Depression

[Finnegan]

[shen]

High on meds, Finners?

[Finnegan]

Having a small resurgence which probably means I'm due a catastrophic relapse next time something goes wrong. 

 

But today is okay. 

[srbfox]

The baby will settle, if may seem as it's never ending but trust me it will. Our little one went 16 months without sleeping through, and it's rare for her to still do so. 

 

We tried taking it in turns to get up for her but that was still knackering the misses out. So I just did them all. Yeah I was shattered but I always nap when the little one does ( when I'm off work anyway). 

 

You have to to be patient (spelling) with yourself and your misses. But if she ain't so tired that's half the work done. Sounds like rubbish advice but it's advice I gave myself. "Just do it and get in with it" 

 

good luck and naps are the key 

[shen]

@Carl the Llama How are you doing Carl? Did you get to make an appointment with your GP?

[sylofox]

Anyone got any quick fix meds. Felt so good yesterday but today so low stare at the wall day wondering why I woke up.

[Buce]

35 minutes ago, sylofox said:

Anyone got any quick fix meds. Felt so good yesterday but today so low stare at the wall day wondering why I woke up.

 

Roll yourself a spliff?

[sylofox]

1 minute ago, Buce said:

 

Roll yourself a spliff?

If only sadly not something I do. I just hate the high to low swing. I would not mind if there was a reason. But no I just feel shite.

[Col city fan]

45 minutes ago, sylofox said:

Anyone got any quick fix meds. Felt so good yesterday but today so low stare at the wall day wondering why I woke up.

Same here mate. Try as I might I just can't seem to get any better this year. The physical trauma is definitely getting me down big time.

[sylofox]

1 minute ago, Col city fan said:

Same here mate. Try as I might I just can't seem to get any better this year. The physical trauma is definitely getting me down big time.

Me to breaking my hip really hasn't helped me. Can't just go out and do things to change my mindset.

[Finnegan]

18 minutes ago, sylofox said:

If only sadly not something I do. I just hate the high to low swing. I would not mind if there was a reason. But no I just feel shite.

 

Yeah, it's the hope that kills you. 

 

I was on a roll of nicely even depression, not really feeling anything. Had a good day and let some emotion and expectation creep back in yesterday. 

 

Absolutely messing me up now. Would rather be feeling nothing at the moment. 

[sylofox]

2 minutes ago, Finnegan said:

 

Yeah, it's the hope that kills you. 

 

I was on a roll of nicely even depression, not really feeling anything. Had a good day and let some emotion and expectation creep back in yesterday. 

 

Absolutely messing me up now. Would rather be feeling nothing at the moment. 

Just wish i knew what the trigger was. Love my mrs to bits but days like today i really could just walk away.

[Finnegan]

Just now, sylofox said:

Just wish i knew what the trigger was. Love my mrs to bits but days like today i really could just walk away.

 

Without knowing you more it's impossible to say. 

 

I'm fortunate enough to be incredibly self aware, too self aware really. Whenever I talk about my depression, one of the first things people reflect on is how thoroughly I understand the workings of my own mind, haha. 

 

For what it's worth, I can assure you it doesn't particularly help. If anything it often makes it more frustrating. 

[sylofox]

1 minute ago, Finnegan said:

 

Without knowing you more it's impossible to say. 

 

I'm fortunate enough to be incredibly self aware, too self aware really. Whenever I talk about my depression, one of the first things people reflect on is how thoroughly I understand the workings of my own mind, haha. 

 

For what it's worth, I can assure you it doesn't particularly help. If anything it often makes it more frustrating. 

thanks for that. Here was me thinking if I knew the trigger sometimes I could avoid it or deflect it a little.

[Finnegan]

4 minutes ago, sylofox said:

thanks for that. Here was me thinking if I knew the trigger sometimes I could avoid it or deflect it a little.

 

I'm probably being defeatist. 

 

A big part of mental health, therapy and recovery is understanding. The more you know the more you obviously can self help. 

 

I just mean to say, equally, don't beat yourself up. I'm well aware of my triggers but managing them is another matter entirely. 

 

I can't avoid mine indefinitely, I have to face them and that often means getting hurt without the right self help mechanisms which is much more easily said than achieved. 

[foxinsocks]

I have been working with sone mates on providing  an app to prompt users though a mindfulness based cognative therapy program to build resilience against anxiety and depression. .. and to allow users to regularly audit their state.

 

Yet we are worried that early sufferers are unlikely to accept that they need such help.  

 

Does this sound a good idea? How can we overcone denial and reluctance?

Edited 22 August 2017 by foxinsocks

[foxinsocks]

1 hour ago, sylofox said:

thanks for that. Here was me thinking if I knew the trigger sometimes I could avoid it or deflect it a little.

Irrespective of the triggers your brain has established thought patterns that spiral you down. ... it is these early response thoughts that you should learn to recognise and disgard and so step out if the downward spiral

[act smiley]

7 hours ago, foxinsocks said:

I have been working with sone mates on providing  an app to prompt users though a mindfulness based cognative therapy program to build resilience against anxiety and depression. .. and to allow users to regularly audit their state.

 

Yet we are worried that early sufferers are unlikely to accept that they need such help.  

 

Does this sound a good idea? How can we overcone denial and reluctance?

That sounds like it could be an issue, but perhaps you could look at the gap between people trying to get help and getting it as somewhere that it could be of benefit, a way of helping people while they're stuck on waiting lists?

[Carl the Llama]

16 hours ago, shen said:

@Carl the Llama How are you doing Carl? Did you get to make an appointment with your GP?

Honestly no, I keep leaving it too late for the walk-in (which despite the name amounts to showing up as early as possible, asking to be seen, then being given an appointment for considerably later that day even if they've only been open for half an hour and there's only a couple of people in the waiting room) and I haven't circumvented this problem by phoning to book one either because I know from every attempt to do so in the past that they'll just tell me to... come to the walk-in.

 

I've had some very friendly pms about this (thanks guys, really can't express my gratefulness enough) and I've started taking some of the right steps (not all but it's a start).

 

Today I helped my flatmates do some intensive work on the garden - shifting rubble, digging up soil and planting trees - and we capped the day with fajitas and beer so I've been keeping active with people who I get on with since I woke up this morning, it's been a good day both physically and emotionally, the only downside being a brief interaction over the phone with my parents.  I didn't get anything done regarding my personal situation but I'm not too upset about that right now, maybe because I'm too exhausted/drunk.  The GP is very much in mind as a plan for tomorrow morning so I'll let you guys know how it goes if/when I've seen them.

 

[Izzy]

Interesting BBC article today that I'm sure many of us on here can relate to. I know that I for one am dreading the winter months and can't wait for next spring already. Every year I just wish half of it away, which is a shit existence really. Having just returned from holiday in Florida where they have sunshine all year round, I'd love to emigrate out there at some stage but it's just a pipe dream really...

Feeling down? It could be the 'September blues'

By Kate PalmerBBC News

• 31 August 2017
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• From the sectionUK

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Image captionCal Strode, who has seasonal affective disorder, says "my mood was so uplifted" during the summer

If returning to work or school in September and shorter, colder days seem like a gloomy prospect, you're not alone. Autumn can worsen anxiety and depression, experts say, so why does it affect us and can we beat the blues?

"Every year I tell myself this is the last winter I can do in the UK," says Cal Strode, 25, who lives in London and has seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition that can bring on low moods and even depression during autumn and winter.

"It's already starting to look darker and colder, which is when I tend to feel low and lack energy."

SAD is thought to affect about one in 15 people in the UK between the months of September and April, according to the NHS.

For more serious sufferers, it can prevent people from functioning normally during the autumn and winter months and is thought to be caused by lack of light, as well as other factors such as colder temperatures and the return to normal routines.

Anxiety UK, a mental health charity, also says it expects to receive more calls to its helpline in September - saying far fewer people contact the charity about anxiety and depression when the sun is shining.

'My mood dropped'

Cal, who works for the Mental Health Foundation charity, was diagnosed with SAD six years ago when he was studying abroad in the US.

"I was in San Diego and went home for Christmas, when suddenly my mood dropped and it felt like I had no energy to do anything," he says.

"It was supposed to be a happy time with my family and celebrations but I was staying in bed until the late afternoon."

With SAD, the lack of light is thought to affect the part of the brain that rules sleep and energy levels.

As September looms, Cal plans to spend 45 minutes a day next to a light box to alleviate his symptoms, but admits finding the time can be a "struggle".

"Even on the way to work this week I thought this is such a beautiful day and my mood was so uplifted by it," he says.

Back to school

Even for people without the disorder, September can be a difficult time as school starts and workplaces get busier.

Added to this, the weather worsens, days get shorter, and it is a long wait until the next bank holiday over Christmas.

"We see it every year; summer really does impact people's moods," says Nicky Lidbetter, chief executive of Anxiety UK.

"People feel more resilient and able to cope when the sun is shining," says Ms Lidbetter. "Summer is a time when it's a more relaxed atmosphere in general, there is less traffic on the roads, it's not as structured."

Autumn can leave us "pining that summer is gone", she says, especially if any grand plans failed to materialise.

"Even if we left school a long time ago, September feels like a time to be more serious and that can instil a sense of anxiety," she says.

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

But it is not all bad - psychologists say we thrive on routine since it brings structure and offers us a chance to be around people.

"After a period of relaxation there's the stress of a new academic year, or work getting busy, but also healthy routines and habits," says Dr Sherylin Thompson, a counselling psychologist.

"It can be worse if you're feeling stuck in the routine, and haven't got a choice, but it can be a chance to change things."

She suggests preparing for September by picking a new challenge or vowing not to give up on a hobby or activity you did during summer.

"Keep up the health habits, keep up the socialising that would usually revive you," she says.

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Clinical psychologist Dr Camilla Rosan from the Mental Health Foundation adds: "Over the summer people go on lots of holidays and they aren't always around, now's an opportunity to see friends."

She recommends planning days in advance, including going to the gym and seeing people.

"When the days are shorter, it is important to make a clear routine about when we're going to fit in exercise, get to the gym, see our friends," she says.

"The weather and light might be stopping us from going outdoors, but turn being stuck at home when it's dark and dismal into an opportunity."

Cal makes an effort to eat well and avoid comfort food during the autumn and winter months.

"Some days I don't feel like I have the energy to cook, and you can crave fast foods high in fat and carbohydrates," he says.

"I'll try to spend time over the weekends making something like a big bean stew that'll last throughout the week - it's not sunshine but it helps."

[Finnegan]

I sincerely hope I'm wrong but I've got the distinct impression I might have gotten a lesson in being a bit too candid in here. It has always occurred to me that there's no doubt one or two FoxesTalkers that know who I am irl. 

 

I could be wrong but I've got a sneaky suspicion that someone who posts on here, or maybe just lurks, told my other half that I'd been suicidal. I can't work out how else she might know, only a small handful of my "real" friends were aware and I don't think they would. 

 

If I'm being paranoid, sorry all. 

 

If I'm not, I really hope that whichever shit stirring **** on here thought that was a good idea, thought it was fair on either her or me to tell her, has the bollocks to come forward and send me an IM explaining why. 

 

To everyone else: I'm doing much better at the moment. I'm safe, balanced, getting back on my feet. No worries. 

Edited 31 August 2017 by Finnegan

[spacemunky]

In regards to Izzy's post:

 

I'm the opposite. I find the summers more depressing for me. I think it's because you have people more out and about and everyone's having fun and I'm not. Also, I've always been the pale guy, thanks to my Irish red hair roots. The sun is my enemy. 

 

Winter, everyone is stuck inside so I feel maybe it levels the playing field. Since that's what I'm doing regardless of the time of the year. 

 

I dunno, I'm only happy when it rains. 

 

 

[Kopfkino]

Does anyone have any idea of ways to stop beating yourself up over mistakes and getting things wrong. It's basically self-sabotage now, making myself feel shit when I'm actually doing alright, but any little mistake or feeling of getting it wrong or letting someone down etc and my inner critic attacks me like mad. I've tried CBT before and that made **** all difference, no idea how else to tackle it.

 

Also think I'm someone that suffers from Seasonal Affected Depression, winter is always a miserable time for me and I count down to the good weather and long days returning

[Wymsey]

1 hour ago, KingGTF said:

Does anyone have any idea of ways to stop beating yourself up over mistakes and getting things wrong. It's basically self-sabotage now, making myself feel shit when I'm actually doing alright, but any little mistake or feeling of getting it wrong or letting someone down etc and my inner critic attacks me like mad. I've tried CBT before and that made **** all difference, no idea how else to tackle it.

 

Also think I'm someone that suffers from Seasonal Affected Depression, winter is always a miserable time for me and I count down to the good weather and long days returning

I've noticed I feel more down when the sun goes during the evening, in depressive thoughts occur more when it eventually goes for the day; but when it comes out, my mood becomes somewhat better.

Though, for some reason, I feel less stressed if I listen to the rain..

 

January and February are the worst, personally; as if I'm analysing/reflecting on the past few years and worry what could go wrong etc this year (especially the elder family members etc) etc.

 

Quite weird.

Edited 1 September 2017 by Wymeswold fox

[Crinklyfox]

2 hours ago, KingGTF said:

Does anyone have any idea of ways to stop beating yourself up over mistakes and getting things wrong. It's basically self-sabotage now, making myself feel shit when I'm actually doing alright, but any little mistake or feeling of getting it wrong or letting someone down etc and my inner critic attacks me like mad. I've tried CBT before and that made **** all difference, no idea how else to tackle it.

 

Also think I'm someone that suffers from Seasonal Affected Depression, winter is always a miserable time for me and I count down to the good weather and long days returning

I'm my own worst enemy too, beating myself up when really there's no need.  CBT worked for me though so I think I can put things into better perspective now.  I ask myself ' If a mate of mine made those mistakes what would I say to him'?  It's invariably nothing like what that evil little voice in my head is telling me.

 

There's no problem in being a bit of a perfectionist and expecting high standards of yourself but you don't have to punish yourself when things go wrong, you're going to strive to make things better again in the future anyway so the punishment has no positive effect.

 

The other thing I do to overcome a black mood with those thoughts going round and round in my head is to take some exercise, even if it's just a brisk walk, it breaks the depressive cycle.