Depression

[chuckles]

I agree with this actually. IMO There's no way someone would actually be full blown depressed and get out of it by thinking happy thoughts or being told to be positive. In my experience real depression goes much deeper than that and can't be cured by simply being told to snap out of it. Counselling or some longer term form of therapy can cure it but not for everyone.

I've known two people with serious depression and both of them killed themselves. To suggest that being told to be positive would have saved their lives is frankly insulting and ignorant IMO.

Like you stan, I've known two people who have killed themselves because of this illness. But depression isn't something like the 'flu that suddenly appears without warning. Invariably there are signs, if we care to look, that the sufferer is becoming more unwell.....folk on here have spoken of feeling progressively worse. I happen to believe that during this progression, positive thinking ( and that has nothing to do with being told to 'snap out of it') can go a long way to helping in a recovery.

[Mak]

Brb, righting a chemical imbalance in my body by thinking happy thoughts.

[Jacksgranda]

A lot of people who say they are "depressed" are just feeling sorry for themselves, and probably with good reason. People who bandy the word "depression" around aren't depressed in the sense that many posters on this thread are. However, there are many differences between self pity, sadness, and clinical depression, and they shouldn't be equated with each other. Clinical depression can be a killer, and is very difficult for anyone who hasn't had it to understand.

This thread has been very illuminating, and helpful. It has also managed to stay (nearly!) on topic, and even the jokes have raised a smile.

[Lisa Cuddy]

[/b]

Like you M, I'm no doctor, and I wouldn't like to say who amongst the punters on here is truly depressed, or who' is on the way there.' But even if positive thinking just worked on the cases in bold, wouldn't it have been worthwhile?

Btw, as a nurse,would you say that there are different recovery rates for patients with negative/ positive outlooks ?

I never said it wasn't worthwhile for those cases. Certainly, I'd agree that if those people find positive thinking works for them, that's great. I've been in similar situations where I've found myself feeling like I'm slipping and had to actively do things to stop it. For me it was getting myself out, finding things to do and talking to people about how I was feeling, but it's more about action than thinking and I'd suggest it's the same for most people. Rather than just thinking 'I'm going to be happy today', it's more about calling a friend and saying 'I'm feeling bad and I need to talk'.

I'm not involved in mental health, so I couldn't give stats from that point of view. I would say that people that approach recovery from other illnesses with a pro-active, positive outlook do better than people that look at it with negativity, but then that's often a separate issue from mental health. Depression in those patients tends to come after the onset of their physical condition. Willing it away isn't going to help. It needs to be addressed, either medically or through counselling.

[chuckles]

I never said it wasn't worthwhile for those cases. Certainly, I'd agree that if those people find positive thinking works for them, that's great. I've been in similar situations where I've found myself feeling like I'm slipping and had to actively do things to stop it. For me it was getting myself out, finding things to do and talking to people about how I was feeling, but it's more about action than thinking and I'd suggest it's the same for most people. Rather than just thinking 'I'm going to be happy today', it's more about calling a friend and saying 'I'm feeling bad and I need to talk'.

I'm not involved in mental health, so I couldn't give stats from that point of view. I would say that people that approach recovery from other illnesses with a pro-active, positive outlook do better than people that look at it with negativity, but then that's often a separate issue from mental health. Depression in those patients tends to come after the onset of their physical condition. Willing it away isn't going to help. It needs to be addressed, either medically or through counselling.

You thought (' I'm not going to slip into this again, I'm going to do something about it')positively, then put your thoughts into action. You got off your bum, shared with someone ,and felt better.

That's how it works M.

[Lisa Cuddy]

You thought (' I'm not going to slip into this again, I'm going to do something about it')positively, then put your thoughts into action. You got off your bum, shared with someone ,and felt better.

That's how it works M.

That's it though, it was action, not thought alone which is exactly the point we're making. Action starts with thought, but doesn't end there.

[chuckles]

That's it though, it was action, not thought alone which is exactly the point we're making. Action starts with thought, but doesn't end there.

And of course, without positive thoughts there is no positive action.

Anyway, Happy Christmas M...I've got some Belgian chocs to eat and the latest Bourne to watch so I'm off for now.

Btw. tell Adam to wrap up warm when he reads Ivan Denisovich.

[Disco Duck]

I've just rewritten a response to this thread 3 times, and I struggle. Because I know it is impossible to properly get perspective when you have that heavy blanket on you.

I was fortunate to get a lot of pretty serious psychiatric help a few years back. I had two "moments of clarity":

1) depression can be just as delusional as schizophrenia, in that you absolutely believe in what your emotions are telling you - you are wrong, you are bad, your life is pointless. But it is no more true than a schizophrenic hearing the CIA through their fillings.

2) depressives get better. It might take some medicated help, it might take talking therapy, but clinically speaking, the outlook is positive. This is not a permanent state of mind. You will get better, hard as that may be to believe.

Somebody posted above about depression being a western modern illness. If you research it, it's really not - it's just that we're all not dying of smallpox long enough to see the impact.

Edited December 25, 2012 by Disco Duck

[RH33]

This has been my best spell over the festive season in a while. Which I'm delighted about as I was On the highest dose of anti depressants my go could give me 25 weeks ago and then came off them in very short space of time due to unexpected pregnancy.

[longjohn]

I've suffered from it in the past, whilst younger. I was very badly bullied at school and hated getting up each morning. Genuinely just wanted to lay in my bed all day. Thankfully leaving school was a catalyst for a big change in my life and I've been moderately fine since.

My wife (who also has adult ADHD) has suffered badly from depression in the past and it's utterly heartbreaking. Not only do GPs not have a clue how to deal with someone with depression, they have no idea whatsoever how to help someone who lives with someone with depression.

Not always. I have got a brilliant GP who has specialised in treatment of depression. She was excellent, both supportive and knowledgeable. It is worth asking at your practice if there is a GP who has specialised in depression and being seen by them. I am aware that some practises have one. Don't dismiss GP's, there are good and bad. If you get one who is inexperienced in that area get another.

I returned to work in June 2005 after the best part of a year off the rails and am now doing ok. Have had a couple of wobbles over the years but I can now recognise the signs and just take things slowly and carefully until I get my head sorted out. I will never be as confident or assertive as before and I have severely reined in ideas of promotion or additional responsibility in my life as that can push me to the edge. Seeing a psychologist was a great help as well, The bloke I got was really helpful with coping strategies and setting improvement targets.

To those out there suffering, believe that there is recovery. It takes time and you may not believe it but one day you will be posting positive comments for other sufferers like I am doing now.

My own take on the "get a grip" brigade is that they should shut the f**k up. I work in the NHS and my Service Manager was such a character. "Pull yourself together" was his battlecry, that is f**k all help when your life is falling apart. You would have expected better from a senior manager in the NHS.

God bless all. I would include my offer of support if anyone wishes to pm. You are not alone.

[Jacksgranda]

Not always. I have got a brilliant GP who has specialised in treatment of depression. She was excellent, both supportive and knowledgeable. It is worth asking at your practice if there is a GP who has specialised in depression and being seen by them. I am aware that some practises have one. Don't dismiss GP's, there are good and bad. If you get one who is inexperienced in that area get another.

I returned to work in June 2005 after the best part of a year off the rails and am now doing ok. Have had a couple of wobbles over the years but I can now recognise the signs and just take things slowly and carefully until I get my head sorted out. I will never be as confident or assertive as before and I have severely reined in ideas of promotion or additional responsibility in my life as that can push me to the edge. Seeing a psychologist was a great help as well, The bloke I got was really helpful with coping strategies and setting improvement targets.

To those out there suffering, believe that there is recovery. It takes time and you may not believe it but one day you will be posting positive comments for other sufferers like I am doing now.

My own take on the "get a grip" brigade is that they should shut the f**k up. I work in the NHS and my Service Manager was such a character. "Pull yourself together" was his battlecry, that is f**k all help when your life is falling apart. You would have expected better from a senior manager in the NHS.

God bless all. I would include my offer of support if anyone wishes to pm. You are not alone.

Why? He's "only" a manager - not a g.p./psychologist. Although I take your point, that you would think the NHS, of all organisations, would have some sort of mental health strategy, and therefore training for management.

[Jacksgranda]

Surely the anti-depressants are absolutely no use for you if you can come off the highest dose in a short space of time and feel the best you have done in years?

Edit to add: they maybe did help but if getting pregnant changed your entire mood so dramatically then isn't that a good starting point for counselling or something? Although people feel depressed for no reason, if you have a mood trigger like you have then it's something to focus on and talk about? Maybe you have, I don't know.

I don't think that's what she is saying - it's her best spell over the festive season for a while, not the best she has felt in years. She's pregnant, too, so maybe that effects the depression causing hormones etc.

ETA: I see you mentioned the pregnant bit, too, should have digested the whole post before replying!

Edited December 26, 2012 by Jacksgranda

[1888bhoy67]

Thanks to those who replied to me, it is very much appreciated,

Well, i managed yesterday, just about at first as i felt like a pressurised gas tank as soon i entered the kitchen to prepare the meal, but i managed to use some of the techniques i learned when i was gettin councilling and those managed to get me through that period,

Initially i woke up (well my 2nd youngest woke us up as santa had been) i was in a better place, but i think that was due to it being Christmas morning, but a few hours later, i honestly felt like just heading back up the stairs for the day, however, my wife stepped in and we had a chat and i got on with things, and then remember the rexalation therapy i had, so the mrs sent me away to clear my head for an hour or so, and i felt much better, but as dinner time approached, as i said above, i let the pressure get to me and was being short with everyone, but that few hours in the kitchen actually ended up making me feel better for the rest of the day, so i'm thankful for that, and also thankful i have people around me who are patient with me and do try and help!!

I'd just like to comment on the people suggesting thinking happy thoughts', if it works for you and other's then i see no need for anyone critisicing it,

Some people are far too quick to try and rip the pish about this illness and also dismiss it with comments like 'just get on with it' which particularly sticks in my throat, but, i like think and hope the majority say and think and say these things out ignorance rather than spite.

Anyway, feel better this morning after that wee rant (and an enjoyable evening last night), so enjoy the rest of Boxing Day P & Brs

[Sergeant Wilson]

i felt like a pressurised gas tank as soon i entered the kitchen

If having a wank in the kitchen works for you........

Edited December 26, 2012 by Sergeant Wilson

[RH33]

Read what I said, I didn't say I was best I had Been in years i Said best festive period I'd had in years. Coming off such a high dose in short apace of time has been sodding rough. I've been at my gp every 10 days as she's keepin a close eye on me. I needed to come off the medication as I was on it with my son and he arrived early and small. May not have been the medication but it equally could have been. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding.

I have had extensive counselling and go to a post priory discharge group once a fortnight

Surely the anti-depressants are absolutely no use for you if you can come off the highest dose in a short space of time and feel the best you have done in years?

Edit to add: they maybe did help but if getting pregnant changed your entire mood so dramatically then isn't that a good starting point for counselling or something? Although people feel depressed for no reason, if you have a mood trigger like you have then it's something to focus on and talk about? Maybe you have, I don't know.

[~~~]

On another note, living with Scotland's climate and not getting regular holidays in the sun is a big cause of depression in Scotland. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

I really hate this country during the winter time, I badly struggle to wake up for work when it's dark outside and still dark when i finish.

[Sloop John B]

I don't really know if I'm depressed or not, I've never felt like ending it all or self harming. but I always feel that it seems to be another bad incident after another, and whenever I do something good there's always a feeling that I could have done it better. I keep trying to be positive but it always seems to be another thing to knock me down. Some days I can't sleep and others I can't motivate myself to get out of bed. I used to be pretty tidy person now I just don't care and leave my room a tip until I absolutely have to.

I've just went to University and there's certain days I don't leave my room until 5 o'clock, and now with more exams, the fear of resits and getting people to share a flat with is heavy going, especially as the people I was meant to be living with pulled out at the last minute of the five bed thing because it was too expensive and are now in a four with the original one minus me (I was the last to join a few days before they spoke with the salesman so it wasn't a huge shafting but still annoying nonetheless) and now I have to find a sharing a flat when everyone seems to be settled is just another brick in the wall. I always have this feeling that I'm going to drop out and be a failure in other people's eyes. Not sure if it's just teenage angst, an identity crisis or if I'm properly depressed.

Feels pretty good to get that out my system though.

[mattydfc]

One of best pals lies about having depression and being on anti-depressants for it, he's also attempted suicide apparently and it's a fucking pain in the arse because we need to play along with it. I feel sorry for people with depression because for every person that has it there's a twat like him pretending to have it so they can get some much needed attention.

[JamboMikey]

I don't really know if I'm depressed or not, I've never felt like ending it all or self harming. but I always feel that it seems to be another bad incident after another, and whenever I do something good there's always a feeling that I could have done it better. I keep trying to be positive but it always seems to be another thing to knock me down. Some days I can't sleep and others I can't motivate myself to get out of bed. I used to be pretty tidy person now I just don't care and leave my room a tip until I absolutely have to.

I've just went to University and there's certain days I don't leave my room until 5 o'clock, and now with more exams, the fear of resits and getting people to share a flat with is heavy going, especially as the people I was meant to be living with pulled out at the last minute of the five bed thing because it was too expensive and are now in a four with the original one minus me (I was the last to join a few days before they spoke with the salesman so it wasn't a huge shafting but still annoying nonetheless) and now I have to find a sharing a flat when everyone seems to be settled is just another brick in the wall. I always have this feeling that I'm going to drop out and be a failure in other people's eyes. Not sure if it's just teenage angst, an identity crisis or if I'm properly depressed.

Feels pretty good to get that out my system though.

Last line is the key. Talk to those close to you about how you feel regularly. Don't bottle it up.

Depression creeps up on you, doesn't just hit you. You definitely are exhibiting signs when you say you want to stay in bed etc. I'd see a doctor if things don't improve in the near future or get worse.

Edited February 5, 2013 by JamboMikey

[DA Baracus]

You dont need to self harm or have suicidal thoughts to be depressed (although in the past i've had both, the most pleasant being heating the tip of a knife on a stove then using it which has left a couple of nasty scars).

Sounds like you might have mild depressive disorder though. Lack of motivation, lack of organisation (not keeping things tidy), lack of sleep (or too much), lots of self doubt: these are classic symptoms.

Its good that you recognise that you have a problem. Its actually a pretty common thing among young folk at university. You should speak to your uni counselling service. Its free and confidential yet run by professionals. You may have to wait a wee bit to get an appoimtment so best to get in touch with them ASAP. You could find that talking to a professional helps and lets you work out issues that are causing you to feel the way you do. Also uni's are very understanding of such problems and can help in an acadic sense.

Also speak to your GP