Discussion
It's been a while since I posted but have been pretty good over the past few years. Have learned to cope with down days, had a bit of a setback a few weeks ago and found out my job of 12 years was being made redundant. I've stressed about finding another job and have applied for a few but probably won't find anything until new year.
The above video is very good, gives a good insight into depression
The above video is very good, gives a good insight into depression
Prescribing should be considered carefully and, as stated above, it's a risk:benefit thing when considering side effect profiles. however, given that one of the side effects of depression can be death than i'd suggest quite a low threshold for taking the script and tolerating the side effects (which tend to have two phases - initiation and cessation with the bit inbetween being ok).
Anti-deps should always be considered where there are clear or predominant biological features as their chemical actions influence the pathways in the brain which produce these depressive sx.
in practice, we often see that different drugs have quite different impacts on function. so, for example, some are sedating and increase appetite (insomnia and anorexia being 2 key biological sx of depression) eg mirtazapine. others are stimulating and can help with anergia, lack of volition, hypersomnia etc.
it's not accurate that mood will be worse in the morning. it can be either and a diurnal variation is common. people may waken feeling ok but the the day's problems happen and the mood tumbles. others wake feeling crap but then things happen to elevate the mood during the day.
i'd echo the advice about alcohol. don't get me wrong - i like a drink. several drinks. quite often. however it's a drug like any other and needs to be treated as such. in small to medium doses it's a euphoric and a stimulant which sounds like an ideal tx for depression? However, in larger doses the chemical action switches and it's a CNS depressant. add in it's impact on the frontal lobe (which is where the brain does it's smart stuff or "higher executive functions") and poor decisions, risk taking behaviours etc increase.
be under no illusion though - anti-deps will have no benefit if the patient isn't depressed. being pissed off and miserable because life's not how we think it should be is not depression. it may take a couple of visits to the GP or even a referral to psychiatry to sort out what's going on. the vast majority of people that i see are not depressed despite what they're being told or what they pull off wikipedia or netdoc. this does not mean that i wouldn't advocate/arrange/provide an intervention - it just won't be a script. an investment of time in getting the diagnosis right will be repaid. if the original diagnosis is faulty then any resulting treatment plans will be faulty (also see above) and of zero benefit.
no reference or comment on any of the posters on here who have disclosed their own difficulties but most people that i see in clinic need to be trained how to tolerate psychological distress and how to then recognise and regulate the emotions arising from the cognitive unease they experience rather than a script.
paul
Anti-deps should always be considered where there are clear or predominant biological features as their chemical actions influence the pathways in the brain which produce these depressive sx.
in practice, we often see that different drugs have quite different impacts on function. so, for example, some are sedating and increase appetite (insomnia and anorexia being 2 key biological sx of depression) eg mirtazapine. others are stimulating and can help with anergia, lack of volition, hypersomnia etc.
it's not accurate that mood will be worse in the morning. it can be either and a diurnal variation is common. people may waken feeling ok but the the day's problems happen and the mood tumbles. others wake feeling crap but then things happen to elevate the mood during the day.
i'd echo the advice about alcohol. don't get me wrong - i like a drink. several drinks. quite often. however it's a drug like any other and needs to be treated as such. in small to medium doses it's a euphoric and a stimulant which sounds like an ideal tx for depression? However, in larger doses the chemical action switches and it's a CNS depressant. add in it's impact on the frontal lobe (which is where the brain does it's smart stuff or "higher executive functions") and poor decisions, risk taking behaviours etc increase.
be under no illusion though - anti-deps will have no benefit if the patient isn't depressed. being pissed off and miserable because life's not how we think it should be is not depression. it may take a couple of visits to the GP or even a referral to psychiatry to sort out what's going on. the vast majority of people that i see are not depressed despite what they're being told or what they pull off wikipedia or netdoc. this does not mean that i wouldn't advocate/arrange/provide an intervention - it just won't be a script. an investment of time in getting the diagnosis right will be repaid. if the original diagnosis is faulty then any resulting treatment plans will be faulty (also see above) and of zero benefit.
no reference or comment on any of the posters on here who have disclosed their own difficulties but most people that i see in clinic need to be trained how to tolerate psychological distress and how to then recognise and regulate the emotions arising from the cognitive unease they experience rather than a script.
paul
If your body doesn't appeal to you, fix it, go down the gym, see if you can get what some of those gym-goers call endorphins flowing.
Being "more attractive" will also help you "attract" a lovely lady friend.
BUT that being said.
Don't worry about being alone mate, I'm sure you have some good friends. Failing that buy a playstation or xbox and game online with us lot
Many people are very understanding about mental illnesses.
My ex wasn't whatsoever. but she can do one. my mrs at the moment is overly supporting and empathetic and there are lots of people out there as well who are the same.
Being "more attractive" will also help you "attract" a lovely lady friend.
BUT that being said.
Don't worry about being alone mate, I'm sure you have some good friends. Failing that buy a playstation or xbox and game online with us lot
Many people are very understanding about mental illnesses.
My ex wasn't whatsoever. but she can do one. my mrs at the moment is overly supporting and empathetic and there are lots of people out there as well who are the same.
xjay1337 said:
If your body doesn't appeal to you, fix it, go down the gym, see if you can get what some of those gym-goers call endorphins flowing.
Being "more attractive" will also help you "attract" a lovely lady friend.
BUT that being said.
Don't worry about being alone mate, I'm sure you have some good friends. Failing that buy a playstation or xbox and game online with us lot
Many people are very understanding about mental illnesses.
My ex wasn't whatsoever. but she can do one. my mrs at the moment is overly supporting and empathetic and there are lots of people out there as well who are the same.
Being "more attractive" will also help you "attract" a lovely lady friend.
BUT that being said.
Don't worry about being alone mate, I'm sure you have some good friends. Failing that buy a playstation or xbox and game online with us lot
Many people are very understanding about mental illnesses.
My ex wasn't whatsoever. but she can do one. my mrs at the moment is overly supporting and empathetic and there are lots of people out there as well who are the same.
You can look good without going to the gym, it takes a lot of time and isn't that fun of a place to be.
Try couch to 5k. Go long walks, go hill walks, eat well, find a sport you enjoy ideally. Once you're going all of that and running regularly (if you can / are able to) you will then enjoy hitting the gym. i found it much easier to try these things first.
johnwilliams77 said:
xjay1337 said:
If your body doesn't appeal to you, fix it, go down the gym, see if you can get what some of those gym-goers call endorphins flowing.
Being "more attractive" will also help you "attract" a lovely lady friend.
BUT that being said.
Don't worry about being alone mate, I'm sure you have some good friends. Failing that buy a playstation or xbox and game online with us lot
Many people are very understanding about mental illnesses.
My ex wasn't whatsoever. but she can do one. my mrs at the moment is overly supporting and empathetic and there are lots of people out there as well who are the same.
Being "more attractive" will also help you "attract" a lovely lady friend.
BUT that being said.
Don't worry about being alone mate, I'm sure you have some good friends. Failing that buy a playstation or xbox and game online with us lot
Many people are very understanding about mental illnesses.
My ex wasn't whatsoever. but she can do one. my mrs at the moment is overly supporting and empathetic and there are lots of people out there as well who are the same.
You can look good without going to the gym, it takes a lot of time and isn't that fun of a place to be.
Try couch to 5k. Go long walks, go hill walks, eat well, find a sport you enjoy ideally. Once you're going all of that and running regularly (if you can / are able to) you will then enjoy hitting the gym. i found it much easier to try these things first.
timster said:
I've seen a few threads on the net about colouring book therapy, basically just colouring inn pictures in a book. Seen a few books on this when shopping Saturday labeled adult colouring. Might help some on here
My mum does this but she's not depressed, she just enjoys itI had a look at it but it just annoyed me every time I went outside the lines and I ended up getting annoyed by trying to pick the right colours!
I've started boxing now for exercise, don't do it with other people but I do like smashing the bags about!
I know this thread is about depression, and my problem is Anxiety but I think the two are related. I've been suffering badly recently, a lot of stress at work that I find hard to deal with.
Anyway I've been having some rollercoaster emotions. I'm not one to cry much, I'm not trying to sound macho, but I don't cry at things that often. Recently though I've been welling up at the slightest thing. Prime example, was watching Die Hard last night (classic Christmas film), the bit at the end when Powell shots the terrorist Mclane thought was dead, saving him, having not been able to pull his gun since his accident - had me blubbing like a baby. An episode of the West Wing had a similar effect on me. Anyone who is interested it was the ending when Toby kind of forgives his dad and the acapella band are singing O Holy Night.
Oddly I actually feel better after it. Wonder if I am a bit of a bottler of emotions and letting it all out like this as come catharsis? Anyone else?
ETA - also something else, very PH. My office is relocating. By good fortune it will be about 5 miles away, current 40+. I have a very economical diesel Audi A6 ATM but this move opens the door to getting something else, something fun. I have always wanted an A8, and always wanted a V8. There is a car available which is a straight swap for mine in terms of cost and looks good, a 4.2 V8 A8L. This should be really exciting, but I just can't be bothered to go an look at it. I also filled with fear about getting one and having some really expensive problem with it.
Anyway I've been having some rollercoaster emotions. I'm not one to cry much, I'm not trying to sound macho, but I don't cry at things that often. Recently though I've been welling up at the slightest thing. Prime example, was watching Die Hard last night (classic Christmas film), the bit at the end when Powell shots the terrorist Mclane thought was dead, saving him, having not been able to pull his gun since his accident - had me blubbing like a baby. An episode of the West Wing had a similar effect on me. Anyone who is interested it was the ending when Toby kind of forgives his dad and the acapella band are singing O Holy Night.
Oddly I actually feel better after it. Wonder if I am a bit of a bottler of emotions and letting it all out like this as come catharsis? Anyone else?
ETA - also something else, very PH. My office is relocating. By good fortune it will be about 5 miles away, current 40+. I have a very economical diesel Audi A6 ATM but this move opens the door to getting something else, something fun. I have always wanted an A8, and always wanted a V8. There is a car available which is a straight swap for mine in terms of cost and looks good, a 4.2 V8 A8L. This should be really exciting, but I just can't be bothered to go an look at it. I also filled with fear about getting one and having some really expensive problem with it.
Edited by 944fan on Saturday 12th December 20:12
C
It's tough isn't it. My health anxiety has reduced me to tears a few times partly for me and partly for the impact it's having on my family just now it does seem to help for A short while I suppose it's good to release some emotions.
I've been on Sertraline for a week now and the doctor has upped my dose I'm not sure what they are doing regarding helping or making me worse it's hard to tell but I will keep going with them.
Talking seems to help me a lot my wife has been a great support I'm also starting CBT properly this week so hopefully that helps going forward.
Think all I'm trying to say is keep talking and probably crying if you need to if it helps.I'm not very good at putting my thoughts down here like others but this also helps me it's good to know your not alone.
944fan said:
I know this thread is about depression, and my problem is Anxiety but I think the two are related. I've been suffering badly recently, a lot of stress at work that I find hard to deal with.
Anyway I've been having some rollercoaster emotions. I'm not one to cry much, I'm not trying to sound macho, but I don't cry at things that often. Recently though I've been welling up at the slightest thing. Prime example, was watching Die Hard last night (classic Christmas film), the bit at the end when Powell shots the terrorist Mclane thought was dead, saving him, having not been able to pull his gun since his accident - had me blubbing like a baby. An episode of the West Wing had a similar effect on me. Anyone who is interested it was the ending when Toby kind of forgives his dad and the acapella band are singing O Holy Night.
Oddly I actually feel better after it. Wonder if I am a bit of a bottler of emotions and letting it all out like this as come catharsis? Anyone else?
ETA - also something else, very PH. My office is relocating. By good fortune it will be about 5 miles away, current 40+. I have a very economical diesel Audi A6 ATM but this move opens the door to getting something else, something fun. I have always wanted an A8, and always wanted a V8. There is a car available which is a straight swap for mine in terms of cost and looks good, a 4.2 V8 A8L. This should be really exciting, but I just can't be bothered to go an look at it. I also filled with fear about getting one and having some really expensive problem with it.
I've been posting on your anxiety post further down.Anyway I've been having some rollercoaster emotions. I'm not one to cry much, I'm not trying to sound macho, but I don't cry at things that often. Recently though I've been welling up at the slightest thing. Prime example, was watching Die Hard last night (classic Christmas film), the bit at the end when Powell shots the terrorist Mclane thought was dead, saving him, having not been able to pull his gun since his accident - had me blubbing like a baby. An episode of the West Wing had a similar effect on me. Anyone who is interested it was the ending when Toby kind of forgives his dad and the acapella band are singing O Holy Night.
Oddly I actually feel better after it. Wonder if I am a bit of a bottler of emotions and letting it all out like this as come catharsis? Anyone else?
ETA - also something else, very PH. My office is relocating. By good fortune it will be about 5 miles away, current 40+. I have a very economical diesel Audi A6 ATM but this move opens the door to getting something else, something fun. I have always wanted an A8, and always wanted a V8. There is a car available which is a straight swap for mine in terms of cost and looks good, a 4.2 V8 A8L. This should be really exciting, but I just can't be bothered to go an look at it. I also filled with fear about getting one and having some really expensive problem with it.
Edited by 944fan on Saturday 12th December 20:12
It's tough isn't it. My health anxiety has reduced me to tears a few times partly for me and partly for the impact it's having on my family just now it does seem to help for A short while I suppose it's good to release some emotions.
I've been on Sertraline for a week now and the doctor has upped my dose I'm not sure what they are doing regarding helping or making me worse it's hard to tell but I will keep going with them.
Talking seems to help me a lot my wife has been a great support I'm also starting CBT properly this week so hopefully that helps going forward.
Think all I'm trying to say is keep talking and probably crying if you need to if it helps.I'm not very good at putting my thoughts down here like others but this also helps me it's good to know your not alone.
Sertraline is an SSRI but also licensed for treatment of anxiety/panic disorders. usual dose range in anxiety is 50-200mg.
be aware that some of the side effects of SSRI's, certainly in the initiation phase of treatment, can seem remarkably similar to increased anxiety - restlessness, agitation, sweating etc - and there is often a concern from the patient that their condition has worsened so keep close contact with the prescriber for monitoring purposes.
would normally expect side effects associated with starting treatment to subside over 10-14 days
paul
be aware that some of the side effects of SSRI's, certainly in the initiation phase of treatment, can seem remarkably similar to increased anxiety - restlessness, agitation, sweating etc - and there is often a concern from the patient that their condition has worsened so keep close contact with the prescriber for monitoring purposes.
would normally expect side effects associated with starting treatment to subside over 10-14 days
paul
paulmakin said:
Sertraline is an SSRI but also licensed for treatment of anxiety/panic disorders. usual dose range in anxiety is 50-200mg.
be aware that some of the side effects of SSRI's, certainly in the initiation phase of treatment, can seem remarkably similar to increased anxiety - restlessness, agitation, sweating etc - and there is often a concern from the patient that their condition has worsened so keep close contact with the prescriber for monitoring purposes.
would normally expect side effects associated with starting treatment to subside over 10-14 days
paul
Thanks Paul I've gone from 50 to 100mg seem to having all of the above also got sleeping tablets to help sleep but knock me out ok but wake up soon after so no real benefit.be aware that some of the side effects of SSRI's, certainly in the initiation phase of treatment, can seem remarkably similar to increased anxiety - restlessness, agitation, sweating etc - and there is often a concern from the patient that their condition has worsened so keep close contact with the prescriber for monitoring purposes.
would normally expect side effects associated with starting treatment to subside over 10-14 days
paul
Back at doctors on Friday for an update.
944fan said:
I know this thread is about depression, and my problem is Anxiety but I think the two are related. I've been suffering badly recently, a lot of stress at work that I find hard to deal with.
Anyway I've been having some rollercoaster emotions. I'm not one to cry much, I'm not trying to sound macho, but I don't cry at things that often. Recently though I've been welling up at the slightest thing. Prime example, was watching Die Hard last night (classic Christmas film), the bit at the end when Powell shots the terrorist Mclane thought was dead, saving him, having not been able to pull his gun since his accident - had me blubbing like a baby. An episode of the West Wing had a similar effect on me. Anyone who is interested it was the ending when Toby kind of forgives his dad and the acapella band are singing O Holy Night.
Oddly I actually feel better after it. Wonder if I am a bit of a bottler of emotions and letting it all out like this as come catharsis? Anyone else?
ETA - also something else, very PH. My office is relocating. By good fortune it will be about 5 miles away, current 40+. I have a very economical diesel Audi A6 ATM but this move opens the door to getting something else, something fun. I have always wanted an A8, and always wanted a V8. There is a car available which is a straight swap for mine in terms of cost and looks good, a 4.2 V8 A8L. This should be really exciting, but I just can't be bothered to go an look at it. I also filled with fear about getting one and having some really expensive problem with it.
Go and get it, an A8 will make your life better in so many ways Anyway I've been having some rollercoaster emotions. I'm not one to cry much, I'm not trying to sound macho, but I don't cry at things that often. Recently though I've been welling up at the slightest thing. Prime example, was watching Die Hard last night (classic Christmas film), the bit at the end when Powell shots the terrorist Mclane thought was dead, saving him, having not been able to pull his gun since his accident - had me blubbing like a baby. An episode of the West Wing had a similar effect on me. Anyone who is interested it was the ending when Toby kind of forgives his dad and the acapella band are singing O Holy Night.
Oddly I actually feel better after it. Wonder if I am a bit of a bottler of emotions and letting it all out like this as come catharsis? Anyone else?
ETA - also something else, very PH. My office is relocating. By good fortune it will be about 5 miles away, current 40+. I have a very economical diesel Audi A6 ATM but this move opens the door to getting something else, something fun. I have always wanted an A8, and always wanted a V8. There is a car available which is a straight swap for mine in terms of cost and looks good, a 4.2 V8 A8L. This should be really exciting, but I just can't be bothered to go an look at it. I also filled with fear about getting one and having some really expensive problem with it.
Edited by 944fan on Saturday 12th December 20:12
A6's have exactly the same bork potential but they are not an A8. From a 4.2TD loving A8 owner...
944fan said:
Oddly I actually feel better after it. Wonder if I am a bit of a bottler of emotions and letting it all out like this as come catharsis? Anyone else?
Been there, done that, albeit a one-off event that was somewhat more public and dramatic, but knew the reason - had been building for about 10 years - and have never looked back. That was about 20 years ago - can still remember the sense of something having gone - felt good. Might be the start of something different for you - here's hoping 
thelittleegg said:
WinstonWolf said:
Go and get it, an A8 will make your life better in so many ways
Just an aside, but pursuing the idea that possessions such as cars can actually improve your mental health is not a great route to head down.Happiness doesn't come from what you aspire to, for me it's all about learning to accept yourself as you are and making the best of that...
The best line for dealing with anxiety came from this very thread. If you always worry about what *may* happen look for the evidence.
WinstonWolf said:
Go and get it, an A8 will make your life better in so many ways
A6's have exactly the same bork potential but they are not an A8. From a 4.2TD loving A8 owner...
Yes I think I should. My wife is giving making me worry I am going to be presented with a massive repair bill, but my A6 isn't cheap to maintain and has doe 35K mile more than the A8 I'm looking at. She doesn't seem to understand why I need a car the size of a cruise ship that does 0-60 in 6.4 seconds. Women eh?A6's have exactly the same bork potential but they are not an A8. From a 4.2TD loving A8 owner...
WinstonWolf said:
The best line for dealing with anxiety came from this very thread. If you always worry about what *may* happen look for the evidence.
This is exactly what my counselor said when I saw him last year. If I said I am worried X will happen, he would say "Where is the evidence for that."I try and remind myself of that when I worry but it is not always easy.
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