No real solution to this. Doctors and meds haven’t been able to cure depression. If you are suicidal though, keep in mind those close to you and how it would affect there lives. I’d endure the pain to not cause pain to those around me. Working out and constructive hobbies will help but not cure.
For those that have suffered depression
- Thread starter vTHEvDUKEv
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I can't imagine the horror of having a medical condition for depression. To experience severe chronic anguish and suicidal thoughts for reasons that most may find trivial, is just brutal.
It is interesting how the condition is mediated by society. It does appear to be a mainly First World disorder.
It is interesting how the condition is mediated by society. It does appear to be a mainly First World disorder.
At least, it is being discussed more in the first-world countries. Doubtless, depression exists everywhere.
It depends on the severity.
Only the more serious cases of depression experience what you are stating.
I thought that was the case as well, but if you look it up, that's not actually the case. The lowest rates seem to be in developed countries, with undeveloped countries having the highest.
Maybe our assumption stems from the tendency of immigrants from third-world countries to exhibit low rates of depression...? Which, when you think about it, makes sense. Stagnation can lead to depression. But an immigrant moving from a third-world country to a first-world country almost always experiences a vast improvement in their situation.
You have to be very careful with meds, they can be a minefield. In my case it was the neurologist and the psychiatrist's failure to communicate. Dealing with Post concussion syndrome after the car accident, it nearly cost me my life.
Anti-stroke and mood disorder medication can be toxic together. I can't remember the questions the neurologist asked me except for one: Is there a history of stroke in your family? I told him that my grandfather and an uncle had be stricken by it. He put me on 200 mg of Topomax, it's a very powerful anti-convulsion drug. It turned me into a bed ridden zombie, I took the samples he gave me but didn't expedite the prescription. Topamax neutralized the mood disorder medication I'd been taking, the psychiatrist prescribed Cypralex (Lexipro). It was a disaster on an epic scale.
The only item that saved me, I had stopped taking Topamax not long after I started taking Cypralex. It was brutal, I started hallucinating. Every time I went for a walk I was followed by gorgonopsids, I would dream of Hiroshima survivors and I started hearing a voice. So I told the psychiatrist that I was going cold turkey from Cypralex, he told me to wean myself gradually. I didn't listen, the nightmare scenario soon stopped.
These items were all part of information I learned in my past. The voice I heard was this...and the strange part is I've never bought ELO's El Dorado.
Anti-stroke and mood disorder medication can be toxic together. I can't remember the questions the neurologist asked me except for one: Is there a history of stroke in your family? I told him that my grandfather and an uncle had be stricken by it. He put me on 200 mg of Topomax, it's a very powerful anti-convulsion drug. It turned me into a bed ridden zombie, I took the samples he gave me but didn't expedite the prescription. Topamax neutralized the mood disorder medication I'd been taking, the psychiatrist prescribed Cypralex (Lexipro). It was a disaster on an epic scale.
The only item that saved me, I had stopped taking Topamax not long after I started taking Cypralex. It was brutal, I started hallucinating. Every time I went for a walk I was followed by gorgonopsids, I would dream of Hiroshima survivors and I started hearing a voice. So I told the psychiatrist that I was going cold turkey from Cypralex, he told me to wean myself gradually. I didn't listen, the nightmare scenario soon stopped.
These items were all part of information I learned in my past. The voice I heard was this...and the strange part is I've never bought ELO's El Dorado.
A few years ago I was at a real low point in my life.
Things just didn't turn out the way I wanted it.
Lost a few friends. Renting a basement. Out of a toxic relationship.
I started just crying and getting anxiety. I knew what it was and immediately saw my doctor. I stopped riding my motorcycle because I knew it wasn't in a good headspace.
He gave me medication and booked me with a shrink. My sister suffered depression and he was worried.
I didn't take the pills nor did I see the shrink.
I worked on cognitive behavioral therapy with books like "the power of now" and "feeling good" by David Burns.
I wrote stuff down. I tried to talk to some people.
I absolutely hated depression. I couldn't get out of me mind but I learned to cope and eventually just found my brain patterns changed on their own.
I was fearful that I'd slipped back but I know how to take care of myself better now. I still get sad and down but I challenge my thoughts and overcome them.
Things just didn't turn out the way I wanted it.
Lost a few friends. Renting a basement. Out of a toxic relationship.
I started just crying and getting anxiety. I knew what it was and immediately saw my doctor. I stopped riding my motorcycle because I knew it wasn't in a good headspace.
He gave me medication and booked me with a shrink. My sister suffered depression and he was worried.
I didn't take the pills nor did I see the shrink.
I worked on cognitive behavioral therapy with books like "the power of now" and "feeling good" by David Burns.
I wrote stuff down. I tried to talk to some people.
I absolutely hated depression. I couldn't get out of me mind but I learned to cope and eventually just found my brain patterns changed on their own.
I was fearful that I'd slipped back but I know how to take care of myself better now. I still get sad and down but I challenge my thoughts and overcome them.
By reminding yourself that these are meaningless thoughts. We have lots of thoughts and not all of them are important, followed through on, or given meaning. These seem meaningful because they can be intense and overpowering ,but they are simply just unimportant thoughts. It's hard to tell yourself that when they become loud and feel so real. Something simple to try when you're thinking that way is breathing exercises. It's something to help clear and quiet your mind. There are apps specifically to lead you through breathing exercises. One is Breath2Relax. If the thoughts are too loud make sure to remind yourself that these thoughts will pass, that they are momentary. It won't necessarily make you feel better but it can bring some reason to the whole thing. If you haven't, maybe see a psychiatrist. They are covered by OHIP as they are medical doctors.
You're not a flawed individual because you have suicidal thoughts. It stems from a medical issue that many, many people share. You are not alone!!!!
You're not a flawed individual because you have suicidal thoughts. It stems from a medical issue that many, many people share. You are not alone!!!!
You are awesome, I have a lot of respect for people who volunteer like you did.
Lots of good suggestions from others here so I really have nothing to add, other than if you're feeling depressed, by all means, seek professional help. You're not alone.
I noticed the OP hasn't replied to this thread since he started it a couple months ago. Good news is, he's replied to others since.
May sound boring as fuck, but you can what I enjoy doing Saturday mornings sometimes?
Walk around Costco taking my sweet time browsing. Then relax and get lunch somewhere, while reading a newspaper. Most Costcos should be near other stores, so take a walk and browse a bunch of stores. And if I see something I like, grab it. The last store I may check out is a grocery store and then head home.
Still have the afternoon/night to do other things and since it's Sunday the next day, I don't have to worry about work.
I don't see how this care free Saturday stroll cannot bring a smile to someone's face!
On worknights..... I love watching sports. TV shows one game, have a laptop nearby and stream another game or two. Kick back with some food and drink. Couch potato? Yup. But sure relaxing.
Walk around Costco taking my sweet time browsing. Then relax and get lunch somewhere, while reading a newspaper. Most Costcos should be near other stores, so take a walk and browse a bunch of stores. And if I see something I like, grab it. The last store I may check out is a grocery store and then head home.
Still have the afternoon/night to do other things and since it's Sunday the next day, I don't have to worry about work.
I don't see how this care free Saturday stroll cannot bring a smile to someone's face!
On worknights..... I love watching sports. TV shows one game, have a laptop nearby and stream another game or two. Kick back with some food and drink. Couch potato? Yup. But sure relaxing.
Don't smoke weed as some have suggested. There's been too much positive and too little negative written about weed lately. While it may offer some short term relief it will inevitably fuck you up in the long term as will any psychoactive substance including prescription meds which you will get from your doctor (if you see one). Don't even think of buying the "chemical imbalance" bullshit which shrinks like to talk about. The answer to your problems is you, your thoughts and HABIT of thought! All of which you can change. You have to figure out what it is that makes you that depressed and come up with a plan to change it. Good luck!
I think ideally you want to look at this as trying to tick as many boxes as possible.
1) seek professional help.... don't go it alone
2) confide in a friend/family member..... talking helps
3) avoid drugs and alcohol.... I find I make horrible decisions while high.
4) check and see if your work place offers any counselling
5) look to see what are stressors in your life.... let's say debt is really bothering you. Sure you can't wipe it out but start with a plan. You can at least feel better that you are doing something about it
6) try to get a good night sleep
7) exercise.... not casual lifting or slow paced stuff. Things that get your heart rate up and the endorphins going.... best thing I did was join an mma gym.... I am so hooked and look forward to the next class. I even set up a TRX suspension kit at home to complements the weights that were gathering dust.
8) try to eat more healthy
9) try to include some things into your schedule that you enjoy.... having things to look forward help
But the biggest is to realize that getting help and trying to address this list will take time.... there are things you can do while waiting for appointments with specialists etc.
Best of luck.
Know that a bunch of anonymous dudes all took the time to say a few words of encouragement to you.
Also, social media can be negative and depressing at times. Try to minimize your contact to things that will make you angry or sad.
Pets are nice too. Maybe offer to dog sit for a friend.
1) seek professional help.... don't go it alone
2) confide in a friend/family member..... talking helps
3) avoid drugs and alcohol.... I find I make horrible decisions while high.
4) check and see if your work place offers any counselling
5) look to see what are stressors in your life.... let's say debt is really bothering you. Sure you can't wipe it out but start with a plan. You can at least feel better that you are doing something about it
6) try to get a good night sleep
7) exercise.... not casual lifting or slow paced stuff. Things that get your heart rate up and the endorphins going.... best thing I did was join an mma gym.... I am so hooked and look forward to the next class. I even set up a TRX suspension kit at home to complements the weights that were gathering dust.
8) try to eat more healthy
9) try to include some things into your schedule that you enjoy.... having things to look forward help
But the biggest is to realize that getting help and trying to address this list will take time.... there are things you can do while waiting for appointments with specialists etc.
Best of luck.
Know that a bunch of anonymous dudes all took the time to say a few words of encouragement to you.
Also, social media can be negative and depressing at times. Try to minimize your contact to things that will make you angry or sad.
Pets are nice too. Maybe offer to dog sit for a friend.
Road riding is good. Mountain biking might be even more relaxing because you are riding in the forest with birds and nature.
I've suffered through S.A.D. many times. I've never had suicidal thoughts but had a raft of bizarre physical pain/symptoms which went away when the weather turned nice. Staying heavily physically active throughout the winter was key to lessening and in most cases eliminating the condition.
One of the problems I keep seeing in this thread is "go do this" and "go do that".
The biggest problem with "go do this" and "go do that", is your ability to do these things is taken away from because of your depression. I have days right now where I can barely find the strength to get out of bed, so can you imagine the frustration when someone says "join a fitness club" ??
My anxiety is so bad sometimes I feel like I'm paralyzed.
I think every situation is different. I think if your depression is caused by some kind of chemical imbalance in your brain, maybe medical treatment is the way to go.
For me, it's not a chemical imbalance to my knowledge, because I haven't always been this way. I can take all the drugs in the world, but I don't believe it's going to take away the fact that I have learning disabilities, and that effects my ability to have a good career, which effects everything else.
All I can say to the OP if your still reading, is good luck and hope you feel better.
I feel your pain brother, trust me.
The biggest problem with "go do this" and "go do that", is your ability to do these things is taken away from because of your depression. I have days right now where I can barely find the strength to get out of bed, so can you imagine the frustration when someone says "join a fitness club" ??
My anxiety is so bad sometimes I feel like I'm paralyzed.
I think every situation is different. I think if your depression is caused by some kind of chemical imbalance in your brain, maybe medical treatment is the way to go.
For me, it's not a chemical imbalance to my knowledge, because I haven't always been this way. I can take all the drugs in the world, but I don't believe it's going to take away the fact that I have learning disabilities, and that effects my ability to have a good career, which effects everything else.
All I can say to the OP if your still reading, is good luck and hope you feel better.
I feel your pain brother, trust me.
This.
I think a lot of it depends on the severity of the depression. Doing things you enjoy or getting exercise is probably very helpful in mild or moderate cases. But when it's bad enough, there is nothing you enjoy. Not sex. Not hobbies. Not being with people. Not work. Nothing. As for getting exercise, again in severe enough cases you may as well suggest to someone with two newly broken legs that they go for a quick stroll.
When it comes to the suggestion of talking to someone, it's tricky. I have unfortunately had many situations in which it's done more harm than good. Most people can't handle it. They don't know what to do, so they usually do nothing at all. The pressure creates a rift that damages the relationship, and you end up feeling more alone than you did before you said anything. There are exceptions, but I think you need to think very carefully about whom you choose to confide in and what you want to get out of it.
Yes. The will to do something gets so diminished.
I was able to go online to a help forum like: enotalone.com and chat about the issues. And then things start getting better and you are able to do a little thing here or there, like taking a walk.
