GeneSight

I’m a newbie to The Mighty. I know there are many out there who are looking for answers as to symptoms, behaviors, and resources for everyday. Been with Anxiety, depression 29 years. Lately, i had some trigger events bringing a fresh look at additional diagnosis to include BPD, ADHD, & PTSD. I like to read about health matters as well as other subjects. I have a B.S., degree so researching is in my wheel house figuratively speaking. I find reading about my diagnosis, searching NAMI, JAMA, and other internet sites brings some grounding and sense to how I’ve been feeling emotionally, behaviorally. I am NOT a doctor. But there is some good information to be discovered. I’ve experienced talk therapy with a former spouse, behavioral therapy, and some psychoanalysis. My area of the US lacks the benefits of psychiatry resulting mostly with MSW. While many benefit from MSW’s it leaves our rapidly growing community short staffed for better educated, trained professionals. Ive been fortunate to have a psychiatrist in another state. Ive also tried TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for 30 visits but had to quit after running low financially. I avoided electro shock therapy due to results affecting short term and long term memory.
Genesight offers a DNA test that cross references your individual to medications for those with mental illness. The test also notes medications that should be avoided again in reference to your DNA. Check with your doctor as the test could be without cost-free to those who lack the finances.
Stay in the fight for your health. Mental illness carries some biased opinions and possible isolation with others. But mental illness is a health condition requiring medical intervention in many cases. Realize that living with mental illness makes you a “badass”. Having to live day to day feeling miserable is tough and difficult. It’s not easy. Do not deny yourself resources out there to feel and do better. God bless.

Ok. So I have been struggling with depression for years. The first time I tried mediation was when I was in my 30’s. I started with Wellbutrin SR. It worked so well for me. I was feeling good. Energetic. I was exercising. Lost weight. Then my mother passed away. It appeared maybe the medication hit a plateau. And yes I was forgetting to take it. Doctor RXed me XL version. Didn’t work anymore. Stopped taking it. My depression was manageable. I am a school counselor so I was practing what I preach.

Breast cancer surprised me but caught just in time. And I opted for double masectomy. Had to take tamoxifen. Horrible pill. Wrecked havoc on my emotions. The only medicine I could take without countering with tamoxifen was Effexor. Worked great for awhile. Very strong. Had a bit of an euphoria for a short time. However, it dampened my libido - for lack of better words. 🤪 and then it stopped working for me. Quit that.

Only recently before Covid happened, doctor suggested Cymbalta which would help with my anxiety, depression, and my back pains. I got the medicine but never started it. I managed to get my back taken care of. And until recently, with the ongoing stress at work. With my job. Students desperate for attention. Supporting teachers and administrators. The whole shebang with the election. Covid etc etc. Wow. I am starting to be forgetful. I can’t seem to get myself organized with the work load I nearly had a breakdown at work. And I have been an absolute terror at home. My poor partner has been on the brunt end of the stick. I feel horrible everyday. Doctor asked me about Cymbalta. I literally have a bottle of it waiting. I totally forgot about it. Told her my back is better. And she felt that maybe I should try Pristiq. And see if that will help me. But I am scared to try it for fear of finding out about the side effects or that it doesn’t work and having to go thru withdrawal all over again. You know. Should I go ahead and try it?

Doctor did say for me to see if my insurance would cover Genesight. Anyone ever try that? It is suppose to analyze which medication is the best fit for you. What are your thoughts about that?

Thanks for hearing me out. 💜💜

wondering doing the genesight testing will be beneficial, I have tried many of the drugs tested but considering doing it #GeneSight

Anyone thinking about having the GeneSight testing done, please make certain your insurance carrier covers the cost because, I found out after the fact mine was not.