what do you do, when you feel blue.....

[wolfie69]

You know somedays are just bad..... there does not have to be areason.... I might just wake up feeling blue or a thought crosses my mind in the middle of the day and "poof" I am in blue hell. Some days are just that way.....

I want to hear how folks get beyond it....Me? I play my guitar or take my pups Shadow and Deja for a walk (Shadow and Deja can be seen in pet pics) Other days it takes a ride on my motorcycle... or a trip to hear a real good blues band.....

 

[skitch]

music for the beast

I have a special spot that only I know about and how to get there. It is a place by a lake that, if at the right time of day, you can sit and watch the sunset on the water. I usually take some cds with sad songs on them to listen to, but i've found that if i just turn my radio up and sit on the hood of my car, it helps me collect my thoughts and try my best to work through it. But almost always it takes me talking to my best friend about the problem to help.


oh yeah....a little petting helps too

 

[skitch]

one more thang

i can usually listen to some Jimi Hendrix and it helps me relax and think about what's all going on....and what i can do to solve my problems....

 

[Jester]

Music is definitely a big method for me, whether it's carnking up the stereo to an appropriate sad or angry song or turning up the amp and pouring everything I've got onto the guitar strings. Sometimes painting helps, too. It's a similar kind of catharsis at times. Also, although it's a four hour drive, sitting on ocean cliffs watching the waves roll in really does wonders sometimes. Immersing myself in the splendors of nature can help me forget my problems.

 

[Ticklish Girl]

When I feel blue, I either take my Walkman and go for a long walk, or I go to my room, close the door and put on some music. Human contact is out of the question until the mood passes. The good part is, it always does pass.

 

[CreamyLady]

I have several methods.

First, I allow myself to have a good cry. I realize this might not be easy for some, but sometimes just bawling it all out, and taking a nap afterward, is very refreshing.

Second, I will go sit under my favorite tree. I like the feeling of leaning against it, and letting my problems and woes flow into the earth.

Third, I will go for a drive. I'll pick a direction, and just keep going. I like lots of open sky, so I find myself near the beach or the desert, depending on which way I point the car. Each is healing in its own way, and I instinctively pick which one I might need.

I play my favorite music, singing along or just listening.

As a last resort, I'll hit the chocolate. It takes its toll, so I do it sparingly. But it always works.

 

[Alyrahh]

Wolfie, if it weren't for Zoloft I'd stay in a perpetual "blue" state. Even with the medication I'm singing the blues quite frequently. It's ironic that you posted this, earlier today I was considering starting a thread very similar to this. So, I hope you don't mind my taking this in just a bit of a different direction for a moment.

For some reason, I feel that my needing the medication is a huge weakness. I, very often, become bitter and decide I'm going to stop taking it... afterall, why can't I be "normal" too? I never view others who need medication as being weak, only myself. I suppose it has something to do with that perfectionism I struggle with. Everytime I try to stop taking it, within a month I'm taking it again. I've tried herbal remedies, they just don't seem to work for me. I hate taking the medication because it's the same as admitting that I need outside help. When I'm off the medication (especially if I'm off long enough for the residual effects to leave) I not only become extremely depressed, but I also become easily angered, and have a lot of trouble even carrying on a casual conversation. I constantly search for common words, and need to leave myself notes as to remember my daily routine.

I've been told my condition is hereditary, and is due to a chemical imbalance. My father and my younger brother both also take Zoloft, one for depression the other for anxiety.

*whew* I'm long winded and in a particularly "sharing" mood tonight, huh? Anyway, the question I would like to add to wolfie's original one is; Am I alone in this, or are there others out there with similar problems?

 

[R Nitelight]

I'm doing it right now.

 

[Cheyenne]

My nieces and nephew have the ability to pull me out of almost any bad mood. If I am really down about anything, I will drive over to their house and play with them for a bit. You can't beat a group of kids running to you to knock you over yelling "Auntie Cheyenne, Auntie Cheyenne". And then fighting to see if all of them can sit on your lap at the same time. All problems seem smaller if you can view the world again through the eyes of a child.

If I'm really depressed about something? A new piece of expensive jewelry.

 

[Naked Hunny]

Zoloft is my friend!! But it doesnt mean i dont have bad times trust me ive been having a bad time lately that even my shrink cant get me out of!! I dont know just too much going on i guess!! Music is always good!!! A nice mix of both sad and angry songs!!

 

[Guest]

 

[Naked Hunny]

oh sweetie to hell with chocolate ya go for the Ben and Jerrys New York Double Fudge sweetie!!

 

[Bonnie Wee Lassie]

Chocolate! Lots of Chocolate!

Took the words right out of my mouth!!!

 

[Gaucho]

I've been told my condition is hereditary, and is due to a chemical imbalance. My father and my younger brother both also take Zoloft, one for depression the other for anxiety.

*whew* I'm long winded and in a particularly "sharing" mood tonight, huh? Anyway, the question I would like to add to wolfie's original one is; Am I alone in this, or are there others out there with similar problems?

Moreso than any of us know, I think. In my case, it's both in the blood and in the social conditioning. My father has been hospitalized for the condition twice, once nearly losing his life over it. We're Irish, so that's strike one and we're also Catholic, so that's strike two. Nothing like the old one-two combination of guilt and depression. So far, I've managed to avoid the third strike (usually alcoholism). And I've also managed to avoid the diagnosis and the prescription drugs that often come with it.

For me, it's not wild mood swings. It's the quiet, deadly thoughts that pile up and threaten to smother the joy in life. I hope you're getting some counseling along with the medication to help you deal with your feelings about yourself. I can empathize with those feelings and they are quite natural, but they can also be as destructive - or more - than the chemical imbalance that started this in the first place.

Take care.

 

[Silverlily]

oh sweetie to hell with chocolate ya go for the Ben and Jerrys New York Double Fudge sweetie!!

Ooooh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I forgot we had some of that in the fridge!

 

[Ian1]

I've been "blue" since July. So far nothing has made me feel any better. Nothing.

 

[Expertise]

If time and space allow I excercise or do something physical to the point of near exhaustion. It always seems to help and allow my mind to put things in perspective with the added CV and stress relief benefits.

 

[Guest]

 

[Juliangel]

Prozac Prozac and more Prozac! 60mgs a day to be exact.

The prozac deals with the depression and the high dosage is to deal with my OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

If all else fails and the depression still creeps in I cuddle with my two year old. She always has a hug, a kiss and a "wuv uhh omie" for me.

If she is down for her nap or in bed for the night I get online and find friends that can help me snap out of it.

 

[teresafannin]

I am still so depressed over this past weekend, it will take a while for it to lift. Some of the things I do are:

Have a good cry.

Hibernate & play solitaire on the computer.

Take a drive, play all of my son's favorite songs.

If all else fails, take an Ambion & go to bed.

My grief therapist says the depression might always be with me, I am just learning to live with it. Some days are better than others, I guess that is part of it.

 

[Expertise]

Lioness I was actually thinking of a run or bike or going to the gym. Although I would reccomend your suggestion as well.

Actualy as I am sure most of you are aware clinical depression is dangerous, Ian you should look into getting some help perhaps. Extended "blues" are one of the warning signs,

 

[Guest]

 

[April]

Expertise, I had pictured you on a treadmill, but I kind of like Lionness' idea.

Ian, I sympathize with why you're depressed. Exp is right, though. You should see someone for your depression. Maybe some meds might help. For your own peace of mind and future health, try it. Don't just ignore it, because it will still be there later, just lurking. Exercise might work, too. I know that when I used to go to the gym and workout, I felt really great. Just some friendly thoughts.

 

[Alyrahh]

[For me, it's not wild mood swings. It's the quiet, deadly thoughts that pile up and threaten to smother the joy in life.

Yes, Gaucho, I'm familiar with those as well, the medication helps keep those at bay. When I'm off the medication, it's usually late at night and the house is quiet and dark when those, what I call, "shadowy thoughts" seep in and suffocate me. Often I'm shocked that I'm capable of such horrible thoughts.

 

[wolfie69]

Alyrah

The way I look at the meds thing is.... you have strep throat you take antibiotics....high blood pressure you take something to lower it.... so if you are clinically depressed then take 6the meds and try to smile....