Depression...does anyone else suffer from it?

[benjamind2010]

I admit I'm feeling very low tonight. Does anyone else suffer from this? I am sure there are many out there who do and I would love to see your input.

It's been very tough over the last few months (since April), and much of it was brought on by a traumatic event, but I still haven't really started to recover yet. I am speaking to people but it doesn't seem to help.

I'm wondering if anyone out there is suffering from major depression. I know this is going to be a long and hard road to recovery, I've recovered before but only after several months. I can still function, but I just feel sad most of the time.

I rarely cry, as I've been taught to keep it in and restrain it, that's what being brought up in a country high school does, I was raised not to cry and ostracised if I ever expressed painful feelings. I was only allowed to laugh. I'm not allowed to express my pain in ways that are visible, so I was more or less forced to wear a false cloak so that others couldn't see that I was hurting.

 

[shea_and_ruby]

My hubby has depression, and I can see how tough he does it sometimes. It can certainly be a long and lonely road, but dont ever feel that there is no one else out there going through the same thing. each person suffers differently with depression, and you have to find your own way i guess to try to help you deal with it. hubby's started after he had a major trauma as well almost three years ago now, but it resurfaced again in the past few months. he has been seeing a psych as well as taking meds and is getting much better. to be honest one of the things that has really helped him is makign reptile enclosures, which he has been making none stop for the past few weeks.

sorry to hear you are feeling low tonight. i hope you can find out what it is that will help you

 

[patonthego]

You can only keep going. I'm sorry you are suffering. You could see your doc and get some anti depressants.My Gp offers them to me as I have a bi polar mum in law living with us who needs oxygen 24/7. I always refuse to use them. I keep taking deep breaths and tell myself all the good things in my life and try to get by. Good luck

 

[Kelly86]

hello, i suffer from depression and anxiety. i find holding in emotions bad for you, in my case i can only hold it in for so long then the smallest thing makes me explode, have you spoken to a doctor? depending on what your traumatic experience was, you will need time. i hope your okay, depression sucks and it is hard when your feeling so down and have no-one who understands. the best advice i can give you is stay strong, if u need to cry just get away from everyone and do it, or just try taking deep breaths.
it will get easier, but you have to want it to and get the propper help you need, good luck and be strong

 

[SouthernKnights]

Hi there. just read your post and know where you are coming from. I have been there on and off for the last 15 years. When is sucks it SUCKS. There is only so much you want to tell a person who is paid to listen. Been doing alright for a while now but know that support is the key. Rock bottom is not sooo deep now and the bounce back is a lot swifter. Not sure if this helps but if you ever feel down just pm me and i will get back asap.
Cheers, Glen

 

[Smithers]

Been diagnosed for Anxiety depression for a few yrs now. When you say your talking to people,..are they health professionals? Are you on Medication as that can help for some. If you want to cry do so, It's not healthy to keep an emotion like that inside it will always cause more harm than good not letting emotions take a natural course. Eating healthy can help aid in one's mental state so try and get as much as possible fresh fruit and vege. Talking is a really great way of transfering some of the hurt or hardship your trying to deal with. From what you say it's come about from trauma you do need to take this seriously as you maybe suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Im sorry your feeling down/blue. You can ring a few people to get help or advice like life line on 131114 if you get desperate and need someone.

 

[Black.Rabbit]

I have suffered from depression since I can remember, but it's only been the last year and a bit I have kicked the black dog to the kerb. It's tough, really tough. I saw lots of people, went on cocktails of medications and the only thing that pulled me out of it was making some friends, keeping myself busy and exercising. I remember when I was seeing psychologists/psychiatrists they always mentioned exercise, and as a person who loaths exercise I never did it. about 20 months ago I started rock climbing which helped a lot.

I can't give any advice to recover from depression, just hang in there, talk to people, keep yourself busy, surround yourself with positive things. Make sure you have people you can rely on if you need to chat and don't ever feel like you're a burden on anyone.

 

[Bluetongue1]

The diagnosis from my (professor) psychiatrist is “severe depression and anxiety with melancholia”. So long as I take my “happy pills” each day, most days I cope. I cannot promise you anything but I am more than willing to listen and to share my own life experiences as a result of my illness. There may be something in there that helps. Just let me know if you wish to talk.

Blue

 

[Jen]

I suffered from depression after my boyfriend was killed in a car accident, I resisted going onto medication as I was worried I would not be able to stop taking them, but my doctor was really good and I was able to wean myself off the pills after a year or so. 6 years later I still suffer from (most likely) hormonal bouts of depression, stress related pain (I call it my alien baby due to the location of the pain and the fact that it seems to 'move' around - docs have tested up the wazoo and can't find anything), and rages related to feeling so hopeless at times. When my boyfriend died I found that counseling helped, but only after some time had passed, and I also kept a diary/journal which to me was the most helpful of all. 3 hours a day on the treadmill (6 years ago, I need to do this now lol) really helped as well, as I found I could switch off from reality, so exercise - which apparently releases endorphins - is useful too.

 

[daveandem2011]

Yep you are far from alone on this one mate, I am another in this boat late last year i found a very dear friend of mine had hung himself not the best thing to see,and then in january i had a serious neck injury and have been off work since march and found out that i have to have an opperation where the go in through the throat and drill out a few discs then incert a metal cage. I've been to shrinks and what not for a while now because the tough guy that i always liked to portray could not hold up any more. And i think if you need to cry it helps sometimes hope all goes well for you and you get back to your better self...

 

[Suenstu]

Yep, I have for many years now. It varies from the big black dog sitting on my feet to a small brown rat perched on my shoulder. Medication friends and family help me. In a sense reading this post and the responses has been really amazing and encouraging. It makes me see I'm not the only one who feels this way, and it's so good to see people willing to help listen and understand. I find it's almost an impossible thing to explain to someone who hasnt been there. One day at a time.

 

[benjamind2010]

I'm still here. Still struggling, but hoping that one day I will see the sun rise again. It feels weird being like this, this is just not like me at all. I know I will eventually recover but right now it feels like it will take an eternity. I know that others dealing with this stuff feel the same way too, so I don't feel alone in this.

daveandem2011, I hope that neck injury gets fixed, I know spinal problems are terrible especially if they involve bad discs, I have mild lower back problems from lifting weights at the gym (which is the only way for me to relieve myself of the mental pain) but nothing to be too concerned about. I trust that it will go well for you. I understand these operations can be very risky and I hope you pull through and fully recover.

Jen, I'm sorry to hear about your boyfriend. I know that is incredibly hard. Losing people so close to you is one of the toughest things you can deal with and get through. I hope you make it with all your strength intact.

Smithers, you may be right on this, I think it is PTSD, but I'm unsure of how to deal with it if it is. I know professionals recommend some sort of medication to cope with it, someone mentioned strong alpha+beta blockers and/or Trazodone to cope with the anxiety which I also suffer as well as the depression.

I'll keep my chin up, I'm just scared because I often wonder how much of this I can take before I give in to it all. It's difficult, and listening to other's experiences has helped me come to terms with what I am dealing with and knowing I am not the only one. I hope you all recover from your pain, whatever it is that caused it, it must be so hard.

And SouthernKnights and Grizz, thank you for your support, I read your PMs and it made me feel a bit better.

Here's hoping I make it through another day.

Ben

 

[euphorion]

Seems like we all know how you're feeling in some way or another. Just have to find the things that make you get up and function each day. My dog is the only thing that makes me want to leave the house to go for a walk each day, or work (i'm lucky in that i love my job as a vet nurse), having a gorgeous fiance that looks out for me helps but other than that everything else seems pretty pointless. Chin up, there are plenty of people on your side.

 

[bigfella77]

Yep, had it pretty bad a few years ago. Tried happy pills, drugs and bulk alcohol but in the end all that really worked was getting of my butt and doing new things. Go out meet new people, get a hobby, get back into the things that made you happy before you were depressed. I never felt talking about it helped at all just getting busy with a new life did itfor me.
Best of luck.

 

[grannieannie]

I was diagnosed with severe depression about 20 yrs ago and have been in psych wards a few times due to over doses. I've seen shrinks both in group sessions and one on one therapy and am on daily medication. Depression can't be cured as such, but can certainly can be well maintained. One in five people in Australia suffer from depression at one time or another in their lives. It is a long road to recovery and maintance, but it's worth the struggle. However, in my opinion, you need the combination of therapy and medication. Beyond Blue...is a good internet depression support site. I've been well for over a year now since my last medication was reviewed. I feel great, but I know my limitations and the triggers that can set me into a depression. Therapy will help you recognise these things. There are certain types of books I don't read....murders etc....certain tv programs and traumatic news events on tv I can't watch. Also I don't drink alcohol because it is a depressant. Relapses do happen, but if you have a good support system then you'll pull through. Don't be afraid if your doctor recommends a short stay in a psych ward, they are good places for people who need them. I used to be terrified of the thought of going into....one of those places....they were only for CRAZY people, but that's not true....they are for sick people who need healing, just like people with any other sickness. Good luck. xx

 

[Grogshla]

mate i struggle with it everyday

 

[Bluetongue1]

I have suffered from depression most of my life and didn’t know it. I have been retired on medical grounds because of it. For some people it is a clinical condition, a shortfall in certain neuro-transmitters in the brain. For others it can be trauma or stress induced. It also doesn’t necessarily manifest itself just as “feeling down”. It can be obsessively doing the unimportant things instead of what you know should be done. But its ultimate form is an inability to experience joy of any kind. The world is becomes a black place. There is no point to anything. No point to living. Add anxiety on top and every ounce of fibre in your body craves to be put out of its misery. It is somewhere no-one would willing go.

If you a struggling to get up and face the day, but do so only because of the expectations of others, I believe you need to seek professional assistance. I would recommend that you get your GP to refer you to a good psychiatrist. They cannot see inside you or into the workings of your brain. But by asking the right questions and having experience behind them, a good one can reduce the trial and error needed to determine what is likely the cause and what sort of things will work for you. Even the term anti-depressant covers a broad range of different medications that do different things in the body. GP’s will usually do what they can with various prescriptions for mild cases (where it is not critical if they get it wrong) and it that doesn’t help or you get worse, will then refer you on. Dealing with medium to severe depression is very much a specialist area.

A psychiatrist will look at both the body function and the psychological aspects involved. Odds on there will be pills to be taken. It may be short-term or it may be permanent. It depends on what is causing your condition. Either way, it is better than the alternative. Some people find a cure in other things, such as acupuncture, meditation, intense exercise and so on. I would try mainstream medicine first and then start trying out the alternatives. However, that decision is up to you. Something is wrong with your body chemistry and you need something that sets that right.

I have some understanding of the path you tread and I do wish you well.

Blue

 

[FlippinBirdies]

Ive been suffering depression for years and tried drugs, booze, sex and god knows what else when high to try and feel "normal". I got on antidepressants and yes there is a downside that getting off them would be hell and if you skip one you get very ill but all of a sudden I noticed a huge difference. After 2 weeks on them I left the house for the first time in months and went to a shopping centre, which previously was impossible due to severe anxiety and panic attacks. I was walking around and someone ran over my foot with a trolley. Now my reaction prior to antid's would of been to snap there head off and lose it, but when she apologised I said it was ok and smiled. It was in that very moment I realised the difference in me. It is such a gradual change you dont really wake up and think damm Im happy right now, and it doesnt make you sedated like benzodiazapines. It just works like a vacuum cleaner and cleans up the extra dopamine or "sad hormone" released during times of depression. So you can have control over your reactions again as opposed to the imbalance of chemicals in your brain controlling your moods and behavior. You don't feel different or changed. You just feel like you did before the depression and its amazing! Its the best thing that ever happened to me. Oh and my son lol. My doctor told me if you take antideppressants and you dont have depression it wont hurt you at all. It just wont do anything. There really is no harm in trying. They can wean you off in reduced doses if you dont want them but if you dont do it and they could of helped you you are really missing out on feeling the happiness and joy that comes from a normal chemical balance. Its a medical condition that is clinically able to be defined and does not mean youre "crazy" or just feeling sad and need to cheer up. In fact telling someone who has clinical depression that they need to snap out of it and that everyone gets sad does more damage than not saying anything. Discuss with your GP and if the sad feelings and feelings of not enjoying things you used to continues for more than 2 weeks then antid's may be a viable option. Personally I hope its just a case of being sad but if it isnt there is no shame in asking for help. The sooner people reach out the sooner they can feel better

 

[SYNeR]

I have depression and take 100mg Pristiq, which has helped a little (at least as far as energy goes).

The problem is, I've seen several psychiatrists and psychologists but have never really found them useful. Psychiatrists are barely interested in therapy and
only interested in prescribing medication (in my experience), and psychologists whilst more interested in therapy haven't really provided much good advice :\
It's a bit worrying when mental health professionals at times don't seem very helpful.

Unfortunately I don't have any/much advice to offer, except to say be careful with antidepressants. I tried both Lexapro and Lovan, both made me irritable, zoned
out and exhausted.

Now on Pristiq, it seems to work a little (although even this is up for debate.. Combination of external factors and antidepressants, each to differing degrees).
SNRIs will help you with energy if you have trouble getting out of bed and getting through the day, as they work on noripinephrine / noradrenaline in addition to serotonin.
My biggest qualm is withdrawals and the idea of getting off them eventually. I find if I miss a dose even by a couple of hours, I start to get brain zaps and feel funny.
Although, if given the choice, I think I'd opt for Pristiq over Effexor -- from what I've heard withdrawals tend to be worse with it (pristiq is a metabolite of effexor, and it is believed this contributes to a decrease in withdrawals).

If you feel you need antidepressants, it certainly doesn't hurt to approach them with a healthy amount of skepticism. If the side effects are too negative, swap to another one with a better side effect profile. At the end of the day, it is guesswork to an extent, as the psychopharmacology of antidepressants is still only theorised and we only have studies to fall back on. What doesn't work for you may work for someone else and vice-versa. It's at least worth a shot (providing your Doctor is in agreeance).

Another thing is, if you try an antidepressant, and don't really notice a different.. The doctor may take you back off the antidepressant to see if that makes a difference. This will also help determine if they're suitable to take. I did this, and came to the conclusion that whilst I didn't notice much of a difference taking meds, there was a bit of improvement..
From there, it was a matter of trying a couple until I found the one with the right side effect profile.

 

[Bluetongue1]

I think it is important not to make assumptions. What works for one person may not work for another, although their conditions may be identical. Similarly the effects of any given medication or combination thereof. For example, when I came off Effexor I experienced no adverse reactions.

We all have the same body parts and the do the same thing with the same chemicals involved. However, there are subtle differences in people’s body chemistry. For example, we have different blood types – the presence or absence of one of two protein molecules on the surface of red blood cells. This is actually a very minor difference overall but it can have massive repercussions in blood transfusions.

When you add subtle differences in body chemistry to the complexity and plasticity of the brain and the way it functions, you have a potentially very complex situation to deal with. This is why people with the same ailment can present with different symptoms and people with different ailments can present with what appears to be the same symptoms. This is why it can take time to get the correct diagnosis and the correct medication. Sometimes it happens first off. At the other end of the scale it can be a protracted determination by trial and error.

Psychologists are not doctors and therefore cannot prescribe drugs. Psychiatrists are doctors who have then gone on to specialise in mental health. They can and do prescribe drugs. Usually, by being referred to a psychiatrist, the indications are that you require some form of medication for your condition, apart from anything else. Whether that medication is required for a limited period or longer term will depend on your condition and how it responds to treatment – chemical, counselling, therapy and /or whatever else. The bottom line with medication is that if you need it, you need it. It is like failing to take blood pressure tablets when you need them – you may get away with it but if you don’t, it may only happen once.

X, don’t be put off by all the talk of medication etc. You need help. If tablets are required to help get you feeling like you again, surely that will be worth it. I was on 13 tablets a day, I am now on 10 – that is unusual by the way. I have never liked taking tablets, not even for headaches and only with the severest of hangovers. I still don’t like tablets. But I can assure you it is very much the lesser of two evils. When I put it into perspective, it is a minor inconvenience, that’s all.

There have been some great suggestions made by others, so if you haven’t already go to a doctor or get one to visit or get someone to follow up Grannie Annie’s suggestion for you about contacting Beyond Blue.

Lastly, the difference between depression and feeling down is that feeling down doesn’t go for weeks at a time. It is normal to feel down and depressed at times. However, with normal feeling down you can be distracted and snap out of it, if only temporarily, to enjoy a party or someone’s company or a trip to the pub etc. With true depression, you can’t just snap out of it for a while. The best you can manage is to put on a brave face and act happy.

I everyone’s posts are helping your understanding and that you are seeking the help you need.

Blue