Have you ever had depression and how did you get over it?

Yes, and I'll let you know when I do.

Depression is very difficult, and it often helps to talk to a professional counsellor (nb: not a physcatrist, unless you've attempted suicide) - the problem is there aren't many and they cost quite a bit, and getting one on the NHS is pretty much impossible. On of the biggest problems I'm finding at the moment is when do I go to my GP? Just what exactly counts as "severe" depression that might require medical attention (or at least, should be noted on file)?

If you need to talk, PM me, please. Don't suffer alone: it sucks.

i got a counsellor and a physcatrist and my GP tries to help but nothing seems ot work. Im on enough tablets to turn me upside down and shake me and i dont even like leaving the house most days. I just feel like curling up in a ball and rolling away. I try to stay busy but nothing works

I think it depends on the type of depression you have. If it clinical then taking something may help. If it is more circumstancial then talking may help.

I had PND a few years ago that was quite severe, although I didn't realise until I was well how bad it had been. I refused all medication and was sent to Argyle House to see a psychiatrist. This worked well for me and I made a full recovery after about a year. I felt much better after 6 months though. I had been told by my GP and mental health nurse "why refuse medication when you can recover much quicker, why make it harder for yourself" My reasons were that I wanted to get to the root of the problem not just treat the symptoms. It may have taken longer but at least I made a full recovery and did get to the root of the problem, hormones to blame or not.

I had not intended to commit suicide, nor spoken about doing so. I think it was more to do with my denial of the problem that prompted them to take it further.

For one tablets dont work in the long run but they can work for a little time. Nither does alcohol or drugs work has i found that one out,it takes it away the pain for a few hours then it back again worst, I still from time to time go through patches of this and i have had bad times with depression.

I found that talking it out helps and also diet too, I use to binge on chocolate and alcohol and it did seem to work but then came the guilt with weight so you be more depressed. I got a very good dr that i talk to at the hospital as i said i did go through a very bad patch of dipression 3ys back,and my problem was i held too many things inside of me that heated up over the years and just blew, So i gave up drink and drugs and went on a healty diet and this does seem to perk me up and it work, Also goin to the gym beats it out of me too. I sufferd with it and kept things in from being a very young age to the age of 26 when it all blew up with haveing a bad childhood (not due to my parents)
So i do know what it is like.
Best way i found it what i just said and that was also the dr way. I dont know how long or why your depressed if it a mental problem or health or just that you think people may not like you,but also this way does not work straight away but in time it does help. talk to your droctor that can also help as people are differnt but 9 time out 10 it boils down to changeing diet and getting sleep and just chilling and talking it out.and if your counsellor is not working then were are you goin. as i know pleanty of places maybe i been to same as you, but i know some great people that do help you and have done me and i sufferd for many years.

I have had depression for 2 or maybe 3 years now, it gets better slightly and then it gets knocked straight back down again. My depression started due to my childhood and it just has never seemed to get better. My counsellor does work sometimes but shes on maternity leave at the moment and when i dont feel like going out the house i dont see her. I Have many problems that cant just be solved straight away and i wish they could. i just need something that will help me get over it because it really is now hitting rock bottom :(

Dieselbabe,

It really depends upon the nature of the depression as to whether the tablets work 'long term'. SSRIs do seem to keep working year in year out for many people where the problem is related to screwed up biochemistry, but if the problem is 'situational' then they don't work as well.

Good diet, sleep, excercise and (oddly enough) making sure you drink enough water will help, as will avoiding the booze and sugarry foods which cause mood swings due to blood sugar changes. Some food additives have a drastic effect on mood as well, and it goes without saying that if you're depressed you shoudl avoid recreational drugs, especially stuff like Ecstacy which frazzles the mood control parts of the brain.

I was clinically depressed for a few months in the late 1990s, and found SSRIs helped me out of it. It was caused by a bereavement, illness and a few other problems, so the SSRIs gave me space to work in.

I stopped taking them after a few months (under the supervision of my doctor) and started to sort my life out. The depression's not really bothered me since, but teh sorting out of life continues. :)

Joe

There are threads here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=25545), here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42160) and here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=47377) which might help.

From memory, there's quite a few others as well.

The first thing with the depression is that the sufferer has to want to help him/herself. If they're not prepared to make an effort, then nothing anyone else does, including prescribing drugs, is going to help in the long-term. If the sufferer sits back and waits for somebody to cure him/her, then that cure won't come, simple as that.

Regular exercise (more than once a week) is supposed to help as well.

I have also had a couple of bouts of depression, the first time I went to counselling and after about a year was feeling much much better, however it did come back, so the second time I took the pills, which worked a lot quicker but did have some iffy side effects.
What I found really helped in the longer term, was to have a network of understanding friends, colleagues and confidantes, whi I could talk to, and in a lot of cases, had been through it themselves.
I still rely on my friends to this day, but thankfully they are a great bunch of people who can always help me through a 'black dog' day.
It's hard, but trust in a few good people and they can help you through.

Dieselbabe,

It really depends upon the nature of the depression as to whether the tablets work 'long term'. SSRIs do seem to keep working year in year out for many people where the problem is related to screwed up biochemistry, but if the problem is 'situational' then they don't work as well.

Good diet, sleep, excercise and (oddly enough) making sure you drink enough water will help, as will avoiding the booze and sugarry foods which cause mood swings due to blood sugar changes. Some food additives have a drastic effect on mood as well, and it goes without saying that if you're depressed you shoudl avoid recreational drugs, especially stuff like Ecstacy which frazzles the mood control parts of the brain.

I was clinically depressed for a few months in the late 1990s, and found SSRIs helped me out of it. It was caused by a bereavement, illness and a few other problems, so the SSRIs gave me space to work in.

I stopped taking them after a few months (under the supervision of my doctor) and started to sort my life out. The depression's not really bothered me since, but teh sorting out of life continues. :)

Joe


I understand that jo as i did state in my fisrt post that people are differnt and best to talk it out with your dr too.
I for one took me many types of tablets that only worked little. iam on some kind of tablet now but that to help me sleep (well knock me out) as ive not sleep for many years now and this was due to depression and drug and drink takeing as i did self medicate myself and this was due to me not sleeping as i was scared to sleep at one point , but since takeing these and getting sleep it does help and sleeping made me think clear and have a open mind and be alble to talk to people.
I ditch the depressive tablet has i ither was a zombie in the day or they did not work, so i took up eating right and going to the gym as i thought the dr was mad by saying this to me as if the tablets did not work then how the gym going to cure it, but it is helping this way and i got just over 10 weeks left now i been on it a month and i feal like i got energy, im not cured 100% as it been a long time what i been through, but with the right help and support i got from northlands and WOW it seems to be helping a lot.

i have suffered on and off with depression since the age of 16, i'm genrally very happy and enjoy my life, but i often get sucked into my thought's and see my life in a very negative light. I'm now 21 and i still have bad weeks were life's not all i want it to be but i myself have realised only i can make my self feel better, i have tried tablets twice, when i was 16, i had them for 2 months maybe longer and i did feel like a zombie, i was unsure the feelings i had were my own...and the last time i had them was a couple of month's ago and i had a weeks worth then thought i don't need them, i realised i'm a really strong person, i have alot of self control and i'm very strong willed, i have since got back to collage and quit smoking. I now there will be other bad weeks but i'm strong enough to get though it myself and thats what keeps me strong.
Although not having counselling or tablets is right for me everyone is different,everyone should have there own plan of action !

Have you ever had depression and how did you get over it?

yes and i'm not sure i have

Hi i have been on this sight before try the free self assement!

http://www.stresscenter.com/cts/21348370

its also a comfort to hear others talk about how they feel.

I have suffered with depression for the last 22 years since my late teens, but my depression is also tempered with huge mood swings and a craze for writing irrelevant equations down to do with statistics, my over active mind never allows peace and tranquility, when i awake all the morose mental anxiety returns, i dare not go out unless i have to as i am not working at present, i am however looking for work as i must to occupy my frenzied mind.

It is like being in a mad house inside my house, the more equations i refuse to do by order of my brain the more pain and anxiety i feel, i am on anti depressants they don't work just make me feel dizzy when i have too many.

Smoking and drinking are a no no as the medicine becomes stronger and can cause irregular heartbeat and sweating.

I just think the whole world dislikes my face,body language and i have to admit when i look in the mirror i don't like what i see, my face is full of red blotches and my skin is as dry as sandpaper, fortunately my wife works and is very easy going.

I sometimes wonder why she married me though.

I have suffered with depression for the last 22 years since my late teens, but my depression is also tempered with huge mood swings and a craze for writing irrelevant equations down to do with statistics, my over active mind never allows peace and tranquility, when i awake all the morose mental anxiety returns, i dare not go out unless i have to as i am not working at present, i am however looking for work as i must to occupy my frenzied mind.

It is like being in a mad house inside my house, the more equations i refuse to do by order of my brain the more pain and anxiety i feel, i am on anti depressants they don't work just make me feel dizzy when i have too many.

Smoking and drinking are a no no as the medicine becomes stronger and can cause irregular heartbeat and sweating.

I just think the whole world dislikes my face,body language and i have to admit when i look in the mirror i don't like what i see, my face is full of red blotches and my skin is as dry as sandpaper, fortunately my wife works and is very easy going.

I sometimes wonder why she married me though.
Have you seen your GP recently? The way you describe how you feel seems a little like manic-depression, rather than simple depression. Anti-depressants might be effective for your depressive symptoms, but won't really help you when your mind feels over-active and frenzied. Your GP should be able to assess whether your tablets are still appropriate for how you're feeling currently. See your GP. Only s/he can say for sure.

As for feeling dizzy when you 'have too many' anti-depressants: only take them as prescribed. If the packet says 'one a day', for example, then only take one a day! Another good reason to see your GP is that sometimes, even if you're taking the tablets exactly as prescribed, you might feel dizzy as a side-effect. You really should tell your GP, if this is the case.

Just on a side note; believe me everybody else is far too busy worrying about their own problems to give how you may or may not look a second thought. I can catagorically say that the whole world will not be looking at you and judging your face and body language; they're far too busy worrying about themselves :) .

As for the dry skin, I'd suggest getting your wife to get you an inexpensive, unperfumed moisturiser. My bloke has exactly the same problem, and uses a 'Simple' brand moisturiser in the morning after shaving. It works wonders.

Lithium worked wonders for me

Thanks for your advice ppn2204 i have tried neutrogena which is supposed to work on dry skin but well it did in the past but now it doesn't seem too, i will try to use another moisteriser as you suggested.

My mother used to say i always seem to flare with blotches on my face due to stress and anxiety and my mind really has too many thoughts at once.

I have spoken to my gp about my depression but all he says is that i should really come off my tablets soon and only take 2 a day which i do, never do i over dose as i know the risks, the depression is worsened by human contact as this creates a fear inside of me, right now i am ok but as soon as my wife returns from work it starts up again as i feel her restless spirit, we tend to feed off each others negativity.

I never wanted to live where i do now as all my family live up in york and i never get to see much of them these days.

I married the woman not the house if i had my way i would move back to york or try a new life in north wales which i like alot and it makes me feel relaxed.

I have helped other people with their relationship break ups in the past too which i think hasn't helped my situation as i have had to soak up all their repressed and negative emotions.
Thanks for all your advice, isn't it funny i used to work for a hospital as a care worker now i am in need of care.

Yeah twice, I had depression at 15 just after my mum died, I didn't realise at the time but I would stay in bed until 5 oclock everyday and didn't leave the house once in a year, I got really fat and had absolutely know motivation. And the second time I had post natal depression, which I took out on my partner very badly, when I look back it was so obvious but at the time it didn't occur to me, the doctor was very helpful actually she arranged for me to see the health visitor who arrenged for me to start college and put my daughter in the nursery, this made a massive difference and in my opinion helped more then any tablets that they could have given me. And at the moment I can feel myself slipping in to the same patterns sleeping all day, no motivation, I am not interested in uni and feel like the whole world is picking on me. I am not going to leave it to fester this time, I am off to the doctors and am going to arrange counselling through uni, and have explained to my tutors alreay that there is a chance I will need an extension on my work because of it. Mz babes I know what you mean about taking tablets though for some people they are the answer and others they aren't you have to try to find what works for you good luck.

Thanks for your advice ppn2204 i have tried neutrogena which is supposed to work on dry skin but well it did in the past but now it doesn't seem too, i will try to use another moisteriser as you suggested.

My mother used to say i always seem to flare with blotches on my face due to stress and anxiety and my mind really has too many thoughts at once.

I have spoken to my gp about my depression but all he says is that i should really come off my tablets soon and only take 2 a day which i do, never do i over dose as i know the risks, the depression is worsened by human contact as this creates a fear inside of me, right now i am ok but as soon as my wife returns from work it starts up again as i feel her restless spirit, we tend to feed off each others negativity.

I never wanted to live where i do now as all my family live up in york and i never get to see much of them these days.

I married the woman not the house if i had my way i would move back to york or try a new life in north wales which i like alot and it makes me feel relaxed.

I have helped other people with their relationship break ups in the past too which i think hasn't helped my situation as i have had to soak up all their repressed and negative emotions.
Thanks for all your advice, isn't it funny i used to work for a hospital as a care worker now i am in need of care.
Your mum was right about stress playing havoc with your skin, so of course all the moisturisers will do is try to deal with dryness and patchiness that stress can cause. It would be a good idea, as you suggest, to try a different moisturiser. I haven't used Neutrogena myself, but some people's skin can respond badly to some brands, even though they're fine on others. I can't use Dove products on my face, for example; they make my skin red and itchy.

Also, it might be a good idea to switch to something different to wash your face with. Do you use soap? Soap can be very drying to some people's skin. Try a face-wash instead; something unperfumed and soapless. Also, shaving gel can be less harsh than shaving foam on the skin. My bloke uses a razor with three blades, and never shaves 'against the grain' of the hair growth, always with it. It seems to upset his skin less.

You mention above that your depression is worsened by human contact, and it can make you fearful. There is a condition - which is sometimes associated with depression - called social anxiety (sometimes called social phobia). It is a real condition, and you should also mention this to your GP, as certain types of SSRI anti-depressants are more helpful with this than others.

There is a website here (http://www.social-anxiety.org.uk/frontpage.php)which is specifically about social anxiety. It has a forum (Click on the 'Discussion' link on the left hand side of the front page), where you can read others' experiences. You might be able to see if someone else has had similar feelings to your own, and get some advice about it. Even if you don't have all the symptoms of social anxiety, or only a few of them, it wold be worthwhile checking out the website, as there seem to be people on there who suffer with it just a little bit too.

Do you have time for a short break in York or in North Wales, perhaps when it gets a bir brighter and warmer? Sometimes just a long weekend in a lovely place is enough to make you feel a bit better.

The start to getting over depression is to acknowledege that you are why you are and then let your loved ones know the situation, I have a friend who sees a Phsychiatrist and is on anti-depressants, she won't tell any of her other friends about this so they just moan to her about their minor boyfriend/hair/money problems (I realise these could be major but in this situation they are not) My friend finds it difficult being around them (She has stopped drinking for one) I really wish she would talk to everyone and explain she isn't feeling too great (Understandably, it's something that has been building up for years) I am however really proud of her for admitting to herself, her doctor and the few she has talked to. It has definetly been a starting point, just saying "I'm not coping as well as it seems guys"

Dieselbabe,

It really depends upon the nature of the depression as to whether the tablets work 'long term'. SSRIs do seem to keep working year in year out for many people where the problem is related to screwed up biochemistry, but if the problem is 'situational' then they don't work as well.

Good diet, sleep, excercise and (oddly enough) making sure you drink enough water will help, as will avoiding the booze and sugarry foods which cause mood swings due to blood sugar changes.

I absolutely agree with what Joe says about chronic depression/anxiety related to biochemistry, Dieselbabe:

I have been taking an SSRI (Zoloft, augmented with Buspar) for almost nine years! I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder and depression in 1996. My brother, sister and mother have subsequently been diagnosed with the same things, suggesting that the problem is more biochemical than situational.

My doctor explained that taking drugs to regulate brain chemistry is similar to a diabetic taking insulin. I certainly wouldn't expect a diabetic to regulate his blood sugar with talk therapy!

Whether the drug therapy is short- or long-term, though, drugs do work best in combination with talk therapy and careful attention to your general health. Biofeedback and meditation also may be helpful. I've learned to control my stress and to anticipate anxiety triggers. I have not had a panic attack since late 1996, and my other symptoms are quite manageable. Good luck, and don't give up. Switch drugs or switch doctors if you don't get noticeable relief.

will let ya know how, when and if i get over it! sorry.. not an awful lot of help!

depession is a lonely and dark place,i have clinical depession,my life goes in limbo 4 about 6 days,all i want 2 do is sleep and heal,all you have 2 remember is that you come out stronger.

I had depression quite bad when I was at uni, it screwed me over quite bad because I had never realised what it was or how severe it could be until I had it. Before I had it I always thought people who got it must be either loopy or putting it on. I got over it by quitting drinking for a few days, getting plenty of rest and doing a bit of walking.

I still get the odd depressing day now and again, but I put it down to lack of quality sleep. I always seem to feel slightly depressed on days after I havn't slept well.

Depression IS an illness and can become very serious... i do however believe that only those that suffer themselves truly understand others with this illness... as it is an illness i really dont think its something that can be fully cured... there will always be low times amongst the happy... but when the happy times arrive its not always that easy to keep ahold... :?

Its such a shame how depression is on the increase... along with stress... there seems to be more & more people suffering in silence too...

No one should have to suffer alone... although i guess sometimes there's no choice as people just dont seem to understand... they probably see it as attention seeking or just being miserable all the time... and there's no talking to you...

I feel alot more people out there should be more supportive... :D

Altho... a Hug is always good as a quick fix ... and dont forget never underestimate the power of a simple hug! ;)

ps thinks there should be a hugs icon... :)

Depression IS an illness and can become very serious... i do however believe that only those that suffer themselves truly understand others with this illness... as it is an illness i really dont think its something that can be fully cured... there will always be low times amongst the happy... but when the happy times arrive its not always that easy to keep ahold... :?

Its such a shame how depression is on the increase... along with stress... there seems to be more & more people suffering in silence too...

No one should have to suffer alone... although i guess sometimes there's no choice as people just dont seem to understand... they probably see it as attention seeking or just being miserable all the time... and there's no talking to you...

I feel alot more people out there should be more supportive... :D

Altho... a Hug is always good as a quick fix ... and dont forget never underestimate the power of a simple hug! ;)


Excellent post and spot-on. I also believe that for some people, depression can't be cured, only managed, in the way which HappyHoosier alluded to above.

I believe that for some, there is a predisposition to depression which is genetic. It is mediated by a lower than usual level of certain neurochemicals, the most prominent of which is serotonin. For these people, long-term medication is probably the only way to ensure a normal level of functioning.

I agree that depression can also be situational, and in this instance it's possible that counselling and other non-chemical interventions might be helpful. For many, though, medication is essential.

I have suffered with depression for the last 22 years since my late teens, but my depression is also tempered with huge mood swings and a craze for writing irrelevant equations down to do with statistics, my over active mind never allows peace and tranquility, when i awake all the morose mental anxiety returns, i dare not go out unless i have to as i am not working at present, i am however looking for work as i must to occupy my frenzied mind.

It is like being in a mad house inside my house, the more equations i refuse to do by order of my brain the more pain and anxiety i feel, i am on anti depressants they don't work just make me feel dizzy when i have too many.

Smoking and drinking are a no no as the medicine becomes stronger and can cause irregular heartbeat and sweating.

I just think the whole world dislikes my face,body language and i have to admit when i look in the mirror i don't like what i see, my face is full of red blotches and my skin is as dry as sandpaper, fortunately my wife works and is very easy going.

I sometimes wonder why she married me though.

She married you 'cos she loves you! :)

My skin is better than it used to be; I remember some years ago I had terribly dry skin that peeled and was stress related. What was really grim was that people who'd known me for years were really loathe to shake hands with me and really had problems with the skin problems I had. Certainly helped me sort out my friendships.....

I used E45 cream on my skin - not too rich but quite effective, and also took Starflower Oil / Evening Primrose Oil capsules. I did get a referral to the dermatology clinic at the then RHH, but by the time I saw them I'd managed to get it under control..... :)

Joe

I would be the last person in the world you would think would suffer from Depression, but I did last year.The awful part is you dont always know youve got it when you have.I felt detached from reality,as though I was standing outside my own body,looking at myself.Did anyone else feel like this ? Found out that its very common to feel like this.Ive heard cognative behavioral Therapy,is one of the best treatments,but as AnneX says ,its up to you to help yourself,and realise,you have it,and need help.

a craze for writing irrelevant equations down to do with statistics, my over active mind never allows peace and tranquility, when i awake all the morose mental anxiety returns, i dare not go out unless i have to as i am not working at present, i am however looking for work as i must to occupy my frenzied mind.

It is like being in a mad house inside my house, the more equations i refuse to do by order of my brain the more pain and anxiety i feel

Eastwoodgill: Has your doctor ever mentioned obsessive-compulsive disorder? Your symptoms -- particularly your need to do equations to reduce your anxiety -- just scream OCD! Please ask your doctor about it, and do some research on your own. Check out www.ocfoundation.org for starters and get a book called "Brain Lock" by Jeffrey M. Schwartz. Have your wife look at the Web site and the book to see if she recognizes your symptoms.

I was diagnosed with OCD nine years ago; feel free to PM me if you need more information.

Its worth mentioning that antidepressants do vary a lot, and if one doesnt work for you another might.

I was prescribed 20 plus years ago and it didnt work and made me feel peculiar so I refused all further prescriptions and it took a long time to get better. But more recently when I became depressed I couldnt seem to access any help other than taking medication. I tried one, strange side effects (seroxat!) then tried prozac, better but not quite enough and now I am on Effexor XL which is sustained release - keeps on working all day. Its the best one Ive had so far. But thats me. Other people might suit other drugs. I have been stable on that for a couple of years and dont want to finish with it because I know the depression will return.

Like someone else said, its like a supplement to redress the balance in your brains biochemistry. Its just appalling that it has such a stigma ... people equate it with older drugs like valium that people used to get hooked on, and its nothing like that.

PS most GP surgeries now have a counsellor that they can refer you to, although there is usually a waiting list. The one at my surgery was great.

Thanks joe p happy hoosier and ppn for all your advice i have deffinitely got the ocd problem and will see the doc on monday morning but it is strange my mood improves with more light at this time of year with the s.a.d problem during the darker days.
I even listen to more morose music like O M D "DAZZLE SHIPS" sounds wacky and more like a theme tune to a funeral than a cd.

I have been feeling down for the past two week,s low mood etc.
I dont say anything just try to get through it on my own, but someone asked me how I were feeling the other day and i told them I was down the responce I got was this "your always thinking of yourself never of others get a grip and stop moaning" thats why I never say I am feeling down.

We have a history of depression in the family. Unfortunately it affected me from late teens to mid twenties. My sister also suffers from it, and due to reliance on medication, probably always will now! I am grateful that my doctor cautioned me against medication as all the negatives he told me about I now see in my sister (dependence on the drug, which leads to anxiety that you are addicted, which leads to depression, which leads to an overdose seeing as the tablets are there for you to take!) It is a never-ending spiral with her now, and it was caused by her GP not actually realizing that depression and manic-depression are 2 seperate things!

My depression would be all swings and roundabouts, I could be high one minute then at the lowest ebb the next. I used to trash rooms, smash glass, anything to get the 'bad thoughts' out. Unfortunately on my lowest ebbs this meant cutting myself, beating myself, just basically punishing myself most of the time. I used to have long hair right down my back, but sat for 2 hours one day contemplating thrusting scissors into my eyes, and managed to stop myself by hacking my 7 years of finely grown hair off.

I look back at what I was then and I feel terrible for those who were around me. A girl who I lived with for 3 of the worst years of my mental instability must have gone through hell for me.

So, what stopped it all? Strangely it was the best attempt at killing myself to date. A fine series of cuts down my left arm, resulting in quite a nice, deep one in the wrist! As I watched the blood pump out, I realised then that I didn't want to die.

Obviously I survived. I began meditation to 'lock' the bad moods away, and channel them out in more positive ways. Be a sceptic if you wish, but it works for me. I hold the key to my depressive side now, and I let the bad thoughts out when it suits me.

The biggest factor in my mental state being more stable now is my wife. It is since meeting her that I have begun to control my emotions a lot better. She understands when I am at a low, and knows exactly what to do at those times (bear with me, reassure me, and secretly phone my mates and get them to pop around on a 'surprise visit'). I'm lucky that I have a wife who understands so much, and that my friends are truely that.

Just like terrorists, depression can strike anyone at any time. Always be positive and look at the brighter side of life. If you are living under the influence of others, most likely you will suffer. If you are in control of your life, chances are you will be more confident, happy and keep depression at bay.

I forget something, when you think that you may have depression, stop worry too much and seek professional help. Depression can be cure if treated early.

I have bad depression caused by emotional and psychological trauma this can come under PTS (Post traumatic stress disorder). I suffer from traumatic stress to and this causes problems with how I for relationships with people, My way of understanding people and how they come across,anxiety and many other problems.

This is caused by the abuse I went through as a child.It is also triggered by a humiliating or bad experiance. Had one to many of them I tell ya, I am doing art therapy and seeing a psychologist. And am on medication I get suicidal thougts and have my disibility to contend with as well. It is horrible, and all I can do is live day by day. Hate not knowing what mood I may wake up in or how I will feel.

They think I will need treatment for a year at least for it. And they want to make sure I have trestment when I leave hospital. It is the hardest thing for yourself and others to deal with. And I find that my relationships with people are hard as I can form hardly any bond with people. And can not express feeling for them or tell them what I feel. I have no sense of value or self woth for myself. But like I said these are all things im working on. x

Ive been suffering from depression for about 6 months now due to my marriage break up and the crap he put me through. I was always the outgoing one who was the life and soul of everything but not anymore im ashamed to say i self harm its not clever to do it but it takes away the pain i am feeling i am also on anti depressants but they make me feel so poorly i just wish there was light at the end of the tunnel. I would love to get back to my old self and get to how i was but at the min i cant see a way out if this xxx

I can't say ive ever had depression as such, but i do have my ups and downs.

As anyone ever heard of tony robbins?

He's the No one motivational speaker in america, and before you say it, I never used to take poeple like that serious....who wants go to bed with ear phones on having some muppet telling you your fab. But I have to say that this man as changed my mind.

I invested in his "get the edge" CD pack, and ive never regreted it. The things that he made me aware of, not only about myself but also human behaviour in general were mind blowing.

He made me aware that when you start to tell yourself that this is it...that nothing's going to get any better...then your right!.

As I say ive never had depression as such and I know its a complex and sensative subject so pls dont think im lecturing. I just highly recomend that you google him, may be even get the CD's. Would be great to hear from you again if you do.

I'm currently suffering from depression and have been medicated for about 4 months now, the dosage being increased because it was hardly touching me. I had been suicidal before and flip in and out of it currently, but my previous GP advised me the only problems to expect from Prozac were euphoria. I was in hospital after a naffed-up attempt at doing myself in and changed doctors sooner than you could say 'is it safe to send you home now?'. I suffer from very severe self-harm, and have been this way since I was 14, though didn't realise the patterns over the years. I'm about to lose my job due to an occupational health report, from my job where I haven't been there long enough to have rights, on the basis that my depression has been triggered by huge life changes last summer- moving home away from my partner, who then went down south, and proceeded to say it was 'quite crap that I wanted to die'.... and going to the police over a historic abuse case, which is going to take a long time to even get to court, implying my mood will fluctuate until post-case counselling kicks in.


Had I not had housemates who were incredibly supportive and literally called the mental health organisations when I physically couldn't do anything for myself, I would probably not be around now. I find when I'm in incredibly black days it helps to either avoid any kind of alcohol, and sleep for however long it takes for me to be too drained to do anything harmful to myself. Or acknowledge and proceed to, but force myself to sleep immediately after to avoid worsening the situation or letting my thoughts spiral to critical levels.

I'm on every waiting list going for psychological treatment and luckily have a very supportive doctor, but some days it's impossible to keep going at times.

I forget something, when you think that you may have depression, stop worry too much and seek professional help. Depression can be cure if treated early.

so in that case, whats next weeks lottery numbers????????????????

Depression can be very hard to deal with - I have had depression for quite a few years now and am currently having a really bad time with it - feel like I just want to shut the curtains and curl up in a ball and sleep!!! I wake up in the morning and cannot wait for night to come to go back to bed!!

I am now on a different anti-depressant to what I usually take (I went to the doctors straight away as soon as I felt crap), and am still waiting for them to work.

Its a horrible time and my sympathy is with anyone who is also feeling this way - but rest assured there are people out there that know what you are feeling and it wont last forever.

If anybody feels like they would like to chat about how they are feeling please feel free to PM me - I have been through this kind of thing time and time again.

There should be more help available to people who are suffering - groups or one-2-one visits for those who dont want to leave the house.

I was told I suffered from depression about 12 years ago...although I think it was circumstantial (ie based on my situation at the time). I was prescribed some tablets, but they sent me a bit squiffy and I kept bumping in to things and having distorted vision. I went to see a doctor back in Sheffield whilst I was staying with mum, and we had a fantastic chat. He basically pointed out to me why the doctor had prescribed me these tablets, but that, in my case, it was my situation that needed to be changed. Basically, I changed everything. Quit my job, left my life and home in London, and embarked upon a whole new life. Came off the tablets straight away and have been right as rain ever since.

Circumstance DOES have a lot to do with it, so unless you have the courage to change was is making you suffer, then you will continue to feel as you do.

I am not saying that this is the answer to all depression!!!

I am now at northlands for my depression since my last post. I am improving and thinking more about myself and ways to deal with things. A lot of friends I did not talk to I now do we all made up. Im glad because they have helped me out so much.

I still see the neuro psychologist regarding depression because of my disibility as well as for the post traumatic stress.
They think the stress was triggered out of control through a lot of factors mainly by old friends and trouble I had with my neighbours.
They say people with it having coping mechanisms, one being my cleaning obsession and busying myself a lot.

But that didn't work and things got really bad for me, I changed and rather then friends and family noticing it was not like me and helping they just walked away. But those who where true friends where there all the way holding my hand.

I have made lots of new friends as well as getting back on track with the old. And am making myself feel haircut, spray tans ,facials ect.
I feel a total eye sore being in my wheelchair it makes me feel a tramp. But im getting there with it, and enjoying things as my disibility is a progressive muscle waisting disease and im never gonna get better.

I am on anti depresents, i do have suicidal thoughts and have been stupid a few times. But im trying to keep on track with it all.
Northlands are good and helping where ever they can ,and art therapy is a great way to chill and work out any problems you have.

I hope anyone suffering will go seek help as soon as. I wish I had of , I was mortified when my life seem to be "normal" again.
It was like I had not been here for last few mnth and had come back to my whole world being destroyed. Like someone else had been running my life for me while I was away.

Please don't leave things as it can get bad.

I've had it, fairly recently. In fact, I'm still supposed to be on medication but I stopped taking it (I feel like I've got a bit of an addict streak in me so thought taking tablets for 6 months was probably not the best idea).

Very bizarre period of my life. Went from being normal, bright and chatty to being moody, boring, argumentative and a bit of a recluse. Never actually felt "depressed" in the usual sense of the word, but I was aware something wasn't quite right - easily confused, no concentration etc...

It took me an age to go and speak to my GP about it. I'd been trying to hide it from colleagues, family, friends etc even though I knew there was something clearly wrong. I got put on a very mild anti-depressant and signed off work for a fortnight. I think the diagnoisis that there was something causing my moods was the turning point for me. Prior to that, it'd been making me worry so I think it lifted a considerable weight off my shoulders and allowed me to concentrate on getting everything back to normal.

As others have said, if you think you could be depressed/stressed/whatever then go and have a chat with your GP. It really made things better for me...

Hi there

I hope this doesn't seem like an intrusion, as I have not suffered with depression myself, but I wanted to make an input to this discussion. Several of my friends have suffered with depression, and have managed to come through it via different combinations of medication, talking therapy, and taking positive actions to improve their situations.

With regards to the last point, I have been looking into the positive effects that volunteering can have on people's mental health, including for people with depression. This is part of my work at Voluntary Action Sheffield. I came across a really interesting report, which said that almost all people that were surveyed (who had suffered from mental ill health) found that volunteering helped in some way. Here's a bit of a quote:

"The survey gathered accounts of voluntary work from more than a hundred volunteers with direct experience of mental ill health. Although a sample of this size is not representative of a whole population, it yielded a set of findings that provide useful signposts for future development.

Respondents said that their mental health difficulties had had a variety of negative effects on their lives, including unemployment, a lack of confidence and motivation, an inability to concentrate, difficulties in trusting people, an inability to make or sustain friendships, and feelings of isolation, frustration and anxiety.

Respondents also agreed that volunteering had done much to improve their mental health. Specifically, it had given structure, direction and meaning to their life, widened their social networks, improved their vocational and interpersonal skills and helped them to gain access to employment, education and training."

For anyone interested, more details and the full report can be seen at: http://www.ivr.org.uk/researchbulletins/bulletins/volunteering-for-mental-health

If you're then interested in taking up volunteering (it's much more flexible than paid work and can be tailored around your interests), take a look at www.do-it.org to see what opportunities in Sheffield you might be interested in. Also, you could talk over some options with the volunteers at the Volunteer Centre (in a building called The Circle on Rockingham Lane, just off Costa Coffee on Division St, City centre) - they're there 10am - 4pm Monday-Wednesday.

I hope that's of some use,

Claire

Has anyone taken Fluoxetine? If so, I'd be interested to hear your feedback on its success, side effects etc :)

Has anyone taken Fluoxetine? If so, I'd be interested to hear your feedback on its success, side effects etc :)

It did not agree with me I felt helpless all the time. So my doc changed it, but just because it did not work for me doesnt mean it wont for you!

It did not agree with me I felt helpless all the time. So my doc changed it, but just because it did not work for me doesnt mean it wont for you!

Is it usually handed out to people who have not had a 'history' of depression before and have therefore not taken any previous antidepressants?

i got a counsellor and a physcatrist and my GP tries to help but nothing seems ot work. Im on enough tablets to turn me upside down and shake me and i dont even like leaving the house most days. I just feel like curling up in a ball and rolling away. I try to stay busy but nothing works

Lithium can be life changing it was the last resort for me tried everything God knows how it works but it does

I am now at northlands for my depression since my last post. I am improving and thinking more about myself and ways to deal with things. A lot of friends I did not talk to I now do we all made up. Im glad because they have helped me out so much.

I still see the neuro psychologist regarding depression because of my disibility as well as for the post traumatic stress.
They think the stress was triggered out of control through a lot of factors mainly by old friends and trouble I had with my neighbours.
They say people with it having coping mechanisms, one being my cleaning obsession and busying myself a lot.

But that didn't work and things got really bad for me, I changed and rather then friends and family noticing it was not like me and helping they just walked away. But those who where true friends where there all the way holding my hand.

I have made lots of new friends as well as getting back on track with the old. And am making myself feel haircut, spray tans ,facials ect.
I feel a total eye sore being in my wheelchair it makes me feel a tramp. But im getting there with it, and enjoying things as my disibility is a progressive muscle waisting disease and im never gonna get better.

I am on anti depresents, i do have suicidal thoughts and have been stupid a few times. But im trying to keep on track with it all.
Northlands are good and helping where ever they can ,and art therapy is a great way to chill and work out any problems you have.

I hope anyone suffering will go seek help as soon as. I wish I had of , I was mortified when my life seem to be "normal" again.
It was like I had not been here for last few mnth and had come back to my whole world being destroyed. Like someone else had been running my life for me while I was away.

Please don't leave things as it can get bad.

Northlands is great I think I would be dead now if it wasnt for there help

ive had this problem most of my life. i nearly took my own life afew mths bk. but that doesnt solve anything. u just leave ur loved ones thinking why..i get by just to try and think positive. ive been to the very bottom. and now iam getting to the top again..

Has anyone taken Fluoxetine? If so, I'd be interested to hear your feedback on its success, side effects etc :)

i was on this and it made me hear voices that wernt they. bu it depend on the person...

Is it usually handed out to people who have not had a 'history' of depression before and have therefore not taken any previous antidepressants?


I am not sure to be honest! I had a history but was not treat for it until then.

i was on this and it made me hear voices that wernt they. bu it depend on the person...

What! That’s not good at all!
A friend of mine took this last year and she said she had hallucinations and panic attacks. Why would something with those side effects be prescribed to people looking to treat depression?

I'd steer well clear!

What! That’s not good at all!
A friend of mine took this last year and she said she had hallucinations and panic attacks. Why would something with those side effects be prescribed to people looking to treat depression?

I'd steer well clear!

The one they changed me to can give you low and helpless feelings. It said if you consider harming yourself stop taking the medication and seek medical assistance straight away. Its bonkers!

Have you ever had depression...?Yes and I find it depressing talking about depression.

I am currently taking trazodone for my depression, had depression for almost 4 months now. Fingers crossed will be able to back to work at end of month

Has anyone taken Fluoxetine? If so, I'd be interested to hear your feedback on its success, side effects etc :)

Yep, been on it for quite a while now, was pretty tough going for the first month or so, made me feel really sick and dizzy but been fine since then.

Side effects are different for everybody, i have to say its made me feel much better since i started on it, worth a few weeks of roughness, but it depends what you are willing to put up with.

My depression first started when i was 11, i was bullied at school, pretty much turned it all inwards and well, i'm 23 now and still battling it. I have recurrent depression, as i've had (more than) three episodes of severe depression in five years. I've had counselling in the past though it never really worked, have been on this course of medication since 2008. Still trying to get the right meds. Out of 3 AD's i've had a hypomanic response to 2(Fluoxitine and Trazodone) , the other (Citalopram) led to me trying to kill myself. I'm now on my second mood stabiliser(Seroquel, after being on Olanzipine), though my psych is considering introducing an AD again as although the MS is working i'm still down. Things are complicated by also having BPD.

I did have 3 sessions of CBT but because i said i felt i needed extra support (and got it in the form of a CPN and OT) they stopped the CBT as apparently you can't be in primary and secondary services at the same time.

Currently unable to work because of it, doesn't help that stress is the main trigger for my depression. Last job led to this current episode/nervous breakdown, they also got rid of me for being off sick. Hoping to go to college this year, and then after that volunteer before retruning to work.

I was diagnosed with post natal depression 5 years ago and had efexor thrown at me, not sure how much it helped and it was a bugger to come off. Im still living with it now but in a much less severe way, alcohol played a big part in my PND, I was down because i thought my baby hated me so I gave him to his dad so I could get p****d, have a laugh and feel "up" again, except we all know alcohol is a depressant in its self.

Once I'd learnt that and talked in length with my health visitor, who luckily for me was an absolute credit to her profession I got my ass into gear and learnt to bond with my baby and have happy times with him.

Sometimes I handle it by having a bloody good cry on a friends shoulder, sometimes I lock the doors, close the curtains and wont see/speak to anybody for a couple of days and spend some quality time with my children and forget that a world exists. Sometimes i take the kids to a friends and get disgustingly drunk, cry on my own, then wake up and wonder what the big deal was, make the effort to put some make up on and go out and pick my kids up

I guess what I'm saying is, lots of us suffer different types of depression for different reasons and theres only one person who can truely help to identify the help you may need. and thats yourself.

Northlands is great I think I would be dead now if it wasnt for there help

Me too tynan X

I had "mild" depression for a number of years. Medication did nothing for me. Self medicating didn't provide a solution, just a patch to cover it up. CBT wasn't much cop. The thing that made the biggest difference to my life was mindfulness.
By practising this I was able to focus on the moment, to stop reumination about the past and worrying about the future. By living in the moment more and with the support of a brilliant missus I was able to get out of my old habits and to start some much healthier ones instead.

Try this book: The Mindful Way Through Depression (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mindful-Way-Through-Depression-Unhappiness/dp/1593851286/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274130539&sr=8-1) The CD was particularly good

Ive never had depression in my life but can well understand how upsetting it can be for other people. I wonder why some people get it ,and some dont.

Sorry if this seems off topic...but why is it that depressed people are usually more intelligent? IMO, but more to the point.. interesting also? And I don't mean interesting because of their depression.

Sorry if this seems off topic...but why is it that depressed people are usually more intelligent? IMO, but more to the point.. interesting also? And I don't mean interesting because of their depression.

Because we tend to over think. This, you may say, does not make one intelligent.

What does, is that when we have over thought, we then have to collate those thoughts so they can be understood by everyone else (because if we didn't, we would appear stupid). All this increased brain activity, if channelled correctly, can result in a superior intelligence in some cases, and certainly make one more interesting (to some people).

The problem is, of course, that one is never too far away from relapse. And when that happens no one finds me interesting cos I don't get out of bed.

Sorry if this seems off topic...but why is it that depressed people are usually more intelligent? IMO, but more to the point.. interesting also? And I don't mean interesting because of their depression.

I dont believe that to be true.

I dont believe that to be true.


Would be interesting to know why?

Would be interesting to know why?

It just doesnt make sense.

i spend half my life batterling depression and the other half fighting against mania, i have bipolar affective dissorder have to take lithium as a mood stabiliser seroquel which is a anti phycotic and venlafaxin which is a anti depressant, i cant take ssri's though as they push me into mania as do the seroquel if im not on the mood stabilisers, the stigma i face of people is discusting they think because they cant see anything wrong with me i must be putting it on, my older brother also has it he was diagnoised as a teenager and i was about 2 years ago surprisingly though we did not know about each other or meet till just before xmas last year (share a father but not a mother)

It just doesnt make sense.



To be fair I never expected it to make sense...It's just a personel observation.

I'm not even suggesting that all the depressed are highly intelligent or interesting...just the one's i've been aquainted with. I think studentbob touched on something with increased brain activity.

"It just doesnt make sense" or "I dont believe that to be true" should be reason enough to explain why you came to that conclusion. It's a bit like answering a question..."why are you depressed?" with "because I am". Non of life's mysteries make sense...unless you question. I just find that those with Op's suggested condition are at war constantly with thought and the subject of that thought doesn't necessarily have to be depressive...from an outsiders perspective that is.

i get depression all the time, and i get over it by setting dustbin on fire. it might not solved anything but it mades me happy for a while.

Sorry if this seems off topic...but why is it that depressed people are usually more intelligent? IMO, but more to the point.. interesting also? And I don't mean interesting because of their depression.

I think that there is something in that theory. My explanation for it would be that intelligent and/or educated people are more likely to analyse, question, seek meaning and tend to have greater expectations, all of which can lead to an acute sense of malaise and ennui.