Have you ever/ do you suffer(ed) from depression!?

D-Boy

Soldier on it willl end enjoy the ups because you know how low the downs are.
Ive been ok for over a year now and im over the moon

Disease Ridden

tech77 wrote: »

Hmmm...
The brain's reward system is dopaminergic- the mesolimbic pathway (VTA->NAc) and all that.
The drug abuse thing would be this system as well.

Dopamine is the pleasure neurotransmitter admittedly but AFAIK its depletion isn't the basis for anhedonia in depression.
Depressive symptomatology is associated with depletion of serotonin especially (and noradrenaline) as you say.

As an aside, apart from drug abuse, psychosis (e.g schizophrenia) is the psychiatric condition associated with excess dopamine. A depletion of dopamine underlies Parkinson's disease alright (but this is a motor disorder).

While dopamine is associated with pleasure in the brain, i just thought it was worth not mixing the 2 systems up.
So in summary:
Depression neurotransmitters: Serotonin, Noradrenaline
Drug dependency: Dopamine
Schizophrenia: Dopamine
Edit: Dopamine (just thinking about it intuitively) may have some role in depression but the above is the received wisdom.

Now this is what I like; cold, materialistic explanations! :pac:
Admittedly my knowledge of neurophysiology isnt very extensive, but I know a small bit!

Just checked up wikipedia there (scientific I know!) and here is their explanation of possible causes of anhedonia:

"Anhedonia is often experienced by drug addicts following withdrawal; in particular, stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines cause anhedonia and depression by depleting dopamine and other important neurotransmitters. Very long-term addicts are sometimes said to suffer a permanent physical breakdown of their pleasure pathways, leading to anhedonia on a permanent or semi-permanent basis due to the extended overworking of the neural pleasure pathways during active addiction, particularly as regards cocaine and methamphetamine. In this circumstance, activities still may be pleasurable, but can never be as pleasurable to people who have experienced the comparatively extreme pleasure of the drug experience. "

So it seems dopamine depletion is involved at least as a contibuting factor.

tech77

Trí wrote: »

Yep - i've had it..

Had your token crap childhood and a few other things thrown into the mix. It was inevitable that it was gonna happen to me. I was very very bad by the time I did something about it.

I was on meds and in counselling for 1.5 - 2 years. I have my life back and I actually want to live now.

The stigma of mental ilness is a disgrace in my opinion and i'm delighted that there is a thread about this here. Also, the poll speaks volumes. Lots of people who have depression think they're the only one so this thread is a blessing.

To anyone reading that feels they may be depressed - its can be a difficult journey but with proper help, you'll be alright. In fact, in my experience, I am now the happiest i've ever been. Like I said, it was inevitable that it was gonna happen to me so im glad it happed when I was younger. Of course, im also glad its over.

I now have a happy life, great family and friends, a wonderful boyfriend and a near constant smile on my face.

The pain of depression is worth the life I have now.

Best of luck to anyone going through it at the moment. Sorry for the ultra soppy post but its a matter close to my heart.:)

Going from wanting to die to "wanting to live"- pretty cool.

tech77

Disease Ridden wrote: »

Now this is what I like; cold, materialistic explanations! :pac:
Admittedly my knowledge of neurophysiology isnt very extensive, but I know a small bit!

Just checked up wikipedia there (scientific I know!) and here is their explanation of possible causes of anhedonia:

"Anhedonia is often experienced by drug addicts following withdrawal; in particular, stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines cause anhedonia and depression by depleting dopamine and other important neurotransmitters. Very long-term addicts are sometimes said to suffer a permanent physical breakdown of their pleasure pathways, leading to anhedonia on a permanent or semi-permanent basis due to the extended overworking of the neural pleasure pathways during active addiction, particularly as regards cocaine and methamphetamine. In this circumstance, activities still may be pleasurable, but can never be as pleasurable to people who have experienced the comparatively extreme pleasure of the drug experience. "

So it seems dopamine depletion is involved at least as a contibuting factor.

When i think of Dopamine's role in addiction i think of it in terms of it in terms of a withdrawal state (the withdrawal state is anhedonic admittedly but i tend to think of anhedonia more as a defining feature of depression).

Because anhedonia is such an important symptom of depression. i just thought that talking about depression/anhedonia in the context of mesolimbic dopaminergic desensitization/drug withdrawal/dependency was slightly confusing the two disorders.

Clinically (which is what's important at the end of the day). the main drugs that are used to treat depression and its anhedonia are those that block either serotonin or noradrenaline uptake ie SSRI's, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs.

I didn't think dopaminergic drugs had any role in treatment.
But i admit i'm just after looking there and contrary to what i thought, there may be some uses for things like selegiline.
Interesting.

honru

Abigayle wrote: »

We generally just 'cope' with whatever is thrown at us, and get on with things. A panic attack tells you your mind is not at ease with something, or a few things.

Yeah, that fits for me. When I was last having common panic attacks, I wager it was related to the stress my family was going through at the time. And if you go deeper than that, it is likely I have issues with security and resourcefulness.

Looking back, I do think they can act as a golden opportunity to look deeper and seek out what it is that you truly aren't at ease with in your life.

Black Swan

b28 wrote: »

i personally dont find counseling any good.

In general I would tend to agree with you, although have you tried CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy) in addition to meds? I have an older professor friend that had been diagnosed as bipolar when young, and claimed that CBT helped him a lot to cope with his condition. Oddly, he says that he is no longer bipolar but unipolar manic, and that when teaching in the classroom he is so enthusiastic and animated when presenting to students that they cannot fall asleep during one of his lectures!

I think the most frustrating part of Depression for me is the fact that I don't know why I'm feeling crap. There is no reason for it. I'm not sad about anything. I wake up some mornings and before I've even had a thought I feel like there is a big dark cloud hanging over me. It's annoying when you are trying so hard to shake it off and trying to be logical with yourself, trying to convince your mind that actually, you are happy so why do you feel tired and heavy. I'm probably not explaining it very well.

If you have ever seen the film "what dreams may come" the part where the wife is in a kind of purgatory because she has committed suicide. That's the closest thing to depression that I have ever seen being portrayed visually.

Abi

Deleted User wrote: »

I think the most frustrating part of Depression for me is the fact that I don't know why I'm feeling crap. There is no reason for it. I'm not sad about anything.

Thats the nature of the beast, tbh. Sometimes its not anyone thing, and its hard to put your finger on it. The only solution to the problem is medication, counselling, and incorporate relaxing activities into your day.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to breakdown all the areas of your life, if there is any one aspect of it that you aren't content with - try to improve it or change it. Doesn't mean its just one aspect, there maybe a few things you are unhappy about, but take make changes.

I've had the 'purgatory' feeling too. Its horrible.

Gone Drinking

I'm suffering quite severely from recession at the moment, i can't get out of bed to buy any fancy cars or holiday homes like i used to..

Dudess

f®eak s©enery wrote: »

I don't know if there is a correlation between anxiety attacks and depression

I think there is.

Deleted User wrote: »

If you have ever seen the film "what dreams may come" the part where the wife is in a kind of purgatory because she has committed suicide. That's the closest thing to depression that I have ever seen being portrayed visually.

God yeah, that feeling you're detached from everyone and floating above them/looking down on them - even if you're in the middle of a bunch of people and having the best laugh ever.

Earthhorse

An File wrote: »

I'm not a violent person, but sometimes I go through phases of wishing I could have been tougher as a child. Again, I'm happy that it hasn't happened in a while, because those kind of thoughts are not "normal".

More normal than you'd think, I'll wager. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that such thoughts are not healthy or productive.

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

gaeilgegrinds

I suffered from anxiety for about 6 years. It was hell, I don't believe one ever really recovers, they just learn to cope. I'll always live with it I'd say. I was medicated for a while but that only dulls it in my opinion, postpones it until you come off the medication.

Abi

gaeilgegrinds wrote: »

I suffered from anxiety for about 6 years. It was hell, I don't believe one ever really recovers, they just learn to cope. I'll always live with it I'd say.

You do learn to deal with it

I was medicated for a while but that only dulls it in my opinion, postpones it until you come off the medication.

This I cant agree with entirely though. Reason being, you have to address the problems in your life. Try to fix them or change it.

Medication does numb you, but the reason they are prescribed is because the very nature of anxiety makes you think irrationally. So the medication is a tool to calm you down enough to begin a thought pattern to repairing your life. Its pretty much the reason why its advised you receive counselling throughout the course of medication. It re-inforces your positive thoughts, and in turn gives incentive.

gaeilgegrinds

Given my current state I really doubt I received enough help to be honest. It's a terrible illness and I would not wish it on my worst enemy, I've barely slept for 3 weeks now and am a mess.

Abi

gaeilgegrinds wrote: »

Given my current state I really doubt I received enough help to be honest. It's a terrible illness and I would not wish it on my worst enemy, I've barely slept for 3 weeks now and am a mess.

PM sent

Wurly

Abigayle wrote: »

PM sent

You've been brilliant on this thread. Just wanted to say that.:);)

Abi

Trí wrote: »

You've been brilliant on this thread. Just wanted to say that.:);)

Thanks Im a pro on it you could say... :pac:

Just felt compelled to throw in a post if I recognised some signs. Its a very misunderstood, and complex illness. :eek::)

Wurly

Abigayle wrote: »

Thanks Im a pro on it you could say... :pac:

Just felt compelled to throw in a post if I recognised some signs. Its a very misunderstood, and complex illness. :eek::)

Jesus, don't I bloody know it.:rolleyes:

It's amazing the amount of 'snap out of brigade' members that come back to you and say - 'I had no idea what you were going through'. It takes them to go through it themselves or someone very close for them to realise it.

People still think that it's a choice in some way. Like you're choosing to be depressed and sorry for yourself. As if anyone would choose that.

I'm delighted that this thread was started, especially in after hours. If it can make only a handful of people realise that they're not alone, then good work has been done here. One of the worst feelings associated with depression is the isolation. Everyone else is grand and you're feeling like a total mad yoke. And not in a good way.:D

Fair play to everyone for sharing their experiences. Lets stamp out this idiotic stigma of mental illness once and for all.

K-9

Abigayle wrote: »

Medication does numb you, but the reason they are prescribed is because the very nature of anxiety makes you think irrationally. So the medication is a tool to calm you down enough to begin a thought pattern to repairing your life. Its pretty much the reason why its advised you receive counselling throughout the course of medication. It re-inforces your positive thoughts, and in turn gives incentive.

From my experience, doctors don't take counseling seriously. They'll prescribe medication all to easily.

As you say, medication will numb you, so doctors need to check up on patients and make sure they are seeking counselling.

IME, they are not doing that.

theesicko

Google Maslow's hierarchy of needs.. I cant be bothered explaining it. In the third world people cannot be depressed, they have more pressing concerns to worry such as where to get their next meal from, whereas we are have our physiological needs like food, shelter etc. and are left only to worry about psychological issues. Thats the way i see it, I have never been depressed before btw.

Abi

K-9 wrote: »

From my experience, doctors don't take counseling seriously. They'll prescribe medication all to easily.

If you go to your GP and say you have been feeling down, then he is likely to prescribe you drugs to help. But it takes some time for the 'genuine' depressed to seek help. He / she cannot afford to take the patient seriously. It takes 6-8 weeks for SSRI's to begin to work effectively, and you generally receive your first counselling session after 4wks. But a GP will only prescribe you the initial course, and write you a referral letter, from then on it is the mental health clinic that prescribes your medicine.

As you say, medication will numb you, so doctors need to check up on patients and make sure they are seeking counselling.

IME, they are not doing that.

It is not the responsibility of a doctor to make sure you are taking your medication and receiving counselling. . Its yours.

K-9

Abigayle wrote: »

If you go to your GP and say you have been feeling down, then he is likely to prescribe you drugs to help. But it takes some time for the 'genuine' depressed to seek help. He / she cannot afford to take the patient seriously. It takes 6-8 weeks for SSRI's to begin to work effectively, and you generally receive your first counselling session after 4wks. But a GP will only prescribe you the initial course, and write you a referral letter, from then on it is the mental health clinic that prescribes your medicine.



It is not the responsibility of a doctor to make sure you are taking your medication and receiving counselling. . Its yours.

I take on board your points.

IME, if I said I didn't want drugs, the doctor supported me. So I disagree with the likelihood of prescription. He/she willl ask about your situation and will ask your opinion too. It's a personal decision by the Doctor, at the end of the day. Maybe in your experience it's different, but then again, I have pointed out this isn't a 1 size fits all disease.

On the doctor responsibility point, completely accepted. Look at what you just posted. Do you see a drawback based on what has been posted on this thread?

Abi

K-9 wrote: »

Do you see a drawback based on what has been posted on this thread?

Not really no. Considering Im both on medication and in receipt of conselling no, I feel a lot better for it. The doctors will encourage them, because it is their business to learn about them, and how they can help.

What natural methods do you use? Im curious because, I've used relaxation techniques and non-prescription, to no avail.

K-9

Abigayle wrote: »

Not really no. Considering Im both on medication and in receipt of conselling no, I feel a lot better for it. The doctors will encourage them, because it is their business to learn about them, and how they can help.

Sorry, I completely accept your experience, it just doesn't tie with mine.

I suppose my point is, many people here need support and understanding. It often doesn't come from family or friends. So if the medical profession can't provide it, who does? Obviously they aren't clairvoyant, but there should be a set procedure besides prescribing drugs? Yes?

Abigayle wrote:

What natural metods do you use? Im curious because, I've used relaxation techniques and non-prescription, to no avail.

No natural methods at all . Though maybe relaxing herbs etc. could help? I'm at the early stages of addressing this.

amacachi

Abigayle wrote: »

It takes 6-8 weeks for SSRI's to begin to work effectively, and you generally receive your first counselling session after 4wks. But a GP will only prescribe you the initial course, and write you a referral letter, from then on it is the mental health clinic that prescribes your medicine.

Did you find that they had a certain effectiveness much quicker than the 6-8 weeks? Despite being told that I've twice gone on them and felt a lot better within 3 weeks and stopped taking them after 6. Course a month later I'm back to square one or below.
I was lucky enough to see a counsellor then a psychiatrist before getting a prescription. Course my own idiocy has set me back somewhat since then.
BTW Mods, not looking for medical advice or anything, just sharing experiences.:P

K-9

Basically, surely counseling should be prescribed just as drugs?

K-9

Sorry if I'm coming across as abrasive, nature of the AH beast!

Abi

K-9 wrote: »

Sorry, I completely accept your experience, it just doesn't tie with mine.

Thats fine, it doesnt have to be

I suppose my point is, many people here need support and understanding. It often doesn't come from family or friends.

It does though for some. But that doesnt mean anything. Thats a bit too general.

So if the medical profession can't provide it, who does?

They wouldnt be allowed to do what they do without qualification, and a knowledge of drugs.

Obviously they aren't clairvoyant, but there should be a set procedure besides prescribing drugs? Yes?

You don't go to college for 6 odd years to become a clairvoyant and yes, there is a procedure.

Snowie

K-9 wrote: »

From my experience, doctors don't take counseling seriously. They'll prescribe medication all to easily.

As you say, medication will numb you, so doctors need to check up on patients and make sure they are seeking counselling.

IME, they are not doing that.

Then Id be questioning weather I'd want him/her as my doctor and looking for a better one.....

Snowie

Blue_Lagoon wrote: »

Depression as a mood disorder, or some other condition defined by DSM IV? Source: http://www.mental-health-today.com/dep/dsm.htm

Other than this severe clinical condition, I would assume that all humans feel depressed during the course of their lives, consequently your question is moot for most? (and my java is very strong and I've drank way too much!:eek:)

I don't think thats intirely true, regarless of what some phcoligist says. experiences in life can make you depressed.
Being bullied having an abusive partner or loss of a loved one are all grounds to suffer from depression but look at drug adiction is a direct link to depression in some case's...
I look at things and see this when i think about depression.
Its like being stuck in a hoel with no way out and the more you try to fight the feeling the deeper you get and the more anxed up feelings you get...

My councilor says and i beleave him it like being stuck in a room thats caving in the longer you don't discuss your feelings the worse you get its being unable to display emotion's or talk to some one.. Things begin to get weighted and and weigh you down making you more feel worse because you have no way to conduct what your feeling, or talk about what you feel... you feel bugging people with your problems etc is a waste of time and they dont want to hear it . which then begins to chip away your confidence, self esteam, self worth and everything that you once saw good in you starts to dissapear and all you see is a negitive side affect.. Then at that point you start to critcise your self, harshly..

After that its down hill, for 5 years you may not do much in your life then one day you take things into your control and run searching for happiness instead of searching inside, for your happiness.

At which point you might only last 2 years with that menlte mind set before it gets taken away from you ...

and then those feelings come flooding back one buy one.

what i can say is this depression is a state of mind, braught on bye events in your past which have led you to the day where you one day question your self and say am I really worth being on this world ?

It came to me more then once odly some one who beleaved in me came to my mind which then put things in perspective at that time...

but the answer is, tis depression is booth a mentle health problem and the horrible experiences that some of us have had to indure....
why do we have to endure it ?
I dunno but people rage on about hitler and sadam woosane and this evil person and that evil person but shore half the population are just as bad but because they hurt one person to most thats exceptible...

The thing people with depression have to remember is that people do care about them and bye hurting them selves you hurt other's to.....
Which can affect them just like you have felt...


and some times you don't even need some one help fix your problems because bye talking about them you figure them out your self...

Abi

amacachi wrote: »

Did you find that they had a certain effectiveness much quicker than the 6-8 weeks? Despite being told that I've twice gone on them and felt a lot better within 3 weeks and stopped taking them after 6. Course a month later I'm back to square one or below.

No I dont find they work that quickly. It takes the average person that long to feel a little better, but they do say it may take a little longer. Its more to the tune of 4mths for me tbph.

Just a point on yourself, you arent supposed to just come back off them at will. There is a weaning off process first, thats probably why you keep going back to square one!

gaeilgegrinds

This disease is so damn misunderstood, makes me mad and upset in the one breath. My life would be so different if others understood, I've come a long way though. Thanks for the help and advice.

amacachi

Abigayle wrote: »

No I dont find they work that quickly. It takes the average person that long to feel a little better, but they do say it may take a little longer. Its more to the tune of 4mths for me tbph.

Just a point on yourself, you arent supposed to just come back off them at will. There is a weaning off process first, thats probably why you keep going back to square one!

Yeah I know that, it's feckin daft. Usually for about a month without I feel OK then crash. Ah well, back to the start. :P

TequilaMockingBird

Abigayle wrote: »

... It takes 6-8 weeks for SSRI's to begin to work effectively, and you generally receive your first counselling session after 4wks. But a GP will only prescribe you the initial course, and write you a referral letter, from then on it is the mental health clinic that prescribes your medicine.

That's not true.

SSRI's begin to work after 7 days and should be effective after 14.

Of course your GP will prescribe SSRI's after a "course", if they deem it necessary. I've been taking them for years, and have never been referred to a "Mental Health Clinic".

The "Mental Health Clinic" have bigger fish to fry. If your lucky/unlucky you'll get a referral, but it's certainly not a given. Counseling costs alot more money than pills.

YFlyer

Abigayle wrote: »

Not really no. Considering Im both on medication and in receipt of conselling no, I feel a lot better for it. The doctors will encourage them, because it is their business to learn about them, and how they can help.

What natural methods do you use? Im curious because, I've used relaxation techniques and non-prescription, to no avail.

Transcendental Meditation has shown to be very effective

Ticktactoe

There are varying degrees of depression that cannot be summed up as one particular illness. There are also different causes or triggers. Drugs dont numb they create a balance or mood stabilizer and different drugs react differently with many people - the time they take to 'work'.

Just a few points I had to add to the mix!

Abi

TequilaMockingBird wrote: »

That's not true.

SSRI's begin to work after 7 days and should be effective after 14.

That goes against everything I've ever been told by doctors - for the last 8 years. Where did you get the info from?

The "Mental Health Clinic" have bigger fish to fry. If your lucky/unlucky you'll get a referral, but it's certainly not a given. Counseling costs alot more money than pills.

As a frequent patient to a mental health clinic, and on occasion an outpatient at an institute, I beg to differ. It is strongly advised to receive counselling while on medication for depression.

As I said, your quote goes completely against what I've been advised. If you know of something I havent yet heard - can you provide a link? These are drugs Im on, so I'd like to keep up to scratch with this stuff

TequilaMockingBird

Abigayle wrote: »

That goes against everything I've ever been told by doctors - for the last 8 years. Where did you get the info from?

The leaflet in my own pills, which I've been taking for 8 years.

Abigayle wrote: »

As a frequent patient to a mental health clinic, and on occasion an outpatient at an institute, I beg to differ. It is strongly advised to receive counselling while on medication for depression.

As I said, your quote goes completely against what I've been advised. If you know of something I havent yet heard - can you provide a link? These are drugs Im on, so I'd like to keep up to scratch with this stuff

Your point was, that ADs would not be prescribed after the initial prescription, that referral to a mental health unit would be required.

That is not true.

I just worry that people reading this thread will think "Sh*t, if I go to the doctors about this, I'm going to end up a "mental patient".

It's quite common to suffer depression (big wuss's that we are:pac:) and we just have to crack on and deal with it.

Abi

TequilaMockingBird wrote: »

The leaflet in my own pills, which I've been taking for 8 years.

Would you mind terribly PM'ing the name of these? Because I intend to confront my GP and counciller if that is the case.

Your point was, that ADs would not be prescribed after the initial prescription, that referral to a mental health unit would be required.

That is not true.

Well I can only state what I've been told. I have seen several GP's in my local medical centre individually. But they all seem to share the same opinion.

Firstly SSRI's will not add anything to a body that doesnt need it.

Secondly, every single time I've gone to a GP advising that I've had a bit of a dip - I was prescribed 1mth only of an SSRI, and a referral letter for the regional mental health clinic.

Thirdly - This was not because my personal problems displayed more of an urgency. It is because GP's believe it is not their field. They can only initially administer drugs, because the very nature of depression may lead to suicide tendancies.

I just worry that people reading this thread will think "Sh*t, if I go to the doctors about this, I'm going to end up a "mental patient".

Now, this is interesting, because you've used the words in inverted commas.. being a "mental patient" is not something to be ashamed of in my book. You are sadly re-inforcing the misunderstand that "mental patients" froth at the mouth and speak gibberish.

THIS is not true.

I'm not ashamed. Do you think the girl in my sig is just some sort of handle? It isnt. I make no boned about it in my real life, and in fact I WEAR it. Anybody that choose to be ignorant about it, I feel sorry for.

It's quite common to suffer depression (big wuss's that we are:pac:) and we just have to crack on and deal with it.

This is the truest thing you've said yet. You just have to try. Some dont make it. Recently a single mother in my read tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train. She survived, now with no legs. Shes in a mental institute now, with her baby son in care. She tried to kill herself because she lost her job. She didnt go to her GP.

GP's cannot afford to take the risk of not giving initial mediacation to a patient.

TequilaMockingBird

Abigayle wrote: »

Would you mind terribly PM'ing the name of these? Because I intend to confront my GP and counciller if that is the case.

20mg Citalopram daily. For 8 years.

Abigayle wrote: »

Well I can only state what I've been told. I have seen several GP's in my local medical centre individually. But they all seem to share the same opinion.

The care you have received is different to any that I have received in different counties of Ireland, and in the UK. I have heard GPs giving the odd mention of counselling but certainly not insisting on it.

Abigayle wrote: »

Firstly SSRI's will not add anything to a body that doesnt need it.

I agree.

Abigayle wrote: »

Secondly, every single time I've gone to a GP advising that I've had a bit of a dip - I was prescribed 1mth only of an SSRI, and a referral letter for the regional mental health clinic.

I guess our "depressions" are different. I have never encountered this. I usually get a prescription for three months.

Abigayle wrote: »

Thirdly - This was not because my personal problems displayed more of an urgency. It is because GP's believe it is not their field. They can only initially administer drugs, because the very nature of depression may lead to suicide tendancies.

That is certainly not true of all GPs.

Abigayle wrote: »

Now, this is interesting, because you've used the words in inverted commas.. being a "mental patient" is not something to be ashamed of in my book. You are sadly reinforcing the misunderstand that "mental patients" froth at the mouth and speak gibberish.

You know what I was alluding to here. The AHer's who think like that. There is a stigmatism to the term, and threads like this will help to remove that, but I wanted to add my experience of the system - which differs from yours.

(Hope your well at the mo though)

irish_bob

i suffered badly from depression for a few months in 1999 , it was triggered by a particular event and a particular individual but was the culmination of various things over a number of years

while i dont suffer from it now , i was never ever the same since depression 1st touched me and i dont believe anyone ever is the same after depression enters thier lives , it leaves a permanent imprint ( scar) on your mind and thier is absolutley no upside to it but i suppose thats a pretty obvious one

Wibbs

Jesus, OK it could maybe argued it's a particular demographic and I have heard the one in four people line, but fúck me there's a lot of depression about judging by the poll. Big eye opener for me, though contradicting myself somewhat, not a shock. While I do agree there are genetic/biological tendencies, it seems to be growing as an illness, not receding. Given we have more techiniques, more shrinks of various hues and more medication not open to us before, one would think the incidence would decrease. Damn near every other disease you can think of with an increase in resources a concomitant decrease in incidence would be expected.

There have been one or two studies that depression is much rarer among more primitive cultures. That interests me in that it may show a mechanism that we may be able to reduce the number presenting in the first place. IMHO when it gets to the point of presentation to a medical professional the tipping point of it being "just" a mental process to where it's a biological/biochemical change in brain structure has already been reached. If we could figure a simple test to catch it before that point? Again back to primitive societies, is it diet or more likely more stable social structures in place in such societies? Societies like that can be highly stressful from death and disease, so it doesn't seem to be that. If I was in the field I would defo be aiming my research less on societies that suffer more from it and looking at societies that suffer much less.

Blue196

Snow-Monkey wrote: »

I look at things and see this when i think about depression.
Its like being stuck in a hoel with no way out and the more you try to fight the feeling the deeper you get and the more anxed up feelings you get...

My councilor says and i beleave him it like being stuck in a room thats caving in the longer you don't discuss your feelings the worse you get its being unable to display emotion's or talk to some one.. Things begin to get weighted and and weigh you down making you more feel worse because you have no way to conduct what your feeling, or talk about what you feel... you feel bugging people with your problems etc is a waste of time and they dont want to hear it . which then begins to chip away your confidence, self esteam, self worth and everything that you once saw good in you starts to dissapear and all you see is a negitive side affect.. Then at that point you start to critcise your self, harshly..

After that its down hill, for 5 years you may not do much in your life then one day you take things into your control and run searching for happiness instead of searching inside, for your happiness.
...

The first paragagraph describes how i am at the moment. I'd describe it as being like a bird in a cage. The cage has bars but every day they're growing closer together till almost all light is gone.
How can this cycle be broken? I'm going for counselling but it's not stopping those bars from moving ever closer

Breaktown

irish_bob wrote: »

while i dont suffer from it now , i was never ever the same since depression 1st touched me and i dont believe anyone ever is the same after depression enters thier lives , it leaves a permanent imprint ( scar) on your mind and thier is absolutley no upside to it but i suppose thats a pretty obvious one

I know what you mean. I've suffered from depression on and off for 11 years and even when I'm in one of my happier phases I can always still feel it at the back of my mind, waiting to pounce.

iDontReallyCare

I suffer from induced saddness, as I like to call it.

It is my call.

Abi

TequilaMockingBird wrote: »

20mg ****** daily. For 8 years.

I've deleted that out. Its your business, thats why I ask for a pm. dont want to advertise the drug.

The care you have received is different to any that I have received in different counties of Ireland, and in the UK. I have heard GPs giving the odd mention of counselling but certainly not insisting on it.

The odd mention? that is pretty poor on their part. Reason being, withOUT the drug - you are a suicide risk. With the drug, you still are, until it becomes fully effective. It states as much in the leaflets that go with your drugs.

GP's have to cover their árses, and in my book - I cant blame them. So when someone dies because they've chosen to end their life.. what is the natural human reaction of family? friends? media? the finger pointing begins.

I guess our "depressions" are different. I have never encountered this. I usually get a prescription for three months.

This surprises me completely. I don't mean to sound cheeky but maybe you should see another doctor outside of the medical centre you go to. Its obvioiusly not worrking because you are still suffering. The reason why I do, and could identify with another poster was; I always come off the medication without weaning off, as soon as I feel a bit better. That is very counter-productive, but you forget that when you are one a 'positive' path'.

(Hope your well at the mo though)

Thanks, but no.. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. But doing stuff to fix it. :pac:
People who suffer from depression have to find the will to get through it. I hope you have it. But that is the point of couselling. To turn your thoughts around

TequilaMockingBird

Abigayle wrote: »

I've deleted that out. Its your business, thats why I ask for a pm. dont want to advertise the drug.

Why?! It's the same as a drug for blood pressure, for cholesterol, for headaches... There is no need to hide it.

Abigayle wrote: »

The odd mention? that is pretty poor on their part. Reason being, withOUT the drug - you are a suicide risk. With the drug, you still are, until it becomes fully effective. It states as much in the leaflets that go with your drugs.

I have chronic depression, so I'm on a fairly high dose. I believe the "maintenance" dose of this drug is 10mg. I'm not a suicide risk. If I wasn't taking this drug I might be.

Abigayle wrote: »

This surprises me completely. I don't mean to sound cheeky but maybe you should see another doctor outside of the medical centre you go to. Its obvioiusly not worrking because you are still suffering. The reason why I do, and could identify with another poster was; I always come off the medication without weaning off, as soon as I feel a bit better. That is very counter-productive, but you forget that when you are one a 'positive' path'.

As I said, due to moving alot, I've seen many, many doctors, the treatment has always been basically the same.

I'm not suffering Abigayle. I will always have depression, but if I am controlling it, I'm not suffering. (Much:o)

Abigayle wrote: »

Thanks, but no.. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. But doing stuff to fix it. :pac:
People who suffer from depression have to find the will to get through it. I hope you have it. But that is the point of couselling. To turn your thoughts around

Best wishes with the fixin', sincerely.

I have gone for counseling myself (nothing to do with my GP), I found it good (but knackering), but it's not something I feel I need to do right now. I would recommend it though.



Good luck to all with it. It's a pain in the arse.

Abi

Wibbs wrote: »

If we could figure a simple test to catch it before that point? Again back to primitive societies, is it diet or more likely more stable social structures in place in such societies? Societies like that can be highly stressful from death and disease, so it doesn't seem to be that. If I was in the field I would defo be aiming my research less on societies that suffer more from it and looking at societies that suffer much less.

You've brought up some great points Wibbs, and I'm sure the original poster will be happy to see. It gave me a perspective to the other side by all accounts.

But I think that if you breakdown each individual back to the way they started out, brought up in.. their standard of living...I think this is the key.

People in countries, less prosperous have learned and daily abide by the most basic survival skills. I think the point I'm trying to make is, in the more prosperous countries, if our standard of living drops or the (seemingly) smallest thing drops.. well the fall is greater... ?

Just a thought.

Snowie

Blue196 wrote: »

The first paragagraph describes how i am at the moment. I'd describe it as being like a bird in a cage. The cage has bars but every day they're growing closer together till almost all light is gone.
How can this cycle be broken? I'm going for counselling but it's not stopping those bars from moving ever closer

.

its hugely important that the councilor is good at his/her job, and encourages you to let work your problems... Some dont and are happy to see the client's just dwindle with there problems but facing up to your problems an attacking them thats the way i see it they attack me im going to attack them, when i was starting and still do if you've got a problem about something say it... thats why your there ignoring some problems aint going to help, I know it can be difficult but with anything if its hard in the end of the day its going to do you some good... But that would be a good place to start....

Also planing your week is important...