depression

[Connemmara]

Last night I had a fit of violent crying and sobbing to myself as some things throughout the day "hurt" me.

I know I suffer from depression but try to contain it myself - my doctor is good but I have been on antidepressants and they put me nuts.

Anyway does anybody have this from time to time. I do have very bad thoughts in my head but know I will never do it but I have been like this for years and years. I think it is hereditary as my mum suffered too.

[ummmm]

Yes. I just call it a 'downer'

Life throws you things you don't think you can cope with from time to time. But we do cope. It's a bad day/week/month but we manage in the end.


(mostly anyway)

[Connemmara]

thanks ummm

[Greedyfly]

I have similar depressive bouts. It started when I was very young and for quite a few years was virtually a constant every day problem for me. But luckily over the last few years it has tapered off. I still have bad days/nights/weeks but I come out of them quicker and seem to not sink so low. I have no idea how, but I seem to manage it better these days. I had trouble with anti-depressants, it took me ages to find one that didnt make me worse or make me ill all the time. But after about 6 years I found one, although it has since been banned and I can no longer take it. I choose to stop them.
I guess everyone has there way to deal with it, but what can seem like dealing with to you may just be denial. I know I need help still, I just havent the courage to deal with it yet. I think I convince myself that now its only every now and then that its better, I know deep down that in reality it shouldnt be at all. But there is no quick fix as you will know. Do you have a support network that you can talk to? Have you tried herbal remedies? Have you tried acupuncture or hypnosis? I tried hypnonsis about 6/yeras ago and it actually helped me out - obviously hasnt 'cured' me but I found it beneficial. I guess sometimes you have to let someone in to try and help you (I know I am one to talk as I havent managed it myself yet) but younever know it may make things alot better for you. Hope you feel better today, every now and then a good cry makes me feel better about it all.

[ethandron]

notoriously bad time of year at the moment too, even for those not prone to depression. maybe things will improve as the weather does, try and stay positive :)

[ummmm]

I've found that people knowing how you feel helps.

I have a few people close to me that understand my 'bad' moods and never have to ask why.

Talk about it Connemarra. If you can x

[Connemmara]

thanks greedyfly for your long answer - it is an awful thing isn't it - there have been so many bereavements in my life about 20-25 close family members and I still feel guilt for the ones left behind. But I try my best.

[ummmm]

Your issues are the same as mine then. I've lost 9 close people in two years. Very hard to deal with.

[andy-hughes]

I do bang on about this at length, but I make no apologies.

The condition called 'depression' is very badly named, because people confuse it with being depressed - which is your current state.

Being depressed is a natural part of the human condition. We have our 'down times' which we use to assimilate the bad things in life - often releasing the pressure with crying which is extremely good for you, and seriously under-rated and supressed in our western 'pull yourself together and don;t feel sorry for yourself' culture. I believe that feeling sorry for yourself and crying at times is not only beneficial, it is essential.

Depression, on the other hand is an entirely different animal. it is a serious psychotic illness, and can occur when the simple 'being depressed' condition mutates into something far deeper and darker, needing therapy and medication for treatment.

The major issue is that because we are not brought up to deal with the former - it can slide easily into the latter, unchecked and unobserved, because we are taught to supress our hurts lest we be seen as (heavens above!) selfish and maudlin.

If you are able to cope with your moods, then fine, but do not fight them because you feel you should. There is no-one at the end of your life with a gold medal for you because you struggled through without help. If you need medication, have it and take it. If you were a diabetic, would you not take insulin in case people thought you were being indulgent? Course not - anti-depressants are emotional insulin, so have a good chat with your GP, and if he recomends a short-term mild dose, have it. You may be surprised how it helps.

Modern AD's are not addictive, and are very successful, so do at least discuss the issue with your GP and be guided by his / her decision.

And you can always chat on here - there are plenty of people with experience who can understand.

[Connemmara]

thanks andy-hughes for your lengthy answer and taking the time to type that out. Whilst I am not out of the woods this morning I am a little better As you say and I always knew it "being depressed" is a different scenario than "depression" a big difference.

[alexdo21]

Depression is one type of psychological disease and it also happens due to hereditary. For this you need regular medication. Also you can use some home remedies for depression. Find more details at http://www.home-remed...system/depression.htm

[boxtops]

Sometimes for lots of people, life just gets on top of you - we may not have clinical depression, which has to be medically diagnosed - and sometimes a damn good cry clears the air and helps relieve the tension. I know men and women who benefit from a good bawl from time to time, it's nothing to be ashamed of - I know I do.