Discussion
Ruskie said:
Drug therapy and counselling are both things I have little time for and I am quite cynical about probably related to my job. Looking back I have probably been suppressing things for years and now it's only just coming out. I feel like I need to write everything down and see what I am left with. I am very defensive but through my rose tinted glasses I'm not the problem and won't take the blame. I feel that the OH has reached the end and unless I go to the GP she's not interested.
Try the site I posted above, it was built for this reason.
Ruskie said:
Drug therapy and counselling are both things I have little time for and I am quite cynical about probably related to my job. Looking back I have probably been suppressing things for years and now it's only just coming out. I feel like I need to write everything down and see what I am left with. I am very defensive but through my rose tinted glasses I'm not the problem and won't take the blame. I feel that the OH has reached the end and unless I go to the GP she's not interested.
I take it you haven't been to the GP yet? I'd seriously book an appointment ASAP, no body is going to judge you, it is more common than you think and is nothing to be ashamed of. They will give you options which you choose to take or not.I know its not an easy subject to talk about, especially not to a stranger of a doctor. I was fighting back tears when I first saw the doctor about it. I can relate to what you are saying about being weary of drugs and counselling. I was, but I eventually accepted the offer of drugs after a bad "episode". I'm now on a 6 month prescription of Citalopram. They are not a cure to depression, but what it has done has helped me gain some perspective.
Have you tried cutting out alcohol, eating healthy and exercise?
Rickyy said:
I take it you haven't been to the GP yet? I'd seriously book an appointment ASAP, no body is going to judge you, it is more common than you think and is nothing to be ashamed of. They will give you options which you choose to take or not.
I know its not an easy subject to talk about, especially not to a stranger of a doctor. I was fighting back tears when I first saw the doctor about it. I can relate to what you are saying about being weary of drugs and counselling. I was, but I eventually accepted the offer of drugs after a bad "episode". I'm now on a 6 month prescription of Citalopram. They are not a cure to depression, but what it has done has helped me gain some perspective.
Have you tried cutting out alcohol, eating healthy and exercise?
Whilst there are good GP's my over riding experience of them via work is not good. I haven't been to the doctors in 16 years!I know its not an easy subject to talk about, especially not to a stranger of a doctor. I was fighting back tears when I first saw the doctor about it. I can relate to what you are saying about being weary of drugs and counselling. I was, but I eventually accepted the offer of drugs after a bad "episode". I'm now on a 6 month prescription of Citalopram. They are not a cure to depression, but what it has done has helped me gain some perspective.
Have you tried cutting out alcohol, eating healthy and exercise?
On the eating healthy and exercise thing and feel better physically.
I posted a hijack in this thread and thought I would give an update.
I didnt bother doing anything about it for a long time, till this got bumped last week.
I have been to say my GP today and it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. It is a massive weight off my shoulders. He asked lots of questions and some of them surprised me. I hadnt realised some of the things it could affect, for example at work I have been having massive problems concentrating lately. I had put it down to lots of things but the Doc thinks it might be or is down to the depression.
It seems odd to talk about it but because of my Crohns I feel I know my GP very well, I am there once a month at least pretty much.
However it does feel good to finally be doing something about it. Doc has prescribed Citalopram and I am to go back in a month when he will have spoken to someone about some counselling.
I didnt bother doing anything about it for a long time, till this got bumped last week.
I have been to say my GP today and it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. It is a massive weight off my shoulders. He asked lots of questions and some of them surprised me. I hadnt realised some of the things it could affect, for example at work I have been having massive problems concentrating lately. I had put it down to lots of things but the Doc thinks it might be or is down to the depression.
It seems odd to talk about it but because of my Crohns I feel I know my GP very well, I am there once a month at least pretty much.
However it does feel good to finally be doing something about it. Doc has prescribed Citalopram and I am to go back in a month when he will have spoken to someone about some counselling.
I suffer from depression quite badly from time to time and I know how hard it is to get on with life. Dont want to have pills as these rarely work and have a reluctance to go to the doctors, as some people have said on here. I used to hurt myself quite badly when rejection issues or disappointment came up but the best thing to do is to think positive (try to), get fresh air and eat well. No medicine can compete with that.
I think we all suffer from it in one form or the other. A couple of years ago i was all over the place, went to the doctors and after a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of medication he put me on 100mg daily of Pristiq.
I was flying for about 6 weeks until I reached a balance. After about 6 months on the stuff I felt relatively normal. After about a year I started to feel numb and disconnected, I felt a perceived edge was missing, my Mojo if you like. I stopped taking the meds, and for about a month felt like death! Awful head flashes, nausea the full montague. After a lot of bike riding, healthy food and positive thinking I got through it. Been off them for 6+ months and will never ever take a medication for depression again. Horrendous stuff. Felt like Renton! For me I have to be a little bit selfish and have my me time, which my mrs more than understands, so i p
s off occasionally for the weekend riding with the lads and it does wonders.
I was flying for about 6 weeks until I reached a balance. After about 6 months on the stuff I felt relatively normal. After about a year I started to feel numb and disconnected, I felt a perceived edge was missing, my Mojo if you like. I stopped taking the meds, and for about a month felt like death! Awful head flashes, nausea the full montague. After a lot of bike riding, healthy food and positive thinking I got through it. Been off them for 6+ months and will never ever take a medication for depression again. Horrendous stuff. Felt like Renton! For me I have to be a little bit selfish and have my me time, which my mrs more than understands, so i p
s off occasionally for the weekend riding with the lads and it does wonders.Talking to someone with first-hand experience of personally going through / or has been through serious long-term depression helps. Can be useful for both parties. (But maybe not at parties, he he). Talk to someone who has been there.
It affects every aspect of your life, am self-employed one-man business which requires alertness and organisation and concentration, but I can't function mentally and am physically exhausted most the time. Feel like theres 10,000 problems (and increasing daily) waiting for me to deal with, when some days just trying to find a pair of socks from a drawer is too much.
My current bout has lasted nearly 2 months now with varying intensity. Early last week I slept less than 6 hours over a 48-hour period and didn't eat anything (and I genuinely and honestly mean NOTHING) for 3 days, only drank water. My wife prepared a gorgeous steak dinner and am ashamed and embarrassed to say I couldn't eat any of it due to total lack of appetite. Not good when I'm also type-1 diabetic!!
However, I believe it can be beaten. Am avoiding prescription medication as didn't work for me over a 15-month period although I know people who have used it successfully. Herbal remedies haven't worked with me personally although St Johns Wort is widely used with success in Germany, maybe their pills different composition to our supermarket ones. Have been told today there's a mega-pure Omega-3 clinical-grade fish-oil capsule which someone I know has apparently had positive results with. Am naturally wary of "quick-fix remedies" advertised and would definitely have to find out more first tho.
Loads info if you Google depression / how to treat depression, etc, which is how I'm trying to tackle it. There's an especially useful independent site from Ireland which I'll post on here shortly when I find it.
Good luck to anyone in same boat, you're not alone.
It affects every aspect of your life, am self-employed one-man business which requires alertness and organisation and concentration, but I can't function mentally and am physically exhausted most the time. Feel like theres 10,000 problems (and increasing daily) waiting for me to deal with, when some days just trying to find a pair of socks from a drawer is too much.
My current bout has lasted nearly 2 months now with varying intensity. Early last week I slept less than 6 hours over a 48-hour period and didn't eat anything (and I genuinely and honestly mean NOTHING) for 3 days, only drank water. My wife prepared a gorgeous steak dinner and am ashamed and embarrassed to say I couldn't eat any of it due to total lack of appetite. Not good when I'm also type-1 diabetic!!
However, I believe it can be beaten. Am avoiding prescription medication as didn't work for me over a 15-month period although I know people who have used it successfully. Herbal remedies haven't worked with me personally although St Johns Wort is widely used with success in Germany, maybe their pills different composition to our supermarket ones. Have been told today there's a mega-pure Omega-3 clinical-grade fish-oil capsule which someone I know has apparently had positive results with. Am naturally wary of "quick-fix remedies" advertised and would definitely have to find out more first tho.
Loads info if you Google depression / how to treat depression, etc, which is how I'm trying to tackle it. There's an especially useful independent site from Ireland which I'll post on here shortly when I find it.
Good luck to anyone in same boat, you're not alone.
Ok, found site was looking for.
Don't be alarmed by site name, its www.suicideprevention.ie/
Then click "what is depression". (I think we all know already but its a site-stepping-stone).
Then click "Depression.ie" which is in blue text at the very bottom of the page.
In the green panel in here there is a lot of useful info.
Good luck and hope the sun shining for you tomorrow.
Don't be alarmed by site name, its www.suicideprevention.ie/
Then click "what is depression". (I think we all know already but its a site-stepping-stone).
Then click "Depression.ie" which is in blue text at the very bottom of the page.
In the green panel in here there is a lot of useful info.
Good luck and hope the sun shining for you tomorrow.
richtea78 said:
I posted a hijack in this thread and thought I would give an update.
I didnt bother doing anything about it for a long time, till this got bumped last week.
I have been to say my GP today and it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. It is a massive weight off my shoulders. He asked lots of questions and some of them surprised me. I hadnt realised some of the things it could affect, for example at work I have been having massive problems concentrating lately. I had put it down to lots of things but the Doc thinks it might be or is down to the depression.
It seems odd to talk about it but because of my Crohns I feel I know my GP very well, I am there once a month at least pretty much.
However it does feel good to finally be doing something about it. Doc has prescribed Citalopram and I am to go back in a month when he will have spoken to someone about some counselling.
Well done, it is a hard step, but really does help. I know what you mean about the questions, I was made to a multiple choice thing, it was like the questions were based on my life and I scored 17 out of 20, which meant I was severely depressed!I didnt bother doing anything about it for a long time, till this got bumped last week.
I have been to say my GP today and it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. It is a massive weight off my shoulders. He asked lots of questions and some of them surprised me. I hadnt realised some of the things it could affect, for example at work I have been having massive problems concentrating lately. I had put it down to lots of things but the Doc thinks it might be or is down to the depression.
It seems odd to talk about it but because of my Crohns I feel I know my GP very well, I am there once a month at least pretty much.
However it does feel good to finally be doing something about it. Doc has prescribed Citalopram and I am to go back in a month when he will have spoken to someone about some counselling.
Ahh Citalopram, prepare for very vivid dreams, nausea and wave goodbye to your sex drive!
I already have the nausea and the vivid dreams from my other medication I take for the Crohns.
The lack of sex drive wont be a problem as Im single and to be honest I would probably end up on a sexual harassment charge if I wasnt such good friends with the girls I work with anyway!
I came out high on the scoring apparently as well. I didnt feel that depressed but as I said some of the symptons I had were ones I hadnt associated with depression so maybe it was worse than I thought.
I have told a few people about it at work today, people I know I can trust and what has surprised me is that pretty much everyone I spoke to has known someone else who has had the same issues. What really surprised me was that one of my friends has had the same thing themselves in the past and is still medicated for it but not the same drug, it began with V but I couldnt pronounce it or remember the name.
For people who have taken citalopram, what is the guidance re alchohol? I dont drink much but is it a total no no to have a couple with a meal? I should of asked the doctor but forgot!
The lack of sex drive wont be a problem as Im single and to be honest I would probably end up on a sexual harassment charge if I wasnt such good friends with the girls I work with anyway!
I came out high on the scoring apparently as well. I didnt feel that depressed but as I said some of the symptons I had were ones I hadnt associated with depression so maybe it was worse than I thought.
I have told a few people about it at work today, people I know I can trust and what has surprised me is that pretty much everyone I spoke to has known someone else who has had the same issues. What really surprised me was that one of my friends has had the same thing themselves in the past and is still medicated for it but not the same drug, it began with V but I couldnt pronounce it or remember the name.
For people who have taken citalopram, what is the guidance re alchohol? I dont drink much but is it a total no no to have a couple with a meal? I should of asked the doctor but forgot!
richtea78 said:
For people who have taken citalopram, what is the guidance re alchohol? I dont drink much but is it a total no no to have a couple with a meal? I should of asked the doctor but forgot!
It'll still do what it's meant to do, but it will turn your colon to noxious liquid and give very short warnings. I'd have thought to be avoided further still with Crohn's. Crohns and alchohol isnt too bad for me. Im not talking about going and drinking 10-15 pints like a Uni student of course. I was thinking of one or two, maybe 3 pints after work on Friday depending how long I stay in the pub for example. I think I will avoid it just to be safe!
As for bowels full of noxious liquid I pretty much have that already anyway thanks to the Crohns so Im used to planning things around the accessibility of toilets!
As for bowels full of noxious liquid I pretty much have that already anyway thanks to the Crohns so Im used to planning things around the accessibility of toilets!
richtea78 said:
For people who have taken citalopram, what is the guidance re alchohol? I dont drink much but is it a total no no to have a couple with a meal? I should of asked the doctor but forgot!
I used to be on citalopram some time ago. Alcohol is ok for me but as with all anti-depressants only advisable on a minimal level. I would seek advise from your GP but I seem to remember having cut down a lot on alcohol as it makes me ill if I over indulge.If this is your first time on anti-depressants just try to relax and don't expect too much. Keep in mind you might need to try a few before finding the right one for yourself.
richtea78 said:
As for bowels full of noxious liquid I pretty much have that already anyway thanks to the Crohns so Im used to planning things around the accessibility of toilets!
In which case the occasional couple of beers won't prove too inconvenient. Have a drink, but avoid drinking if that makes sense. I think so. I have been avoiding drinking for a while as I noticed that it was making me even more depressed but I do like a couple after work and sometimes with a meal so will see how it goes.
Im not expecting miracle cures to be honest. They guy I spoke to who had it before told me that the therapy he had helped him more than the drugs. Think it was called Cognitive behaviour therapy?
Im not expecting miracle cures to be honest. They guy I spoke to who had it before told me that the therapy he had helped him more than the drugs. Think it was called Cognitive behaviour therapy?
I can empathise with you whole heartedly!
You need to get a goal...Mine at the moment is fitness. So I’m swimming as many times as possible each week and going to the gym. Its working too! I’m starting to feel more confident about myself and so this is bringing my mood to a more comparable level. I’m not snapping as much and although the glass isn’t half full as yet, there is at least a glass!
I’m entering the Blenheim triathlon as well as aiming to run the Prague half marathon. I’m not chasing times, just using them as a goal. Plus I’m aiming to do the events for a local charity so that now I’m committed I have no choice of dipping out!
You are at least doing one thing that is right...and that is talking about it! Don’t let it bottle up, you must see in your line of work that too many people try to hide it, and then are found after its all got too much.
If you want a chat...drop me a mail
You need to get a goal...Mine at the moment is fitness. So I’m swimming as many times as possible each week and going to the gym. Its working too! I’m starting to feel more confident about myself and so this is bringing my mood to a more comparable level. I’m not snapping as much and although the glass isn’t half full as yet, there is at least a glass!
I’m entering the Blenheim triathlon as well as aiming to run the Prague half marathon. I’m not chasing times, just using them as a goal. Plus I’m aiming to do the events for a local charity so that now I’m committed I have no choice of dipping out!
You are at least doing one thing that is right...and that is talking about it! Don’t let it bottle up, you must see in your line of work that too many people try to hide it, and then are found after its all got too much.
If you want a chat...drop me a mail
As someone who has been dealing with depression since before their early teens it never ceases to amaze me at the number of 'ordinary people' who suffer from it.
Personally, I've given up seeking help from my doctors. To me personally it seems like they are powerless to help you unless you are willing to hand over all control of your life to somebody else. At my absolute worst (I.E the high doses of citalopram being forced down my throat were giving me horrifically homicidal thoughts) the best I was told by my GP was to head down the local A&E and try to get myself sectioned
.
As far as I am personally concerned, depression will come and depression will go. It sucks, but for whatever reason it is how I am programmed and chances are, if you are reading this sort of thread, it is how you are programmed too. Meds and Therapy might work if you are not a cynical bd like myself, so I implore you to give them a shot although personally the reason I went to the Doctors in the first place is that I wanted to take control of my life, not hand responsibly for it off to someone else.
Just because it doesn't work for me does not mean it cannot work for you, and if it does not work for you it does not mean that you can't live a happy life
Personally, I've given up seeking help from my doctors. To me personally it seems like they are powerless to help you unless you are willing to hand over all control of your life to somebody else. At my absolute worst (I.E the high doses of citalopram being forced down my throat were giving me horrifically homicidal thoughts) the best I was told by my GP was to head down the local A&E and try to get myself sectioned
.As far as I am personally concerned, depression will come and depression will go. It sucks, but for whatever reason it is how I am programmed and chances are, if you are reading this sort of thread, it is how you are programmed too. Meds and Therapy might work if you are not a cynical b
d like myself, so I implore you to give them a shot although personally the reason I went to the Doctors in the first place is that I wanted to take control of my life, not hand responsibly for it off to someone else. Just because it doesn't work for me does not mean it cannot work for you, and if it does not work for you it does not mean that you can't live a happy life
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