Depression. It's a silent killer.

[hot_hunny_bunny]

I work within the health care sector and many of us suffer depression and don't know the reason behind it. Maybe it's the field we are in

 

[MrDevereaux]

I’ve lived with this for many years.

Talking about it makes it bearable.

 

[Furr47]

Therapy, medication(off and on), exercise have all helped me. Therapy has been vital for me. It’s helped me understand the things in my life that have contributed to it and how to live through it when it occurs each time. Knowing what helps you get over the recent bout, knowing yourself a bit more, helps. I know that I need exercise and to be outside. It helps me greatly. I know that even when I don’t want to get out of bed, comb my hair or any small thing that seems easy, I make myself do it. Talk myself into it. Otherwise, it gets tougher as the days go by. Having a support system of friends to check on you and get you going is vital. Good luck and one day at a time.

 

[RustyIron]

Therapy, medication(off and on), exercise have all helped me. Therapy has been vital for me. It’s helped me understand the things in my life that have contributed to it and how to live through it when it occurs each time. Knowing what helps you get over the recent bout, knowing yourself a bit more, helps. I know that I need exercise and to be outside. It helps me greatly. I know that even when I don’t want to get out of bed, comb my hair or any small thing that seems easy, I make myself do it. Talk myself into it. Otherwise, it gets tougher as the days go by. Having a support system of friends to check on you and get you going is vital. Good luck and one day at a time.

It is one small step at a time, everyday, and it may or may not be fixable, but at least trying is the best thing to do. Good luck to you too.

 

[AlliaPotestas]

I wrote a long rambling reply to this thread but I am not sure it would have been helpful to anyone, so I shall simply say you are heard, I hope you all keep talking,

 

[LostBabygirl3489]

I'm sorry you are suffering from depression. *hugs*

What helps me immensely is writing in my journal. Meditating. Coloring. Being out in nature. Connecting with my higher power. Performing random acts of kindness on strangers. Exercising.

I also take medicine for my depression and anxiety and that helps immensely.

There isn't a lot of scientific proof (suspiciously, but not surprising) but I've read several articles written by MDs that food may be linked to chronic mental health issues. You don't have to start drinking pureed vegetables and fruits every day but try drinking more water and eating more fresh fruits and veggies. I notice I feel so much better when I eat relatively clean.

I hope this helps a little. Please PM whenever you need someone to listen to you. I am here.

 

[MrDevereaux]

I'm sorry you are suffering from depression. *hugs*

What helps me immensely is writing in my journal. Meditating. Coloring. Being out in nature. Connecting with my higher power. Performing random acts of kindness on strangers. Exercising.

I also take medicine for my depression and anxiety and that helps immensely.

There isn't a lot of scientific proof (suspiciously, but not surprising) but I've read several articles written by MDs that food may be linked to chronic mental health issues. You don't have to start drinking pureed vegetables and fruits every day but try drinking more water and eating more fresh fruits and veggies. I notice I feel so much better when I eat relatively clean.

I hope this helps a little. Please PM whenever you need someone to listen to you. I am here.

I’ve read/heard similar. Fish oil supplements (Omega 3 and 6) are supposed to be beneficial, as is increase in oily fish in your diet. I’ve started to snack on canned mackerel either in sauce or oil. Fresh fruit and veg is good; processed food isn’t great but it’s better than eating nothing at all. Taking time to cook for yourself and enjoying the process, easier said than done when anxiety kicks in and you’re envisaging this spectacular meal and it doesn’t work out to be that way.

If anyone wants to talk, PM me

 

[AlliaPotestas]

I’ve read/heard similar. Fish oil supplements (Omega 3 and 6) are supposed to be beneficial, as is increase in oily fish in your diet. I’ve started to snack on canned mackerel either in sauce or oil. Fresh fruit and veg is good; processed food isn’t great but it’s better than eating nothing at all. Taking time to cook for yourself and enjoying the process, easier said than done when anxiety kicks in and you’re envisaging this spectacular meal and it doesn’t work out to be that way.

If anyone wants to talk, PM me

I loves ya Mr D,

You don’t have to go for spectacular, why put yourself under that sort of pressure - simple food with fresh, wholesome ingredients are good for the soul,

 

[cubone007]

I keep seeing this thread and I keep wanting to reply... This year has been rough with my depression I just feel it's eating me alive. Normally I can kick the funk after a day or two but this time it's been weeks on end and I can't shake it. I don't have anyone to talk to they all just say oh well you seem so happy you can't be depressed... I fake the smile to get through it all because it's easier to admit the feelings and thoughts in my head. I've tried to talk to my parents about it all and they ask if I've prayed about it... Being a Christian gets you so far but it doesn't eliminate the feeling it doesn't take away the pain or the ever looming cloud hanging above your head... I hate talking to people about it all because I just feel like a bother to them I'm so much better at taking care of everyone else. How do you take care of yourself?

 

[LostBabygirl3489]

I’ve read/heard similar. Fish oil supplements (Omega 3 and 6) are supposed to be beneficial, as is increase in oily fish in your diet. I’ve started to snack on canned mackerel either in sauce or oil. Fresh fruit and veg is good; processed food isn’t great but it’s better than eating nothing at all. Taking time to cook for yourself and enjoying the process, easier said than done when anxiety kicks in and you’re envisaging this spectacular meal and it doesn’t work out to be that way.

If anyone wants to talk, PM me

Agreed...I don't think processed food is evil. I still love my french fries from time to time. But I can't eat that way every day. It makes me feel sluggish and lethargic.

Here in the states we work so much and barely have time to do anything, let alone cook...

 

[LostBabygirl3489]

I keep seeing this thread and I keep wanting to reply... This year has been rough with my depression I just feel it's eating me alive. Normally I can kick the funk after a day or two but this time it's been weeks on end and I can't shake it. I don't have anyone to talk to they all just say oh well you seem so happy you can't be depressed... I fake the smile to get through it all because it's easier to admit the feelings and thoughts in my head. I've tried to talk to my parents about it all and they ask if I've prayed about it... Being a Christian gets you so far but it doesn't eliminate the feeling it doesn't take away the pain or the ever looming cloud hanging above your head... I hate talking to people about it all because I just feel like a bother to them I'm so much better at taking care of everyone else. How do you take care of yourself?

I messaged you. xo

 

[takenmytime]

The dark side

I live in a very dark corner of the dark side. I have looked over the cliff and seen the abyss. Been threatened with Baker act by my own Doc - so no more talking will go on with the medical industry. Baker act would be a death sentence. 'when they kick in your front door - how you gonna go?' is a question I have an answer for. Cannot consider drugs and don't drink as I KNOW if my inhibitions are lowered....
Stress is a killer but not the only one!

 

[MrDevereaux]

I loves ya Mr D,

You don’t have to go for spectacular, why put yourself under that sort of pressure - simple food with fresh, wholesome ingredients are good for the soul,

Thank you, Allia!

Anxiety kicks in, even if i’m Cooking something simple. I do good curry from scratch.

 

[MrDevereaux]

Agreed...I don't think processed food is evil. I still love my french fries from time to time. But I can't eat that way every day. It makes me feel sluggish and lethargic.

Here in the states we work so much and barely have time to do anything, let alone cook...

Processed food isn’t evil; it’s good for when you need it. Yes, McDonald’s fries are yum.

 

[PWilton]

I keep seeing this thread and I keep wanting to reply... This year has been rough with my depression I just feel it's eating me alive. Normally I can kick the funk after a day or two but this time it's been weeks on end and I can't shake it. I don't have anyone to talk to they all just say oh well you seem so happy you can't be depressed... I fake the smile to get through it all because it's easier to admit the feelings and thoughts in my head. I've tried to talk to my parents about it all and they ask if I've prayed about it... Being a Christian gets you so far but it doesn't eliminate the feeling it doesn't take away the pain or the ever looming cloud hanging above your head... I hate talking to people about it all because I just feel like a bother to them I'm so much better at taking care of everyone else. How do you take care of yourself?

Feeling for you friend. I had also wondered in the past that, why with me having a strong faith, why was I letting this happen to me? One answer for me has been that having a faith has not prevented me from having heart artery disease for which I have been treated these last 20 years. So, my mental health 'disease' might not be much different.

As to how do I take care of myself? I take my medications, do not self-medicate, get plenty of rest, and follow a fairly healthy personal regime. I try to avoid stressful situations, to the extent that I can. I also visit my psych doctor every month or so, so that he can keep tabs on me. Not as simple as I have written, but they are the basics for me.

Best to you...

 

[Moochienanu]

I have been told
By many people
How to “manage” myself.

Been given tips on
How therapy,
Medications,
Diet changes
Will all help me to be a better
Friend,
Lover,
Confidante,
Human...

In the end,
No one can tell me who I am.
What I am.
How to be me.

Sometimes
I can’t leave my bed,
I can’t keep my mind from worrying
So much about nothing of consequence,
I can’t sleep after overmedicating myself
For just that purpose,
I can’t eat
or don’t want to
or don’t have the energy to,
I can’t speak my fears aloud
Because to anyone else they would be foolish
Or asinine.

These are facts.

Am I depressed?
Yes, And
Everyone is dying, even me.
Sorry, I am of no help.

 

[bonerbrew]

I keep seeing this thread and I keep wanting to reply... This year has been rough with my depression I just feel it's eating me alive. Normally I can kick the funk after a day or two but this time it's been weeks on end and I can't shake it. I don't have anyone to talk to they all just say oh well you seem so happy you can't be depressed... I fake the smile to get through it all because it's easier to admit the feelings and thoughts in my head. I've tried to talk to my parents about it all and they ask if I've prayed about it... Being a Christian gets you so far but it doesn't eliminate the feeling it doesn't take away the pain or the ever looming cloud hanging above your head... I hate talking to people about it all because I just feel like a bother to them I'm so much better at taking care of everyone else. How do you take care of yourself?

In my view you have to first choose to put yourself first. Admit to yourself then those close to you that you are going through a serious rough patch beyond just the blues and that you have no choice but to first focus on yourself. Show them you are truly depressed, don't try to mask it with a fake smile. They won't really know how to respond unless they too have gone through what you are going through. Don't expect most people to understand.

With that said do not not saying anything. Bottling it up and trying to hide it does you nor those close to you any good. They probably already suspect you're having a rough go of it but are fearful of bringing it up. Once you admit to them that you can't shake it on your own, if they truly care they'll step up or should to help take some of the burden off you so you can put yourself first.

Everyone at some point gets the blues. Far less people I suspect battle clinical depression. They are vastly different and need to be treated as such. Seek professional help and don't worry what others might think. Admitting to yourself and others that you have an issue is a sign of strength not a sign of weakness. Those who truly care know this and will likely commend you for it.

 

[filt]

I keep seeing this thread and I keep wanting to reply... This year has been rough with my depression I just feel it's eating me alive. Normally I can kick the funk after a day or two but this time it's been weeks on end and I can't shake it. I don't have anyone to talk to they all just say oh well you seem so happy you can't be depressed... I fake the smile to get through it all because it's easier to admit the feelings and thoughts in my head. I've tried to talk to my parents about it all and they ask if I've prayed about it... Being a Christian gets you so far but it doesn't eliminate the feeling it doesn't take away the pain or the ever looming cloud hanging above your head... I hate talking to people about it all because I just feel like a bother to them I'm so much better at taking care of everyone else. How do you take care of yourself?

Firstly mate, even admitting your darkness here is a monumentally brave thing to do.

I won’t get involved in the religious aspect, believe or not depression is very much a silent killer. Your salvation is in people, one way or another.

You need to find a balance between pushing yourself to be part of life and knowing when to take a breather, reflect and gather yourself. This self appraisal does become easier in time, I can assure you.

In your shoes, see a doctor. They will not judge, they will not make you feel like your problem is a thing of fantasy or belittle you. In some form or another, you have a chemical imbalance in your brain that the body cannot fix. Sprain your wrist, you’ll get a sling or break a leg and you’ll be in plaster so medication for an imbalance that your body cannot repair alone is nothing to be ashamed of.

Be honest with your family or friends, unless they’ve been through they will not understand but talking helps. Some will not know how to handle or process it and they will disappoint you, others will try to learn, understand and support.

Contemplate therapy or support groups, it might sound weak but it’s not. You might just meet some people who you can regard as friends who you can bounce off and relate to when you hit respective highs and lows.

Personally, and not for everyone, I found the gym. It’s an amazing stress release and a lovely kick of endorphins. Just because the gym is my weapon of choice, doesn’t mean there is not something out there for you BUT the first steps will feel daunting, embrace it because it will be worth it.

Good luck. It’s a journey, it’s not a pleasant one but you will learn a hell of a lot about yourself, keep talking, be honest even if folk don’t want to hear it and you will become a better and more compassionate person for it because you will be actively aware of others.

Stay strong mate.

 

[IreliaObsession]

Yeah the major problem with depression due to biological factors is that there doesn't need to be a reason, when everything seems to be going well and especially in relation to the low points of my life and still just being completely apathetic. I mean for me depression has always been the worst when life is calm and unstressed, and almost a non factor in the most threatening dire of times. Leads to really fucked up self sabotaging behavior to manage depression which may seem odd to most people but a somewhat controlled trainwreck is the only solution I have found in almost 30 years of looking.

 

[Chris_Michael]

Yeah the major problem with depression due to biological factors is that there doesn't need to be a reason, when everything seems to be going well and especially in relation to the low points of my life and still just being completely apathetic. I mean for me depression has always been the worst when life is calm and unstressed, and almost a non factor in the most threatening dire of times. Leads to really fucked up self sabotaging behavior to manage depression which may seem odd to most people but a somewhat controlled trainwreck is the only solution I have found in almost 30 years of looking.

Irelia obsession?

Do you play League of Legends???

 

[Bosin]

Magnesium which is an element. It is a very light metal, about the same colour as aluminium. It Burns easily with a white bright flame. In nature you will not find it as pure magnesium. It is always connected to other atoms as Mg2+. This Mg2+ ion is present in the centre of every chlorophyl molecule.

 

[Bewleybrother]

Moving from an urban community to a city often leads to alienation.
Exercise is often a good stimulus for depression.

 

[bigtallman]

I certainly have days when I am 'down', but I have no idea if that's depression.
I worry about going to see someone about it, if the fucked up medical insurance system in the US ever gets wind of it, I'll be labelled for life.

 

[Starscream_UK]

I was diagnosed with Persistent Depressive Disorder about 3 years ago - that helped because it enabled me to take up a path to tackle things in a more effective manner. I also realised through therapy that I'd never really gotten over the death of my father some 26 years ago, shortly followed by a series of losses in the family that seemed to come on a yearly basis.

I'm 46 now and I've been alive for two years longer than my Dad was. Having kids threw up a series of new issues with it as well. Therapy isn't for everyone - I always feel worse after a session but better later - and medication can help.

Depression is a real thing - it's insidious and it chips away at you over time until you don't realise that you're that deep in the hole you can't see a way out. Places like this can help in terms of venting, and the last 6 months have really been a challenge, but you can find a way of living with it and understanding your triggers.

Don't be afraid to speak out - should anyone ever need to unload here then feel free to PM me.

 

[Starscream_UK]

I work within the health care sector and many of us suffer depression and don't know the reason behind it. Maybe it's the field we are in

Yes - yes it is! I worked in social care for awhile and found it impossible to switch off from it all until it was burning me out. You want to take on other's pain to alleviate it for them. Unfortunately, all sponges have a point when they can't hold anything more.

I now work in welfare delivery...talk about frying pan to fire!