Discussion
did think about getting one of these lights, decided a couple of weeks ago to stop the meds before they took hold and also the counselling to sort my head out myself. So far so good feeling much better still hVing some issues with my stomach that triggered it all but awaiting results of further tests.
I do take a vit D tablet that someone on here recommended who knows if it makes a difference it's hard to tell, I do work outside so really shouldn't need them.
Just need to make sure I get my trip to the canaries every autumn!
I do take a vit D tablet that someone on here recommended who knows if it makes a difference it's hard to tell, I do work outside so really shouldn't need them.
Just need to make sure I get my trip to the canaries every autumn!
I just wanted to recommend a book on depression I've been reading, it's quite refreshing (and sometimes quite blunt!), written by some experienced therapists/psychologists.
'How to lift depression... fast' http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007ECQE1G
Some points from it:
-Depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but that is a symptom.
-Depression is caused by worrying, essentially.
-This tires out the brain and ruins sleep, killing motivation.
-For most people anti-depressants don't work - not to mention the side effects
-It can be lifted fairly easily and quickly (in their words)
Re: Ruskie's blog post above, you say 'Depression is part of a persons make up. It is what is and doesn’t go away.' In the book they address exactly that idea, I quote:
'When you are depressed, you probably feel as if you are taken over by some indescribable, overwhelming gloom. It as if you and it are merged into one great mass of misery. But you are not your depression. You did not come into the world depressed as a baby. It is correct that depression is something that can overwhelm you, bring you down, even take you over; but it is something entirely outside of yourself, and it is very helpful to think of it that way. Depression is a mindset'.
The idea that you will always be depressed is exactly the 'black and white thinking' that the book says contributes to depression.
'How to lift depression... fast' http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007ECQE1G
Some points from it:
-Depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but that is a symptom.
-Depression is caused by worrying, essentially.
-This tires out the brain and ruins sleep, killing motivation.
-For most people anti-depressants don't work - not to mention the side effects
-It can be lifted fairly easily and quickly (in their words)
Re: Ruskie's blog post above, you say 'Depression is part of a persons make up. It is what is and doesn’t go away.' In the book they address exactly that idea, I quote:
'When you are depressed, you probably feel as if you are taken over by some indescribable, overwhelming gloom. It as if you and it are merged into one great mass of misery. But you are not your depression. You did not come into the world depressed as a baby. It is correct that depression is something that can overwhelm you, bring you down, even take you over; but it is something entirely outside of yourself, and it is very helpful to think of it that way. Depression is a mindset'.
The idea that you will always be depressed is exactly the 'black and white thinking' that the book says contributes to depression.
timster said:
I had a book recommended to me by my doctor, it's an eight week course that comes with a meditation CD.
It's called mindfulness by Mark Williams and Danny penman if it can help anyone out
I have that one, unfortunately I'm too preoccupied with telling myself I'm too busy to actually open it but the reviews were excellent. It's called mindfulness by Mark Williams and Danny penman if it can help anyone out
I'm thinking of doing a meditation course at the local university just to force me out of the house and actually do it, tried to join a class last night for something else though and it was all far too intimate and social, very uncomfortable.
maxxy5 said:
I just wanted to recommend a book on depression I've been reading, it's quite refreshing (and sometimes quite blunt!), written by some experienced therapists/psychologists.
'How to lift depression... fast' http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007ECQE1G
Some points from it:
-Depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but that is a symptom.
-Depression is caused by worrying, essentially.
-This tires out the brain and ruins sleep, killing motivation.
-For most people anti-depressants don't work - not to mention the side effects
-It can be lifted fairly easily and quickly (in their words)
Re: Ruskie's blog post above, you say 'Depression is part of a persons make up. It is what is and doesn’t go away.' In the book they address exactly that idea, I quote:
'When you are depressed, you probably feel as if you are taken over by some indescribable, overwhelming gloom. It as if you and it are merged into one great mass of misery. But you are not your depression. You did not come into the world depressed as a baby. It is correct that depression is something that can overwhelm you, bring you down, even take you over; but it is something entirely outside of yourself, and it is very helpful to think of it that way. Depression is a mindset'.
The idea that you will always be depressed is exactly the 'black and white thinking' that the book says contributes to depression.
It's certainly a take on depression I haven't heard before. I will try and check out the book.'How to lift depression... fast' http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007ECQE1G
Some points from it:
-Depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but that is a symptom.
-Depression is caused by worrying, essentially.
-This tires out the brain and ruins sleep, killing motivation.
-For most people anti-depressants don't work - not to mention the side effects
-It can be lifted fairly easily and quickly (in their words)
Re: Ruskie's blog post above, you say 'Depression is part of a persons make up. It is what is and doesn’t go away.' In the book they address exactly that idea, I quote:
'When you are depressed, you probably feel as if you are taken over by some indescribable, overwhelming gloom. It as if you and it are merged into one great mass of misery. But you are not your depression. You did not come into the world depressed as a baby. It is correct that depression is something that can overwhelm you, bring you down, even take you over; but it is something entirely outside of yourself, and it is very helpful to think of it that way. Depression is a mindset'.
The idea that you will always be depressed is exactly the 'black and white thinking' that the book says contributes to depression.
thetapeworm said:
I have that one, unfortunately I'm too preoccupied with telling myself I'm too busy to actually open it but the reviews were excellent.
I'm thinking of doing a meditation course at the local university just to force me out of the house and actually do it, tried to join a class last night for something else though and it was all far too intimate and social, very uncomfortable.
I'm in the middle of creating an online program (21 days approx 15-30 mins per day) to help people with all kinds of anxiety and depression after having helped 3 clients with this in the last 6 months.I'm thinking of doing a meditation course at the local university just to force me out of the house and actually do it, tried to join a class last night for something else though and it was all far too intimate and social, very uncomfortable.
Feel free to get in touch if you'd like some more info.
Ruskie said:
Small steps. Rejoined the gym and kick started my workouts again. Not a massive thing but hopefully a step in right direction.
Small steps maybe, but vital ones - ones that say 'I'm important', 'I matter'. keep it up Ruskie. Every movement, every rep, every step... 'this is for me'. All the best.drivin_me_nuts said:
Ruskie said:
Small steps. Rejoined the gym and kick started my workouts again. Not a massive thing but hopefully a step in right direction.
Small steps maybe, but vital ones - ones that say 'I'm important', 'I matter'. keep it up Ruskie. Every movement, every rep, every step... 'this is for me'. All the best.Remember the good diet too
throt said:
Absolutely. Exercise is a big help, just do not go mad when doing it. Just a brisk workout will really help. If there is a chance, interact with others too, too many people shy away from this. As Nike says,, "Just do it".
Remember the good diet too
Going bouldering helps me, I get to do some exercise and the concentration required really takes your mind off things. Also it's really sociable (at least at my local walls).Remember the good diet too
Procrastination....
Has anyone here got any experience in suffering this along with (possibly caused by) depression/anxiety?
I've recently had a massive change in my life and now have lots more time at home, previously I used to work 6 days per week 60 hours so had very little free time, now I have the whole week free with few commitments beyond my girlfriend....the problem is I don't seem to get anything done apart from basic household things such as washing, cooking, cleaning.
For example if I've got to arrive at my girlfriends house at 5 to go and see a movie that starts at 7, I'll get to hers at 6:30 because somehow my head tells me I've got things to do first before I leave, somehow, to me -subconsciously almost- turning up late is acceptable because I'm early enough so we won't miss the movie. Naturally this drives her mad.
Another one - I've got some gearbox bushings and a ARB ready to fit to my car. They take about an hour to fit and I've certainly got the time but somehow it's taken me 4 weeks to get around to it, even though I've known I need to fit them for weeks and weeks something pointless gets in the way and I end up saying to myself "I'll do it tomorrow"
I always seem to waste away the days on the laptop telling myself "I'll start that just after i read this".
I previously had a successful 10 year stint as an area manager for a busy takeaway franchise, I had massive responsibilities and a fantastic track record so had to juggle many things at once but I handled that with ease, no previous procrastination problems... But I've been laid off and now I struggle to get down the shops without first spending 2 hours doing my washing, checking what I need from the shops, Going on FB, PH etc etc.
Previously I had severe anxiety and mild depression, I'm over the anxiety definitely (no panic attacks for 6 months) and I haven't been "low" for a long time, but i can't shake this recent change in myself and it's driving me (and my other half) mad!
This article pretty much sums it up:
http://www.undoingdepression.com/about-depression/...
Can anyone else relate to this? Did you get over it?
Has anyone here got any experience in suffering this along with (possibly caused by) depression/anxiety?
I've recently had a massive change in my life and now have lots more time at home, previously I used to work 6 days per week 60 hours so had very little free time, now I have the whole week free with few commitments beyond my girlfriend....the problem is I don't seem to get anything done apart from basic household things such as washing, cooking, cleaning.
For example if I've got to arrive at my girlfriends house at 5 to go and see a movie that starts at 7, I'll get to hers at 6:30 because somehow my head tells me I've got things to do first before I leave, somehow, to me -subconsciously almost- turning up late is acceptable because I'm early enough so we won't miss the movie. Naturally this drives her mad.
Another one - I've got some gearbox bushings and a ARB ready to fit to my car. They take about an hour to fit and I've certainly got the time but somehow it's taken me 4 weeks to get around to it, even though I've known I need to fit them for weeks and weeks something pointless gets in the way and I end up saying to myself "I'll do it tomorrow"
I always seem to waste away the days on the laptop telling myself "I'll start that just after i read this".
I previously had a successful 10 year stint as an area manager for a busy takeaway franchise, I had massive responsibilities and a fantastic track record so had to juggle many things at once but I handled that with ease, no previous procrastination problems... But I've been laid off and now I struggle to get down the shops without first spending 2 hours doing my washing, checking what I need from the shops, Going on FB, PH etc etc.
Previously I had severe anxiety and mild depression, I'm over the anxiety definitely (no panic attacks for 6 months) and I haven't been "low" for a long time, but i can't shake this recent change in myself and it's driving me (and my other half) mad!
This article pretty much sums it up:
http://www.undoingdepression.com/about-depression/...
Can anyone else relate to this? Did you get over it?
thatsprettyshady said:
Procrastination....
Has anyone here got any experience in suffering this along with (possibly caused by) depression/anxiety?
I've recently had a massive change in my life and now have lots more time at home, previously I used to work 6 days per week 60 hours so had very little free time, now I have the whole week free with few commitments beyond my girlfriend....the problem is I don't seem to get anything done apart from basic household things such as washing, cooking, cleaning.
For example if I've got to arrive at my girlfriends house at 5 to go and see a movie that starts at 7, I'll get to hers at 6:30 because somehow my head tells me I've got things to do first before I leave, somehow, to me -subconsciously almost- turning up late is acceptable because I'm early enough so we won't miss the movie. Naturally this drives her mad.
Another one - I've got some gearbox bushings and a ARB ready to fit to my car. They take about an hour to fit and I've certainly got the time but somehow it's taken me 4 weeks to get around to it, even though I've known I need to fit them for weeks and weeks something pointless gets in the way and I end up saying to myself "I'll do it tomorrow"
I always seem to waste away the days on the laptop telling myself "I'll start that just after i read this".
I previously had a successful 10 year stint as an area manager for a busy takeaway franchise, I had massive responsibilities and a fantastic track record so had to juggle many things at once but I handled that with ease, no previous procrastination problems... But I've been laid off and now I struggle to get down the shops without first spending 2 hours doing my washing, checking what I need from the shops, Going on FB, PH etc etc.
Previously I had severe anxiety and mild depression, I'm over the anxiety definitely (no panic attacks for 6 months) and I haven't been "low" for a long time, but i can't shake this recent change in myself and it's driving me (and my other half) mad!
This article pretty much sums it up:
http://www.undoingdepression.com/about-depression/...
Can anyone else relate to this? Did you get over it?
Yes been there and got the t-shirt! Long story short, I'm a powerfully built director type that left work in an ambulance after what turned out to be a panic attack.Has anyone here got any experience in suffering this along with (possibly caused by) depression/anxiety?
I've recently had a massive change in my life and now have lots more time at home, previously I used to work 6 days per week 60 hours so had very little free time, now I have the whole week free with few commitments beyond my girlfriend....the problem is I don't seem to get anything done apart from basic household things such as washing, cooking, cleaning.
For example if I've got to arrive at my girlfriends house at 5 to go and see a movie that starts at 7, I'll get to hers at 6:30 because somehow my head tells me I've got things to do first before I leave, somehow, to me -subconsciously almost- turning up late is acceptable because I'm early enough so we won't miss the movie. Naturally this drives her mad.
Another one - I've got some gearbox bushings and a ARB ready to fit to my car. They take about an hour to fit and I've certainly got the time but somehow it's taken me 4 weeks to get around to it, even though I've known I need to fit them for weeks and weeks something pointless gets in the way and I end up saying to myself "I'll do it tomorrow"
I always seem to waste away the days on the laptop telling myself "I'll start that just after i read this".
I previously had a successful 10 year stint as an area manager for a busy takeaway franchise, I had massive responsibilities and a fantastic track record so had to juggle many things at once but I handled that with ease, no previous procrastination problems... But I've been laid off and now I struggle to get down the shops without first spending 2 hours doing my washing, checking what I need from the shops, Going on FB, PH etc etc.
Previously I had severe anxiety and mild depression, I'm over the anxiety definitely (no panic attacks for 6 months) and I haven't been "low" for a long time, but i can't shake this recent change in myself and it's driving me (and my other half) mad!
This article pretty much sums it up:
http://www.undoingdepression.com/about-depression/...
Can anyone else relate to this? Did you get over it?
In hospital they asked if I was stressed and thinking it would never be me I said not really just the same as everyone else.
I went to my doctor and they did all the tests and pretty much said all was OK bar needing to lose a bit of weight (If I'm honest I didn't tell the Dr how I really felt.)
I just continued as normal for months then bang another attack, thought I was dying really terrifying. A colleague told me to go to the doctor again as I was unbearable ( short temper, miserable, zero interest in anything and with hindsight terrible diet and really struggling with sleep yet not wanting to get up)
I eventually went to the Dr despite having serious 'white coat syndrome' and took a depression test and it turned out I was extremely stressed and depressed with hindsight again I was going through a messy split not dissimilar to some of the snakes with tits threads on here and dealing with the aftermath of the recession (I actually am a company owner, no goatee though) and personal money problems. I really couldn't be arsed with anything anymore, my get up and go had completely left the building and shut the door..
I was prescribed Valium for the anxiety and citalopram for the depression.
It took a long time but I'm now out the other side, the tablets worked and I was on cit for nearly 2 years but I didn't like not being in control or the side effects (sweating and general numb feeling) so started researching and stumbled across the book mentioned above on mindfulness by Mark Williamson.
Edited to add I tapered off the cit and it was pretty bloody awful!!
I initially read it and though it made perfect sense but I dismissed it and never tried any of the 'exercises' on the cd, for whatever reason I then revisited it around October last year and something really clicked. I then stumbled across the headspace app and have been using it since Christmas.
I'm completely non religious and if you had told me a year or two ago I would be meditating I would have told you to f##k off but I now do every morning...and it really helps.
I wasn't sure whether to post this as some may 'know' me on here and I'm aware of the stigma of both depression and meditation but if it helps anyone then it's ok with me as it really is not fun having a mental health problem. Fortunately it's getting media attention at the moment as its a massive, massive problem.
Michael Williams book as mentioned above:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mindfulness-practical-guid...
Headspace:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13167215-get-so...
Also has a very good app:
https://www.headspace.com/
And a bit about the author
https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_t...
Another book which was useful
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18505796-10-hap...
I have absolutely no affiliation with any of these but I genuinely found them all useful. I still have occasional off days but fortunately they are now in the minority.
One thing I haven't mentioned is how important (to me anyway) mild exercise has been. Again I knew deep down that I was a bit of a lazy sod but I always made excuses.. I started going for walks, initially short round the block types and know it sounds really simple but us humans are supposed to walk and nowadays very few of us do it nearly enough! I now go out for a dander almost every day without fail and strangely it's nearly better in the pissing rain.
Good luck and feel free to PM me. I hope this makes some sort of sense as I don't usually post personal stuff online.
Edited by joscal on Friday 19th February 07:57
Edited by joscal on Friday 19th February 08:54
Edited by joscal on Friday 19th February 09:02
thatsprettyshady said:
Procrastination....
Has anyone here got any experience in suffering this along with (possibly caused by) depression/anxiety?
Yes totally, from what I've read it's a classic depression/anxiety symptom, depression knackers out what is called the "orientation response" which helps you with focus and motivation. The brain is constantly attending to worries which aren't fixed (even when you are asleep) so there is no energy left for motivation. Has anyone here got any experience in suffering this along with (possibly caused by) depression/anxiety?
Being laid off is probably contributing to it, even if you're not consciously sad about it. Maybe set some small goals to get back in the groove.
edit: just procrastinating by editing this post. oh dear
Edited by maxxy5 on Tuesday 23 February 12:29
Been bit down lately... funny thing is that I've put on so much weight despite feeling depressed and anxious.
I hate it when every little comment affects me so much. Mental roller coaster is how I'd describe it.
Also find myself sleeping a lot. Weird.
Maybe I should also lay off the booze but that's what keeps me sane sometimes.
I hate it when every little comment affects me so much. Mental roller coaster is how I'd describe it.
Also find myself sleeping a lot. Weird.
Maybe I should also lay off the booze but that's what keeps me sane sometimes.
crazy about cars said:
Been bit down lately... funny thing is that I've put on so much weight despite feeling depressed and anxious.
I hate it when every little comment affects me so much. Mental roller coaster is how I'd describe it.
Also find myself sleeping a lot. Weird.
Maybe I should also lay off the booze but that's what keeps me sane sometimes.
Yip, and try and do couch to 5k program....I hate it when every little comment affects me so much. Mental roller coaster is how I'd describe it.
Also find myself sleeping a lot. Weird.
Maybe I should also lay off the booze but that's what keeps me sane sometimes.
Good luck
crazy about cars said:
Been bit down lately... funny thing is that I've put on so much weight despite feeling depressed and anxious.
I hate it when every little comment affects me so much. Mental roller coaster is how I'd describe it.
Also find myself sleeping a lot. Weird.
feeling the same as you lately bud.I hate it when every little comment affects me so much. Mental roller coaster is how I'd describe it.
Also find myself sleeping a lot. Weird.
The worst thing for me is little comments made by my friends.. sure it's in jest but i take it quite personally and it gets me down.
we play games online and i try to do it well and make an effort to be good.
i may accidentally "steal" a goal and then they all start jibing at me saying how i'm a huge goal stealer. just gets you down.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff