I have been diagnosed with depression and am now on drugs. I have stress relating depression - it all got a bit too much for me at work, plus I suffered horrific pain again with kidney stones and its all had an impact.

Does anyone on here suffer with depression and what are you coping mechanisms - I have none at the moment - I just cry and give up - I have no fight left in me. My hair has agan started to fall out and the Dr says that it is all stress and I am not handling it well. What do I do to get better? I can't stay in this depressive hell hole but at the moment see no way out of.

drugs can take up to 4 weeks to work, there are a number of types of medication so sometimes what you get at first won't be right for you so you need to keep visting your doctor until they get it right and it works

for some people medication isn't the key, therapy is instead. i usually suggest a mix of meds and therapy, not just meds alone, at least initially

it's a very common illness, it's just that you don't know how many people suffer from it, so you think you are alone, but you aren't. you've made the first step in going to the doc so just follow things through

when you do feel better, don't just stop taking the meds, it doesn't mean you are well again, it might mean that the meds are working, so you stop and then you feel worse again, but then you might just need meds or therapy to get over a bad spell

bad diet, lack of physical exercise can lead to depression, so try eating healthier and being more active, such as running or cycling, the chemical release should help

(this is something i've been trained in as a manager to help understand and manage staff with mental health issues, approximately 25% of people at one time have a mental health issue. stress and depression are the most common)

unique said:

drugs can take up to 4 weeks to work, there are a number of types of medication so sometimes what you get at first won't be right for you so you need to keep visting your doctor until they get it right and it works

for some people medication isn't the key, therapy is instead. i usually suggest a mix of meds and therapy, not just meds alone, at least initially

it's a very common illness, it's just that you don't know how many people suffer from it, so you think you are alone, but you aren't. you've made the first step in going to the doc so just follow things through

when you do feel better, don't just stop taking the meds, it doesn't mean you are well again, it might mean that the meds are working, so you stop and then you feel worse again, but then you might just need meds or therapy to get over a bad spell

bad diet, lack of physical exercise can lead to depression, so try eating healthier and being more active, such as running or cycling, the chemical release should help

(this is something i've been trained in as a manager to help understand and manage staff with mental health issues, approximately 25% of people at one time have a mental health issue. stress and depression are the most common)

Thank you very much for this. It seems at the moment I am the only one at work as my workload is extreme and I have asked to work part-time as well as my son is dyspraxic and so I have to cope with him. I am hoping that they will regard it as a reasonable adjustment as I think this depression is not my fault.

blueblossom said:

I have been diagnosed with depression and am now on drugs. I have stress relating depression - it all got a bit too much for me at work, plus I suffered horrific pain again with kidney stones and its all had an impact.

Does anyone on here suffer with depression and what are you coping mechanisms - I have none at the moment - I just cry and give up - I have no fight left in me. My hair has agan started to fall out and the Dr says that it is all stress and I am not handling it well. What do I do to get better? I can't stay in this depressive hell hole but at the moment see no way out of.

OK, I'm going to sound like every damned book and internet website out there, but what I am saying IS FROM EXPERIENCE.

This absolutely works:

Try to do as many of these at the same time as possible.

1) exercise---I don't care HOW MUCH YOU DON'T WANT TO. Go exercise. Do something vigorous--not just the normal walk--do something that tires you out and makes you feel kind of weezy--like jogging, the gym, etc. After 2 weeks, you'll feel like a different person.

2) Force yourself to learn something challenging, like try to read a book as fast as you can, or learn a new language as fast as you can.

3) Once a week (on Saturday or Sunday) force yourself to go do something normal people do, like watch a movie (Even alone), or the beach....ANYTHING that normal people do. Going through the motions of a happy person helps.

4) Completely change your diet. Get rid of sugar and caffeine. Eat more bananas (yes, bananas--they are a mood food. THey help reduce depression).

5) Try to find a way to cry. Wether if it's be meditation (There are meditations for emotional release) or by watching a movie with emotional scenes. Cry your eyes out.

Basically, keep yourself busy.

I used to be seasonally depressed, but every fall, I hit the gym as hard as I can, and I no longer suffer from it.

blueblossom said:

unique said:

drugs can take up to 4 weeks to work, there are a number of types of medication so sometimes what you get at first won't be right for you so you need to keep visting your doctor until they get it right and it works

for some people medication isn't the key, therapy is instead. i usually suggest a mix of meds and therapy, not just meds alone, at least initially

it's a very common illness, it's just that you don't know how many people suffer from it, so you think you are alone, but you aren't. you've made the first step in going to the doc so just follow things through

when you do feel better, don't just stop taking the meds, it doesn't mean you are well again, it might mean that the meds are working, so you stop and then you feel worse again, but then you might just need meds or therapy to get over a bad spell

bad diet, lack of physical exercise can lead to depression, so try eating healthier and being more active, such as running or cycling, the chemical release should help

(this is something i've been trained in as a manager to help understand and manage staff with mental health issues, approximately 25% of people at one time have a mental health issue. stress and depression are the most common)

Thank you very much for this. It seems at the moment I am the only one at work as my workload is extreme and I have asked to work part-time as well as my son is dyspraxic and so I have to cope with him. I am hoping that they will regard it as a reasonable adjustment as I think this depression is not my fault.

i see your in the uk. if you have a medical cert from your doctor you can ask your employer to make reasonable adjustment to help you do your job. you should tell them that work is part of the cause for stress and depression in that you are overworked. they should get some temps etc to help. subtlely put the worry on them that you might go off on the sick and leave them to do the work alone, and they will find you help. firing you is difficult as it would be seen as due to incapacity reasons. most employers are scared to fire people and face a tribunal for that. is it a big company or small one? how long have you been employed? what is your sick entitlement?

unique said:

drugs can take up to 4 weeks to work, there are a number of types of medication so sometimes what you get at first won't be right for you so you need to keep visting your doctor until they get it right and it works

for some people medication isn't the key, therapy is instead. i usually suggest a mix of meds and therapy, not just meds alone, at least initially

it's a very common illness, it's just that you don't know how many people suffer from it, so you think you are alone, but you aren't. you've made the first step in going to the doc so just follow things through

when you do feel better, don't just stop taking the meds, it doesn't mean you are well again, it might mean that the meds are working, so you stop and then you feel worse again, but then you might just need meds or therapy to get over a bad spell

bad diet, lack of physical exercise can lead to depression, so try eating healthier and being more active, such as running or cycling, the chemical release should help

(this is something i've been trained in as a manager to help understand and manage staff with mental health issues, approximately 25% of people at one time have a mental health issue. stress and depression are the most common)

100% Correct in everything that she said. I wil also add that if you are taking any other drug in excess (ie anti-anxiety drugs, tranquilizers, coke, speed etc.) it can cause deep depression particularly when you stop taking it.

As far as exercise...that DEFINITELY works. When you exercise endorphins and other "feel good" chemicals in the brain are released and although you wont feel better instantly...you will feel better soon.

Remember depression is internalized anger, and self absorbtion. This is not to say that you "did anything wrong"...it's just that's really at the core of clinical depression. You have got to find a way to get your mind "off of yourself and your situation". Kinda hard I KNOW....but it is necessary if you are going to move beyond this.

So, #1 - Stop taking any relaxants or drugs that arent closely monitored by your psychiatrist.

#2 - Exercise until you become fatigued.

#3 - Get your mind OFF of you!

#4 - Find a damned good therapist...and quick.

#5 - Be sure to take anti-depressants as prescribed. They work when the medication concentrates in the bloodstream, you can not take them on an "as neededd" basis.

Best wishes!

TheVoid said:

blueblossom said:

I have been diagnosed with depression and am now on drugs. I have stress relating depression - it all got a bit too much for me at work, plus I suffered horrific pain again with kidney stones and its all had an impact.

Does anyone on here suffer with depression and what are you coping mechanisms - I have none at the moment - I just cry and give up - I have no fight left in me. My hair has agan started to fall out and the Dr says that it is all stress and I am not handling it well. What do I do to get better? I can't stay in this depressive hell hole but at the moment see no way out of.

OK, I'm going to sound like every damned book and internet website out there, but what I am saying IS FROM EXPERIENCE.

This absolutely works:

Try to do as many of these at the same time as possible.

1) exercise---I don't care HOW MUCH YOU DON'T WANT TO. Go exercise. Do something vigorous--not just the normal walk--do something that tires you out and makes you feel kind of weezy--like jogging, the gym, etc. After 2 weeks, you'll feel like a different person.

2) Force yourself to learn something challenging, like try to read a book as fast as you can, or learn a new language as fast as you can.

3) Once a week (on Saturday or Sunday) force yourself to go do something normal people do, like watch a movie (Even alone), or the beach....ANYTHING that normal people do. Going through the motions of a happy person helps.

4) Completely change your diet. Get rid of sugar and caffeine. Eat more bananas (yes, bananas--they are a mood food. THey help reduce depression).

5) Try to find a way to cry. Wether if it's be meditation (There are meditations for emotional release) or by watching a movie with emotional scenes. Cry your eyes out.

Basically, keep yourself busy.

I used to be seasonally depressed, but every fall, I hit the gym as hard as I can, and I no longer suffer from it.

I used to suffer from seasonal depression also. Haven't suffered in about 5 years or more. Every October I used to get terribly depressed. Someone recommeded for me a lamp that mimics the Sun. I had that seasonal thing since I was like 4 years old.

blueblossom said:

I have been diagnosed with depression and am now on drugs. I have stress relating depression - it all got a bit too much for me at work, plus I suffered horrific pain again with kidney stones and its all had an impact.

Does anyone on here suffer with depression and what are you coping mechanisms - I have none at the moment - I just cry and give up - I have no fight left in me. My hair has agan started to fall out and the Dr says that it is all stress and I am not handling it well. What do I do to get better? I can't stay in this depressive hell hole but at the moment see no way out of.

From experience:

Give your meds time to work. ...and keep taking them even when you feel that they are doing the job. Your doctor should be able to help you stop when the time is right.

Dont be hard on yourself, admitting that you are stressed, and asking for help is a great step in the right direction...humans arent machines!

And cry if you need to, but dont give up, things WILL get better with time...

i also kept a journal, recording all the little "victories" that i had had that day (staying a full day at work even when i wanted to curl up in a ball at home...lining up to buy lunch AND eating it...going to family functions, not making excuses to stay away)

Good luck

TheVoid said:

blueblossom said:

I have been diagnosed with depression and am now on drugs.

OK, I'm going to sound like every damned book and internet website out there, but what I am saying IS FROM EXPERIENCE.

This absolutely works:

Try to do as many of these at the same time as possible.

1) exercise---I don't care HOW MUCH YOU DON'T WANT TO. Go exercise. Do something vigorous--not just the normal walk--do something that tires you out and makes you feel kind of weezy--like jogging, the gym, etc. After 2 weeks, you'll feel like a different person.

2) Force yourself to learn something challenging, like try to read a book as fast as you can, or learn a new language as fast as you can.

3) Once a week (on Saturday or Sunday) force yourself to go do something normal people do, like watch a movie (Even alone), or the beach....ANYTHING that normal people do. Going through the motions of a happy person helps.

4) Completely change your diet. Get rid of sugar and caffeine. Eat more bananas (yes, bananas--they are a mood food. THey help reduce depression).

5) Try to find a way to cry. Wether if it's be meditation (There are meditations for emotional release) or by watching a movie with emotional scenes. Cry your eyes out.

Basically, keep yourself busy.

I used to be seasonally depressed, but every fall, I hit the gym as hard as I can, and I no longer suffer from it.

Great advice, I couldnt agree more.

unique said:

drugs can take up to 4 weeks to work, there are a number of types of medication so sometimes what you get at first won't be right for you so you need to keep visting your doctor until they get it right and it works

for some people medication isn't the key, therapy is instead. i usually suggest a mix of meds and therapy, not just meds alone, at least initially

it's a very common illness, it's just that you don't know how many people suffer from it, so you think you are alone, but you aren't. you've made the first step in going to the doc so just follow things through

when you do feel better, don't just stop taking the meds, it doesn't mean you are well again, it might mean that the meds are working, so you stop and then you feel worse again, but then you might just need meds or therapy to get over a bad spell

bad diet, lack of physical exercise can lead to depression, so try eating healthier and being more active, such as running or cycling, the chemical release should help

(this is something i've been trained in as a manager to help understand and manage staff with mental health issues, approximately 25% of people at one time have a mental health issue. stress and depression are the most common)

all great advice, and all true

mostbeautifulboy said:

TheVoid said:

OK, I'm going to sound like every damned book and internet website out there, but what I am saying IS FROM EXPERIENCE.

This absolutely works:

Try to do as many of these at the same time as possible.

1) exercise---I don't care HOW MUCH YOU DON'T WANT TO. Go exercise. Do something vigorous--not just the normal walk--do something that tires you out and makes you feel kind of weezy--like jogging, the gym, etc. After 2 weeks, you'll feel like a different person.

2) Force yourself to learn something challenging, like try to read a book as fast as you can, or learn a new language as fast as you can.

3) Once a week (on Saturday or Sunday) force yourself to go do something normal people do, like watch a movie (Even alone), or the beach....ANYTHING that normal people do. Going through the motions of a happy person helps.

4) Completely change your diet. Get rid of sugar and caffeine. Eat more bananas (yes, bananas--they are a mood food. THey help reduce depression).

5) Try to find a way to cry. Wether if it's be meditation (There are meditations for emotional release) or by watching a movie with emotional scenes. Cry your eyes out.

Basically, keep yourself busy.

I used to be seasonally depressed, but every fall, I hit the gym as hard as I can, and I no longer suffer from it.

Great advice, I couldnt agree more.

Well I guess I am different to others, but for me being busy and do things that tire me out as well as to get out and be surrounded by happy people only makes it worse. I am doing best if I don't have much to do and can stay at home without meeting anybody.

Good luck to the OP .

Serious said:

get out and be surrounded by happy people only makes it worse.

happy people depress me. why can't they fuck off and be happy somewhere else. wtf have they got to be happy about? fucking lunatics need to be locked up and kept off the streets and leave people alone to be miserable

unique said:

Serious said:

get out and be surrounded by happy people only makes it worse.

happy people depress me. why can't they fuck off and be happy somewhere else. wtf have they got to be happy about? fucking lunatics need to be locked up and kept off the streets and leave people alone to be miserable

i hate it when ppl tell you to "snap out of it" when you are depressed/anxious....

if only it was that easy

I've suffered from clinical depression since I was a kid.

It runs in my family, plus I went through some abuse and crazy situations in my formative years which probably contributed. Right now, my health is terrible and we are facing the possibility that I may no longer be able to work in a couple of years, which makes me panic because we need two incomes. But I am determined to enjoy every day, have a positive attitude, and lift up the people around me instead of bringing them down.

Here are the things that help me:

• Antidepressant medication.

• Meditation, deep breathing, yoga and conscious relaxation techniques.

• Gaining perspective: I am not the only one with troubles, and there are thousands, maybe millions, who suffer far more than I do.

• Eating well: cut down on sugar, processed foods, and dairy. Eat lots of fresh, healthy, alive foods, fruits and vegetables and drink loads of water. Also try probiotics to keep your gut healthy. Poor digestion/gut health can seriously affect your entire sense of well-being.

• Laughing. Funny movies, my comedian husband, my brother, my kids, my dog. Anything stupid that makes you laugh actually releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. Even fake laughing will do it - seriously!

TheVoid said:

blueblossom said:

I have been diagnosed with depression and am now on drugs. I have stress relating depression - it all got a bit too much for me at work, plus I suffered horrific pain again with kidney stones and its all had an impact.

Does anyone on here suffer with depression and what are you coping mechanisms - I have none at the moment - I just cry and give up - I have no fight left in me. My hair has agan started to fall out and the Dr says that it is all stress and I am not handling it well. What do I do to get better? I can't stay in this depressive hell hole but at the moment see no way out of.

OK, I'm going to sound like every damned book and internet website out there, but what I am saying IS FROM EXPERIENCE.

This absolutely works:

Try to do as many of these at the same time as possible.

1) exercise---I don't care HOW MUCH YOU DON'T WANT TO. Go exercise. Do something vigorous--not just the normal walk--do something that tires you out and makes you feel kind of weezy--like jogging, the gym, etc. After 2 weeks, you'll feel like a different person.

2) Force yourself to learn something challenging, like try to read a book as fast as you can, or learn a new language as fast as you can.

3) Once a week (on Saturday or Sunday) force yourself to go do something normal people do, like watch a movie (Even alone), or the beach....ANYTHING that normal people do. Going through the motions of a happy person helps.

4) Completely change your diet. Get rid of sugar and caffeine. Eat more bananas (yes, bananas--they are a mood food. THey help reduce depression).

5) Try to find a way to cry. Wether if it's be meditation (There are meditations for emotional release) or by watching a movie with emotional scenes. Cry your eyes out.

Basically, keep yourself busy.

I used to be seasonally depressed, but every fall, I hit the gym as hard as I can, and I no longer suffer from it.

??? now you sound psychotic.

Reel said:

Remember depression is internalized anger, and self absorbtion. This is not to say that you "did anything wrong"...it's just that's really at the core of clinical depression. You have got to find a way to get your mind "off of yourself and your situation". Kinda hard I KNOW....but it is necessary if you are going to move beyond this.

So, #1 - Stop taking any relaxants or drugs that arent closely monitored by your psychiatrist.

#2 - Exercise until you become fatigued.

#3 - Get your mind OFF of you!

#4 - Find a damned good therapist...and quick.

#5 - Be sure to take anti-depressants as prescribed. They work when the medication concentrates in the bloodstream, you can not take them on an "as neededd" basis.

Best wishes!

I totally agree with this.

About six months ago, I went to my doctor. Every time I visit, they make me fill out an depression survey. My score was so low they did not want me to leave. My doctor asked if I had a plan to commit suicide. I told her I did. The only reason she let me leave was because I told her I was too busy to commit suicide today.

I FINALLY told myself to get help. I got into counseling, started seeing a psychiatrist and got on anti-depressants. I have never felt better than I do right now.

I have other health problems and so many days I can barely get out of bed because I am so tired but I am so happy to still be here. Someone mentioned perspective. I think if you can get the help you need, you will gain some. I have some pretty bad days sometimes but I have also never had better days. Sometimes I get lost just looking at the sky or a tree.

I can't believe that person was me six months ago and it my hope that you will one day look back and say the same.

Much love and good luck to you.

Vendetta1 said:

About six months ago, I went to my doctor. Every time I visit, they make me fill out an depression survey. My score was so low they did not want me to leave. My doctor asked if I had a plan to commit suicide. I told her I did. The only reason she let me leave was because I told her I was too busy to commit suicide today.

I FINALLY told myself to get help. I got into counseling, started seeing a psychiatrist and got on anti-depressants. I have never felt better than I do right now.

I have other health problems and so many days I can barely get out of bed because I am so tired but I am so happy to still be here. Someone mentioned perspective. I think if you can get the help you need, you will gain some. I have some pretty bad days sometimes but I have also never had better days. Sometimes I get lost just looking at the sky or a tree.

I can't believe that person was me six months ago and it my hope that you will one day look back and say the same.

Much love and good luck to you.

I'm glad you're getting help and that you're feeling better. Please don't do anything to yourself; you are very much loved and needed here on this earth.

psychodelicide said:

Vendetta1 said:

About six months ago, I went to my doctor. Every time I visit, they make me fill out an depression survey. My score was so low they did not want me to leave. My doctor asked if I had a plan to commit suicide. I told her I did. The only reason she let me leave was because I told her I was too busy to commit suicide today.

I FINALLY told myself to get help. I got into counseling, started seeing a psychiatrist and got on anti-depressants. I have never felt better than I do right now.

I have other health problems and so many days I can barely get out of bed because I am so tired but I am so happy to still be here. Someone mentioned perspective. I think if you can get the help you need, you will gain some. I have some pretty bad days sometimes but I have also never had better days. Sometimes I get lost just looking at the sky or a tree.

I can't believe that person was me six months ago and it my hope that you will one day look back and say the same.

Much love and good luck to you.

I'm glad you're getting help and that you're feeling better. Please don't do anything to yourself; you are very much loved and needed here on this earth.

I am so groovy now Nancy. That was a really beautiful thing for you to say.

I have "balance" in my life now. When I go through something particularly stressful, I allow myself to feel stressed and then I work through it. If I feel sad, I allow myself to feel sad but then I tell myself to get over it and I do. When i feel down and have something I need to do, I tell myself to do it anyway.

I think it really helps that blueblossom is dsicussing this with those of us that are going through it or have been through it. I think it helps to see the people who have made it to the other side.

Vendetta1 said:

About six months ago, I went to my doctor. Every time I visit, they make me fill out an depression survey. My score was so low they did not want me to leave. My doctor asked if I had a plan to commit suicide. I told her I did. The only reason she let me leave was because I told her I was too busy to commit suicide today.

I FINALLY told myself to get help. I got into counseling, started seeing a psychiatrist and got on anti-depressants. I have never felt better than I do right now.

I have other health problems and so many days I can barely get out of bed because I am so tired but I am so happy to still be here. Someone mentioned perspective. I think if you can get the help you need, you will gain some. I have some pretty bad days sometimes but I have also never had better days. Sometimes I get lost just looking at the sky or a tree.

I can't believe that person was me six months ago and it my hope that you will one day look back and say the same.

Much love and good luck to you.

Vendetta1 said:

psychodelicide said:

I'm glad you're getting help and that you're feeling better. Please don't do anything to yourself; you are very much loved and needed here on this earth.

I am so groovy now Nancy. That was a really beautiful thing for you to say.

I have "balance" in my life now. When I go through something particularly stressful, I allow myself to feel stressed and then I work through it. If I feel sad, I allow myself to feel sad but then I tell myself to get over it and I do. When i feel down and have something I need to do, I tell myself to do it anyway.

I think it really helps that blueblossom is dsicussing this with those of us that are going through it or have been through it. I think it helps to see the people who have made it to the other side.

Beautiful words for a beautiful person, like yourself. I'm glad you're doing better, and learning to cope with things. It definitely helps to talk about depression, rather than just sweeping it under the rug.

I suffered from a bout of depression about 6 years ago. My doctor prescribed Zoloft, and I swear, within 2 weeks I felt like a new person. Just like the TV commercial depicted, "A cloud was lifted off my head." Exercise works, too. Something about strenuous exercise released those endorphins or whatever those brain thingies are called. I remember running like hell, and felt a burst of exhileration I hadn't felt in years. Do get help. You will feel better.

exercise and meditation

Don't go off your drugs without the help of your doctor and don't be afraid to let the people around you know what's up. Depression gets a bad rap but you need to know you don't have to keep it from those that love and care about you. (friends, family)

you'll get to where you want to be, where you need to be to live a healthy life.

Erin and Ivy

Both of you are two of the strongest ppl i have "met" here, and sharing your experiences definitely helps us mere mortals

Thank you

[Edited 7/10/10 17:03pm]

prb said:

Erin and Ivy

Both of you are two of the strongest ppl i have "met" here, and sharing your experiences definitely helps us mere mortals

Thank you

[Edited 7/10/10 17:03pm]

Oh, sweetie. What a nice thing to say.

We all present our "best selves" here, I think. I'm sure I'm not half as cool and strong as I might appear on the internets.

[Edited 7/10/10 17:12pm]

PunkMistress said:

prb said:

Erin and Ivy

Both of you are two of the strongest ppl i have "met" here, and sharing your experiences definitely helps us mere mortals

Thank you

[Edited 7/10/10 17:03pm]

Oh, sweetie. What a nice thing to say.

We all present our "best selves" here, I think. I'm sure I'm not half as cool and strong as I might appear on the internets.

[Edited 7/10/10 17:12pm]

all true what i said...

honestly, if i am having a "why me" kind of day, i only have to look to you and Ivy...you both inspire me to "get over myself" and get on with it, but in a nice kind of way....not the "snap out of it" style from ppl who wouldnt have a clue...(which, sadly, sometimes includes family)

and i reckon, even if you halved your half cool, youd still be up there on the coolness scale

prb said:

PunkMistress said:

Oh, sweetie. What a nice thing to say.

We all present our "best selves" here, I think. I'm sure I'm not half as cool and strong as I might appear on the internets.

[Edited 7/10/10 17:12pm]

all true what i said...

honestly, if i am having a "why me" kind of day, i only have to look to you and Ivy...you both inspire me to "get over myself" and get on with it, but in a nice kind of way....not the "snap out of it" style from ppl who wouldnt have a clue...(which, sadly, sometimes includes family)

and i reckon, even if you halved your half cool, youd still be up there on the coolness scale

You're pretty damn cool yourself.