Depression

[John316C]

you need to sit down and take as much time as needed to figure out what is causing the depression. it could be some kind of chemical poisoning you dont know about, could be dental fillings, could be family, friends, history, etc etc heavy metals in the body etc etc,...

 

once you know the cause you can fix it. but you need to know the cause. what is the cause. what causes the depression.

[pink_sugar]

I have been suffering from depression throughout my life as well. I've recently just lost my job and my pet all in the same week. Very though. I'm going back into depression mode and towards my anti-depressants. I feel as though my life is over and ruined, but we have to stay positive so the good things will come our way again.

[mrnova66]

people have come on here and talk about taking pills is going to solve ones problem with depression. Have any of you thought that just maybe the reason a person goes through depression was the result of being screw around all their lives. And of course most of you will blame the person that has been screw around. We will not blame this screw up world!!!No that can't be. There is not enough pills one can take to fix the problem. Or enough therapy. It is a waste of time.. Been there done that. I was even abuse while trying to get help. Also everybody situation is different. This is why most the time people will live with depression all their lives. I just feel bad for people that think taking pills all day is the answer. Or seeing some paid person only to find out the next day he talks to your employer. WOW!!!Some help. Never again!!!!!!

[GoreSP]

people have come on here and talk about taking pills is going to solve ones problem with depression. Have any of you thought that just maybe the reason a person goes through depression was the result of being screw around all their lives. And of course most of you will blame the person that has been screw around. We will not blame this screw up world!!!No that can't be. There is not enough pills one can take to fix the problem. Or enough therapy. It is a waste of time.. Been there done that. I was even abuse while trying to get help. Also everybody situation is different. This is why most the time people will live with depression all their lives. I just feel bad for people that think taking pills all day is the answer. Or seeing some paid person only to find out the next day he talks to your employer. WOW!!!Some help. Never again!!!!!!

 

I get what you're saying. But one of the worse parts of depression is being in this kind of state of mind and thinking/feeling like it can never change no matter what you try.

 

Thing is, as long as you sit there saying this, things are not going to change.

 

You're just sitting there waiting for things will magically change by themselves but they never do and they never will. Until you decide you've had enough of living in this crap and decide to give another try to something that you thought didn't work a first and keep trying until it works.

 

You know what they say : if at first you don't succeed blah blah blah.

[John316C]

depression is expression - repressed.

[Allumere]

I know some folks don't like to hear this suggestion but another tool that can be helpful is faith. If you believe in a higher-power, God, etc. then use that too. Prayer, community, positive messages, helping others etc. are all positive actions you can take which can help as it is something else that gives you control verses the "black dog". No, I don't think someone suffering from depression (not situation depression) can simply pray it away, but I think it can help. I'm a religious sort and I find my faith has helped me better cope in all scenarios.

[LurkerXX]

I have also struggled with depression all my life. I look though some of my memories from at least as early as second grade, and see it there. At that age, I was a high performing kid, and probably was just seen as sensitive. Although I was bullied in middle school, I was not in grade school, but remember having keen periods of feeling completely isolated and alone, for absolutely no reason at all. Loving family, friends, felt comfortable being a 'nerd' at that time, just these dark times that I could not articulate. I always spent more time outside during those times, which was a consolation.

 

I cannot say what it would be like to not have any relief that outweighs the side effects of medication, because I was responsive to a combo of 2 that I approved of trying(low chance of tardive diskinesis with them)-citalopram and buspar. Buspar has a measurable effect separate from placebo in only a small proportion of the population, so I got lucky on that one. I can encourage you to try another family of medications, but I realize that this is coming from someone who has had minimal problems with side effects, and was able to switch to something more effective early on. Also, I know of a few people who have tried a variety of medication types, with minimal success, and realize you may be of this crowd.

 

Tests on a ketamine related medication are looking extremely positive right now, but it is still very early. The advantages of this, is that they show quick results that last for months, after only one dose.

 

There is modern electro-shock, which honestly terrifies me, despite it being quite different than what it used to be.

 

Being outside,as part of my job, really helped me a lot. I am changing to a lab based career and taking some certs, as my dad has terminal brain cancer and I wish to be there with him. Even if I could be there while doing field ecology(unlikely due to the unpredictability of field work), the market that I am competing with is flooded with graduate students (and some post docs-scary) in even seasonal positions. I was lucky to get a job this summer, because of having job experience with SCUBA. Terminal brain cancer is a process of 1000s of little goodbyes.

 

So a lot of changes. I am handling it better than expect, but am definitely feeling the winter weather blues. I want to be a benefit, not a burden, so I took some time alone to grieve, while I was working in the summer, time alone in the woods and water. I set things up ahead of time, knowing that less sunlight would be hard on me. I signed up and paid ahead on Y membership to have access to a pool for swimming. I haven't had much extra time between work, and helping dad and mom, and courses, but the time that I do have I just swim hard during. I have no idea if the career change is going to work out, but I did the best I could to select something that allows for employability in this area and a match of my skills.

 

I highly encourage you to find a support group dealing with mental health or stress management. You will get a lot of insight from people with challenges that range from minor to unbelievably severe. It will also allow you to get out your thinking and feeling, in an audience that understands that it is not so simple to just walk away from this.

[jba10582]

Sometimes it seems that depression, anxiety, worries, fears ect can start draining the energy from your body. You can regain some of this energy by eating better, but, the focus of your thoughts can change that energy , as, the body will change it to the form of the interpretations of these thoughts, filling your body with these emotions that you allow, and, the positive or negative energy that feeds it though a direct link of mind to the body. As your focus begins to shift on more positive things and you begin to experience more positive things, your body will follow suite and you can break the cycle of continuous self-abuse to produce more of the good feelings that are already within you buried beneath all the lies you may have told yourself that no longer serve you.

[spiderowl]

Thank you all for your posts and also to Lurker, who is obviously dealing with a lot of stress and sadness. I hope you find a way to cope Lurker. I know things could be worse for me and how hard it is for others.

 

Ketamine seems interesting but a long way off. I know electro-shock therapy does work for some.

 

I'm here on New Year's Eve, not wanting to talk to anyone. I am hoping family don't ring as I really don't want to have to pretend to be happy and hopeful. Depression is an affliction. It steals your life.

[Delilah1623]

Do you have, or have you considered getting a pet? Maybe consider adopting an older or special needs pet that might otherwise be put down or stuck.in a shelter for life. When I was suffering from depression the only thing that kept me going some days was my dogs, two formerly abused little mutts. It might seem dumb but it gave me a reason to get up in the morning and made me feel needed at a time when I felt like my existence was pointless in many ways. I honestly believe if they hadn't been around I might not be here today.

[FitChick]

I didn't read the whole thread so forgive me if it's been mentioned. Since you live in England, perhaps you are susceptible to Seasonal Affect Disorder with the cloudy days. When it's sunny walk outside. When I'm depressed I have to force myself to do that and I always feel so much better. Otherwise buy some of those full spectrum lights or whatever they are called to switch on when it's cloudy.

 

A friend likes to go swimming at the community pool. They use water therapy in mental hospitals so water is soothing. Plus you'd get exercise.

 

Just thought of something else: Laughter is the best medicine. Go to youtube and watch classic comedy shows. This is one of my favorites. I defy you to be depressed after watching a few episodes! BBC4 has radio comedy. Get some funny DVDs. A famous doctor, can't remember who he was, cured his terminal illness by locking himself in a room for days watching Marx Brothers movies.

Edited January 1, 2014 by FitChick

[spiderowl]

Do you have, or have you considered getting a pet? Maybe consider adopting an older or special needs pet that might otherwise be put down or stuck.in a shelter for life. When I was suffering from depression the only thing that kept me going some days was my dogs, two formerly abused little mutts. It might seem dumb but it gave me a reason to get up in the morning and made me feel needed at a time when I felt like my existence was pointless in many ways. I honestly believe if they hadn't been around I might not be here today.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. The last thing I want is a pet as I don't want the responsibility of looking after anything else. I hate the cold too!

[spiderowl]

Thanks FitChick. I think it is partially seasonal affective disorder. The lights cost money though and the depression rarely lifts, except for hours sometimes when I feel life could be different. After 40 years of this, I feel I've had enough. People don't understand, not really. It takes enormous energy to go out and talk to people when you are feeling like this. I'm sad that I'm alone and can't see that changing.

[FitChick]

I just finished watching this episode from Season 1 of Are You Being Served? You can't be depressed watching this show!

[spiderowl]

Thanks for helpful posts. I know I'm not alone in this. I would love to start a thread to encourage people to send in new ideas and tips for treating depression. We need some new inspiration on this awful problem.

[mrnova66]

I think most depression is from people screwing over other people. When it is one or two times in a persons life, then it is not so bad. But when a person gets to be stump over and screw over all their lives then it gets old real fast. I am sure there will be posters on here that will say it is the victims fault. And as long as we have this type of thinking then depression will always be there. By all means lets not blame society. I mean society is so great with all the users and abusers of the world. About 90% of the population. But I do agree with one poster. the poster stated to get a dog. I agree. People in general are all for theirselves and what they can get their hands on. and I am not just talking about money. Even though that is most of the problem. I know I have been very good to people just to be used up. I am so sick of it. I have become a loner and proud of it.

[TintedChrome]

Look for some peer support groups in your area. You'll likely meet a lot of people with a lot of experience in what you're going through and how to deal with it successfully.

[Targetlock]

I have also suffered from depression for a while (never diagnosed but fairly certain it was) and it is pretty horrible and that was only for a short while, you have my sympathies.

What got me through it was the support of friends, positive thinking and a lot of distraction and positive thinking, i wish you good luck and all the best.

[FitChick]

Don't get a dog. Get a cat. Lower maintenance -- litter box, scratching post, food bowl and water bowl. It can be indoor only, too. Adopt an older cat who will be grateful you saved its life and curl up on your lap purring.

 

Otherwise, many people find having an aquarium very soothing. My dentist has one in his waiting room and people tell him it calms them down if they are nervous.

[Fivekaday]

Hi Spiderowl. I have no idea if this will help but I am currently running 5k a day for the next 499 days. On the 500th day I hope to run the great wall of China marathon. I am currently blogging about it. In my blog I talk about my own personal battle against depression and how this challenge is helping me.

 

ivorjmcnamara | The greatest WordPress.com site in all the land!

[spiderowl]

Hi Spiderowl. I have no idea if this will help but I am currently running 5k a day for the next 499 days. On the 500th day I hope to run the great wall of China marathon. I am currently blogging about it. In my blog I talk about my own personal battle against depression and how this challenge is helping me.

 

ivorjmcnamara | The greatest WordPress.com site in all the land!

 

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far.

 

Thanks for the link to your blog Fivekaday. I'll have a look when not so sleepy.

 

I have been reading up on the links between inflammation and depression. It seems this line of research is being taken more seriously at the moment which is great. It's time we had some new approaches to this problem.

[mrnova66]

I read all the post in this thread. I have to disagree on most of them on cures on depression. You can take all the pills you want. Do all the research you want. And go see all the doctors in the world, But until people start treating people with respect. The people will continue have depression. Let alone coming from messed up homes. Then you have one dead end romantic relationship to another dead end relationship. Then people wonder why a person goes living with depression. And of course society blames the victim.

[haven]

i know how you must feel there must be something that u r not dealing with something that is bothering u knowingly or unknowingly you have alot of things to be grateful for in life look towards that. I have been depress for so long that i have been on depression tablets i use to feel so worthless especially after my divorce i have three kids and i use to be on a bed i could not work i just on these medication. then when i finally got my life back together started back working but the doctors never took me of the depression tablets i still had to take it when i thought i finally made it i got into an accident where my head smash the windscreen and now i am worst of cuz that head lash made my depression worst and now i cant work cuz i am in alot of pain also so be grateful for what u have and always think of how lucky u r take care of urself

[spiderowl]

Sorry to hear what happened to you MrNova and Haven. Life can be hard and then it's hard to pull onesself up after something's happened. When there are a few things in a row, really difficult, serious issues, it's even harder. Some people are more sensitive than others too.