I didn’t go looking for depression, but I certainly wasn’t going to let it define my life without trying to fight.
Ten years ago, I was suicidal, at the bottom of a black hole, wanting to end the pain. But I knew I couldn’t leave my kids. I was willing to do anything to survive. In fact, over one 10-week period, I tried eight different medications. The ups and downs were excruciating.
Then my nurse practitioner told me about the GeneSight test. After taking the test, the nurse practitioner prescribed a new medication that helped me. I am still taking the same medication my nurse practitioner prescribed all those years ago, but she has prescribed a lower dose. I have no reason to stop.
Don’t get me wrong – there are days that I still struggle. But I make a conscious choice to make every day as good as I can, while acknowledging that they’re not all perfect.
Gratitude & Focused Energy
Today, I am so full of gratitude. Grateful for the entire GeneSight team that helped create my pathway to stability, for the peace that resides within my brain and for the joy I can feel every day.
I cannot imagine that I came so close to missing out on the wonderful experiences I’ve had since those dark days, or that my family would have had to endure life without me. I am lucky to instead cherish every moment with my friends, children and my grandson; I’m excited for the impending arrival of my second grandchild.
The pandemic has been challenging but did not change my positive outlook on life. Since taking the GeneSight test, I am able to look outwards. I can use my position of privilege to help others. During the current situation I have worked to feed frontline workers, support those who lost jobs and provide internet for families in need. Being able to see beyond the immediacy of slogging through life with depression has opened up opportunities to offer others a helping hand.
I am a vocal advocate for the GeneSight test. I want to help people like me and to get clinicians to recognize how significant and helpful this test can be. I use every platform I can. In fact, if you follow GeneSight on Instagram, you may have read some of my comments.
I am happy, healthy, and contributing to society and to the people around me.
This story is one patient’s personal experience. Other patients may not have the same experience or outcome. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider.
The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. As with all genetic tests, the GeneSight test results have limitations and do not constitute medical advice. The test results are designed to be just one part of a larger, complete patient assessment, which would include proper diagnosis and consideration of your medical history, other medications you may be taking, your family history, and other factors.
If you are a healthcare provider and interested in learning more about the GeneSight test, please contact us at 855.891.9415. If you are a patient, please talk with your doctor to see if the GeneSight test may be helpful.
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