Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Over the last 2 years ive suffered from depression, i have never faced upto it but now i have too, iam trying to have a relationship and rebuild myself after a terrible divorce and my company collasping.

Does anyone have any advice on to how manage depression? are there help groups or is my only option to go to the doctors and start medication.

I handed my shotgun licence in the moment i started to feel very depressed.

Any advice would be great, thankyou.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

TJH, i've been on tablets for depression on and off for the last 2/3 years, i've tried different ones and finally settled on fluoxetine(prozac), they help me immensley...before i started on the current ones i was really bad but i have depression and anger problems, i think my anger stems from losing my mum when i was 15, i used to lash out at anyone and got myself into trouble quite a few times, if someone so much as looked at me the wrong way i would hit them....i'm still like that now...but i have calmed down a hell of a lot compared to how i was before i went on these tablets

someone else on here may be able to give you advice on other things...but this is my opinion on the tablets....i know how it feels to be real low and its awful, and no one seems to understand you, all i got from my family was 'pull yourslef together' but its never that easy is it

hope you get the help you want, if you ever need a chat about anything send me a pm

chin up mate, it can only get better xx

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I am pro alternative medicine and anti pharmacutical drugs
I suggest you try St John's wort.
Hypericum / St John's wort ( Kira , Alterra )

If that isn't strong enough to raise your mood, I then suggest Sam-e
SAMe

If you take ANY prescription meds whatsoever check that they do not conflict with them

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Thanks Flashy, thats exactly how i feel at the moment. My life just fell apart when i found my wife was having an affair while pregnant. I then let my company fall apart. Its so hard to keep going and as for anger, its terrible. I lock myself away when i have a black day as i just cant trust myself to go out.

Thanks MargaretR ill give them a try, off to the doctors in the morning. In the process of moving to the ribble valley so hopefully the local doctors will register me in the morning.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Go to your Doctor and get proper Medical care, no one on here is trained to diagnose what form of depression or what medicines you should take.

Good luck with your treatment, it is, an uphill struggle but with the correct care you will manage to look at the world with a much better point of view.

Depression Alliance web site with information about depression symptoms, treatments for depression and self help groups.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

[QUOTE=TJH;718404]Over the last 2 years ive suffered from depression, i have never faced upto it but now i have too, iam trying to have a relationship and rebuild myself after a terrible divorce and my company collasping.

Does anyone have any advice on to how manage depression? are there help groups or is my only option to go to the doctors and start medication.

I handed my shotgun licence in the moment i started to feel very depressed.

Any advice would be great, thankyou.[/QUOTE My advice would be to go to your G.P. I dont know if your suffering from mild to moderate or could be severe depression and two years is a long time to have suffered with this. Antidepressant tablets can be very effective in treating these symptons but can take up to six weeks to be at their most beneficial also the G.P.s offer a counselling service which could be beneficial and another treatments CBT depending on the severity of the depression.It appears to be a clinical depression which means a reaction to circumstances. Wish you well and hope you get better soon.If you want to PM me feel free to do so in confidence.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

There's a difference between having depression and being depressed. Clinical depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and needs professional treatment. Being depressed is a different matter. I was depressed for a good 6 months after my husband's death but I didn't have clinical depression, it was unhappiness and it was terrible but I got better eventually.

See your doctor, get a proper diagnosis and take it from there. You may find counselling is what you need. Whatever happens I sympathise and wish you well.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Please can you explain the difference between having depression and being depressed, im confused about this.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Well, I thought I had. I suppose you could say depression is on-going and doesn't always have a recognised cause such as a bad event. Being depressed is when we are so very "down" and unhappy that we think things won't get better but they do in time.

This is how it was explained to me when a relative had clinical depression that needed medical treatment.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I thought you had as well.:p

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I understand it to be the way that Westender explained it.
It is a good sign that he has good reason to be depressed.
If he didn't, then that is a severe problem.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

After one month of symptoms clinical depression would be diagnosed ie its a reactive depression.Most depression is not due to a chemical imbalance or genetic factors low serotonin levels are a result not a cause of depression, This is a misunderstanding is also the reason why drugs for depression miss the point and treat the symptoms instead of the cause.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

It all began on 31-12 51.
Chapter 2 later, give me a break.:theband:

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

As Less has advised, go and seek medical advice, I was diagnosed with a nervous breakdown 11 months ago, it then turned into depression, i have been on Cymbalta since, they are non adictive, and take 2 - 4 weeks to get into the system. I finished up having counselling that lasted for 7 visits, she was brilliant, if you follow their advice and think about it every night before you go to bed, you will feel so much better. I certainly do. There is no "quick" remedy for depression, just healing of the brain in time.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Please, don't suddenly become an expert when you couldn't even understand the simplistic explanation that Westender put on.

:confused:

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I was only confused because the explanation was incorrect, hey im no expert but have some knowledge in this field.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

If you read my first post properly you will see I said I was depressed for 6 months. My doctor did not diagnose clinical depression after one month and he did not prescribe any medication. I was offered bereavement counselling but declined it. I knew, just like my doctor did, what the problem was and even though I didn't want to believe it at the time I knew, deep down, that I was going to get over it eventually.

You then go on, more or less, to paraphrase what I said about medical intervention - not to say the whole reason for my posting at all. I was trying to point out that not all forms of depression are clinical and need chemical remedies.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Seek professional advice and join a local NHS supported self help group, your far from being on your own, but its worth remembering that all forms of depression are as individual as we are and one cure won't serve all, a starting point is to come to terms with yourself, don't get to involved with other peoples experiance unless you can talk to them face to face. god bless and I hope you find a resolve to you situation.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I'll agree with that, ignore the dangers of, "I've had experience", 'amateur experts'.

They mean well but will probably do more harm than good.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Point taken and i guess as in not aware of your symptoms cant really say however bereavement and divorce are just two of the causes of clinical depression and you only have to have three out of the ten symptoms to diagnose clinical depression feeling low in mood, sleep pattern changes lack of appetite,and you would then be diagnosed as clinically depressed most people although not all would have these factors after such events in their lives some people are fortunate and soon recover however others take years as this can then turn from clinical depression into a long term adjustment disorder.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Not only can't really say but shouldn't even hazard a guess, there are proper channels and proper professionals for this kind of very personal illness.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Exactly. Just what I said in para 2 of my first post. :rolleyes:

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Ok your depressed, sorry to hear it. Bottom line is STOP now. The internet aint got the answers to your problems.TAKE A MOMENT AND CHILLAX (CHILL & RELAX)

1)You got problems, seek professional help. That is why they are there.

2)£20k to send to a charity...get help, get better, get on with your life and then invest the money in those services that have helped you.

Get on with YOUR life, and keep your chin up.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

you feel depressd..you handed in your licence but did you hand in your shotgun?...next thing is you want to leave loads of money to charity... I can believe you are depressed but seems to me you are looking for someone who can sort you out... best way is to go private if you got money!

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I echo what has been said already about seeking medical help as soon as possible for a more precise diagnosis, I think its also very brave to come on here and open up about it.

I would think that is taking the first step to recovery.(as with drink , drugs, gambling etc)

Being able to openly express how you are feeling on an open forum is a very brave thing to do. and I think that you sound desperate to get yourself back on track as opposed sitting back and feeling sorry for yourself.

I for one have full admiration for you and think you should get yourself off to the docs asap .
Good luck and I am looking foward to reading the post that tells us that life is beginnig to look much brighter.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Just to let you know TJH, you aren't on your own it does happen to others and there is help out there if you go to the right people and ignore the amateurs.

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...-to-30900.html

:)

If you notice the date that was a couple of years ago, fortunately I don't feel anywhere near as bad now.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Some things about depression:

There isn't an answer on how to cure depression.

There is no regulatory body for professional psychologists. You yourself could set up shop as one tomorrow if you so pleased.

Every single theory to do with the cause/cure of depression can be disproved.

The basis of many of the major psychological theories are laughable.

However it is all about what works for the individual, so don't listen to anyone suggesting you shouldn't try treatment x because it doesn't work. It doesn't matter if it doesn't work for 99% of people, if you are in the 1% you are clear, happy, free and how good would that be ? :)

Some psychologists believe that all we are are chemicals and hormones, which may be true. In which case load up on pills to sort out that and you're fine.

There is the danger however that doctors can tend to dispense the pills to cover up the problem rather than fix it.

Others believe it's more about the mind(whatever that is) and this could just as equally be true. In which case you could do with seeing a psychologist. If you are going to, do your research and get one who is qualified with a degree from a decent uni. I'd advise going for a cognitive psychologist, and avoiding anyone who follows the psychodynamic approach. That is of course just my opinion and as I said you should ignore opinion ;)

One thing I really strongly recommend no matter what path you choose is exercise. A good work out relieves stress and releases a good dose of the chemical into your brain that makes you feel good after sex, smoking weed or eating chocolate. The making and achieving of goals gives your life structure and achievement. As such exercise covers both the biological and cognitive approaches - guaranteed success !

If it helps, look at the stars on a clear night sky, think about how big the universe is and how small you really are. What's the point of worrying when you are so small ? Relax and enjoy life - why not ? :)

Good luck pal, if you do do some research and end up struggling with some of the concepts give me a shout :)

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

The one piece of advice I would give on the subject is just don't go searching for something to become reliant upon; whether that be a medication or some sort of CBT. Medication is extremely trial and error with regards to its success, and CBT can be largely ineffective depending on your personal worldview. Coming around full circle, at the end of it all finding sense in a purer principle of 'keep busy and stop dwelling' has been the best possible situation to find myself in. I don't want to publish my somewhat colourful medical record on AccyWeb, so if the thread starter (or indeed anyone in the same boat) would like to chat more in depth, feel free to send a message. :)

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Your absolutely spot on there Less, no two cases are the same, professional help is essential with depression probable more than any other disorder, not to be taken lightly

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Thanks to everyone who replied to the post. Currently seeking advice from my doctor and just keeping myself busy.

The charity money is not a final good bye :p, just wanting to spread around some good will.

As for the shotgun, when you hand in your licence, your gun goes too.

Thanks again and ill keep posting as this is a friendly forum when approached in the right way.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

dip into that loot you were talking about giving away and spend the summer driving through europe

and bring me back some rolling tobbacco if you take the advice :D

seriously why hang around here been depressed when you have the resources to get away from here and spend a few weeks or months even travelling and meeting new people

not going to go into my personal details but if i had the cash i would be long gone, i went away after my surgery a few years ago and just been away from the doctors, specialists , the ex woman etc for just a few days made a whole load of difference

teh problems were still here when i got back but i found it easier to cope with them after a bit of sunshine and nice scenery

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

well said mate

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Its a sound plan, just waiting for my house purchase to complete and maybe a holiday would be a good idea.

Somtimes are harder than others, today i feel alright, but thursday could be different.

I guess its life.

But thankyou.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

well like otehrs have said including me , keep your loot for now and spend it puting yourself right before you try fixing other peoples problems :)

it may sound selfish but only 1 person in this world will look out for you and thats yourself

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Maybe one thing you could do is the first thing tomorrow, look at yourself in the mirror and just say today is the first day of the rest of my life, forget the past just look to the future and always remember your glass is always half full not half empty. I did just that nearly 30 years ago and although things haven't always gone swimmingly I just kept focussed on the future and looked on the bright side of life. Always managing to smile and remember laugh and the world laughs with you cry and you cry alone

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

So anyway, you said last night you were going the Doctor's today, did you? or did you just roll over in bed thinking someone else will sort it?

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

well Less, i dont tend to work on the basis that someone else will sort it.

But yes i got to the doctors, spoke to a doctor ive never met before, he has advised me on medication and a 14 day 'loading' period before it works and the use of counciling is advised.

Lots for me to think about and i feel its a positive step forward.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Good Luck :)

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Good luck hope all goes well with your treatment:)

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I don't think there is a real solution to depression. I have counselling on a regular basis. I personally don't think medication is a solution to such a problem in the long term, though it clearly does work for some people and it IS necessary is some cases, but I'm very aware of how readily some doctors are to prescribe medication so you need to make that judgement based on your own feelings.

I'm generally pretty safe but some days I know I have to stay indoors and distract myself with the internet to avoid the realities of how I am feeling, until it subsides.

I can understand why you'd ask other people, as the doctor isn't always successful in helping you, but if you haven't tried that yet then you should.

I wish you the best of luck, but maybe you'll end up just being like me and living with your problem as best you can. Not all mental health problems are 'curable'

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Some medication during teenage years can actually make the depression worse - there is a drug which I can't remember which has been linked to suicide in teenagers.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I have a fantastic GP here in France - i go for a renewal prescription every 6 months and that results in a full medical exam, usually I am in his office for at least 30 minutes.
He diagnosed clinical depression last October, - it was approaching my late wife's 70th birthday, 3 years after loosing her and the approach of what would have been our Golden Wedding. I was seriously contemplating suicide.
He tried me on Prozac - after 2 weeks i went back to him and told him I felt even worse, so he prescribed Seruplex - a milder form.
I decided that I should allow the Prozac to clear my system , but in doing so realised that if depression medication meant feeling that bad then I was not going to be depressed - clinically, or otherwise - I did not take the Seruplex. I made sure that I kept myself busy and did not mope around. Now I am fine, but each one to their own. Please get medical help and talk it through - but then examine yourself. There is no single cure, each person requires a different solution _ TG I found mine. Good luck and best wishes to any and all of you.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Dependency on any medication is bad in my opinion and it doesn't surprise me that there would be implications like that with drugs for depression.

If you're sad, try doing something to channel it. I draw, I sing, I play my bass guitar, I write poetry. Sometimes these don't help of course, you can end up just being even more unhappy, but that is just the nature of the state you are in.

It is worse when people don't appreciate the state you are in and think it is as simple as being unhappy, or think depression is just when you are unhappy. It's much more serious than that and can have some terrible implications.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I think I need to see the doc for depression too :(

being stuck at home alone most of the day does not help, getting out & interacting with others
helps stave it off better.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

See I'm the opposite, I'm worse around people. I love my room :)

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I can relate to that 100%...

given that we are kinda baring our souls here I will pitch in too..

I have suffered from bad depression for several years now and have been on and off medication for it, spoke to many a doctor etc...had the councelling (sp) for it and yes it did help to a certain extent but I do still have some days where I just need to be on my own..
back in the very 'dark days' I would sit and think of the best way to end it all -
having been in that situation it was only the thoughts of someone who and how they would be after it all that stopped me..you may say it was bottle but who knows...
at that point it was time to see someone who could sort my head out ..alot of talking happened, then alot more and yet more again..slowly I began to realise that some things werent as bad as they seemed and I could reason with things and people I guess...I cant say what would have happened for definate had I not gone to see the docs but to say they helped me would be
such and understatement...
I will say that a holiday is great as it felt like such a weight off my shoulders just to get up and go out and not think of anything in particular to do..
you started to help youself by talkking on here..

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

I was going to say exactly what Cherokee posted ... think it is brilliant that you have made the first step to recovery, in other words you have 'come out' and admitted to yourself and 100's of people on here that you are suffering from depression of whatever kind !! Well Done ... :mosher:

'Course you realise now that there is no hiding and we will expect updates on your progress, and we do all mean well on our advice and anecdotes of our own similar experiences. :D

No blooming wonder yer self-esteem is low ... split up with wife; losing your business; house removing ... all the three big 'S's' stresses !! You have no reason to search your soul to ask 'Why me?' ... hope I am not sounding patronising.

Was musing a little tonight, and do get metaphoric at times .. :rolleyes::D
Nearly came and joined you in that room tonight, as put on a hair colour that is too dark for me ... need a paper bag ...hey, but it is semi permanent, will lighten up every day at each wash, and eventually get back to my natural colour (which is pretty good still actually). I thought this is hopefully what will happen to TJH, with professional help ... and he will get back to being his natural self, and look in the mirror soon and think "Hey, I'm Great !" I am confident this will be the case because, as you said, you have made your 1st (well, I say 2nd) positive step to getting better.

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

have you tried prison :D

couldnt resist soz :)

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Its bad enough when you don't have a choice about being stuck at home mattylad, if you are able to get out during the day do so, even if its only going for a walk into the town centre, at least you will see other people and may just bump into some one you know for a chat. For much of the time, during the week, my only contact with the outside world is on here, a fact that just about keeps me sane, even though Less, Beni, Mick, dave and company may just beg to differ:D

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Oxygen bottles are allowed in the bar down the Railway now that we have the smoking ban Jaysay, get Mattylad to wheel you down.

http://planetsmilies.net/ill-violate...miley-5383.gifhttp://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-9608.gif

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Didn't know mattylad had wings Less:eek::D

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Decided to ease my depression by having a few days in Benidorm,may turn into a few weeks or months.:cool::cool:

But at least till I find it's depressing me.:D:D:theband:

Re: Managing Depression - Any Advice????
 

Why go to prison when I can just not leave my room.