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Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 86
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 86 |
I'm curious to know if any of musicians out there that play professionally or as a hobby have struggled with depression and the side effects of antidepressants. It's something I've dealt with throughout my life, where the SSRI antidepressants (those with the least side effects) help one emerge from a major depression, but also impact one's ability to enjoy and feel pleasure/happiness - including the pleasure of playing music. The side effects for many (not all) people have been described as "flatness" or "blunted".
If you've dealt with this personally and are willing to share either in this thread or in a PM, please do. TIA
BB/RB 2025
Windows 10
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
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Joined: Jun 2020
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Hi Joe, thankfully, I don't struggle with depression but I believe that music and music therapy can benefit those facing a variety of challenges. I also believe that while pharmacueticals can be beneficial in certain situations, many can cause unwanted side-effects as you point out. Here is a resource I discovered today that hopefully will be useful. I like what this gal has to say, how she thinks and how she plays her instrument. Plus I learned a few things from her. I just wish they would have boosted her vocal mic, I found that headphones were needed to hear all she was saying. Listen for Life
All the best man, keep the faith. There are solutions out there.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
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Joined: Jan 2015
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,642 |
I became depressed as a consequence of some nasty behaviour by the people with whom I last worked.
I was put first on counselling, on also a low dose of an SSRI. Neither seemed to help much, if at all.
I hadn't noticed a seasonal aspect to my depression, but it turns out there was one.
There were several side-effects for me of the SSRI, which began to be a problem, so I tried to come off of them by very gradually reducing the dose.
Despite a low dose to start with, coming off of them resulted in some fairly big depressive crashes and the doctor advised me to return to the original dose and to not try again "until the days are getting longer". Rather shockingly I'd only reduced the dose to half the original prescription, which after the reduction was described as "below the level where it will have any effect on your depression".
I was eventually persuaded to change to another class of anti-depressant (Mirtazipine), which I'm still on and now very wary of trying to come off of it.
I am still not back to anything like normal and now suspect I will never be. I used to be unstoppable, now I struggle to get started.
Flatness, blunted, don't care? Definitely still, but I don't know how much that was the drugs and how much was the depression.
I'm not sure any of that helps other than "you're not alone", and you already know that.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 12
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Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 12 |
I've also struggled with depression and found Christian music really uplifting during difficult times. Artists like Hillsong UNITED, Planetshakers, and Crowder have songs that feel encouraging and help shift my perspective to be more hopeful. You might want to explore some worship or contemporary Christian albums and see if any of the messages resonate with you.
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 236
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 236 |
Music can be such a powerful outlet, but when you’re dealing with depression and the side effects of antidepressants, it can feel like you’re stuck in a fog. One thing that might help is finding ways to reconnect with your passion for music, whether that’s through practicing more, exploring different genres, or even collaborating with other musicians. Sometimes, engaging in a creative environment can help reignite that joy and excitement you’re missing. I started smoking as a way to cope with my own depression, thinking it would help me feel better. Eventually, I realized it was only making things worse. I switched to vaping to quit regular cigarettes, and it really helped me step back from the habit while still giving me something to focus on. It’s been a journey, but finding healthier coping mechanisms has made a big difference. I think if you can find something to substitute the way you’re feeling now—like a new approach to music or even trying something different to cope with the emotional ups and downs—it could help. Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you, and you might even discover new passions along the way. Keep pushing through, and if you’re looking for something to help with cravings, check out Crave Vape
Last edited by KGU 2; 08/05/24 04:50 AM.
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