Anxiety and/or depression discussion.

greenfrogs · 28-02-2015 11:21pm

I'll be ok once I calm down. It just my take a few days. Sometimes i really hate this life. Its not bad news in the real sense. it's just me getting upset over something that is a sore point.

Euphoria Intensifies · 28-02-2015 11:22pm

That's crap greenfrogs. Hope things start to look up soon.

mg1982 · 28-02-2015 11:27pm

Euphoria Intensifies wrote: »

Think I might talk to the psych team about upping my meds. Prob should have brought it up when I saw the consultant last week, but I hadn't really considered it. But I think I need to - my mood has been really low this past while (after a period where it was really up and down) and I can't seem to get myself out of it

How is everyone this evening?

Im sorry to hear that, upping the meds is definitley an option. Especially when ur mood is unstable for a long time. How often do u see ur doctor/psychiatrist

Pecker31 · 01-03-2015 10:11am

Hi all - I'm seeing a counceller every week for my anxiety/fear but I find the weeks so long - she recommended twice a week but I can't afford it €50 a pop) is anyone else like this? I'm not on meds - I want to deal with it myself - What does everyone do to elevate the anxiety x

Pie and Mash · 01-03-2015 10:30am

Pecker31 wrote: »

Hi all - I'm seeing a counceller every week for my anxiety/fear but I find the weeks so long - she recommended twice a week but I can't afford it €50 a pop) is anyone else like this? I'm not on meds - I want to deal with it myself - What does everyone do to elevate the anxiety x

Exercise if you can even a good walk can help and the 478 breath technique

The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise
This exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
This is one breath.
Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for total of four breaths.

Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.

Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens - before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. This exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it.

Hope that helps

Pecker31 · 01-03-2015 10:48am

Thank you so much - will defo give it a try x

Gremlinertia · 01-03-2015 9:30pm

Second part of assessment for dbt course tomorrow morning after work.. I'm both eager to get going and terrified.

mg1982 · 01-03-2015 10:23pm

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Second part of assessment for dbt course tomorrow morning after work.. I'm both eager to get going and terrified.

Best of luck with that grem. How was the first part, did u get an idea of what its going to be like?

Gremlinertia · 01-03-2015 10:26pm

I got a general idea of the content but no real feel for it as it was one on one. However the layout seems well thought out so I'm hoping for good things from it..

greenfrogs · 01-03-2015 10:31pm

How does it differ from other treatments? Also what requirements do you have to meet to get this therapy?

mg1982 · 01-03-2015 10:41pm

I think DBT therapy is used mainly as a treatment for borderline personality disorder but im sure if u have a diagnosis or are part of the mental health services you could get it.

greenfrogs · 01-03-2015 10:47pm

Thanks mg1982. I have an appointment with the psychiatrist during the week so I will discuss it with them. I am currently doing CBT and find it very good. However there is one area where I have not improved and to be honest it is impacting on my recovery. I have spent so much time on this area in CBT and I have spent the last 2 evenings crying and feeling really down about it. I am just so frustrated.

Gremlinertia · 01-03-2015 10:47pm

It's a new roll out being funded by a suicide strategy group I can't think of the name of right now. Being done here as it's a teaching hospital so the participants in it will be providing ongoing feedback..

mg1982 · 01-03-2015 10:54pm

Gremlinertia wrote: »

It's a new roll out being funded by a suicide strategy group I can't think of the name of right now. Being done here as it's a teaching hospital so the participants in it will be providing ongoing feedback..

Is it part of a group when your doing it grem? I know they run group DBT sessions in sligo but there run by the HSE.

greenfrogs · 01-03-2015 11:09pm

Sometimes I wonder what's the point in it all. I feel like ****e. I drive people away with my behaviour. They think I am crazy. I really can't go through this again and again. There is going to be a point where other options will become more appealing. I don't want to end up there. But I feel I am getting closer.

Gremlinertia · 01-03-2015 11:13pm

It is hse, Co-funded or something like that.. Just the suicide prevention agency want to research to see how effective it is before putting more funding at it.. Dbt is supposed to be pretty expensive so they are putting us on trial I guess is how it's going. If I'm awake enough in morning I'll ask.

Gremlinertia · 01-03-2015 11:23pm

greenfrogs wrote: »

Sometimes I wonder what's the point in it all. I feel like ****e. I drive people away with my behaviour. They think I am crazy. I really can't go through this again and again. There is going to be a point where other options will become more appealing. I don't want to end up there. But I feel I am getting closer.

I could write this post, and probably have in various guises over the years. I have no idea where I've found the patience to carry on from.. None at all. I don't know if this new thing I'm embarking on will do anything either but somehow we keep plodding, you can too. This is what this thread and us here on it are for.

greenfrogs · 01-03-2015 11:27pm

I am just sick of people leaving my life because they couldn't be friends with me due to my behaviour. I hate the way I try to cling on and ring and text them. But they don't reply. Who can blame them? But I feel so alone and rejected. I will never live a normal life like this. Everyone need friends and romantic relationships. But I can't do either.

Gremlinertia · 01-03-2015 11:31pm

I've managed to remain friends with a couple of people.. I've never been in a relationship though.. But bizarre as it may seem I remain hopeful about that sometimes. I've been terribly behaved at times with endangering myself and pushing people away in mean ways.. Mid thirties and still going. Life is a strangely persistent thing.

Hugo Stiglitz · 01-03-2015 11:32pm

We'll all get there

greenfrogs · 01-03-2015 11:37pm

Relationships/friends with men is a headwrecker for me. I tend to push women away as I feel they won't like me so I save myself from the rejection. But with men I realise my inner crazy. I am tired of my behaviour. I am sick of people thinking I am crazy. I just want to fix this problem and its not happening. I have no one to talk to in real life about this. It will only upset my family. Everything else I am making progress in. But this issue when it raises its head puts me in a really bad headspace.

mg1982 · 01-03-2015 11:42pm

greenfrogs wrote: »

I am just sick of people leaving my life because they couldn't be friends with me due to my behaviour. I hate the way I try to cling on and ring and text them. But they don't reply. Who can blame them? But I feel so alone and rejected. I will never live a normal life like this. Everyone need friends and romantic relationships. But I can't do either.

I feel for u green. Im very much in the same boat in the sense that i ask myself often whats keeping me here, what have i left to live for but yet i just keep going. I guess i try to avoid answering those questions in some way. I dont have friends as such as i find people hard to be around and it takes a lot out of me. Its a lonely road i am on but i guess there is always that small hope of that things will get easier as time goes on.

Gremlinertia · 01-03-2015 11:55pm

I think there's a certain level of sensitivity that comes with our shared situations.. It makes us question some things more.. I often wonder if it's perhaps a basis for the saying "ignorance is bliss"

Btw I don't Google the answer to that on purpose.

greenfrogs · 01-03-2015 11:55pm

Usually I can just keep going. But not right now.

I was reading about BPD and it scared me. I have developed intense feelings towards men from my teenage years. That is one of the symptoms of BPD. I know my doctor thought I showed signs of it when I first saw her. I think I may have it. I have been in CBT for months and haven't made progress on this issue. And it really affects me. When I have feelings for someone nothing else in this world matters except that person. My mood is totally dependent on their behaviour towards me.

I have taken some diazepam so I have calmed down a bit. Hopefully I'll fall asleep soon.

carzony · 02-03-2015 12:40am

my first day back tomorrow after 2 weeks off. i've been panic free so it'll be interesting to see how i get on..

Gremlinertia · 02-03-2015 12:47am

I'll have fingers crossed for you Carzony, just make sure you keep the breathing steady if you can. It's not the be all and end all but it's something.

carzony · 02-03-2015 12:51am

i've been panic free since i've been off college the last 2 weeks but i thinks that's because i'v done very little and i'm also on the meds. I'm actually interested to see how things go tomorrow. It's like a little experiment or somthing..

I'm worried about college, i'm very behind one 1 subject so much so I don't think i'll even pass it

TrustedApple · 02-03-2015 1:42am

1st time going to a Psychologist 1st time going to a proper one as i have spoke to others and they didn't work. I am trying the Psychologist route before i go on full meds for my panic and axoitcy attacks and i am getting tested for something else as well with i am having panic attacks over so its going to be a interesting few weeks ahead for me

mg1982 · 02-03-2015 2:01am

samapple789 wrote: »

1st time going to a Psychologist 1st time going to a proper one as i have spoke to others and they didn't work. I am trying the Psychologist route before i go on full meds for my panic and axoitcy attacks and i am getting tested for something else as well with i am having panic attacks over so its going to be a interesting few weeks ahead for me

Good luck with that. At least with a psychologist you know your getting someone with proper training behind them.

carzony · 02-03-2015 9:23am

Well lads I've just arrived at the college and had such an easy morning. Probably one of the easiest I've had all year. Even the commute was trouble free and I actually arrived very quickly.

It's my first day back in 2 week and usually I find these first mornings extremely tough.

The meds must be working..

scrimshanker · 02-03-2015 10:02am

Carzony, do you find they're helping you sleep? I'm still waking in the middle of the night, wondering if 10mg isn't a high enough dose..

carzony · 02-03-2015 10:16am

scrimshanker wrote: »

Carzony, do you find they're helping you sleep? I'm still waking in the middle of the night, wondering if 10mg isn't a high enough dose..

To be honest mate when not in college I usually stay up most of the night and sleep till afternoon. I'v not really noticed much change in sleep.

Don't think I ever had trouble sleeping to begin with.

Today was handy but i'll see how I get on for the rest of the week.

veganrun · 02-03-2015 10:23am

Feeling down and blue this morning. I have health anxiety and its flared up a wee bit.

Also haven't slept well this past few nights, am not exercising, been eating crap and have put on weight.

Just want to stay at home today but I need to go to work.

I know its just temporary but need a bit of a moan

MikeD82 · 02-03-2015 11:11am

There is nothing worse, then going through hell of depression. You wake up each day, not knowing if you will make it
'till night, or you will simply give in, and end it all yourself. The drugs sometimes help, and sometimes make it worse.
Felt like I had no control whatsoever over my own life. But with some help from my family, the people who truly love me, I
managed to get myself out of that hell-hole. It took me a while, but I managed to teach myself how to push trough the day, and keep on fighting.
In the end, it all comes down to helping yourself get up and fight, because without that no one can truly help you, no matter how much they would want to.
To conclude, help yourself, so you could go out into the world, and start truly living, and that will be a cure on it's own.
lookingupstuff.com/mentalhealth/2015/02/06/how-to-destroy-depression/

greenfrogs · 02-03-2015 3:09pm

Feeling a little bit better today. However it is the night time that I find difficult. Can't wait until my appointment with the psychiatrist tomorrow. I hope I feel ok until then. I am just finding it very difficult to accept my friendship is over. Then I am embarrassed over the way I have tried to contact this person repeatedly but to no avail. I keep thinking about how he must regret becoming friends with me and that he is telling people how crazy I am. I have to accept what has happened. I am finding it so hard. It seems to fit in with borderline personality disorder.

NegativeCreep · 02-03-2015 5:40pm

Anyone gained weight due to meds? I'm on cipramil for like 5 months or so and I've put on about 9 pounds since then. Thankfully I was under weight before so it doesn't really matter but still, its not something I'm terribly happy about.

sheepboy288 · 02-03-2015 5:44pm

magic mushrooms? anyone try them for depression?

of course if you are depressed then don't go out taking mushrooms, and most importantly don't go out picking mushrooms because you don't know which is what..

this may sound crazy, but some dark chocolate, omega 3 , vitamin d can greatly reduce depression.

sheepboy288 · 02-03-2015 5:47pm

NegativeCreep wrote: »

Anyone gained weight due to meds? I'm on cipramil for like 5 months or so and I've put on about 9 pounds since then. Thankfully I was under weight before so it doesn't really matter but still, its not something I'm terribly happy about.

(some info on the med your taking)
The chronic administration of citalopram was found to downregulate brain norepinephrine receptors.

that's nice.... I was on a NRI (increases norepinephrine) to help me focus, but it made me feel depressed...

at least using your meds it takes away that evil norepinephrine...

????

Euphoria Intensifies · 02-03-2015 7:44pm

I see a couple of people here have/think they have BPD or BPD traits. What are the traits that you find most difficult to cope with or that impact your life most? For me it really used to be impulsivity and unstable relationships, but therapy (just plain psychotherapy) has helped with those a bit. I'm still impulsive and still "split" really badly with some people ("splitting" in BPD is when you swing from loving someone to hating somebody in short spaces of time), but nowhere to the same extent as before. My self-destructive behaviours and emotional dysregulation are so, so bad at the minute though. That's why I really want to do DBT; psychotheray just hasn't seemed to work on the stuff around distress tolerance.

mg1982 · 02-03-2015 8:42pm

Euphoria Intensifies wrote: »

I see a couple of people here have/think they have BPD or BPD traits. What are the traits that you find most difficult to cope with or that impact your life most? For me it really used to be impulsivity and unstable relationships, but therapy (just plain psychotherapy) has helped with those a bit. I'm still impulsive and still "split" really badly with some people ("splitting" in BPD is when you swing from loving someone to hating somebody in short spaces of time), but nowhere to the same extent as before. My self-destructive behaviours and emotional dysregulation are so, so bad at the minute though. That's why I really want to do DBT; psychotheray just hasn't seemed to work on the stuff around distress tolerance.

Yes there are quite a few on this thread who complain of having BPD traits, although i think nowadays its called emotionally unstable personality disorder or something. Trying the DBT is a good idea, i hear it takes hard work but its worth it in the end.

greenfrogs · 02-03-2015 8:47pm

For me it's that I have anger issues and develop intense relationships with men. I feel even a guy didn't reply to my text then I would become anxious, worried, angry, upset, abandoned. I would then lash out at this person because I felt rejected. I would apologise and say it wouldn't happen again. But it always did. Eventually they would begin to ignore my call and texts. I would continue trying contact them. In my head all my energy and attention becomes focused on them. I can't concentrate on anything else. I just can't cope with it anymore. I am tired of looking like an idiot and acting like an idiot. But I feel I have little power over it.

mg1982 · 02-03-2015 9:02pm

greenfrogs wrote: »

For me it's that I have anger issues and develop intense relationships with men. I feel even a guy didn't reply to my text then I would become anxious, worried, angry, upset, abandoned. I would then lash out at this person because I felt rejected. I would apologise and say it wouldn't happen again. But it always did. Eventually they would begin to ignore my call and texts. I would continue trying contact them. In my head all my energy and attention becomes focused on them. I can't concentrate on anything else. I just can't cope with it anymore. I am tired of looking like an idiot and acting like an idiot. But I feel I have little power over it.

Well im no expert but it does sound like BPD traits, What you need now is a proper diagnosis and effective treatment and DBT would be part of that. Are you currently seeing a therapist or psychiatrist?

Euphoria Intensifies · 02-03-2015 9:45pm

Yeah it is called emotionally unstable personality disorder in Ireland, as the HSE uses the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria as opposed to DSM-5. Most of the psych/treatment staff I've dealt with still seem to refer to it as borderline personality disorder mostly, I guess because that's what it was referred to until recently and it's what most of the information/self-help books use.

As mg1982 said, if you feel like you identify with some or all of the borderline traits, then do have a chat with your GP about getting referred to the local mental health services or a private psychiatrist so you can get the assessments done. BPD is a bit of a spectrum and just because you are diagnosed with it doesn't mean that you will fit the full diagnosis forever (e.g. I'm just diagnosed with traits now, whereas I fit the full criteria in the past). So don't be scared about it.

One of my friends came oer earlier; was so lovely to see her

having people around me can really help sometimes.

greenfrogs · 02-03-2015 9:49pm

Yah I am doing CBT and I have an appointment with a psychiatrist tomorrow. All through the HSE. The CBT has worked really well. But in relation to these intense relationships it's not really effective at all. It's causing me great distress. I don't care what I have. I just want this sorted.

carzony · 03-03-2015 8:59am

Morning folks........

On the train atm feeling a bit off but nothing I cant handle. ( hopefully

)

greenfrogs · 03-03-2015 4:46pm

My appointment with psychiatrist went really well. She has referred me to a clinical psychologist. She thinks I have BPD but just wants to see it diagnosed. She also said I will definitely be starting a DBT course in the next while as the CBT isn't working. I just hope that the consultant psychiatrist agrees with her as she needs to sign the referral forms.

Euphoria Intensifies · 03-03-2015 10:45pm

Fingers crossed it all goes well for you greenfrogs. I'm sure the reg wouldn't say it if she thought the consultant would disagree.

I had a pretty okay day today actually. App with the psychologist went well and got one of my assignments handed in. Struggling with self-care at the minute though. I really need to put on a wash and do some grocery shopping and cooking, but I just can't be arsed >_<

mg1982 · 04-03-2015 3:36am

Thats great news greenfrogs and hopefully its a first step to recovery for you. I have an appointment tomorrow with my psychiatrist so hoping that goes ok. Im maybe thinking of switching from Lexapro to Lyrica to help with anxiety but will see what he says.

loveisdivine · 04-03-2015 8:05pm

Any one else find "positive thinking" kinda scary? The negative is horrible but also familiar and easier.

I've been doing a lot better lately but I still have really bad days in between the good. The negative, self loathing thinking is so easy to slip into. Plus I always feel like the negative is the truth and the positive is just me trying to let myself off the hook for things.

I know in reality the negative is lies and over reactions but it sure is easy to get swept away.

Hugo Stiglitz · 04-03-2015 8:32pm

loveisdivine wrote: »

Any one else find "positive thinking" kinda scary? The negative is horrible but also familiar and easier.

I've been doing a lot better lately but I still have really bad days in between the good. The negative, self loathing thinking is so easy to slip into. Plus I always feel like the negative is the truth and the positive is just me trying to let myself off the hook for things.

I know in reality the negative is lies and over reactions but it sure is easy to get swept away.

Yeah I find it scary LID. It also appears to be so much work on a long haul too. I don't know if would be able to stay the course with it.

Anxiety and/or depression discussion.

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