Anxiety and depression thread (Please read OP)

Strong and Faithful · 22-06-2023 2:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120749613#Comment_120749613

It is. If your tired, life deals you a few blows. You really have to keep working on it. As I mam would say it won't always be dark at 7! When you have experience of coming through episodes you know you can do it again.

The first one, which often hits in late adolescence or early adulthood can be the worst as the person thinks this is it for life.

One More Toy · 22-06-2023 4:26pm

I'm feeling very low. Can't get out of bed and not eating either. Not sure what to do

Strong and Faithful · 22-06-2023 9:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120750148#Comment_120750148

Maybe the humid warm weather? The weather is to turn fresher from Sunday if that helps.

Gremlinertia · 22-06-2023 9:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120750148#Comment_120750148

Don't need to anything really bar breathing and water oh and maybe a wash every few days, no pressure to conform to anything outside that if you have the option.. Take care of yourself..

Strong and Faithful · 23-06-2023 1:07pm

I've found I've been mentally sluggish, like a bit of brain fog the last few days. Might be the humidity, but I'm usually grand with it. Physically I'm fine. But you know when you're conscious in work of everyone being razor sharp in meetings etc and your attention span is short and your not taking things up quickly. Another symptom is slowness in speaking and formulating your ideas in words.

It'll pass PG!

Strong and Faithful · 23-06-2023 1:07pm

P.s. I find it easier to express things in words than speech when have this fogginess!

Gremlinertia · 23-06-2023 4:43pm

Don't take it on board yourself, many people are in exactly the same brain space, we're just intrinsically on survivor mode so never see others struggling the same way.

Robert Nairac · 24-06-2023 6:59pm

I'm dying here. Tried 3/4 different medications with no success.

For those with major depression, what have you found helpful in increasing your energy levels? It's exhausting just being awake at the moment. I don't have the energy for anything and can't concentrate.

Gremlinertia · 24-06-2023 7:19pm

Sometimes it's just breathing one moment at a time.. I'm sorry you're laid so low.

SuperBowserWorld · 25-06-2023 5:36pm

Definitely general anxiety disorder about my life circumstances causing much more depression than the circumstances themselves.

One good thing I've learned is dropping anchor ...

Screenshot_2023-06-25-18-40-35-487_com.adobe.reader~2.jpg

Screenshot_2023-06-25-18-44-18-530-edit_com.adobe.reader.jpg

Dunph · 28-06-2023 12:00am

My meditation

Lie flat with one hand one your chest and one on your belly

4 second inhale

4 second held breath in

4 second exhale

4 second held breath out

Repeat until it doesnt feel difficult. This might take a while.

Then repeat until you are only concentrating on your breath and counting, no intrusive thoughts or worries, no lists of tasks. This will take longer.

Then breath in a more "natural" rhythm, in and out as feels comfortable, focussing your attention on your breath, feeling your hands as a source of warmth and comfort.

Like all methods, medications, etc, this is not infallible. It helps me, and I have taken it from others it has helped. Noone going through anxiety or depression is alone, it is the cruelest irony that we all feel we are.

Strong and Faithful · 28-06-2023 10:43pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120775869#Comment_120775869

Thank you. Takes practice alright.

SuperBowserWorld · 02-07-2023 8:26pm

Have too much stuff on my plate. I wish my life was simpler and not getting more complicated. Really have had enough at this stage.

RabbleRouser2k · 14-07-2023 1:37am

Had one of those rough weeks.

Sleep was erratic, for a number of reasons. Then today (Thursday), it just all seemed to kick off.

So essentially, extended family members did or said something that ticked off my mum and brother. And while they did address it with them that stuff said was uncalled for, it didn't stop them from seemingly taking their grievances out on me.

Essentially, this family member(s) said stuff that was genuinely unfounded and callous. Not to be helpful, but rather to be making themselves the 'hero' in their own narrative.

I was woken up, afterwards, to essentially a comment like 'the men in white coats are coming for you', which was somewhat in the vein of what an extended family member said. And it only seemed to get worse from there.

Another made comments about my past-stuff that always gets under my skin because it reminds me of my mistakes, and seems to always want to remind me of them (It's nothing illegal. Its just a choice I made that made me miserable for years). Well, I lost my cool, to put it mildly. Was told I was 'being too sensitive'... but that was essentially drawing blood. Metaphorically.

I had to just walk away-go for a walk, get out of the situation in case I said something worse. And then some other stuff happened (outside of this, not gonna elaborate) and I managed to have a panic attack. Haven't had one of those in months, possibly 8 months. This crud set it off.

Just frustrated as all hell. I don't need to be reminded of my mistakes. I think about them every time I wake up.

SuperBowserWorld · 16-07-2023 6:10pm

Wrecked tired and unable to function. Can't relax, don't know how to relax without beating myself up. Have a ton of crap to get done. Burned out.

Gremlinertia · 16-07-2023 8:12pm

We are all so very hard on ourselves, it's awful and so, so difficult to rewire

whatawaster81 · 16-07-2023 8:34pm

I'm coming off Olanzapine at the moment. I've been on it for 16 years and was on a low dose of 5mg for the past few years. Then went to 2.5 for a few months.

I'm a little high and my mind is racing a bit. I keep thinking about awful nasty **** that happened years ago. I don't know why it's bothering me because outwardly things are good. I could do with getting out more. Going to give it a few weeks to see if things settle before I go back to the doctor.

Gremlinertia · 16-07-2023 8:40pm

Coming off any meds even with long term tapering has a lot of effects. Personally I'm on a lot of prozac, when I'm in a bad way I miss a dose and I feel proper awful. Take your time..

You're bang on keeping in touch with your GP

whatawaster81 · 16-07-2023 8:45pm

Cheers Gremlinertia. I was on a lot of Prozac myself for a number of years with the Olanzapine. It's good to vent.

Gremlinertia · 16-07-2023 8:50pm

It's a good thread for some moral support. Been here for years long before I ended up being a mod 😉

sineadlouise567 · 20-07-2023 6:05pm

Hi everyone,

does anyone know if the antidepressant viibryd is prescribed in Ireland?

thanks!

RabbleRouser2k · 21-07-2023 1:52am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120876776#Comment_120876776

Possibly, but you're best checking under its chemical name, Vilazodone.

It might be sold under a different name, similar to how prozac is Fluoxetine, and is sold under different prescription names, due to its patent expiring.

SuperBowserWorld · 23-07-2023 7:28am

Awful feeling of dread today. In my bones and gut. Haven't been exercising recently with all the crap I need to do and the bad weather. Got to sort that out.

Meeoow · 23-07-2023 10:09am

Same here, I've been eating and drinking too much crap. I have that feeling of dread too, damn anxiety. Going over every conversation and interaction I have with people.

I was all dressed up to go to a work do Friday. Ended up getting into my tracksuit and not leaving the house the whole weekend. Not healthy.

apache · 10-08-2023 3:52pm

Really struggling at the moment. My yearly headspace app is due to be renewed at €59.99. Haven't used it in over a year. Find it difficult to concentrate. Maybe if I don't cancel it and start using it I will get better with practice. Anythings worth a try. I might get into it. Start off with a daily 5 min one. Anyone find it useful?

Gremlinertia · 10-08-2023 3:59pm

I worked with a psychologist for a bit to help me get over my resistance to mindfulness, after that it can be practiced in the smallest ways, like making a sandwich and taking time to consider all the components and eat while concentrating on the eating

apache · 10-08-2023 4:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120961456#Comment_120961456

That's it. It's like a resistance. I'd love to be able to do it.

Gremlinertia · 10-08-2023 4:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120961682#Comment_120961682

It takes a lot of time and daily practice.. I initially rejected the whole thing as hippy nonsense, took a long time to convince myself otherwise, it's hard to have the patience but stick with it

SuperBowserWorld · 14-08-2023 12:21pm

Feeling like a real nervous wreck today and past while. Just can't think or focus. Bouncing around between things and time seems to be flying and I can't get stuff done. Things just getting harder and not easier.

tamara25 · 19-08-2023 3:19am

Has anyone contacted aware? I can’t afford counselling so was thinking of ringing them. I have a huge weight on my shoulders & it would be good to talk to someone..

SuperBowserWorld · 20-08-2023 6:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120998726#Comment_120998726

I've never tried Aware. But I did volunteer with Samaritans for a couple of years and actually used them once. Did you try the Samaritans? Don't be afraid to give them a call. Morning, afternoon, early evening is the quietest time to call them.

Also, maybe you or your OH or family member has an employee assistance program or private health care with work, which may include counselling to dependents and close relatives. Sometimes it's not obvious these benefits might be available.

SuperBowserWorld · 21-08-2023 8:51am

Taking today off work. Just burned out from everything in work and at home. Things are way too complicated, stressful and worrying.

RobbingBandit · 21-08-2023 9:05am

keep falling into thoughts of despair currently am due to find out if I am having a surgery done this week that has perpetually been put on hold every few months since 2017 this is the nearest it has come so far.

I'm routinely harming myself due to pain and anxiety issues and am in a haze mood chaos thinking it's not going to happen have just had two appointments unrelated cancelled since 9am and don't want to even bother getting out of bed.

Life gets me down with no end in sight to all the uncertainty unlike most the only certainly for me is uncertainties.

SuperBowserWorld · 21-08-2023 12:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121006057#Comment_121006057

Waiting for non routine surgery is exhausting. Sets anxiety and depression levels right up. And especially with all the messing during covid and the health service here. I've had 5 since 2015 on a very personal and quality of life limiting issue I'm not going to go into here. It was like success, fail, success, fall, success ...everything seems ok at the moment with that particular issue. But I'm constantly worried about it. Also waiting for a check up. And the hospital just doesn't seem to want to answer the phone. I've put my life on hold because of it. And that's just one problem in my life. I've gone down some self destructive routes but luckily came back. I'm avoiding these routes currently. Day by day. I'm tired of beating myself up too, comparing myself to others. So, I'm trying really hard to say **** it instead of beating myself up.

Sunrise_Sunset · 30-08-2023 4:55pm

Started on meds this week. First time. Long time anxiety sufferer but mostly manageable. This is the 2nd major spiral I've had. The first one was 10 years ago and lasted maybe 18 months or so.

I do not feel good so far on the meds.

Gremlinertia · 30-08-2023 4:59pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121048124#Comment_121048124

They take a while I'm sure the doc mentioned it, stick with it, finding a type and dosage can be tricky.. There's a few "old hands" on here that have been through it if you want support.

Sunrise_Sunset · 30-08-2023 5:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121048148#Comment_121048148

Yeah I'm expecting a tough couple of weeks. I started Monday on Sertraline. Two weeks at this dose, and then an increase. I hate that I "feel like I'm on drugs". I hope it won't continue when my dosage increases.

Gremlinertia · 30-08-2023 9:19pm

It takes patience, it's not nice but hopefully you have some support and there's always a few around here

RabbleRouser2k · 31-08-2023 1:51am

Having a weird anxious day today. Feels like that feeling of waiting on results from medical tests, or something.

(I haven't had any medical tests, just describing the feeling).

Just on edge all day, weirdly panicky from the moment I woke up, and I overslept as well. Woke up feeling 'off'. I've been mostly calm for the last few weeks, nothing major and not too bothered by disturbances in daily plans. Usually I make a peppermint tea and that helps chill me out, but forgot to do that. Felt cold as well, had to put on the heating, despite it being no colder than other days.

Feels like the seasons (literal seasons, not a metaphor) changed so rapidly. Probably going to have to make some adjustments, put on extra clothing too so I'm not feeling cold all day.

Gremlinertia · 31-08-2023 2:21am

I'm on edge and I don't know if it's an actual full moon effect or the fact that work is always nuts around one

RabbleRouser2k · 31-08-2023 5:04am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121049692#Comment_121049692

Hadn't thought about the moon... might be a factor. It can effect melatonin.

Gremlinertia · 31-08-2023 5:28am

The power it has on water has me convinced!

SuperBowserWorld · 01-09-2023 7:38am

Editing ....feeling absolute crap today.

RabbleRouser2k · 04-09-2023 8:24am

Been numb for the last few days.

An uncle of mine has been given a terminal diagnosis, with mere months left to live. It's just thrown me, and many people I know are saying the same thing.

He's in hospital right now, and his children have asked for us to go in to see him.

It's an absolutely horrible situation to be in, in that one of his children had an accident earlier in the year which they're still recuperating from, and will mean major life changes. And his sister (my aunt) passed away suddenly last year.

When my dad was in the hospice, taking his last breaths, my uncle stayed with him. Just a genuine kind of person.

Now his children are asking us for advice in terms of end of life care, how to get certain things that may be needed such as adjustable beds and hoists to help a person get out of bed, or out of a chair.

It's affecting everyone, myself included. And sleep is interrupted, with waking and sleeping, and feeling like one has gotten no rest at all.

Gremlinertia · 07-09-2023 3:42am

Session with psychologist yesterday was a mess, completely dissociated for most of it.. Then later my good mate is diagnosed with cancer.. Head is a swirling mess..

RabbleRouser2k · 09-09-2023 1:00am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121078934#Comment_121078934

I'm very sorry to hear that Grem. I know the dissociation thing can be an odd feeling, but to hear a friend is battling cancer is the worst news one can get.

SuperBowserWorld · 10-09-2023 4:15pm

Head spinning around. Can't think without panicking.

Gremlinertia · 10-09-2023 4:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121093035#Comment_121093035

I'm hearing that today. There's just no rest from it, I've done so much work with a psychologist but my mind sabotages things frequently

10-09-2023 6:07pm

I’ve always had anxiety/depression/ADHD symptoms; during this year was diagnosed with MS, something I know I’ve had for decades, but it certainly accounts for some of the very difficult stuff in my head, have a lot of brain lesions affecting balance, mobility, sensation, core body functions and mood/thinking. More recently I had to undergo tests to see if I’m fit enough to sustain the proposed treatment regime, but certain things have been thrown up on screening which are causing immense added anxiety. To be investigated for potential cervical cancer, may have to face at least surgical treatment, then a cardiac investigation showed up 4 faults in my heart, hypertrophy of left ventricle, early triscuspid & mitral value dysfunction, dilation of right atrium pericardial effusion, things that don’t get better per se, and care an added cause of fatigue, brain fog, and lack of fitness. Trying desperately to distract myself, but with such poor focus it’s hard to do.

Gremlinertia · 10-09-2023 6:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121093565#Comment_121093565

That's a full on shopping list of stuff, have you been offered any mental health support or community nurse type thing?

Anxiety and depression thread (Please read OP)

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