Depression

[Theland1]

I have suffered from depression for over two years, lost time off work and eventually had to pack in my job.
I found that a combination of medication, support from dear friends, not least the wonderful people on Answerbank, and exercise, (I bought a bike), certainly helped me.
I have just started work again, in a very heavy physically demanding job, but in spite of that, my head is better than it has been for ages.
I still have bad periods of black clouds, and still take the tablets, but my advice is, if you suffer from depression, break the mould, and do something out of character. For me it was the bike and change of job.
OK it won't work for everybody, but it helps even though it doesn't cure me.
So there is my little bit of advice based on personal experience.
I hope it helps somebody.
The question is, because it has to be a question, is, do you agree with me?

[Bathsheba]

Well said andy! xx

[tranmerekid]

it would be nice if more people were like andy on this site

[Bathsheba]

Yes indeed. I find it fascinating that it's the folk with first hand knowledge of depression who prove to be the most understanding and compassionate.

[Clanad]

You've got your checklist for biking, don't you Theland?
Yellow Jersey... Check
Crash Helmet... Check
Really Tight Shorts... Check
Special Pedal Locking Shoes... Check
Helmet Mounted Rear View Mirror... Check
Isaiah 43:1-4... Check
Baby Powder for Chaffing (caused by really tight shorts)...Check!
OK... you're ready to go now! (By the way, I see your name specifically mentioned here:
This is what the LORD says:
"In the time of my favor I will answer you,
and in the day of salvation I will help you;
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people,
to restore the land
and to reassign its desolate inheritances)...
(You've had someone holding you up a half a world away... for a long time)

[Theland1]

I was hoping that my doctor would give me a prescription to pay my electric and gas bill, as they are most obviously a source of distress and depression.
Alas, such treatment is not available on the NHS, but I'm not giving up, and will apply for a course of treatment for my council tax!
The, "Over The Counter," remedies work to a certain extent, and at �2.50 a bottle, (red), taken 50/50 with tonic, are not bad value.
Of course, long term treatment success would be a reply to my begging letters to all those celebs, who must be fed up hearing my name!

[Theland1]

Thank you Clanad. There you go, I'm mentioned in the Bible. I always knew God was there ready to bless me just at the right time, never before, always on the button.
I'm slowly gathering the items on the list, but slowly, for example my waterproof jacket is black, because it was cheaper, but I hang a couple of CD's on the saddle to be seen in the dark.
May I say, this is as good a use I can think of for Paul Weller CD's, and he's quite good at it, as I haven't been hit by a car as yest. Well done Paul!

[Theland1]

Andy, hear hear!
Sense and compassion.