Rhondab said:

I seem to have all the possible factors, but never before thought it would be something that could run in the family

I'm now looking in on my great grandmothers history, she died of mysterious causes a year or so after giving childbirth at 23.
My grandfather (her child) was always very grumpy, it was blamed on a motor accident he had in his early twenties. But I now I'm starting to doubt if that was the cause.
My brother is diagnosed with manic depression and psychosis. And I was diagnosed borderline.

I'm now cured with medication in combination with therapie (I recomend having both, just medication doesn't help, you need to train your brain in a different way of looking at life), but I doubt I will ever become a happy person again.
I don't feel down anymore, but I'm never very happy either. Life just goes on and I'm trying to make the best of it.
I am glad those horrible depressions are gone though, they where like hell on earth.

LittleWing said:

Thanks for those sugestions They sound good.

Last month I visited America (San Diego) for the first time ever, what struck me straight away, was the high amount of people that seem to be in mental distress.
If you include all people that are neglecting their health, eating to much etc. (I think that might also be a sign of mental distress) there might well be a lot more people in trouble than we think.

In the U.k, the projection for the number of people likely 2 suffer Mental Health issues is around 1 in 3 - 1 in 4, depending on who u ask! I should imagine that ball park is about the same for the majority of westernised countries. That's a lot of people!!!

Mental health is highly stigmatised, and regarded with much ignorance, which is truely crazy when we consider that most of us will b affected either directly, or indirectly (via friends, family, etc) during the course of our lives.

I think it is helpful 2 remember that we all have Mental Health, just as we have Physical Health, and this works on a broad spectrum, from well 2 ill. We r all subject 2 it, without exception.

I wish anyone experiencing difficulty at this time;
Insight,
Faith in your strengths,
And much love,
In your recovery 2ward better days.....

U r not alone.....

To everybody who suffers from depression or any other mental illness. I suffer from depression too, to the point that it affected my last job performance. My boss knew that I suffered from depression (I told him TWICE), yet he still gave me a lousy review (criticized and picked apart EVERYTHING little thing I did, instead of trying to understand what I was going through). He told me, "I know nothing about it." - IDIOT! I got out of there, because I knew the situation would only get worse, not better. If my former boss was going to be that insensitive, then FUCK HIM, I don't need to work there anymore. I left and have not regretted it. Sometimes you gotta do what's right for you.

Calm down there Nancy.

2freaky4church1 said:

Can't help it, stupid, ignorant, clueless bosses get on my last nerve.

It is important to have to proper support around you. Someone that you can talk to about how you feel without being judged or labeled.

I find that it is helpful to do things like journaling especially if you do not have someone close that you can rely on for support.

shanti0608 said:

This is very important

And not just for mental health issues



TY Val for always listening/chatting with me in an open non judging way

Mach said:

You are welcome. Thank you as well.
We all struggle with things, doesn't have to be depression. Some times it is just things from our past, life in general, personality issues...

I have found journaling to be helpful many times in my life. I need to get back into the habit of doing it myself.

psychodelicide said:

Mach said:

WHYYYYY NOT??? ...ya know???

I have dysthimia, but I wish that the therapist that pushed me into taking meds would have been better qualified to determine whether I really needed them.

DontTazeMeBro said:

I think you're not supposed to just stop taking your meds. You need to go to your doctor and have them ween you off. Then you can see if you still need the meds or not.

I've been diagnosed with depression and have been taking Lexapro for about 3 or 4 years now. When I miss a dose or 2, within a week, I have symptoms of depression, so that's enough for me to stay on for now.

This has probably been the worst month of my entire life...but I'm grateful cause I'm still here. I think about the suffering in China and India and I don't have a right to be depressed, but I wish this month would hurry up a leave before I need a nervous break down remedy//

AriesIII said:

It is always important to recognise that there are ppl in this world that are suffering more than you. Though in realising that, you must also address what is causing you to feel depressed and not ignore the underlying causes.
It is a balance.

Best of luck getting through the month..you are almost there.

Here are the very practical caveman therapies for modern men and women.

1. Get outside. Our caveman friends saw lots of daylight; getting up at sunrise and going to sleep at sunset. Exposure to bright sunlight for 30 minutes a day either through sunlight or a light made for this, helps keep your internal clock set. This circadian rhythm helps to regulate our sleep/wake cycle and insures a good night’s sleep which in turn, helps our physical and mental health. Don’t wear sunglasses though; the exposure must come through your eyes!

2. Aerobic Exercise. Primitive folks had to forage or work in the fields for their food. 30 minutes at least 3 times a week means those ‘runner’s high’ endorphins get released regularly. It’s also a good way to work through and release stress. You don’t have to run a marathon, just get your heart rate up to your target range - around 120 to 160 beats per minute depending on your age and condition. Walking works wonders. Get your doctor’s approval first!

3. Omega-3 fatty acids. 1,000 mg daily. Omega-3’s aid in the brain’s neuron connectivity. Enteric coated capsules help prevent burping the fishy tasting oil but you can also freeze them. Throw in a good multi-vitamin and avoid overly processed foods in favor of complex carbohydrates (whole grains), fish, free range meats, & vegetables and you’re good to go.

4. Sleep. Change your sleep routine so that it’s more conducive to a good night’s rest. Turn your lights down and go to bed at the same time everynight. Turn the t.v. off. Engage in calming, quiet activities like reading, taking a warm bath, etc. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Don’t work late or do other stressful activities that cause your mind to race. Remember a tired body and quiet mind are the requirements for quality sleep.

5. Socialize. Remember the Amish farmer has his family and community to fall back on for support. There’s no reason you can’t too. Involve yourself with close friends and family. You don’t have to engage in heavy conversations about your plight, just have fun. Keep it simple and go to a movie, visit an art gallery or museum, go to a ball game, grab a cup of coffee or have a meal together. Just be with other people and your feelings of isolation will fade. Do this face to face (not online!) and do it regularly.

6. Watch your thinking! Anti-rumination strategy is vital to breaking out of depression and other emotional ruts. Become aware of those times you dwell on the negatives in your life - both real or imagined - and stop them. It takes work and persistence but if you constantly tell yourself to ’stop it’ when you start to go over and over the negatives, then you are building a positive habit that will change your life for the better. Whether it’s the jerk who cut you off in traffic or something a little closer to home, don’t give yourself the luxury of a negative thought.

Great list Val- thanx

I already am trying some of those but can do a couple more as well

I am feeling a bit better over the past month

I think the sunshine and getting outside more is helping
That and sleeping a bit better

Mach said:

Sunshine does seem to help some times. I am finally seeing sun today. I am learning to really appreciate when I do see it now.

Fresh air helps too.
I am glad you are sleeping better as well.

shanti0608 said:

Instead of 4 hrs a night I am getting 5-6 hrs now. For me that's A LOT of sleep

I actually invited over dinner guests the other night - 1st time in months

They offered TR a GREAT job + around 3xs the $ he makes now - to move to CT
We are going out tonight with his Boss and the CT Boss ( Mach = )

I know I am not moving from here nor moving my kids ... TR has the choice to make and freedom ( I am 100% comfortable with it ) to go if he chooses- we'll see

...

Mach said:

Some ppl do not require as much sleep as others. I guess everyone is different.
I am not getting a lot of sleep right now with the puppy but I do not mind.
He needs looking after and it is my job to do my best for him especially at his age.
Wow... job offer to make more..if nothing else it should make him feel good that they think that highly of him.
I do not blame you for not wanting to leave your home and your family.
It is not an easy thing to do.

shanti0608 said:

Puppies

I am so happy for TR - they gave him a BIG raise and 2 really great bonus checks in the past 6 months

The man has worked for them for 31 yrs now and damnit he is SO VERY worth every cent and more

Mach said:

Gotta love a hard working dedicated man.






Good man!

shanti0608 said:

i know when im heading 4 a "blue spell" when i start second guessing everything i say and/or do- i know its time to step back- and take a deep breath.
and my mind goes 100mph- 24/7

prb said:

I do the same and ppl tell me that I would do that less once I have a child. I don't believe it..I would think that would give me more things to worry and stress about.
If you ever need to chat with someone who understands feeling blue and having a racing mind, you know where to find me.

shanti0608 said:

thanks

orgnote.

On this last day of May, my post is a tribute to Rhondab, whose efforts to uplift the Org often centered on holistic health models. May her offline efforts to do the same find much success and fulfill her all the more.

ThreadBare said:

Rhonda

you are missed ~