Why am I having suicidal thoughts and nervous breakdown?

Question

Hi doctor,

I was injured at work before four years and till date I have not received any treatment. In the course of trying to get medical help, I have been suffering with severe pain and have been on strong pain medication for over three years. I also had two surgeries earlier for disc herniation. Before two years, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and severe anxiety due to pain. I am fighting for my treatment. There is no support and I lost my career in 29 years of age. I lost my home and I am living alone. I have begun to have what I would describe as a nervous breakdown, with thoughts of suicide, overwhelming feelings of terror and hallucinations. I am on Klonopin, Buspirone, Risperidone, Hydromorphone and Oxycodone ER. I also have been diagnosed with narcolepsy. I am taking Dexedrine for narcolepsy and I am unable to drive. These horrifying feelings of abandonment, a conspiracy involving my workers claim, loneliness, depression and anxiety is so bad and paralyzing. I need to know what is wrong with me as my psychiatrist does not seem to put much urgency in my treatment. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern Please try to accept that depression is an illness like any other medical illness. In depression a lot of individuals develop paranoid ideation and even delusions. Sometimes, these paranoid ideas, develop against close family members or friends, which results in development of expressing emotions in them. They might distance themselves, which is happening in your case. This thing further deteriorates the depression. Chronic back issue and pain are also aggravating factors for depression and anxiety. You are on Clonazepam, Buspirone, Risperidone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, etc. Out of these medicines Hydromorphone and Oxycodone are painkillers. Clonazepam and Buspirone are both helpful in anxiety symptoms. Risperidone helps in reducing the suspiciousness. In my opinion, there is need to add some antidepressant in your therapy. Antidepressant drugs like Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram, etc., can help to control anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. These medicines will help in controlling pain symptoms also. Please do not remain depressed and take proper advice from your doctor. This will help to improve your functioning. Take care.