Depression and how you deal with it

[Lighthouse]

Between my autoimmune disease, kidney transplant, and really bad break up, I've been through some pretty intense depressive episodes. Medications really do help, but one thing I felt that really helped me was exercise. Not only is there a certain comfort in the routine you do everyday, you really do feel a lot better overtime, physically and mentally.

 

[Ultimatehero]

I call mine home sickness lol since it's always about me wanting to return "home" even though I don't know what that "home" is. Adopted. Or I could just associate escape with my bios while others just see it as escape lol. Also night depression = turn all lights on to create daytime. Comes and goes. Today? Feeling homesick for a place I never knew.

 

[The Guard]

Took antidepressants years ago and they dont fix the problem. They just make you feel numb. The doc had to slowly get me off it when I requested to stop. Its a very long road that doesnt lead to any real solution.

I think it depends on the person. I agree that medication can make you a bit numb, or at least dull you. Sometimes, when the depressive episodes or anxiety are particuarly bad, that's a good thing. For me, who is an actor and a writer, not so much. I'm slowly weaning myself off one now.

 

[Ilayda]

I've suffered from depression since my heart surgery in 2004. Sometimes I get bad bouts. I started getting a bad bout during the week and now my Lexapro dosage has gone up followed by a few days of Xanax. I'm moving in September with my gf and I fear I won't be better and then comes guilt and a lot of other horrible feelings. Yesterday I thought about suicide and it made me feel happy(I would never do it because I wouldn't put that pain on anyone).

Do you suffer from depression, how did you feel through it and did your gf/bf/wife/husband help?

I think there is something very exciting happening in your life. You are moving with your girl friend. Just focus your life. Do something for yourself. Go climbing, swimming, diving or whatever... Keep yourself busy... I think you have too much time to think...Sometimes, thinking is not good...Also, there are a lot of ways when you want to shut down yourself... Save some money, go for a little trip...Enjoy your time there...Talk to people, meet new people...Get into life...Seriously, your girlfriend would be really upset if she would know this.

 

[Jbcraig1883]

Wow, what a thread.

I am 28 years old and have been dealing with anxiety/depression since I was 13. When I started developing panic disorder when I first when to college, I was so ashamed of being nervous/down all the time that I just wanted an easy out. I went to the family doctor and was prescribed 20-30mg of Paxil. I was on that for 6 years and can only reiterate what others have said regarding medication - it numbs you to everything, can have side effects (I had most of the ones if you research SSRIs), and has terrible withdrawal symptoms. When I tapered down to 7.5mg of Paxil, I went through the worst year of my life.

With that said, I am currently on 10mg of Lexapro. I also have seen a psychologist once every few weeks for the last two years for cognitive behavioral training. I have also made sure I work out 3-5 times a week. I can say that I am doing better but there is no magical wand, pill, or person that is going to remedy the pain. It is a brutal reality but I think that when I am doing better, I am accepting that there is no easy cure, and it allows me to remember that I am the only person that can change my habits, thinking, etc. Now, don't get me wrong, medicine is a tool that can be used but research shows that physical activity and psychotherapy are just as effective.

A lot of the subconscious thoughts that run through my head are very negative. The more I am mindful of what I am thinking about, the better I can challenge my negative thoughts with objective thoughts. It is hard, especially when I am feeling down or frustrated, but it has helped more than anything.

In short, accept it (half of my battles are trying to examine why I feel this way or where I took a wrong turn...none of that helps at all), get exercise, spend time with people when you're feeling down, talk to a psychologist if possible (if the first one does not seem to fit, try another...different personalities and philosophies work for different people), and a great book I try to read over and over is Undoing Depression by Richard O'Connor.

Anyway, you're not alone. I am also saying that to myself as I was surprised to see such an open conversation about it. I really respect anyone who can share their experience as I know I have a hard time sharing my own.

 

[The Guard]

A lot of the subconscious thoughts that run through my head are very negative. The more I am mindful of what I am thinking about, the better I can challenge my negative thoughts with objective thoughts. It is hard, especially when I am feeling down or frustrated, but it has helped more than anything.

And I think that's what it comes down to a lot of the time. Learning to think logically and objectively. Its annoying to have to fight yourself, in a sense, but I think everyone does it to some degree.

 

[actionavenue]

Last few days I felt like that. I feel like I'm mentally going to breakdown.



What one?

Welbutrin. Sorry, for the delay in my response.