Discussion
This-isnt-real said:
What did being sectioned entail, and what was it like?
Ended up in A+E post harm and had a visit from local mental health service, they assessed me (questions about my life, what I did and thoughts of harm) and they decided to admit me.Regular sectioning is assessment at psychiatric ward with compulsory meds, can't leave etc. This can be extended to 28 days and 6 months depending on type.
The police can also detain you under the mental health act if they believe you could be a danger to yourself and others, this means they t you to the psychiatric hospital to be assessed, you can be sent home in as little as 5 hours if they decide not to admit you.
If you or anyone else is struggling consider calling your local "home treatment team", they will assess you at home and try and nip any problems in the bud before they get too bad. They were excellent in my case post-discharge.
This-isnt-real said:
Ruskie said:
Ruskie, sorry I’ve not kept up with your posts here but is that your blog in the link?thatsprettyshady said:
Checking in to say hello.
It does get better. February this year I was at my lowest, leading to me being sectioned subsequently admitted to a ward for a month after attempting suicide, a few false starts and a couple more attempts to harm myself and now I'm doing much better.
I quit drinking, self medicating and sought help and more importantly followed it through by taking it one day at a time.
Medication helped at first to numb the emotions and stop me being a danger to myself but as I've felt better the cocktail of drugs I was on has been reduced to an SNRI in the morning and Mirtazapine at night to help me sleep (sleep is also a huge problem for me, but hated sleeping pills).
I too lost my best friend, mum and cousin very suddenly last year, the final straw was my long term girlfriend giving me the heave-ho which left me with nothing in my life and subsequently I just "let go" and gave up on everything.
To anyone feeling similar right now, you have my full support and understanding, hang in right - you'll come out of this stronger than ever with an understanding of yourself that very few have.
Of course things for me still aren't perfect, but the main difference post nuthouse/doctor/support is my reaction to these events.
A good post, especially " hang in right - you'll come out of this stronger than ever with an understanding of yourself that very few have."It does get better. February this year I was at my lowest, leading to me being sectioned subsequently admitted to a ward for a month after attempting suicide, a few false starts and a couple more attempts to harm myself and now I'm doing much better.
I quit drinking, self medicating and sought help and more importantly followed it through by taking it one day at a time.
Medication helped at first to numb the emotions and stop me being a danger to myself but as I've felt better the cocktail of drugs I was on has been reduced to an SNRI in the morning and Mirtazapine at night to help me sleep (sleep is also a huge problem for me, but hated sleeping pills).
I too lost my best friend, mum and cousin very suddenly last year, the final straw was my long term girlfriend giving me the heave-ho which left me with nothing in my life and subsequently I just "let go" and gave up on everything.
To anyone feeling similar right now, you have my full support and understanding, hang in right - you'll come out of this stronger than ever with an understanding of yourself that very few have.
Of course things for me still aren't perfect, but the main difference post nuthouse/doctor/support is my reaction to these events.
Can you expand on 'self medicating'?
Ruskie said:
wiliferus said:
Just my two-penneth...
I was on sertraline. Main points of note - it worked for my depression. It took the edge off the depth of lows, but with the consequence of also lowering highs. It kind of numbed all my emotions. I just felt ‘meh’ everyday. Couldn’t get excited about anything (even felt ambivalent about seeing my kids
) didn’t feel particularly happy, but also didn’t feel extreme lows, sadness, and notably, also lost all emphathy for other people’s situations.
In the willy dept, quite unexpected results. Made him harder than I’ve ever experienced, proper throbber! Libido was fine... but... very very difficult to climax. My missus at the time equally loved it, and found it quite frustrating
Weight - this was the biggest thing. I’ve always been a slim fella. All my adult life I’ve hovered around 10st 6. In my darkest months I got down to 9st 8 through lack of eating. I looked bloody awful. Sertraline didn’t affect this at all, until I came off it. I then started putting on about 3lbs a week
I ballooned upto 13st 2 which was all on the front and gave me a man belly. I’ve managed to work this down now to 12st 2 and am fairly happy.
Overall, sertraline did what I needed it to do. It gave me a crutch for the period in which I needed it. However due to the numbing of emotions, I don’t think I’d want to be on it for life. I was on it for 14 months, and feel I lost 14 months of my life. That said, without it there’s a real possibility I wouldn’t be here.
Summed up perfectly. Numbs me to highs and lows. Worth noting I discussed going from 100mg to 200mg with my GP who is a specialist in mental health and he said said the side effects would be more pronounced with little benefit.I was on sertraline. Main points of note - it worked for my depression. It took the edge off the depth of lows, but with the consequence of also lowering highs. It kind of numbed all my emotions. I just felt ‘meh’ everyday. Couldn’t get excited about anything (even felt ambivalent about seeing my kids
) didn’t feel particularly happy, but also didn’t feel extreme lows, sadness, and notably, also lost all emphathy for other people’s situations. In the willy dept, quite unexpected results. Made him harder than I’ve ever experienced, proper throbber! Libido was fine... but... very very difficult to climax. My missus at the time equally loved it, and found it quite frustrating
Weight - this was the biggest thing. I’ve always been a slim fella. All my adult life I’ve hovered around 10st 6. In my darkest months I got down to 9st 8 through lack of eating. I looked bloody awful. Sertraline didn’t affect this at all, until I came off it. I then started putting on about 3lbs a week
I ballooned upto 13st 2 which was all on the front and gave me a man belly. I’ve managed to work this down now to 12st 2 and am fairly happy.Overall, sertraline did what I needed it to do. It gave me a crutch for the period in which I needed it. However due to the numbing of emotions, I don’t think I’d want to be on it for life. I was on it for 14 months, and feel I lost 14 months of my life. That said, without it there’s a real possibility I wouldn’t be here.
Edited by wiliferus on Friday 8th December 06:51
DE1975 said:
For those of you who don't want to get on anti-depressants or struggle with unwanted side effects, I thought I would share details of a couple of supplements I've used which I have found helpful. Most AD's work by boosting the levels of serotonin (the "happy" neurotransmitter the brain produces when we do stuff that makes us feel good, like laughing for example). They mostly working by blocking receptors in the brain which bind with serotonin, thus increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Hence they are known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's).
Rather than using AD's, which block these receptors chemically, you can also increase these levels by getting your body to produce more serotonin in the first place. Serotonin is produced by converting the amino acid Tryptophan (which we get from our diet) firstly into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and then into serotonin. 5-HTP is a readily available supplement you can buy, and I have used it to improve my symptoms of depression.
Boosting your serotonin levels can lead to a decrease in dopamine levels, so I also take a supplement to increase dopamine levels as well. Dopamine is produced from another amino acid, L-Tyrosine, which is another readily available supplement. Dopamine is the "reward" neurotransmitter the body produces when we do things we find pleasurable, such as eating, drinking, sex, smoking etc (hence why many people with depression, "self medicate" with these activities which have their own adverse effects).
These are the 2 supplements I use, and I do find a subtle but noticeable improvement after about 3-4 weeks of taking 100mg of 5-HTP and 1000mg of L-tyrosine daily
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holl...
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holl...
Just thought I would share my experience as I know anti-depressants aren't for everyone
That was an interesting post too, plenty in there I never knew.Rather than using AD's, which block these receptors chemically, you can also increase these levels by getting your body to produce more serotonin in the first place. Serotonin is produced by converting the amino acid Tryptophan (which we get from our diet) firstly into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and then into serotonin. 5-HTP is a readily available supplement you can buy, and I have used it to improve my symptoms of depression.
Boosting your serotonin levels can lead to a decrease in dopamine levels, so I also take a supplement to increase dopamine levels as well. Dopamine is produced from another amino acid, L-Tyrosine, which is another readily available supplement. Dopamine is the "reward" neurotransmitter the body produces when we do things we find pleasurable, such as eating, drinking, sex, smoking etc (hence why many people with depression, "self medicate" with these activities which have their own adverse effects).
These are the 2 supplements I use, and I do find a subtle but noticeable improvement after about 3-4 weeks of taking 100mg of 5-HTP and 1000mg of L-tyrosine daily
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holl...
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holl...
Just thought I would share my experience as I know anti-depressants aren't for everyone
227bhp said:
This-isnt-real said:
Ruskie said:
Ruskie, sorry I’ve not kept up with your posts here but is that your blog in the link?If you want to drop me a email via my profile to have a chat, please feel free
I've taken my first step today to hopefully dealing with my issues (after making a bit of plonker of myself with a thread yesterday when I was having a bad time of it all and sat at work crying).
I've been to see my doctor (never met him before but seems like a nice bloke) and poured out my woes which was cathartic as I'd never told anyone how I really feel and why I think I feel this way.
He's given me details of a self referral scheme for talking therapies and has prescribed me an anti depressant which I am told will also help me sleep. I don't know what the tablets are as he didn't tell me the name and I have to collect them this evening. I'm going back next Friday to see him again.
Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to put a better perspective on my life.
I've been to see my doctor (never met him before but seems like a nice bloke) and poured out my woes which was cathartic as I'd never told anyone how I really feel and why I think I feel this way.
He's given me details of a self referral scheme for talking therapies and has prescribed me an anti depressant which I am told will also help me sleep. I don't know what the tablets are as he didn't tell me the name and I have to collect them this evening. I'm going back next Friday to see him again.
Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to put a better perspective on my life.
notmyusualname said:
I've taken my first step today to hopefully dealing with my issues (after making a bit of plonker of myself with a thread yesterday when I was having a bad time of it all and sat at work crying).
I've been to see my doctor (never met him before but seems like a nice bloke) and poured out my woes which was cathartic as I'd never told anyone how I really feel and why I think I feel this way.
He's given me details of a self referral scheme for talking therapies and has prescribed me an anti depressant which I am told will also help me sleep. I don't know what the tablets are as he didn't tell me the name and I have to collect them this evening. I'm going back next Friday to see him again.
Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to put a better perspective on my life.
Good luck.I've been to see my doctor (never met him before but seems like a nice bloke) and poured out my woes which was cathartic as I'd never told anyone how I really feel and why I think I feel this way.
He's given me details of a self referral scheme for talking therapies and has prescribed me an anti depressant which I am told will also help me sleep. I don't know what the tablets are as he didn't tell me the name and I have to collect them this evening. I'm going back next Friday to see him again.
Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to put a better perspective on my life.
Don't expect them to kick in for a week or so, but my advice is take each day at a time.
You WILL get better though, and this will all seem a distant memory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc
notmyusualname said:
The tablets are mirtazapine.
The good news is they cause drowsiness, the bad news is that they cause weight gain. The last side effect I need!
I'll second both of those side effects. The good news is they cause drowsiness, the bad news is that they cause weight gain. The last side effect I need!
The weight has stayed on to an extent which I reckon was worth the pay off, which for me was relief of symptoms of depression. My doctor was very strict on the length of time I could be on them. Had a second session on them after a bit of a knock back.
As for manhood, I'm afraid that was the third string.
For me, beating depression was a bit like Douglas Adams' advice to those sub species of the human race wanting fire; keep banging the rocks together until there's a bit of a spark.
I don't often revisit those days - 54 months of struggle during which I put a lot on wife, family and friends, not something I want to remember - but it was hardest time of my life, yet was worth all the effort. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
I feel the better for it now, fat belly notwithstanding, and find a sort of strength from getting the better of it. I personified it - not to be advised I was told - and I looked upon it as a fight between the two of us. Every little victory to be enjoyed, every defeat not to be repeated.
Don't give up. Beat the b
d. It is defeatable.notmyusualname said:
xjay1337 said:
Let us know what medicine it is
The tablets are mirtazapine. The good news is they cause drowsiness, the bad news is that they cause weight gain. The last side effect I need!
Best of luck with it, if work is possibly the one that is weighing you down try a post in the business section perhaps?
I've just got in after a horrible evening. I got a phone call from my mum at just after 5pm this evening to say my dad had collapsed.
I got there within a couple of minutesting as I live close by. I entered at the same time as a paramedic, my dad was dead.
I'm going to have to keep it together for my mum and kids, but right now I'm not sure how I'll cope.
I got there within a couple of minutesting as I live close by. I entered at the same time as a paramedic, my dad was dead.
I'm going to have to keep it together for my mum and kids, but right now I'm not sure how I'll cope.
I'm really sorry to hear it, my Dad died suddenly the year before last too. It's gonna be tough, but keep posting if it helps, there is always someone here to read it.
Just take it one bit at a time and eventually you'll reach the other side, it might take some doing, but you'll get there.
Just take it one bit at a time and eventually you'll reach the other side, it might take some doing, but you'll get there.
My deepest condolences. I lost my mum in April, about 2 weeks after deciding to come off sertraline.
I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a bloody tough year, but I got there.
In the initial weeks I found I useful to be pragmatic and busy, sorting out arrangements and all the necessaries, it stopped me having time to think.
Just make sure you talk, to anyone, as bottling it up doesn’t help long term.
I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a bloody tough year, but I got there.
In the initial weeks I found I useful to be pragmatic and busy, sorting out arrangements and all the necessaries, it stopped me having time to think.
Just make sure you talk, to anyone, as bottling it up doesn’t help long term.
notmyusualname said:
I've just got in after a horrible evening. I got a phone call from my mum at just after 5pm this evening to say my dad had collapsed.
I got there within a couple of minutesting as I live close by. I entered at the same time as a paramedic, my dad was dead.
I'm going to have to keep it together for my mum and kids, but right now I'm not sure how I'll cope.
Really sorry to hear this, but bear in mind your not the first person to go through a loss of a parent, millions of people have before you and made it through the other side so you have proof it can be done.I got there within a couple of minutesting as I live close by. I entered at the same time as a paramedic, my dad was dead.
I'm going to have to keep it together for my mum and kids, but right now I'm not sure how I'll cope.
Stay strong for your Mum, and feel free to vent on here
Its hard to say this but you facing up to the fact you suffer from depression will make this chapter a lot easier.
In May 2007 my eldest son was found unresponsive,he had got a bit drunk and had inhaled sick.
He was effectively brain dead but did not actually die until June 17 which was Fathers day.
I kept it together (or so I thought) until March last year,people who did not really know me just thought I was a grumpy git.
It all unravelled and I basically felt that I had lost control even though in truth I never had been.
My wife and two surviving sons rallied round and over the last 10 months or so I have come to accept that things will never be perfect but you have to make what you can of life.
My GP who I had never met before was the first person I have ever broke down in front of,I found it humiliating and yet at the same time found as if a great weight had been lifted.He said that I was still grieving and grief is a form of depression
I did not find seeing a therapist beneficial to be honest but talking with my close family and friends,found out that they knew things were wrong and why but just did not know what to do.
Since opening up to everyone who means anything to me,life has taken a new turn.
What I am trying to say is,grieve for your dad but think about the fact that he has gone before you and he would not have wished it any other way.
Sorry for the long post.
In May 2007 my eldest son was found unresponsive,he had got a bit drunk and had inhaled sick.
He was effectively brain dead but did not actually die until June 17 which was Fathers day.
I kept it together (or so I thought) until March last year,people who did not really know me just thought I was a grumpy git.
It all unravelled and I basically felt that I had lost control even though in truth I never had been.
My wife and two surviving sons rallied round and over the last 10 months or so I have come to accept that things will never be perfect but you have to make what you can of life.
My GP who I had never met before was the first person I have ever broke down in front of,I found it humiliating and yet at the same time found as if a great weight had been lifted.He said that I was still grieving and grief is a form of depression
I did not find seeing a therapist beneficial to be honest but talking with my close family and friends,found out that they knew things were wrong and why but just did not know what to do.
Since opening up to everyone who means anything to me,life has taken a new turn.
What I am trying to say is,grieve for your dad but think about the fact that he has gone before you and he would not have wished it any other way.
Sorry for the long post.
Edited by jjohnson23 on Sunday 14th January 17:46
notmyusualname said:
I've just got in after a horrible evening. I got a phone call from my mum at just after 5pm this evening to say my dad had collapsed.
I got there within a couple of minutesting as I live close by. I entered at the same time as a paramedic, my dad was dead.
I'm going to have to keep it together for my mum and kids, but right now I'm not sure how I'll cope.
My experience is that you don't know how you coped after coming through all the aggro. It all just goes by.I got there within a couple of minutesting as I live close by. I entered at the same time as a paramedic, my dad was dead.
I'm going to have to keep it together for my mum and kids, but right now I'm not sure how I'll cope.
Having someone depending on you adds to your problems in some ways but, in thinking of others, a bit of the pressure is off. You don't have time to think about your own problems, your own regrets. Going through all the processes, such as registering, etc, means you deal with little problems that have solutions. Tick that one off. Then the next.
Remember also that the service you are providing is for your father. The rotten thing about growing old is that you know that the last thing you do on this earth will hurt those who love you, and hurt those who love you the most, most of all. Your dad would not want you to mourn. By getting on with your life you will be doing exactly what he would have wanted you to do and, perhaps, taking some of the pressure off him.
I remember laughing a month or so after my father died, some idiocy on TV. I immediately felt guilty and then realised that my dad would have been happy to hear me laugh again.
I stuck a picture of my father on my desk at work, taken when we were working on a motorcycle and had just timed the damn thing 180 degrees out. We were almost rolling about laughing after a sheet of flame had come out of the carb and nearly scorched the bike's owner. Remember the good times. Remember what your dad would have wanted.
Looking after others is the best way of looking after yourself.
Derek
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