. It takes more than willpower to get beyond that sometimes. Just being able to spill all to a "live" person may really help. You have been through so much with Katrina, the move, being away from Nick and school changes for your dc. I don't know much about Post Traumatic Stress but, I believe it's real and you've certainly had a lot! I'll continue to pray for you and your family.
__________________ Courtney in Texas
Wife to Mike since 3/94
Mom to Candace 10/97,Christopher 4/00 and Connor 11/11
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guitarnan Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Feb 07 2006 at 8:11am | IP Logged
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Praying for you, Jennifer. You're doing the right thing. Hopefully, your doctor will have something for you to bring home so that your husband will see your situation in a slightly different light.
My mom has battled depression for years. It's not something you can "beat" on your own, because it has to do with chemicals and your brain. You can't control that with willpower.
Courtney is right, PTSD is real. I recently heard a radio report on NPR about post-Katrina health issues, and the reporter discussed how much the need for counseling and medical help has skyrocketed in areas affected by the hurricanes. (And, sadly, most hospitals in NO are still closed.)
I know you're taking a good step. Many prayers are headed your way!
__________________ Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Jen L. Forum All-Star
Joined: Oct 18 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Feb 07 2006 at 9:23am | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
What do you think of this? Going to the Dr. is not a sign of weakness, but of strength! You know something is wrong and are willing to fight to make it right. Medication is not necessarily forvever, but can help you while you go through counseling/therapy. I, too, would dread talking about it all to a stranger but you can do it. We are storming heaven for you!
__________________ Jen
dh Klete,ds (8/95),dd (12/97), dd (11/00), and ^2^ in heaven
"...the best state in which to glorify God is our actual state; the best grace is that of the moment..." St. Peter Eymard
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JennGM Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Feb 07 2006 at 12:06pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
I've been in your shoes. The hardest part was making that first appointment and commiting to take the meds, but in retrospect, it was the best thing. God's grace is leading you there. We have the gift of science to help us in situations like this.
PM if you would like to discuss meds...I tried a few, and one I really liked that didn't interfere with life.
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Angela F Forum All-Star
Joined: March 08 2005 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Feb 07 2006 at 6:59pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
We'll pray for strength and healing as well as peace for you and your family.
God bless,
Angela
__________________ Mom to 7 blessings - welcome to Hanna Clare 1/19/10
"‘Great’ holiness consists in carrying out the ‘little’ duties of each moment."
St. Josemaria Escriva
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Cay Gibson Forum All-Star
Joined: July 16 2005 Location: Louisiana
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Posted: Feb 08 2006 at 8:37am | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
Definitely seek help. There is no shame.
A diabetic needs his medicine. A heart patient needs his medication. A cancer patient needs medical intervention.
You do too. Help is out there. Seek it. God provides.
Prayers and hugs coming your way.
__________________ Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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Angie Mc Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Feb 08 2006 at 6:46pm | IP Logged
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Courtney wrote:
I don't know much about Post Traumatic Stress but, I believe it's real and you've certainly had a lot! I'll continue to pray for you and your family. |
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guitarnan wrote:
Courtney is right, PTSD is real. I recently heard a radio report on NPR about post-Katrina health issues, and the reporter discussed how much the need for counseling and medical help has skyrocketed in areas affected by the hurricanes. (And, sadly, most hospitals in NO are still closed.)
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Hi Jennifer,
My dh, the clinical psychologist, agrees that it is quite normal for PTS to hit anywhere from 6 months to a year after trauma. The body can only run for so long on emergency mode before it grows tired and in need of help. (Personally, I think mothers would be especially inclined to exhaustion. We work SO hard to hold it together for EVERYONE.) I'm proud of you and relieved to hear that you are praying for relief. God will absolutely direct your path.
Psychiatrists specialize in medication and often cooperate with other mental health professionals (I'm partial to clinical psychologists ) who specialize in therapy. In a situation like yours, meds are often prescribed to bring short-term relief giving enough time to allow healing to happen through therapy. The two can work beautifully together. Sometimes, just starting the process of therapy can be enough to jumpstart healing. It is reassuring to know that there are many options to help.
I'm so happy that you are caring for yourself in a prayerful, thoughtful, and trusting way. Feel free to PM me if I can offer further help from a mental health perspective.
Prayers and to you and your family.
Love,
__________________ Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
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Donna Marie Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Feb 08 2006 at 10:47pm | IP Logged
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Praying Jennifer! We will keep you in our prayers!!
God Love you and Mary Keep you!
Donna Marie from NJ
hs momma to 7 dc
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ALmom Forum All-Star
Joined: May 18 2005
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Posted: Feb 09 2006 at 3:10am | IP Logged
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Prayers here too.
Janet
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Leonie Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 28 2005
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Posted: Feb 10 2006 at 10:50pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer, take all the help you need - and rest in all our prayers.
__________________ Leonie in Sydney
Living Without School
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Rebecca Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 30 2005 Location: N/A
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Posted: Feb 11 2006 at 9:00pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer, praying for strength and peace for you...
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lilac hill Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 15 2005
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Posted: Feb 12 2006 at 6:25am | IP Logged
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Praying for your peace of mind today.
Viv
__________________ Viv
Wife to Rick (7/83), Mom to dd#1(6/87), dd#2(1/90), and dd#3(6/94) in central PA.
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Victoria in AZ Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 16 2005 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Feb 12 2006 at 3:37pm | IP Logged
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Praying for you, Jennifer. You are courageous to take the steps you are taking.
St. Rita, please intercede for Jennifer's healing.
__________________ Your sister in Christ,
Victoria in AZ
dh Mike 24 yrs; ds Kyle 18; dd Katie 12; and one funny pug
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Laura Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 16 2005 Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline Posts: 182
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Posted: Feb 13 2006 at 7:56am | IP Logged
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Jenn,
Praying for you. You have been through alot. I think the situation with your mom as well as Katrina took a toll on you. Take some time to recharge. Seek all the help you need. Know that we are praying for you and don't underestimate time spent in the confessional and talking with a good priest!
__________________ JMJ,
Laura
wife to Ken and mom to 8 blessings with #9 due July 26,2009
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Sarah Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 17 2005 Location: N/A
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Posted: Feb 13 2006 at 12:16pm | IP Logged
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Praying.
__________________ Six boys ages 16, 14, 11, 7, 5, 2 and one girl age 9
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Laura Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 16 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Feb 26 2006 at 8:11pm | IP Logged
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Jenn,
How are you doing? How are your girls and your husband? I have been thinking about you. I have a friend from Mississippi who has been e-mailing me her journal since Katrina hit. She has truly learned alot from this whole tragedy and has been able to provide comfort to others around her going through the same thing. I think that she could lend you some support if you are interested. She has given me permission to give you her info so send me a PM if you are interested.
JMJ,
Laura
__________________ JMJ,
Laura
wife to Ken and mom to 8 blessings with #9 due July 26,2009
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Angie Mc Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 9:03am | IP Logged
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Here's an update from Jennifer. Prayers continue!
Love,
__________________ Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
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