1 year and 7 months on Effexor | Depression Treatment Record

Medication dosage

Effexor dosage remains the same (37.5mg)
Increased dosage of the sleep medication Dayvigo (5mg → 7.5mg)

How to approach medication treatment

Treatment with Effexor and Dayvigo continues. I felt like I could somehow gauge my condition for the day based on how I felt when I woke up in the morning. Perhaps this is the result of my efforts to view my state as objectively as possible. Since my sleep is still a bit of a concern, I had my Dayvigo increased to 7.5mg. In counseling, I was told, 'You are progressing well in the right direction. And you are becoming ambitious.' I thought this was likely a sign that I am starting to recover.

Rediscovering connections with people

The most impressive thing during this period was that my desire to seek interaction with others has returned. Friends from when I lived in the US happened to be in Tokyo, so I had lunch with them. Apart from that, I also tried inviting people to dinner. It was a month where I sought contact with others more actively than I expected, which surprised even me.

Body building and self-care

I am continuing personal training. The muscle soreness is severe every time. But I definitely feel the effects. I have realized the importance of abdominal muscles in particular, and I am working on training while being conscious of my form. I am surprised every time that I cannot move my own body as I intend at all.

I also started acupuncture. It seems to suit me well, and my head and body feel incredibly light every time.

I feel that the more I maintain my body, the more it leads to maintaining my mental health.

I also had a health checkup this month. I think it is very important to understand one's own health status. However, the endoscopy was tough. I underwent it calmly because it was a necessary examination.

Looking ahead

Compared to a year ago, I feel like I am recovering. However, when I imagine how I was before I had depression and compare it to now, I also feel like I haven't recovered at all. My sense of time is hazy. It is a very strange feeling.

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