Contracting with mental illness

[TwoWolves]

I've worked for top-tier Investment banks and government.

The truth is, for all their waffle about being into diversity and being caring and cuddly - government is the most inconsiderate and ruthless.

Good luck though.

[northernladuk]

I've been on sildenafil for the past 5 years which has helped to a degree but the one thing that it doesn't help (and the Drs aren't willing to prescribe anything to help) is the chronic insomnia associated with my depression which in itself compounds my problems..

Are you sure it's insomnia though. I can't sleep when I'm on that stuff but that's only cause I can't roll over.

[GJABS]

I've been on sildenafil for the past 5 years which has helped to a degree but the one thing that it doesn't help (and the Drs aren't willing to prescribe anything to help) is the chronic insomnia associated with my depression which in itself compounds my problems.

I think you mean citalopram or sertraline, not sildenafil (which is Viagra).

But for the insomnia I have a good answer: an antidepressant drug called Mirtazapine. Taken at night, it offers a reliable sedative that gets you off to sleep despite significant depression. It works, and you can take it long term.
It is often taken with another drug named Venlafaxine, and the two work together almost "as a team" very well in cases of treatment-resistant depression. The combination is nicknamed "California rocket fuel".

[Paddy]

Are you sure it's insomnia though. I can't sleep when I'm on that stuff but that's only cause I can't roll over.

Sildenafil is sometimes prescribed to stop one from rolling out of bed in their sleep.

[northernladyuk]

Are you sure it's insomnia though. I can't sleep when I'm on that stuff but that's only cause I can't roll over.

That's actually to do with my nail gun.

[Janes Rees]

I think you mean citalopram or sertraline, not sildenafil (which is Viagra).

But for the insomnia I have a good answer: an antidepressant drug called Mirtazapine. Taken at night, it offers a reliable sedative that gets you off to sleep despite significant depression. It works, and you can take it long term.
It is often taken with another drug named Venlafaxine, and the two work together almost "as a team" very well in cases of treatment-resistant depression. The combination is nicknamed "California rocket fuel".

Yes, indeed - citalopram, not sildenafil. It's the first stop drug for anyone suffering from depression - mine is/was clinical and I needed it in order to function.

They also seem to dish it out like smarties to people suffering from reactive depression though - people recovering from bereavement etc. This I do not approve of.

Thanks for the recommendation though.

I wonder if it has any side effects? I've used nytol in the past and it can be effective but I can't work out if the grogginess the next day is any better than the effects of getting no sleep.

[DaveMK]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I admit I don't know anything about the contracting world myself and it seems I was naive in employers' attitudes towards contractors and the protection they should really but apparently don't have around illnesses.

I hope those unsympathetic to the issue don't suffer it in future or know anyone who does, as it's not very pleasant and doesn't garner much sympathy!

This has been very useful, nice one!

[fullyautomatix]

I think you mean citalopram or sertraline, not sildenafil (which is Viagra).

But for the insomnia I have a good answer: an antidepressant drug called Mirtazapine. Taken at night, it offers a reliable sedative that gets you off to sleep despite significant depression. It works, and you can take it long term.
It is often taken with another drug named Venlafaxine, and the two work together almost "as a team" very well in cases of treatment-resistant depression. The combination is nicknamed "California rocket fuel".

Crikey!! I cant imagine the long term effects of this kind of drug cocktail use. The more the body gets used to this, the more dependant you get and then it is just a downward spiral with no escape.

[Old Greg]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I admit I don't know anything about the contracting world myself and it seems I was naive in employers' attitudes towards contractors and the protection they should really but apparently don't have around illnesses.

I hope those unsympathetic to the issue don't suffer it in future or know anyone who does, as it's not very pleasant and doesn't garner much sympathy!

This has been very useful, nice one!

Good luck.

[psychocandy]

I had a similar issue. I loved going out drinking and clubbing to the early hours and like your girlfriend I would regularly miss alarm calls & early meetings.

When I explained the issue to them, they told me to stop drinking or they'd fire me. Ridiculous.

Hardly a medical issue though is it?