Forums > Social Discussion > advice on dealing with depression?

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
I have never had full-blown depression, but there are a lot of people here who have and can relate to what you're going through.

I have had a lot of friends with depression. Sometimes you just have to ride it out, but don't ever feel guilty or bad about yourself for feeling depressed, it's just one of those things that can't be helped, so don't ever blame yourself.

Idolized by Aurinoko

Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind....

Bob Dylan

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
Hey there Kitty, sorry to hear you're feeling down. Although i've never been diagnosed with depression I do find that i teeter on the fence sometimes. I find that remembering you are not alone helps, so many people find themselves in the same situation.

Major thing for boosting the happy drugs in your brain is exercise.. don't go running do something fun like dancing, spinning to music and just relaxing will always help.

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
Hey, Kitty.

First, congrats for 1) getting help and 2) taking the meds. The advent of the SSRI class in the last 20-ish years has been a major breakthrough. They're generally pretty well-tolerated and they work well. People often minimize depression and advise "dealing with your issues" and such. The layperson doesn't realize that depression can be a lethal illness. You don't mess with it and I appreciate that you've taken it seriously.

As for what to do: It generally takes 6-8 weeks for the Prozac to kick in. At first, I recommend surrounding yourself in cuddly, fuzzy, warm things. Play with small children and puppies, do lots of happy things, eat ice cream (but do remember to take vitamins; depressed people don't eat well), and just go easy on yourself.

In a couple of weeks you may start to feel better. Don't force yourself, but you might start feeling good enough to start foraying into more open environments and interacting with new people. As time goes on it'll start to feel like a curtain lifting and you'll notice your old self coming back.

Prozac isn't a cure. You can still feel sad sometimes. But the numbness should go away in a few weeks.

It's the art of riding it out until it gets better. And, far more importantly, remembering to follow up regularly with your doctor.

Best of luck, and feel free to PM or E-mail me if you have questions.

-Mike

Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella



A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
I'd been diagonosed too...with generalized and social anxiety to boot.
Exercise is important. Chocolate is good too. Don't force yourself to feel good. Have someone to talk to. Some places offer counseling in conjunction with medicine. If you are comfortable, take advantage of that.
I would also like to say that keep an eye on you and you're mental health. It took them awhile to find a drug that helped. Some of them make certain feelings stronger. One made me more irritable. One gave me a rage. One made me jittery. I won't say which ones because I don't want to subconciously influence you. If prozac doesn't work after a bit, don't be afraid to tell your doctor why you don't think it's working. Then, he can tell you if it is something that will go away or if maybe you need to switch. One of the ones (Remeron) made me gain 60lbs. I mention that one because I have not been the only one that that happened with.

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
hey kitty, i'm currently suffering from depression, can i just ask, are you seeing a psychiatrist or a therapist or anything, besides prozac? i think its great that you're keeping busy and that you're doing lots of fun things, thats a really good start to getting a bit better i've found that when i have one of my really bad depressions then going with it is better than trying to fight it. i've also found that eating good foods aswell as comforting ones can help lift your mood.



i've been dealing with my depression for about 6 months now, i'm seeing a psychiatrist, but because of my age they don't want to put me on any anti depressants. i still have my moments where i just want to end it, but i'm managing to work through them now.



i don't get any help off my family with this, and only a few of my friends help me aswell, so hopefully you have a supportive family who will help you deal with this, it should make things easier for you, knowing that there is someone there when you need them. if you ever need to talk or whatever then just pm me, or take my addy from my profile, i'm always willing to help hope you get better xxx

ummmm...........anybody have any suggestions as to what i can put here?!

mjk is monitoring your interwebs!

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
Here's a search result from the discussion forums, there are already about 10 threads on it if you want to flick through what's been said about it on HoP previously.

[Old link]

"vices are like genitals - most are ugly to behold, and yet we find that our own are dear to us."
(G.W. Dahlquist)

Owner of Dragosani's left half

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
Oh, about Prozac, it's usually very well-tolerated. The big side-effect that people can get from it is sexual dysfunction. It can manifest either as decreased libido or inability to achieve an orgasm.

Your sexual function is an important part of your health and if you are suffering from such side-effects, please discuss it with your doctor. We *WANT* our patients to come to us with these issues. Many physicians are embarassed to bring it up to the patients themselves (we're humans, too).

As far as exercise goes, yes that's VERY important. But don't try to push yourself into it until you're starting to feel a bit better. Otherwise you might get a negative association with exercise and might not do it again.

-Mike

Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella



A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
I have been trying to eat, but the reason I was put on the prozac is because i totally lost my appetite and didnt eat for 5 days. I am also having a lot of sleeping problems. I've been prescribed a 7 day course of temazepam but I'm not too keen on taking it....
Fortunately the one side effect I havent had is the sexual dysfunction. Actually, its one of the things that it making me feel better, feel like a human.
Thankyou so much for your advice and support, I hadnt realised i was depressed until i spectacularly crashed and burned a few weeks ago. I've been through some really really rough times in the last few years, my dad dying 5 years ago and my mum having cancer last year, i was almost an orphan at 22, but i got through it. not sure how. I split up with my lazy good for nothing boyfriend of 6 years and moved back in with my mum 5 months ago and when i got together with my new boyfriend, my life got so much better, but i think its what caused the breakdown. I realised how much i've been missing the last few years. I'm so lucky i've got such a supportive boyfriend. he would do anything for me, and he's amazing.
I have started eating again, nothing particularly healthy, but the doctor said it doesnt matter, i'm very underweight so i need to put the weight on ASAP.

Thankyou so so so much for all of your help

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
I'd try the tamazepam, actually. Sleep is important in depression. You won't become dependent in 7 days.

Alternatively, you could try Benadryl (diphenhydramine), 25mg at bedtime, but it can make you feel snowed come morning.

-Mike

Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella



A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
Try to engage in something you can feel proud of yourself for doing.

If your job isn't giving you that feeling then consider volunteer work to help boost that feeling (or reasses your job!)

i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey

Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...

Posted: 7th Aug 2007
Kitty,

I have suffered from a form of depression for about 9 years of my life now, I am generally okay exepect for one time of the year that I get extremely bad.

During that time I tend to surround myself with the people that I know love and care for me, happy people who pick my spirits up even on a normal day. Usually your closest family and friends....

Make the effort to go out and do something you know you usually enjoy even if you don't feel like you can.

Also try a few new things that aren't to strenuous....

I used to go down to my local lake and feed the ducks, swans and native birds some seed...it was relaxing and animals tend to have a calming effect on most people.

Posted: 8th Aug 2007
i have treated myself to a new portable tv and multi-region dvd player for my bedroom, and the 4th season of the golden girls (my favourite show) so i can snuggle in bed with an endless supply of chocolate biscuits and watch that
also i'm hoping taking up poi will help me

Posted: 8th Aug 2007
Hey Louisa, I hope things go better and work better now.

Engaging in activities that make you forget your surroundings and occupy a great deal of attention is the best medication, along with what Doc already suggested: Play with animals, children, nature walks, happy things and SPORTS. Get exhausted and (as Doc said): don't underestimate depression (many do not have an idea how it feels).

If you go for a doctor and decide NOT to take medication as prescribed, please tell him. A healthy doctor-patient relationship is very important for the success of a treatment. Communication is the key. After all you are a customer as much as a patient. You can raise your concerns and tell him what you (don't) want.

Enjoy your company and engage in happy activities, don't push it and walk away from potential conflict. Don't use your condition as an excuse, but as an explanation. Engage in activities you're good at and seek self-approval. Trust in yourself despite the current state.

After all the present and the future is what counts - let go of the past (and tell me how you managed )

the best smiles are the ones you lead to

Posted: 8th Aug 2007
hello again this may not help at all, but its the only two things which helped me which i dont think have been said yet *if someone has said it then im sorry but i only just woke up*

i took up meditation when i was depressed. it really helped - i cant explain exactly how, but it made me feel lighter, and gave me the ability to cut myself off from the weight of the world for a little while each day. which became precious to me. just an idea its not for everyone but if it helps then its worth it

the other thing was making sure i got out of the house everyday - even if just for a walk, or to sit in the garden or read somewhere that isnt home ect ect. but it looks like your already on top of that one with all your camping and activities other than that, just keep plugging! looks like your doing all the right things, and its great your talking about it! much love x x Lizzy

if i could be a busy busy bee...

Posted: 8th Aug 2007
on the meditation idea... meditation can be a very powerful tool, try and spend some time every day just sitting/lying still, be aware of your breathing, focus on relaxing yur body. Visualisation can be very powerful too, so just lie down for a while and imagine that you're in the most beautiful place in the whole world, surrounded by nature and peacefulness, energy and white light.

These things take practice in order to gain the most benefits, but they can be very powerful.

Idolized by Aurinoko

Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind....

Bob Dylan

Posted: 8th Aug 2007
tis true and sometimes you get rewarded with amazing results. got such an amzing vision once - and every time i think of it now it brings back that blissful feeling of peace that i felt when i had it. powerful stuff!

if i could be a busy busy bee...

Posted: 8th Aug 2007
Yep, I used to go wandering all over the cosmos in a blissed out state, I've had moments when I've felt like my body was literally floating or melting away (in a nice way). I haven't been practicing regularly for a few years now though, it's quite frustrating trying to get back into it again after so long... I used to find it so, so easy, now it's much harder to get my mind and body quiet and still! I'm going to keep practicing though, it's so worth it.

Idolized by Aurinoko

Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind....

Bob Dylan

Posted: 16th Aug 2007
Salsa dancing, there is a article that it helps cure depression, google it?

Posted: 17th Aug 2007
Disclaimer: Not advocating religion at all.



But yeah.. listening to things around you, sometimes you chance upon gems.



"If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it.



If you can, there is no need to worry about it.



If you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry."



-The Dalai Lama



Something else to muse over:

https://www.ambedkar.org/News/Suffering_refines_us.htm



And as for other very random tips and thoughts (I don't have any sources to cite, but they work for me. I won't defend them if anyone wants to argue, but I'll listen if anyone wants to be a wet blanket ).. add more fish to your diet. Increases good chemicals in your brain. Stay away from excessively oily battered stuff though.. trans fats. Fish fingers are a good starting point (some brands have more trans fats than other brands, but it's not too bad if you don't fry them. 10 on a plate microwaved for 20 seconds per finger (3 mins 20 for 10 fingers, with some ketchup (a side of antioxidants) make a good dose of happy.



And stay away from chocolate (or big amounts of it). Just my own deduced theory from observing my own moods. I think it gives one (in the very short term) a bit of a mood boost, but in the hours after, or even couple of days after, the brain reverting to standard amounts of seratonin etc (happy chemicals) experiences a bit of a withdrawal, and mood stability can get pretty messed up.



2 cents, but we can share



ps. While you're under the weather, it's a great time to pick up something creative- carve kittens out of random blocks of wood, learn printmaking, learn photography with a digital SLR camera, learn how to make reed baskets.. I find that when I'm introspective, I'm the most creative.. might as well make the most of it while you're there. Creating a bit of a folio of work is hugely satisfying when feedback comes in, and the time spent thinking how to make a better kitten/basket is time you're not feeling sorry for yourself and everything else in the world. And don't expect to cover huge ground initially. Things won't be perfect when you just start out- overcoming that lack of inertia is the hardest thing. If you do one little thing, you've moved from where you were before.



pps. Hang in there, things will get better.

Posted: 17th Aug 2007
thankyou so much for all your advice I'm now on double the dosage of prozac (40mg per day) and my appetite has started to return, but im still not sleeping well.
I went for a spin in the park with my friend the other day and that really did help me a bit, i felt happy and had fun for the first time in ages, especially when i learnt the 3 beat weave!!
I was supposed to be going camping again with my boyfriend today, but my mum was taken to hospital last night, she's ok, back home now, but it does mean we've had to postpone the trip. never mind, we are going mid-week instead, as we are both off work sick at the moment.
Thats one of the main things im dreading, going back to work. I am a civil servant (for anyone not in the UK, i work for the government) and the thought of everyone talking about me isnt good. My close friends and team leader (at my request) have made everyone in my office think I am off with bad asthma (as they all know ive got asthma) but the longer I am off (6 weeks and counting) the more people will talk I think. But I will have to cross that bridge when I come to it. I am keeping in regular contact with my manager, and attending team meetings when I can, just so I dont lose touch with my team-mates, but its still hard.
My doctor has suggested I still dont take the temazepam, but to have it to hand in case I really really need it... its heading that way, i'm averaging 4/5 hours of (interrupted) sleep a night. It sucks.
oh well, thanks again for all the advice and support guys, i really really appreciate it

Posted: 17th Aug 2007
well, first, you'd be surprised how many people are being treated, so all this potential talking may give you a support group

as for the chocolate-if you are coming down-all you got to do is eat more chocolate

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed

Posted: 17th Aug 2007
do u have trouble actually getting to sleep in the first place have you tried incense sticks i used them if i cant sleep and they usually do the trick i have no clue how but maybe give it a go i hope it works for you 2

"im quite depressed, im quite a mess, so beat me up, beat me down, mess me up beyond all recognition"

Posted: 17th Aug 2007
I was off for a year with depression after a breakdown. I found the important thing was to get out and try and keep on top of the little things if I left them they seemed like such a big problem I couldn't cope and ignored them further.
keep active me juggling non stop helped clear my mind and me to relax and de stress... I also became a competent juggler

A couple of balls short of a full cascade... or maybe a few cards short of a deck... we'll see how this all fans out.

Posted: 17th Aug 2007
I've battled depression on and off for several years and have treated it successfully on my own using natural cures. I have known others that choose to use drugs including prozac and suffered bad side effects after prolonged use, so..What has worked for me was 1: St Johns Wort, comes in a tincture or as a tea, works great but can make your eyes a little sensitive to bright lights. 2: Rescue Remedy its part of the "Bach Flower Remedy's" and can be found in most health food stores. They have several flower remedy's that treat emotional issues and 3: Melatonin which is great for sleep. I hope this helps. Depression sucks.
Monk.

Posted: 17th Aug 2007
Um.. I never was diagnosed, but I was pretty much on the fence for a year or two- I tried St John's Wort, not sure if it helped- just one day woke up and realised I didn't have to be like this any more.
I can't say I've felt uberfantastic every day since, but there definitely was an 'end'...
Spinning, chocolate and is my recommendation.

THE MEEK WILL INHERIT THE EARTH!


If that's okay with you?

Posted: 2nd Sep 2007
Doc lightning is indeed a mighty doctor ( and nice guy too) but i do differ in opinion with temazapam - long term not too nice their have actually been studies which state it can make depression worse
(as i am told have not read the evidence my self)
other uber negative booze is NOT a good bed fellow with them, some pretty nasty side effects including depression + agression.

ideal for short term use (can be useful for breaking bad sleeping patterns)
Long term can make sleep more difficult without ie you need them to sleep.

Posted: 3rd Sep 2007
i'm debating trying the temazepam this week, as my sleeping is getting worse. my appetite has finally come back though!!! its taken 9 long frustrating weeks, but hopefully this is the beginning of me getting better....