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Here's to Your Health:  depression  |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 21 2006 : 1:26:27 PM
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| Do any of you struggle with depression? I have, off and on, since my oldest daughter was born, about 30 years ago. I have seen doctors, on occassion, for it but they all wanted to treat me with medication, which totally zonked me out - not an acceptable state for a mother to be in! I hadn't had it for quite a while now, probably about 5 years, but it has reared it's ugly head again. I woke up so bummed out this morning that I almost didn't get up and get moving at all. I think it's a combination of situations that is contributing to it. I had a horrendous nightmare last night about my youngest son, which lives in Wyoming. We haven't heard from him for a while so I think the worry is getting to me. My husband is working out of state and won't be home for a few weeks so I miss him terribly. We are moving out of the apartment that I am in, and once again, (3rd move in a row) I am doing the moving all by myself, so I'm probably pretty tired. I am also trying to clean out my mom's house and dispose of her things since I had to move her into a home. You'd think being that tired I wouldn't have nightmares, but I do. Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you have had any tips or advice for picking yourself up when you get depressed that you could pass along. I just sit in that little apartment with no tv or distraction, by myself, and sink lower and lower. My friends all work during the day and spend time with their families in the evening so I have a hard time finding someone to talk to about this. Any ideas? Thanks so much for listening. |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2006 : 1:47:11 PM
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I use 5 htp and St johns. seems to help alot and you don't get that medicine haze.
Would write more but have to get going. Good luck
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2006 : 1:49:32 PM
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| What is 5 htp? |
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Fabulous Farm Femmes
True Blue Farmgirl
792 Posts
Diane
Lakebay, Tacoma
WA
792 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2006 : 2:31:49 PM
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Sherri dear, I have struggled with depression all my adult life. I so know how you feel.Take it easy on yourself, girl. You have some stressful situations going on right now! Putting your Mom in a home is SO hard, let alone moving (I always got stuck with it too), hubby being gone (which can make everything seem darker anyway) and worrying about your son. Can you get ahold of him to make yourself feel better? Nightmares seem to be caused by stress,so that is understandable.Is it possible you are feeling guilty about the mom thing, and need to talk to a professional? if you cannot afford it there is usually a free mental health clinic in most cities.
As for medication, you may just have not tried the right one. I tried more than a couple until I found the one that worked for me (Effexor). There are so many new drugs now, you might give it a try. Mine has made ALL the difference. Ask my kids.
You can call me anytime. I am listed, or you can email me for my number, I am a stay at home person so I will be here most times.Centralia isn't that far away, we could meet in the middle for lunch if you want. |
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2006 : 2:32:11 PM
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Sherri,
You can talk to me about depression any time. I, too am at home. No more kids, but I have depression! Have been actively treating it for 19 years, and know I struggled with it long before that. I also get panic attacks. For myself, I found that medication was the only route. I don't get the sleepiness from what I take now (Prozac) but some other ones I tried over the years had some nasty side effects. Its rough with kids, and with extra stress, like taking care of your mom, anyone would be having difficulty coping.
Perhaps you can counsel with someone, a pastor, a therapist. I would definitely talk to my doc, or find a doc I CAN talk to about various treatments, either natural or pharmaceutical.
Exercise can help raise the seretonin in your brain and make you feel more "up". And I find that making "to do" lists and just working down the list at my pace helps me not feel so overwhelmed by chores I need to do.
I had to go through my parent's house after my dad died and it was exhausting! Emotions everywhere, and not a lot of support from family or friends.
Also, could you treat yourself to a massage? That also helps release serotonin and you don't have to work at it! lol
Please keep posting and telling us how you are and you can email if you want to.
Jana |
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2006 : 08:26:59 AM
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Sherri, I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with depression again. You have already received some excellent advice..So much about the "medicine" (not the medication) of depression and other illnesses of the brain is based on trial and error. The fact that we live in such an instant gratification, quick fix society makes the healing process very s.l.o.w!! The reality is that it is slow and you may have to try several medications at varying doses to find the right one. It is an enormous committment on your part initially that may take up to a year to sort out, but the flip side is years and years of keeping your depression under control and out of sight.
I also have to stress that your life situation right now is huge!! you have so many factors going on that are enhancing your condition. I really liked the advice of 'going easy on yourself." Soooo true and sometimes one of the hardest things to do. My suggestion would be to consider the things that you enjoy doing..write them down and make a committment to doing something joyful each day..even 5 minutes can be a boost. A very normal side-effect of depression is 'withdrawl' and people use all kinds of excuses to withdraw..I'm too busy, I don't have time, people don't really want to be around me because I'm no fun right now..etc..etc...Its very normal to do this but not at all healthy in the long run. Please reach out often.. people want to know where you are and how are you. really, they do.. They may not be helpful and with their best intentions say all the wrong things but still they want to stay connected with you. My last bit of advice is that you talk with your doctor. Most general practioners are clueless about the details of depression and mental illnesses in general so be careful and don't hesitate asking for a referral to a psychiatrist..who is a medical doctor, by the way, trained at understanding all the nuances of illness including the effects of various medications. You may have to see more than one physician to find the right fit but if you stay true to the course, your health and happiness will dramatically improve! The fact that you are so aware of what's going on in your life; you can feel the depression coming on..you notice that you have significant stressors in you life is all VERY encouraging. The medical profession, this is called 'insight' and not everyone has it.. as a result of your insight your outlook is very promising provided you are willing to go the distance.
Best of luck to you... Julia Hayes (a psychiatrist's wife)
being simple to simply be |
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Mari-dahlia
True Blue Farmgirl
269 Posts
Marianne
Hoosick Falls
New York
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2006 : 04:48:09 AM
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Sherri,
I have ongoing problems with depression and the Winter is the worst. Most of the time I don't really realize I am deppressed until ( other than the 10lb. weight gain) after I snap out of it. Last year I had a bad 5-6 months. I started the Atkins diet ( sort of, I do eat veggies) and within 3 days it was gone. I do not know if it was because I was actually taking control of my actions or because the diet changed my chemical balances. I do know that sitting down and making a plan whether you follow it to the letter or not helps structure things enough to make you seem like you may actually get things under control. If the things on the list are as little as making phone calls and you accomplish them and mark them off as you go, the little things make you feel more successful.
I have moved 4 times , packing everything and 2 kids by myself. One time I moved everything including all the small furniture into the apartment alone, my husband did'nt even say thanks. It sucks but my family kept telling me how amazing I was until at some point I cut myself a break and realized how much I had accomplished.
You could tell us and we could be you cheering squad.
Marianne
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Rosenwalt
True Blue Farmgirl
77 Posts
Rose Marie
NY
77 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2006 : 2:28:46 PM
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Depression? Oh heck yeah. I've had it (and other things) since the 70's. It can go away for a while and pop back in like a long lost friend.
I also have tried meds. Do you know some actually make you worse? I've heard of St. Johns Wort too but you have to be careful how much u take. (that 5 htp I think meant 5 heaping teaspoons?)
Well anyway, I've also talked to shrinks etc. and the best one I've talked to was recently and he was a Behavioral Specialist. He has taught me to sort of train myself to think differently than I have been all these years. One thing he taught me is I can't be responsible for the way that others are, or how they're feeling etc.
For example, on my way to see the Doc I had to stop at the bank. The teller was sweet to the two people ahead of me. When she got to me she treated me just horribly! Naturally I thought it's me, that nobody likes me (I don't have any friends) and sat in his office depressed about it. He told me to go back the next day to the bank and to tell myself that I can't be responsible for the way she acts or thinks. Maybe she just had a tummy pain, maybe I reminded her of someone she hates...maybe this, maybe that, but I can't guess what her problem is. I was to go there and just say to myself "I am just here for a transaction."
Well I did, it got to be my turn, it was the same teller and she acted like I was her best friend on earth!!!!!
So I'm still rethinking things, but maybe you got yourself in a rut like me and can't shake it. The Doc said it's like we are a VCR stuck on pause; always seeing things the same. We need to hit that play button.
Rose Marie,
Central New York
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cowgirlinthesand
Farmgirl in Training
38 Posts
maggie
Williston
Fl
USA
38 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 1:26:06 PM
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5htp is an amino acid. There are a lot of natural remedies that can help like 5htp or St Johns. I would recommend reading "The Mood Cure" by Julia Roberts or "Depression Free Naturally" by Joan Matthews Larson Phd. Both books use natual things including diet to help. They also talk about the problems that taking the prescriptions instead of balancing your body with what it really needs can cause.
I hope your move goes easier then expected. |
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Here's to Your Health: depression |
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depression
