depression
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kshama2001 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »Sorry to be blunt again, But I belive you should be happy! I don't care what others here want to tell you at OP. I don't believe in sugar coating my words either, But alot of us in life will go through things just know there is sunshine on the other side and you will make it regardless of what anyone's says or does.
When I'm depressed, I force myself to exercise. I know that no matter how little motivation I have to start exercising, I will feel better after doing it.
Sometimes if I need an extra shove I take a shower. For some reason, that helps change my state. After the shower, I'm on auto pilot, get dressed, go exercise. I give myself permission to stop after 10 minutes if I need to (I never do.)
You take a shower to get ready to exercise?
Yes, if I'm depressed and not motivated to exercise I shower both before (to change my state) and afterwards (to clean up.)
That's a fair motivator, I'd just worry about getting dry skin.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage wrote: »Panda_brat wrote: »When I get bad, it is more of anxiety and panic that hit's me. I think I need a combo of things to help. I am slowly getting things done on step at a time. Is any one else on Zoloft? and how was their reaction to it?
Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand.
Have you had any counselling for your anxiety? There are many coping skills that you may find helpful to employ while you're in the midst of a panic attack. My anxiety attacks got extreme after a serious car accident last year and I was diagnosed with PTSD. I was taught a number of skills such as the spiral technique, butterfly hug and a few others that help take the edge off when I'm having a rough time. I find them very helpful and I haven't had to take an Ativan in months which I count as a huge win. These skills don't completely solve the issue, but they help.
And yes, it is a combo of things that will help. The trick is being patient enough to find that right combo for you.
Yes, while Xanax could help me with anxiety, I prefer using the Cognitive Behavioral techniques I've learned over the years. And exercise. If I'm having an anxiety attack in a car, I'd obviously use CBT, but if I'm having anxiety at home, I can go exercise. When there was a noisy alcoholic living downstairs, I used to wake up with a panic attack, and would take Xanax. She's been gone for almost three years and so have my severe symptoms. Most of my anxiety does have a cause, like the noisy alcoholic, or a killer commute, or a horrible boss, and if I can get these out of my life I don't have the anxiety.
Agreed. And I should mention that I do still take my Citalopram daily for my depression. It's just the Ativan I've been able to avoid for anxiety attacks, in favour of CBT. Any time I've felt well enough to go off my depression meds, it only take a few months to feel like crap again, so I plan to just stay on it.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »Sorry to be blunt again, But I belive you should be happy! I don't care what others here want to tell you at OP. I don't believe in sugar coating my words either, But alot of us in life will go through things just know there is sunshine on the other side and you will make it regardless of what anyone's says or does.
When I'm depressed, I force myself to exercise. I know that no matter how little motivation I have to start exercising, I will feel better after doing it.
Sometimes if I need an extra shove I take a shower. For some reason, that helps change my state. After the shower, I'm on auto pilot, get dressed, go exercise. I give myself permission to stop after 10 minutes if I need to (I never do.)
You take a shower to get ready to exercise?
Yes, if I'm depressed and not motivated to exercise I shower both before (to change my state) and afterwards (to clean up.)
That's a fair motivator, I'd just worry about getting dry skin.
I shower even more frequently during tick and gardening season
I don't to a complete body scrub every time I shower, and when I do use mild soap.0 -
I have been on medication for depression on and off since my children were born. The only way I can describe it to someone who doesn't know what clinical depression is, for me it was like looking at the world through a filthy, dirty window. Everything was distorted and colored by the grime. For me, the right medication cleaned the window to where I could see things as they really were. Anti-depressants are not "happy pills" like some people think, but they did provide the ability to see things clearly. I believe in natural aids, exercise, self-care, too, but I also thank God for the medications for when that is the best course. My doctor was great and explained that clinical depression is like other chemical imbalances like diabetes, thyroid, etc. No one would tell a diabetic to just think happy thoughts about their blood sugar levels. Chemical imbalances sometimes need intervention to correct. Depression is not weakness...it takes strength to advocate for your own life and health. God Bless.1
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Zoloft i did well on. I didn't have any side effects, no weight gain or loss.1
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I have never gone to a doctor for it but I have struggled with depression and anxiety since I was a little kid. When I was a kid it was hard for me to be motivated and happy and engaged in anything outside of my own little world. I lived in like the imaginary reality I created for myself. My anxiety was so bad I couldn't do anything. I feel like part of my problem was I understood too much for my age. I wasn't a typical kid who just was concerned with kid stuff. I saw everyone's pains and problems and stressed out about it. I worried about everything. I also had a hard time making friends. But it wasn't till I was older I realized how bad my depression and anxiety was. I started pushing myself more. It is still there but I know it is there and I recognize it and deal with it. There are lots of natural, healthy ways of dealing with depression as well. For me, routines help my depression. If I get into good daily routines and stick with them it helps me combat that apathetic feeling where nothing seems to matter. I just keep doing the routine anyways and push through periods of depression. Keeping my stress low also helps me maintain a better level of positiveness. I like to unwind every day with a show and a cup of sleepy time tea before bed. This helps me relax. Relaxing and dealing with stress are good ways to help keep yourself healthy mentally. Also writing a journal can help. I like to write about positive things, helps keep my mind from just going over negative things over and over again like it likes to do.0
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SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage wrote: »Sorry to be blunt again, But I belive you should be happy! I don't care what others here want to tell you at OP. I don't believe in sugar coating my words either, But alot of us in life will go through things just know there is sunshine on the other side and you will make it regardless of what anyone's says or does.
@Jacob1020 I couldn't understand why my Mom couldn't just be "happy," then she committed suicide during a severe bout of depression. I think you mean well, you just don't know what the hell you're talking about. There is a genetic tendency toward depression and guess which one of the five kids in my family drew the short straw? It's ongoing for me, but I have been relatively free of serious episodes for several years now. I believe exercise and spending quality time outdoors helps me.
I am so sorry for your loss
Thanks. It was a long time ago, but Jacob1020 opened a raw wound with his ignorance.0 -
I know D-bags (or just ignorant fools) can hit a nerve, But I found skimming over idiotic post easier then dealing with people like him in person. I try (often not successfully) just to ignore B.S. that comes out of some peoples mouth.SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage wrote: »Sorry to be blunt again, But I belive you should be happy! I don't care what others here want to tell you at OP. I don't believe in sugar coating my words either, But alot of us in life will go through things just know there is sunshine on the other side and you will make it regardless of what anyone's says or does.
@Jacob1020 I couldn't understand why my Mom couldn't just be "happy," then she committed suicide during a severe bout of depression. I think you mean well, you just don't know what the hell you're talking about. There is a genetic tendency toward depression and guess which one of the five kids in my family drew the short straw? It's ongoing for me, but I have been relatively free of serious episodes for several years now. I believe exercise and spending quality time outdoors helps me.
I am so sorry for your loss
Thanks. It was a long time ago, but Jacob1020 opened a raw wound with his ignorance.
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SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage wrote: »Panda_brat wrote: »When I get bad, it is more of anxiety and panic that hit's me. I think I need a combo of things to help. I am slowly getting things done on step at a time. Is any one else on Zoloft? and how was their reaction to it?
Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand.
Have you had any counselling for your anxiety? There are many coping skills that you may find helpful to employ while you're in the midst of a panic attack. My anxiety attacks got extreme after a serious car accident last year and I was diagnosed with PTSD. I was taught a number of skills such as the spiral technique, butterfly hug and a few others that help take the edge off when I'm having a rough time. I find them very helpful and I haven't had to take an Ativan in months which I count as a huge win. These skills don't completely solve the issue, but they help.
And yes, it is a combo of things that will help. The trick is being patient enough to find that right combo for you.
I am just starting out. I think it is going to take time to tweak my regiment. I get really bad when I see what i think is a huge pile of things to do, and go into an anxiety/panic attack. Then I start making silly mistakes and feel I am a failure. I will see if the meds help calm down enough that I do not fear spending the time in group therapy and the time away from other items won't effect me. I am just afraid to dive in to the deep end of the pool, and am taking things one step at a time0 -
Panda_brat wrote: »SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage wrote: »Panda_brat wrote: »When I get bad, it is more of anxiety and panic that hit's me. I think I need a combo of things to help. I am slowly getting things done on step at a time. Is any one else on Zoloft? and how was their reaction to it?
Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand.
Have you had any counselling for your anxiety? There are many coping skills that you may find helpful to employ while you're in the midst of a panic attack. My anxiety attacks got extreme after a serious car accident last year and I was diagnosed with PTSD. I was taught a number of skills such as the spiral technique, butterfly hug and a few others that help take the edge off when I'm having a rough time. I find them very helpful and I haven't had to take an Ativan in months which I count as a huge win. These skills don't completely solve the issue, but they help.
And yes, it is a combo of things that will help. The trick is being patient enough to find that right combo for you.
I am just starting out. I think it is going to take time to tweak my regiment. I get really bad when I see what i think is a huge pile of things to do, and go into an anxiety/panic attack. Then I start making silly mistakes and feel I am a failure. I will see if the meds help calm down enough that I do not fear spending the time in group therapy and the time away from other items won't effect me. I am just afraid to dive in to the deep end of the pool, and am taking things one step at a time
It seems like you are quite self-aware, and that's a good thing. You have acknowledged that you need to seek help, and you know what pace works for you. Continue to listen to your body and you'll do just fine.0 -
shadowfax_c11 wrote: »Sorry to be blunt the third time @ Panda_brat. you will be Just fine. Sunshine on the otherside my friend
Believe it or not saying things like this to a person with clinical depression not only does not help but it makes things worse. The "just think happy thoughts and things will get better" advice just makes a depressed person even more upset and depressed because no matter how hard they try they can't think happy, can't feel happy and can't be happy. It isn't that they want to be sad and depressed. it is not that they are not trying. It is that they just can't. Physically and psychologically it is impossible for them to feel joy because the chemicals in their brain won't allow them to. People like us need more than cheerful messages from well meaning but oblivious people with properly functioning brain chemistry.
I attended a lecture recently on SAD because my depression is much worse in the winter. I found it very educational and received some good references for therapists from the person giving the lecture. Unfortunately not only is there the seasonal factor but also the emotional trauma of having most my husband after several months of illness which all happened between January and April. I have experienced anxiety and depression and PMDD since puberty. No help from doctors and family. They all just told me to exercise and cheer up. I stopped bothering to tell people I was having a problem, even when I wanted to die I kept it to myself because no one ever listened. Telling someone that others have it worse... that is even more depressing.
It is really hard for someone with this illness to function in daily life. Often we are strongly empathic and highly sensitive so every little thing pushes up further past the edge. Every person coming to use to talk about their problems just adds to our load. Learning how to cope is largely self taught unless a person stumbles across others like themselves who allow them in enough to see that they are not alone and unique in the world.
I got very lucky to find a few people in my life who would actually listen and understand that this was a real problem. They allowed me to talk out my issues, they let me know that they believed me and that it was not all in my head. Several of my friends even shared with me that they had at some point gone to a professional for this kind of problem and how much it had helped them. Seeking professional help is nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. And I was lucky enough to find a few people who understood what was going on and helped me to understand what it is to be a highly sensitive empath and how to manage the energy drain of all of the people who use us as their dumping ground for negative emotion.
I agree with everything that you said, @shadowfax_c11 Your post resonated deeply with me.
I also have had severe PMDD since puberty, plus depression and GAD, and like you, I had no one that listened or even cared. I've endured lots of mental and physical abuse in my life time, and have always been the invisible one and still feel that way. Most people think I am a piece of crap and worthless to talk to even though I would never hurt anyone. It feels real to me. Those very few who got to know me stuck around for some reason. Every day is a struggle.0
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