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Here's to Your Health:  Depression rears it's ugly head again....  |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 09:19:12 AM
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The black cloud moved over me night before last and it's hanging there pretty hard. It's been quite awhile since it was here last, but boy, it's really black this time. I know there's not much I can do to get rid of it until it decides to go away, but Boy I wish there was! DH leaves for work at 4 am, gets home about 7, eats, waches Jeopardy, then goes to bed. He is spending about 6 hours a day on the highway commuting, and HE's the one who should be depressed, but he's not - just tired. I think my depression, this time, is related to the long hours I'm spending alone. I haven't made any friends in this town, none of my kids live here, and these long long days are just so lonely. OK ladies, I'm finished whining it made me feel a bit better just to tell someone.
Farmgirl Sister #98 |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 09:29:16 AM
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You know I struggle with depression and my life is really good! I'm using Lexapro now and it really has made a world of differnce!! many hugs! Just need to get those old seratonin levels back up!!! Hugs to you!
"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." Helen Keller |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 09:38:11 AM
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YOu know Debi - thanks for the reminder - I never even give medication a thought when this happens because of an experience I had when I was much younger. I went to my doc (one our family had used since I was a baby) and described my symptoms to him. His response was "Sounds like you have a little bit too much time on your hands." This was after weeks of trying to cope with the depression, then talk myself into going to the doctor, then finally getting the courage to go. My mom always had the same attitude when I tried to talk to her about it - "well that's just silly - snap out of it!" I know that depression is real, but when you've been indoctrinated from a young age with that kind of attitude and humiliation from a doctor, it's hard to shift your thinking. I went back one other time, to a female doctor, after that, about 10 years ago, and she told me that everytime a negative thought was going to enter my head, just to visualize a big STOP sign coming in front of my face. What a joke that was. But, if I could find a doc that I could trust, I might give it another try.
Farmgirl Sister #98 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 09:55:09 AM
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Sherri-
Until you find a doctor you trust, make sure you are upping your intake of the B vitamins, getting plenty of rest, and put as much light on in your house as you can. On those sunny days throw open the windows and really bask in the glow! If you don't mind it, try going into the sun tanning parlor for 5-8 minutes of sunbathing every 2-3 days. A doctor prescribed this for my sister once and I have done the same thing. I always walk out of there with a huge grin on my face! It feels so good to be surrounded by all that light and warmth. MMM...I want to go to the tanning parlor now!! :D And if you only go for short periods so as to not burn your skin, it is relatively danger free (just like spending 5 minutes in the sun.)
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog: http://FarmgirlAlee.blogspot.com |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 10:00:56 AM
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| Are there any specific steps you can take towards meeting new friends or finding activities to fill the time? Sometimes just having a plan can help me feel better about about a hard situation. You may very well be right about your depression being related to your long hours alone. I'm not against medication and doctors, but I have found that depression comes and goes and sometimes I can do things to make it go away faster. Make sure you are eating healthy and getting a good balance of sleep and exercise. The rule of thumb I've always heard is that depression is not considered a clinical problem unless it's lasted two full weeks or more. So maybe you could start looking around for a doctor, but in the meantime try to take good care of yourself and look for ways to make yourself happy. Then see how you feel in a few weeks. Good luck. |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 1:51:02 PM
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Alee - I laughed when I read your post where you said to throw open the windows on the sunny days! I haven't seen anything but grey since I got back from AZ!! I guess that could have something to do with the depression huh? I didn't know about the vitamin B - I will try that. Amie - not having activities to fill my time isn't a problem. I have a home business and there is never enough time to get all done that I want to do. I'm starting a web site soon and that is really kept my busy. Given my proclivity to depression, sometimes I feel like a home business is maybe not the right choice for me. I seem to do better when I'm around other people. I have thought about giving it up and getting a "real" job, with other people, but I have commitments I need to keep, so I can't really do that now. I am going to try the Vitamin B that Alee suggests. I am already eating well. Oh - one thing that I hadn't thought that could be related is insomnia. I have terrible insomnia - I thought it was probably menopause related. I haven't slept more than a couple of hours a night for a few months. It may be catching up to me, but no matter what - I can't seem to fall asleep at night. That makes my days even longer - I stay up til 1 or 2, then dh gets up at 4 and wakes me up. I hadn't thought of that - maybe that's where I should concentrate - maybe sleep in the guest room for a couple of nights. Things to try.....
Farmgirl Sister #98 |
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Firemama
True Blue Farmgirl
1731 Posts
Amanda
Medical Lake
WA
USA
1731 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 2:00:50 PM
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Sherri, I am feeling it too. I wish we lived closer. We could go tannin together!!lol
I wish I had a suggestion to help you sleep, the only thing that works from me is TylenolPm, which I hate taking, but I have to be ready for my kids.
Hang in the Sherri spring is coming!!
Mama to 2
Your FreckleFaced Farm Girl!!
FarmGirl# 20
http://myfarmdreams.blogspot.com/
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greyghost
True Blue Farmgirl
650 Posts
Lynn
Summerville
Georgia
USA
650 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 2:22:29 PM
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Sherri, have you tried (I'm sure you have) chamomile tea before bed? Just make yourself a really nice ritual to help you go to sleep. And keep a really, really boring book by your bed. I struggle with insomnia from time to time as well. Usually I wind up staying up all night working on painting projects or sewing things for the house.
I'm also self-employed, and I learned last year, after years of doing this, that I HAD to keep normal hours. No going back to the desk after dinner, or in the middle of the night if I could not sleep. Learned to close the door, and my sleep habits have really improved with that. These home businesses can easily take over your life, and that's not why you went out on your own.
Get some house plants that prefer low-light conditions. There are lots of them out there, and seeing some green will help you feel a little better too.
This summer, grow some Lemon Balm - it works well as a mild antidepressant and can be taken for a long period of time. You can make tea from the fresh leaves, or make a tincture of it before the season is over so you have it handy for the winter months. I am doing this for my hubby, who has a terrible time with SAD.
Otherwise, as you can, get out and meet people. A garden club, a wine club, tennis team, bike team... even my small town has me deep in all of these things and it's great.
Best wishes,
Lynn |
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herbquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
891 Posts
Kristine
Bonney Lake
Wa
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 2:26:25 PM
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Sherri,
SAD & depression are so common this time of year in WA.
Along with what the other farmgirls suggested; try adding fish oil capsule ( I take 3 in am & 3 at pm), st.john's wort as directed will also help.
Getting outside, even for a few minutes helps clear the head and can be very refreshing.
I'm here in WA too. Feel free to contact me.
Blessings,
Kristine ~ Mother of Many & Herbalist
www.herbalmomma.com
Farmgirl Sister #97
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 2:31:31 PM
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Thanks for all of your wonderful suggestions. I knew I could count on you. I got more information here than I ever have from a medical doc. I have tried the St. John's wort in the past and didn't notice any difference, but I haven't tried the fish oil capsule or the chamomile tea. I have grown lemon balm before but didn't know about it's anti-depressant qualities. I will try all of these suggestions and I know I'll be feeling better soon!
Farmgirl Sister #98 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2008 : 2:38:27 PM
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Sherri and Amanda-
Something you could try to get yourselves to sleep is taking Melatonin. Melatonin is a chemical that you naturally produce at night once your eyes register a falling light level. It is what helps you fall asleep, stay asleep, and dream! So it is pretty important! Doug and I take melatonin when we get our sleep cycles messed up and it is amazing. Since it is a natural chemical in your body, you don't have the drugged-out feeling in the morning. Also, if something happens (Like kids crying) you can wake up. There isn't a drug keeping you "under".
You can buy Melatonin in the vitamin area of your grocery store. I would suggest trying it before using other sleep aids, but that is just my opinion!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog:
http://FarmgirlAlee.blogspot.com" target="_blank"> http://FarmgirlAlee.blogspot.com |
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2008 : 09:17:35 AM
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sherri,
i am sorry that you are feelin blue cause you are one of my favorite folks here on the mj site, and i love reading your post.
i know there is some kind of light that folks with SAD expose themselves to but i dont really know much more about it.
i do want to say that i would try natural rememdies for the blues before trying perscription meds if possible. that is just a bias of mine, even though i take plenty of meds for my heart condition.
it just seems to me that meds have a lot of side affects.
also, i have to say, i laughed when you said the doc told you that maybe you had too much time on your hands.
when i was complainin of heart symptoms, my doctor told my husband to take me two miles from home, "push" me out of the car and make me walk home. i had my heart attack 2 weeks later, from undiagnosed thyroid disease. so much for bad doctors. i think i have a good one now.
anyway, we love ya here on the mj site, and i really hope you get to feeling better, cause the world needs more of those beautiful childrens clothes that you creat.
lovin ya in texas,
fran
love
fran
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/) |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2008 : 10:12:21 AM
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thank you so much Fran. It really makes all the difference in the world to know I have my mjf friends I can turn to. I feel like you all really are my friends, even though I've only met a few of you. I'm feeling a bit better today, although I was up from 1 am to 3 am last night. I just wish I could get that sleeping thing down!!
Farmgirl Sister #98 |
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2008 : 08:02:08 AM
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www.ciliminerals.com has a product called Bone Structure-AU with calcium and magnesium...+ other ingredients like gold. You can also check it out on their website.
A combination of: Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Cobalt, Potassium, Zinc & Gold.
This formulation supports the bone structure and supplies the specific minerals needed to feed ones bones.
If you de-mineralize a bone, the main minerals are calcium, magnesium, boron, cobalt, potassium, zinc and phosphorus.
By adding the above minerals to your daily diet, your body can assimilate and restore the bone structure.
Your bone structure is your battery to your heart.
The added benefit of the Gold has been found to improve the sleep cycle.
I also take a Shaklee Stress Relief Complex before bed because it calms the 5K going on in my brain. (I can give you more info on that product if you email me) and I sleep like a baby, after YEARS of insomnia due to peri-meno then meno. Also, eliminating sugar & sweets of any kind after about 7pm helped.
I also wanted to mention that exercise, even 10 sit-ups and a few push-ups can change the endorphin levels...exercise is a known mood enhancer. Also, B6 is a mood-balancer.
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
Edited by - MasterGardener on Jan 13 2008 5:04:32 PM |
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Carol Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
4033 Posts
Carol Sue
Washingtonian
USA
4033 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2008 : 4:40:28 PM
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Sherri,
Been thinking about you, sent you an email.
Carol Sue
listening to the quiet moments
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2008 : 5:15:57 PM
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Sherri,
Are you still living in the camper or are you back at home now? I know you were reluctent to go, with no friends and family and your husband gone so much no wonder you are depressed. I am thinking of you and hope you feel better soon. Dare I say it, maybe you just need to go home,if you are in the motorhome. At any rate, I pray things get better for you soon.
Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2008 : 7:24:04 PM
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Hi Mary Jane - No - we are back home now. It's nice to be here but I saw dh more when we were in Arizona. His commute here is horrible. Thanks for the good thoughts - I'm hangin in there!
Farmgirl Sister #98 |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2008 : 07:39:50 AM
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Just an update for you kind ladies - I'm feeling much better today. Yesterday was (a miracle) a beautiful sunny day here in Western WA and dh and I went for a drive along the water to a little town about 50 miles away that has a great knit shop. OK, I'll give it a plug - it's the Allyn Knit Shop and they have WONDERFUL yarns and wool for spinning and a lot of other knitting supplies and books. DH took his metal detector down on the beach with our dogs and let me browse to my hearts content in the shop. I bought two different colors of wool for spinning - I wanted to try wool in a bat, and the long tubular type both (I don't know what you call tha), but I also bought the Cottage Creation sock pattern that Aunt Jenny suggested for worsted weight socks. We then took a leisurely drive home before the nice weather left and the rain started up again. It was just what I needed to recharge my batteries. Thanks for all your concern and suggestions, they help more than you know.
Farmgirl Sister #98 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2008 : 08:22:24 AM
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Sherri-
If the sunshine does you that much good, I really can't stress how wonderful even 3 minutes in a tanning booth would do for you. I have the same type of depression where if I don't get enough sun I just start losing grip on the "good-stuff" in life. It is a sneaky sort of feeling for me too- I can go several days not feeling quite right before I realize what is going on. You can even wear sun screen if you want when you go and the lights will still work their magic.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog:
http://FarmgirlAlee.blogspot.com" target="_blank"> http://FarmgirlAlee.blogspot.com |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2008 : 3:21:46 PM
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What Alee said is so true for so many people, it really helps them.. Also it sounds like you really needed to spend some quality time with your husband. I know with Tom and I if we don't see much of each other it really effects my mood, his too. Anyway, I am so glad you are feeling better. I hate to think of anyone feeling depressed, it is such a rotten place to be.
MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2008 : 08:12:28 AM
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sherri,
so glad to hear you got out and felt better. and i am also excited that you are "spinning". i have everything i need to become a spinner and it is on my list of things to do, right under have a date with sam elliot.   but as things go here my wheel is just collecting dust at the moment.
anywho, your not alone girl, you have a lot of farmgirl sisters out here that love hearing from you. i always think your post are the most honest and upfront and you just seem to know how to stimulate conversation. anywho, i'm glad your feeling better and getting out amongst em.
my only sister is living in kuwait, and while i get to have emails from her, i miss her and you gals here also fill that lonely void for me as well. sherri, so glad your feeling better.
love
fran
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/) |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2008 : 09:06:36 AM
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Thanks Frannie - it must be really hard having a sister so far away. I always enjoy and take special notice of your posts too. And of course think of you everytime I hand one of my wonderful business cards out!!
Farmgirl Sister #98 |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2008 : 10:08:51 AM
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Sherri, I am so sorry about the depression. It really is a tough thing to beat. I come from a whole family of depression sufferers and have always had bouts of it. I try to be cheerful and keep fighting it anyway and for me, most of the time it works. But some times I find it hard to focus and get anything done, and I HATE feeling listless. I also spend a lot of time alone and it really does gets to ya. My sweetie comes home too tired to pay much attention to me a lot too AND I spend too much time playing on the computer.
My doctor has had me on a whole bunch of different anti depression meds in the past and for me, they didn't help much. I do better on my own. When I'm depressed, I'm depressed...so ehhh. I hope that you give them a try if you need them though. They really can do wonders. I'm heartened to hear that you are doing better. A really good day can do a lot of magic! (a good yarn sale or shop helps too )
Annika
Farmgirl sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
http://innermountainmudhens.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/ |
Edited by - Annika on Jan 15 2008 10:12:16 AM |
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Brenda M
Farmgirl in Training
16 Posts
Brenda
Moscow
ID
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2008 : 10:49:58 AM
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Sherri,
Orange scent is a natural anti-depressant. You might try an orange scented candle, or room deodorizer, etc. Even orange scented lotions can help.
Lots of luck.
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Here's to Your Health: Depression rears it's ugly head again.... |
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Depression rears it's ugly head again....
