ConsciousContact said:

Magnesium and calcium tablets helped me with the restless nights and rhodiola tablets for the anxiety and racing thoughts. Regular exercise can get the serotonin pumping through your brain.

Therapy is always good and having people you can share honestly and deeply with has always helped me.

I just read through the Posts here and wanted to give you a Racing thoughts was a major issue with me when I suffered Depression and it was awful, I cannot even begin to explain what went on in my head, it felt like there was a constant stream of stuff going on in there and it just wouldn't stop, even when I was sleeping, I wasn't fully switched off.

^ I'm going through that right now. I get fast racing thoughts and dissociations that I don't even believe to be true lots of times, and they relate to what I'm stressed out about. I have to tell myself it's cause I'm running away from the pain I need to feel 100 percent but my body won't admit to, so I get in a manic state. It's awful when you want it to stop and it can't.

Alcohol and mixing pills can be dangerous, especially if they are mood stabilizers or antipsychotics though you shouldn't have it anyways when treating mental health issues with medication.

I really appreciate the responses, I do hate the way it makes me feel. I schedule an appointment with the school therapist and will be seeing my doctor in the next few weeks. Today was tough, I went to school and felt it all over again, but I keep telling myself I will get through this, I'm not the only one.. I'll go and see what I can do, I just don't know why these dark clouds like to follow people. I will be looking for a support group and doing all that I can. This really is encouraging, I open up to a friend today and he help me feel at ease, confessing that he went through the same thing once. He listened and even though I didn't let it all out, he understood and it really helped knowing that this came out a little. I am finally accepting that I need the help before it gets worse, even if I feel to beat up to do so, I will push myself.

Accepting it is the hardest thing to do but it makes a huge difference for sure.

I urge whoever is taking medication to please not stop taking it and get your refills on time. I've made so many mistakes with this in the past, and I don't think it's helped me at all.

ConsciousContact said:

Magnesium and calcium tablets helped me with the restless nights and rhodiola tablets for the anxiety and racing thoughts. Regular exercise can get the serotonin pumping through your brain.

Therapy is always good and having people you can share honestly and deeply with has always helped me.

Thanks for posting this, I will look into the rhodiola. I also have ADD so racing thoughts combined with little focus ends up making me feel like my mind is constantly like the spin cycle of a washing machine!

Meditation

Yoga

Prayer

Music

Sports

Nature

Sex

Communication

Expression

all help me in a positive way

perhabs medication helps too for you, but it is never a solution

[Edited 11/17/11 15:41pm]

Hope your feeling better Funkay7

not taking the topic of this thread lightly, it's just that sometimes it's healthy and good to smell the

fumes and joys of laughter.

our family went through some life changing things early in 2000, i mean it was very tramatic.

depression reared it's ugly head.

so to counter act all the misery of depression, once a week we had to bring either 3 jokes we found on the net, or 3 funny cartoons. sometimes we laughed, really most the time we laughed. point being it lifted the ugly-vibe for awhile. one family member took the ones saved and posted them on the wall in the hallway.

[the laughter made us feel better. even now when things get close to the "d" word for me i look for healthy laughter]

[Edited 11/18/11 18:52pm]

Looking for an update on how you feel, Iamfunkay7

I'm still struggling but I'm trying more to keep my mind off of it and I try to stay away from home more so that I won't sit in my misery. I have an appt with a therapist Monday, things are tough but I'm trying to change my perspective. And Laughing always helps me. I'm starting to realize when I think about my life and everything I wish I could do but can't right now, thats one thing that triggers it. Another thing that triggers it is nighttime, isolation, not playing my guitar, not writing any poems or songs. It somestimes come out of nowhere, so I decided I'm going to look at natural ways to conquer this and see what I can do. It's not as strong as it was when I wrote this, it was pretty intense, now its manageable and I want to seek help before I slip back into that,

IamFunkay7 said:

I'm still struggling but I'm trying more to keep my mind off of it and I try to stay away from home more so that I won't sit in my misery. I have an appt with a therapist Monday, things are tough but I'm trying to change my perspective. And Laughing always helps me. I'm starting to realize when I think about my life and everything I wish I could do but can't right now, thats one thing that triggers it. Another thing that triggers it is nighttime, isolation, not playing my guitar, not writing any poems or songs. It somestimes come out of nowhere, so I decided I'm going to look at natural ways to conquer this and see what I can do. It's not as strong as it was when I wrote this, it was pretty intense, now its manageable and I want to seek help before I slip back into that,

Still rooting for you

IamFunkay7 said:

I'm still struggling but I'm trying more to keep my mind off of it and I try to stay away from home more so that I won't sit in my misery. I have an appt with a therapist Monday, things are tough but I'm trying to change my perspective. And Laughing always helps me. I'm starting to realize when I think about my life and everything I wish I could do but can't right now, thats one thing that triggers it. Another thing that triggers it is nighttime, isolation, not playing my guitar, not writing any poems or songs. It somestimes come out of nowhere, so I decided I'm going to look at natural ways to conquer this and see what I can do. It's not as strong as it was when I wrote this, it was pretty intense, now its manageable and I want to seek help before I slip back into that,

This is exactly what happens to me and it's very hard. It sounds to me like you are basing your worth off your musical talents, correct me if I'm wrong. Those things help give you character, but you have to train yourself to believe that you are worth it as a human being with or without these talents and not use them for validating yourself. I did this blindly for two decades and lost everything around it ,for the most part and now can't do them like before at all and it hurt my already low self esteem, cause I felt it was the only thing that gave people a reason to like me or take me seriously. The days you get those urges to write, enjoy them, but don't force them to come if they aren't, you're still fine the way you are, there are more qualities about you that you need to learn to focus on as well. When I was at my most depressed before the meds, I almost turned them down for the sake of writing, but it wasn't worth my health in the end, though at the time I felt it was the only thing keeping me alive cause I was in too much pain.

I have very weird moments at night too and get more hypersensitive than usual, which is why being a night owl is not fun like before. It's good to reset your biological clock and sleep at the same time everyday. Avoid caffiennated drinks after 3 PM if you can. If you can afford it, how about trying something natural like hypnotherapy for the sleep/relaxation issue or a simple deep breathing yoga course? In fact, a day hospital program for depression can offer similar sessions too and can be covered by a health plan.

[Edited 11/19/11 16:31pm]

it's possible that you have seasonal affective disorder. As we head into the winter, the days grow shorter, and we feel less of the sun.

some people invest in special lights, which recreate the brightness of the sun.

do keep talking...don't keep it inside. you're on the right track, and you WILL feel happy again. be patient with yourself.

I've heard about the vitamin D lamp, it's affective for those with depressive disorders, but definitely not those with mood disorders. Make sure you get at least 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight a day or take vitamin D pills at this time.

I personally think all your problems stem from being alone. I think if you had a man & had a sex life, you'd feel way better. I'm sure you'll find the guy you want some day soon, you just have to get out there....

That's a myth. It's important to have self-love and self-respect before you can recieve it and have a healthy relationship. I always knew that but still had one and it was a disaster. There are other ways to sexually satisfy yourself in the meantime cause that can up your moods too, though having company of family or friends is important too

[Edited 11/19/11 17:17pm]

alphastreet said:

That's a myth. It's important to have self-love and self-respect before you can recieve it and have a healthy relationship. I always knew that but still had one and it was a disaster. There are other ways to sexually satisfy yourself in the meantime cause that can up your moods too, though having company of family or friends is important too

[Edited 11/19/11 17:17pm]

Say want you want, but I guarantee if there was a man in her life to love, respect, cherish & give her the confidence she needed, she wouldn't feel like this right now....from what I recall, she's never really had a relationship, right?

IamFunkay7 said:

alphastreet said:

Yeah definitely continue with the therapy and maybe career counselling or joining a job agency if you're having difficulty in getting a job. I suffer from bipolar disorder though I was told depression in the past, I have anxiety with it too, so I know how you feel. Do you exercise or get out by any chance? I'm always told that helps though I get lazy too.

I use to work out alot, but now I stopped, my funds are low and I will have to put my membership on postpone for the time being. guess maybe a walk around the neighborhood might help. It use to help me working out so I do agree with that.

Ive been battling depression for the past 25 years. I've been working out at the gym for about 8 years now. I know the "experts" say that exercise and working out is supposed to help with depression but I can't say it has ever helped me feel better. Many people do say it makes them feel better. Also, I've heard a lot of people say when they have cut certain processed foods from their diet (esp. sugar and flour) their depression symptoms improved dramatically. Unfortunately, deleting those things from my diet have been something I haven't been able to successfully do.

alphastreet said:

That's a myth. It's important to have self-love and self-respect before you can recieve it and have a healthy relationship. I always knew that but still had one and it was a disaster. There are other ways to sexually satisfy yourself in the meantime cause that can up your moods too, though having company of family or friends is important too

[Edited 11/19/11 17:17pm]

A great relationship will not cure someone who is clinically depressed but it certainly eases a lot of the pain. But, you have to be with someone who understands depression and is very patient because the mood swings a depressed person goes thru can wreck havoc on even the most strongest relationships.

[Edited 11/19/11 19:09pm]

I do feel I validate myself through my talents sometimes... and as for a relationship, that does add to my sorrow. I feel so not human for being this age and not yet finding someone to connect with romantically, my loneliness is an ache I've become accustomed to. I've often found myself feeling so out of place because I've never been normal enough to experience such things as love. I'm often surrounded by those who gone through relationships and my status remains the same. I just need a break I think.. I won't go any further because I don't want to trigger any sad feelings. I think its everything combine, Ive had a history of vitamin D deficiency, I only eat one meal a day, I hate going outside but I've been doing that lately.. and like I said its a multiplicity of things combine, from circumstancial to internal thoughts, current health. I stressed myself so much a few years back I was diagnosed with panic Disorder and it messed with my heart, now Ive been on beta blockers for two years.. Well I'm going to try to keep my head up, Its got a lot to do with stress and all the pressures of life, which never seems to have a good side of it.. idk.. just hoping to be over this one day. Which it will

[Edited 11/19/11 20:00pm]

alphastreet said:

If she ends up with someone who gets I, that's rare. Chances wrectgat once she feels her condition is more manageable than now, it will last and she won't be setting herself up for getting taken advantage of even though there's nothing wrong with dating either. Funkay, I think society pits too much importance on it thinks is good for you. No one wants to be alone but if you are, consider yourself lucky and use this time for you. Are you still on beta blockers and is your heart ok? It's good to rule our if physical health is causing low moods.

Yeah I agree, and I'm still on beta blockers and my heart acts up when I get really stressed, but other than that its under control. Can never go back to how it was before this, but I'm breathing and I give thanks to God for every breath I take.

[Edited 11/19/11 23:26pm]

IamFunkay7 said:

I do feel I validate myself through my talents sometimes... and as for a relationship, that does add to my sorrow. I feel so not human for being this age and not yet finding someone to connect with romantically, my loneliness is an ache I've become accustomed to. I've often found myself feeling so out of place because I've never been normal enough to experience such things as love. I'm often surrounded by those who gone through relationships and my status remains the same. I just need a break I think.. I won't go any further because I don't want to trigger any sad feelings. I think its everything combine, Ive had a history of vitamin D deficiency, I only eat one meal a day, I hate going outside but I've been doing that lately.. and like I said its a multiplicity of things combine, from circumstancial to internal thoughts, current health. I stressed myself so much a few years back I was diagnosed with panic Disorder and it messed with my heart, now Ive been on beta blockers for two years.. Well I'm going to try to keep my head up, Its got a lot to do with stress and all the pressures of life, which never seems to have a good side of it.. idk.. just hoping to be over this one day. Which it will

[Edited 11/19/11 20:00pm]

Hi, a few things here stood out:

(Note: I am only commenting as I have been through this this year and I'm now just pulling out of it).

I'm often surrounded by those who gone through relationships and my status remains the same. I just need a break I think..

Try to mix with other single people as it can feel awkward being around couples when you are single. Don't compare yourself though. The time will come when it is right. What i notice is that when you are in a couple everyone is single and when you are single everyone is in a couple LOL....

However, it's wrong to say someone will cure you or validate you. You need to love and validate yourself first, as relying on someone else for your own validation is dangerous. As Prince says "Style is loving yourself, til everyone else does too"

Ive had a history of vitamin D deficiency, I only eat one meal a day, I hate going outside but I've been doing that lately..

1) Vitamin D deficiency is a known cause, take B vits or eat more fruit and veg.

2) Eat three full meals a day....i find if i don't eat properly my blood sugar goes down and I get down. You have to be regular with this. Don't skip meals.

3) Go outside....if you never go out you get cabin fever/bored and this makes it worse.

Even more, you get no sunlight. Sunlight is a major source of Vitamin D. So try to go out at least 30 mins a day for a brisk walk...walking really helps you feel better and it's easy and relaxing, 'exercise' doesn't have to be going down to some nasty boring gym.

Try to find parks/nature as I find these really help to relax you.

This has helped me.

I tried beta blockers but I hated them, as they gave me headaches and made my heart feel funny (these only slow things down, do not treat the cause). I did try citalopram, it's hard to say if it helped but it definately made me more sociable and willing to go and meet people for a time.

I've just come off it (only do it when you feel ready and by gently lowering dosage) after quite a few months on it.

More tips that helped me:

4) The biggest thing that helped me is going on holiday/vacation for a week or two. Try going somehwere totally new, go alone if you are able, you'll meet new people and you'll get time to reacquaint with your true self. I just came back from a week in Rome and it really inspired me and puts things in perspective.

If not ready to go alone, go with a good friend, it'll be fun.

5) Talk about it - talking definately helps, but don't get too obsessed with it, talk pref with good friends or a counsellor (note I say counsellor as this is usually advised first before therapy - as therapy can often drag more shit up, i'm told. See what the counsellor advises , mine told me not to do therapy as he didn't think it was a suitable for my case).

6) Get distracted - go to a theme park, use the .org (warning this can be addictive), do something to distract you from your worries. Focus on other people, volunteer or befriend an old person. You will realise everyone has issues to deal with and it will help to distract you.

7) Try meditation or the Linden Method (its a CD/DVD/MP3 programme to overcome Anxiety). It's expensive but there's always Bit Torrent

You could go to a weekly meditation group, most cities

and towns have them now, it really helps you to relax and teaches you good mental and breathing techniques.

8) Time helps....i've only just recently felt like I've come out of it all (10 months), so naturally you will probably improve, but take the above steps as they helped me.

Oh and a quick temporary fix... 9) Listen to Lovesexy Live 9 Sep 88 bootleg.....this is pure joy....

Anyway, hope this helps....

[Edited 11/20/11 5:16am]

BlackAdder7 said:

it's possible that you have seasonal affective disorder. As we head into the winter, the days grow shorter, and we feel less of the sun.

some people invest in special lights, which recreate the brightness of the sun.

do keep talking...don't keep it inside. you're on the right track, and you WILL feel happy again. be patient with yourself.

It's interesting that you've stated that because I saw a survey that indicated that depression and suicide (and don't even go there, Iamfunkay7) are at it's highest around the winter season. Yes, I agree, keep talking and being patient with herself.

IamFunkay7 said:

alphastreet said:

If she ends up with someone who gets I, that's rare. Chances wrectgat once she feels her condition is more manageable than now, it will last and she won't be setting herself up for getting taken advantage of even though there's nothing wrong with dating either. Funkay, I think society pits too much importance on it thinks is good for you. No one wants to be alone but if you are, consider yourself lucky and use this time for you. Are you still on beta blockers and is your heart ok? It's good to rule our if physical health is causing low moods.

Yeah I agree, and I'm still on beta blockers and my heart acts up when I get really stressed, but other than that its under control. Can never go back to how it was before this, but I'm breathing and I give thanks to God for every breath I take.

[Edited 11/19/11 23:26pm]

My heart does the same when stressed. I am supposed to see my cardiologist soon. Currently, I am not on medication. Absolutely, give thanks to the Almighty for every breath you take.

Funkay, it's good you feel better than before and remember that each breath is also like living in the moment and to cherish the good times you do have, even though it is also important to address the moments that are not so good too.

A lot of posters have offered good advice about health and self-care so definitely take that into consideration as well.