Depression

[chrishlcfc]

5 hours ago, Greg2607 said:

hey Chris, not sure if you've ever explored the link between diet and depression (i'm sure you've probably tried most things to be fair!!)  but this may help....

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/

 

one of my ex girlfriends suffered for Years with depression / bi-polar....   after we had split up, she got pregnant and ended up taking supplements as we was diagnosed as low on B12 and Magnesium....  all her mental health issues disappeared. 

 

it's crazy that nutrition COULD be a reason for some people (I appreciate not everyone, so it might not end up being your solution) 

 

Good Luck on your journey though. 

I might look into that to be fair so thanks. My diet is pretty horrendous. So lack of vitamins could be a genuine reason for me. I already take vitamin D supplements for weak bones as I’ve managed to break my foot twice just literally moving around whilst playing cricket so I will read into it and maybe mention it to the GP next time I’m in. 

[HybridFox]

Does anyone ever get really anxious about dancing at family functions?

 

The stupid thing is I actually love dancing and consider myself to be a good dancer in general. On a night out in a club I have absolutely no problems and get complimented even.

 

But when it comes to get togethers like birthday parties, weddings etc I just really lock up. Often get dragged on to the floor by other family members/friends but am always just really awkward about it. I don't really let myself go and come across as someone who's got no sense of rhythm at all.

 

I don't know what it is, whether it's the fear of judgment or past experience as a child but I just can't seem to overcome it. I really want to do what I know I can do but my body refuses. I then feel down afterwards that I come across as a miserable anti-social and missed out on a good night. 

 

It's comical and pathetic but it really gets to me. I sometimes wonder it I could get help for it but feel I'll genuinely get laughed at during the counselling session.

[filthyfox]

Does anyone else feel particularly down RIGHT NOW?  

 

As, since the clocks went back, and the dramatic change in weather?

[Facecloth]

3 hours ago, filthyfox said:

Does anyone else feel particularly down RIGHT NOW?  

 

As, since the clocks went back, and the dramatic change in weather?

That can be SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder). Basically the lack of sunlight, short days gets people down. I believe you can by lights that emit UV light that can help people with it.

[filthyfox]

10 hours ago, Facecloth said:

That can be SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder). Basically the lack of sunlight, short days gets people down. I believe you can by lights that emit UV light that can help people with it.

Guess I should accept that I have sleep apnoea, depression and SAD!!!!

 

 

****ING DEPRESSING!!

[FoyleFox]

10 hours ago, Facecloth said:

That can be SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder). Basically the lack of sunlight, short days gets people down. I believe you can by lights that emit UV light that can help people with it.

And vitamin D supplements can help too. 

[filthyfox]

11 hours ago, FoyleFox said:

And vitamin D supplements can help too. 

Yep... am on a lamp and vit D.   Still feeling like shit. 

Currently soaking up the rays at Portland Harbour (at bottom ot road).

Request sent to Doc to review meds, I'm at the point where I'm considering calling in sick (phq9 score of 9 currently, will only get worse as time goes on)

[HybridFox]

Parents have cost me a job promotion today walking in and making a racket during my online interview and completely threw me off. Clearly saying do not disturb me for one hour and closing the doors wasn't enough. Cheers

Edited 28 November 2022 by TK95

[chrishlcfc]

People might think I’m a bit sad asking this question.

 

But it’s just what’s going through my head a lot at the moment. I’ve genuinely always hated myself for some reason.

 

Is there any easy ways to change that to liking myself because I’ve tried quite a lot of things and nothing has really worked as yet and it frustrates me. 

[Crinklyfox]

10 hours ago, chrishlcfc said:

People might think I’m a bit sad asking this question.

 

But it’s just what’s going through my head a lot at the moment. I’ve genuinely always hated myself for some reason.

 

Is there any easy ways to change that to liking myself because I’ve tried quite a lot of things and nothing has really worked as yet and it frustrates me. 

Especially in today's world it's easy for any of us to compare ourselves to a perceived ideal person and find ourselves inadequate in comparison.  And from there it's easy to be unhappy.

 

There are two general groups of causes for this dissatisfaction; firstly, the things we can't do anything about and secondly the things we can do something about.

 

Genetics fall into the first category; I can't give myself a better body.  I'm very far from perfect but I wouldn't criticise others for their looks so I'm not going to criticise myself.  I can try to make the best of what I have but I can't achieve the impossible so I'll have to live with it.

 

There are numerous things that fit into the second category.  I can improve my self-respect by attending to any of them in which I feel deficient, and it's a much easier task to feel better than trying to do something about the things I can't really change.  Only you will know what they are.  I have one suggestion, charity work if you have time to fit in in.  You can improve your own feelings about yourself by gaining the satisfaction that you have helped others, and you will gain the respect of others at the same time.

[filbertway]

On 20/11/2022 at 02:26, TK95 said:

Does anyone ever get really anxious about dancing at family functions?

 

The stupid thing is I actually love dancing and consider myself to be a good dancer in general. On a night out in a club I have absolutely no problems and get complimented even.

 

But when it comes to get togethers like birthday parties, weddings etc I just really lock up. Often get dragged on to the floor by other family members/friends but am always just really awkward about it. I don't really let myself go and come across as someone who's got no sense of rhythm at all.

 

I don't know what it is, whether it's the fear of judgment or past experience as a child but I just can't seem to overcome it. I really want to do what I know I can do but my body refuses. I then feel down afterwards that I come across as a miserable anti-social and missed out on a good night. 

 

It's comical and pathetic but it really gets to me. I sometimes wonder it I could get help for it but feel I'll genuinely get laughed at during the counselling session.

I think I've got the answer. Whatever you're drinking on the night out that leads to a night club, just drink the same at the family do

 

Everyone knows alcohol == unbelievable dancing

 

[urban.spaceman]

Not posted on here for a couple of months as I was getting roughly back on track. Found out tonight that my dad's oldest friend, basically my uncle, died suddenly at the LRI this afternoon. Can't even begin to process it yet. Whole family is in shock and devastation. Life really is just cruel.

[chrishlcfc]

Feel really bad today. Felt Ill for the last week. Didn’t help with it being my birthday Monday and I basically stayed in and did nothing. 
 

Just feel really down and fed up with life again.

[FoxesDeb]

38 minutes ago, chrishlcfc said:

Feel really bad today. Felt Ill for the last week. Didn’t help with it being my birthday Monday and I basically stayed in and did nothing. 
 

Just feel really down and fed up with life again.

Happy belated birthday  

 

It's a rubbish time of year, cold, dark, loads of cold germs about, it can be really miserable.

 

Try to focus on the times you've felt better and remember that those times will return, you just need to ride over this little bump.

 

I really hope you're feeling better soon

[filthyfox]

Well... I need to change my head tablets.  Will be off work til about mid February.

 

I'm starting to get used to being a liability now.

[Daggers]

I’ve had a rum or two so I’m not going to post some trite ‘stick with it’ stuff. I’ve messaged you Chris but will do a proper reply tomorrow

[urban.spaceman]

21 hours ago, chrishlcfc said:

Feel really bad today. Felt Ill for the last week. Didn’t help with it being my birthday Monday and I basically stayed in and did nothing. 
 

Just feel really down and fed up with life again.

Happy belated Birthday! Whenever I have a shit birthday I promise myself I’ll have a better one next year. Sometimes I don’t always manage it but sometimes even still being around for it is a win.

 

Never be afraid to take care of yourself and do something just for you. Hope you’re feeling better. 

[urban.spaceman]

20 hours ago, filthyfox said:

Well... I need to change my head tablets.  Will be off work til about mid February.

 

I'm starting to get used to being a liability now.

What are you on? Sometimes a change really is needed. I probably shouldn’t have gone on a break from my meds for a couple of months but now I’ve started taking them again I do feel a bit better. Are you able to get access to your docs to discuss?

[chrisfox]

I've just had a really bad couple of weeks with my anxiety.

Totally out of the blue, been off meds for 18 months now and been fine, then all of a sudden BANG! same old anxiety issues.

 

Luckily I've got a fantastic GP who actually listens and tries to come up with solutions to get me back on track.

 

Feeling ok now but ther's a slight undelying nervousness it's going to rear up again over Christmas (Which is the time of year when it first happened)

 

No real story or issue to resolve now, just wanted to share the experience

 

 

[filthyfox]

34 minutes ago, urban.spaceman said:

What are you on? Sometimes a change really is needed. I probably shouldn’t have gone on a break from my meds for a couple of months but now I’ve started taking them again I do feel a bit better. Are you able to get access to your docs to discuss?

Am on citalopram.  They aren't doing the job any more.   Got to go half dose, and then off completely over the course of 3 weeks.  Then start new tablets (don't know what).

 

Gonna start after Christmas I think. I feel bad enough as it is, without ruuning Christmas for everyone

[urban.spaceman]

2 hours ago, filthyfox said:

Am on citalopram.  They aren't doing the job any more.   Got to go half dose, and then off completely over the course of 3 weeks.  Then start new tablets (don't know what).

 

Gonna start after Christmas I think. I feel bad enough as it is, without ruuning Christmas for everyone

I called it shitalopram when I was on it. You might be put on fluoxetine next. I tried amitriptyline but it affected my sleep too much. Also wasn’t compatible with alcohol which made it very difficult. 
 

Also stop this idea that you’re ruining Christmas for anyone. You are who you are and if it affects other people’s enjoyment of Christmas, that’s their problem. You’re allowed to be unwell, mate. 

[filthyfox]

Today's treatment...

Bath, shave, haircut, massage, cuddles with bunnies.

 

Working so far, 😆 

[Arriba Los Zorros]

Gah. That is all. Right now I'm appreciative for the recent advances in understanding of mental health. Have always avoided this thread as I found it 'triggering' which is extremely selfish. Good to know there are others in the same boat and working hard to get back on shore. 

[samlcfc]

Considering this is a fairly active thread, I thought I'd drop a post in here in case it helps anyone who might relate to how I've been feeling and look to seek out support.

 

The resources surrounding mental health in the UK aren't great, but I was assigned a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist through Vitaminds a few months back and have found what they have taught me to be really quite beneficial.

 

RelativeIy, I'm not sure I'd consider myself really up against when it comes to my Mental Health, although that may just be the lack of self-compassion my therapist keeps picking me up on!

 

I've come to understand that I've probably suffered with Mental Health issues related to anxiety and depression for a decent part of my life, but managed to build up somewhat useful coping strategies during my childhood and through my teenage years. It would appear the the problem there however, is that as my circumstances changed in adulthood as tends to happen, those coping strategies don't quite hold up as well or as often.

 

I think I've been fairly successful and feel somewhat privileged, but as I put it to my therapist, I really started to feel like I wasn't experiencing life in the same way as some people. I still have things that genuinely bring me joy, but more often than not, those same things feel like laborious tasks which needed completing. Something to put to the back of your mind, for a good day of which there are too few. I occasionally teach dancing for example, and where this dancing occasionally makes me feel more alive than ever, it's often an experience of forcing myself through anxiety to cope with something I feel I should enjoy.

 

During the worst times, it feels like there's an overwhleming second personality in my mind. One which believes my wife and friends don't like me for example, that they just put up with me due to the time invested in our relationships. I silently withdraw into myself for a week or three due to the energy that's required to deal with these thoughts, which feeds back into that personality when I see how that affects the people around me. There's a constant commentary of suicidal ideation, for which the reasons I fight back aren't necessarily condusive to a constructive lifestyle.

 

Saying the above, I don't think there is any reason for anyone to worry about me really. I'm not actively suicidal, but I've come to understand that I've been living in this grey space between those worst times, where suicidal ideation hasn't been an uncommon thought and I hadn't seen an issue with it, as odd as that sounds when I actually type it out or voice it. I've just not been that attached to life, and between the good times, I've either floated apathetically in this grey area or occasionally fell into darkness for a while.

 

The good news! The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy I've been undertaking has so far been hugely helpful in at least supporting me to avoid those 'worst times'. It's helped to me to understand what I'm going through and some prospective historic causes. I've had success in identifying the sorts of thought processes that carry me away to the 'worst times' and the triggers for this behaviour, which has assisted me in developing a type of mindfulness which allows personal early intervention. It's been quite incredible how often I've caught myself thinking certain thoughts recently, where I've actively been able to choose a different path and had the energy to follow it through. The bad times have so far occured less often, and the severity of them is lessened.

 

There's definitely work still to do where enjoyment and capacity to deal with tasks is concerned, but I feel in a much better place now. Not having to worry so much about impending worst times has taken a lot of pressure off of me. It feels less like this grey space is filled with constant shadows, and more like there are light spots too. Light spots which I can consciously aim for and hopefully some day float into at will.

 

I know a big barrier to my seeking support was a sense of imposter syndrome and a fear of being told that what I felt was undeserving of support. If anyone has any question regarding therapy and how I accessed it myself, please feel free to drop me a message and I'd be happy to discuss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 17 December 2022 by samlcfc

[HighPeakFox]

On 16/12/2022 at 21:19, Arriba Los Zorros said:

Gah. That is all. Right now I'm appreciative for the recent advances in understanding of mental health. Have always avoided this thread as I found it 'triggering' which is extremely selfish. Good to know there are others in the same boat and working hard to get back on shore. 

Just wanted to say I'd thought about this post and wanted to say that avoiding the thread for what you call 'selfish' reasons is actually (probably) positive self-preservation and self-knowing, and you do better by yourself and all of us by staying away when you need to - I go for long spells of not writing here, and have learnt not to take myself to task for it, and I would encourage you to see your own actions in a better light - you might be setting us a much better example than you realise.