I'm afraid that starting new threads may mean that you are lost completely
........ I have had depression for years. Initially it was related to periods, I would cry bitterly the night B4 a bleed began even if a period wasn't due as well as feeling 'low' at that time of the month.
In the late 1980s depression hit badly. Mine is cyclical so eventually I was advised to take a low-dose anti-depressant for Life. I fought against the idea but it does work; as does taking a beta-blocka to ease anxiety and an emergency drug as necessary when anxiety floors me. My depression is clinical and organic.
Rescue Remedy can ease anxiety surges as can some ADs, as well as HRT.
What did your friend consider 'very quickly' with regards the HRT? 7 days isn't long in the great scheme of things but if you are anything like me, you want a cure yesterday
. Some ladies find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary useful: for me 1 is low on the anxiety scale and 5 I need the emergency med., depression is controlled by adjusting my meds as required; if my brain feels depressed as I wake more than I am comfortable with then I up the dosage for 5-10 days. That usually keeps it under control.
The brain needs sustenance. Depression is known for knocking the appetite out. I graze when possible ........ dried fruits and nuts, bananas, chocolate - anything that keeps me 'going'
