Have you ever had depression?

flyswatter

Insect Overlord wrote: »

Unless Irish girls have suddenly entered the matrix or gained a collective consciousness, I don't think any "one of the women" will be able to explain the phenomenon to your satisfaction...

I'm asking specific girls here because not every woman has a shared consciousness as you put it.

It's difficult for men to figure out this perspective because anorexia is more common in women.

jumpguy

flyswatter wrote: »

It's difficult for men to figure out this perspective because anorexia is more common in women.

No, it's difficult for you to figure it out, not all men.

flyswatter

Aoibheann wrote: »

And that's not something that's restricted to girls either. Seriously - I know some guys who haven't a pick on them but have themselves convinced that they're massively overweight. Too many people have such a distorted view of themselves, it's awful. But believe me, plenty of men meet the exact description you've mentioned, much as I'd wish to believe otherwise.

I don't think you can narrow down exact specifics on why someone has an eating disorder - it surely differs from person to person depending on their own life circumstances. Control seems to be part of it for sure (as in, if everything else is going wrong, it's something that *you* have power over), but I can't say definitively why people have eating disorders, negative eating patterns etc.

I totally understand Aoibheann. I was self conscious about my weight for a good while. I was in good shape at the beginning of hospital, decent enough but then with all the extra meds , I started piling on the weight.

Exercise is one of the most important things cos it releases endorphins which make you feel good.

IO, playing sport helped you right when you were down?

ohthebaby

flyswatter wrote: »

I'm asking specific girls here because not every woman has a shared consciousness as you put it.

It's difficult for men to figure out this perspective because anorexia is more common in women.

Sure you could say the same thing about women who've never experienced an eating disorder. It might be difficult for them to figure out the perspective of an ed suffer.

flyswatter

jumpguy wrote: »

No, it's difficult for you to figure it out, not all men.

A bit harsh no?

Aoibheann

flyswatter wrote: »

Exercise is one of the most important things cos it releases endorphins which make you feel good.

Oh, I completely agree, it definitely saved me going mad on numerous occasions. However, I know plenty of people who suffer from depression (which would be fairly common alongside eating disorders) who can barely convince themselves to leave their homes, let alone get any exercise. It's hard to motivate yourself when you're in that kind of place. TBH, it's hard enough to motivate oneself most of the time even without circumstances going against you!

jumpguy

flyswatter wrote: »

A bit harsh no?

I'm sorry man, but how so exactly?

ohthebaby

flyswatter wrote: »

A bit harsh no?

Not really cos you kinda generalised a bit there! Some men would have suffered / are suffering from an eating disorder therefore comprehend the issue and all that's involved quite well.

Konata

Aoibheann wrote: »

Oh, I completely agree, it definitely saved me going mad on numerous occasions. However, I know plenty of people who suffer from depression (which would be fairly common alongside eating disorders) who can barely convince themselves to leave their homes, let alone get any exercise. It's hard to motivate yourself when you're in that kind of place. TBH, it's hard enough to motivate oneself most of the time even without circumstances going against you!

OH HAI :P

That describes me fairly well. Luckily I've past the part where I'm too scared to even leave my house but I still have massive problems motivating myself to exercise a lot of the time. I WANT to exercise so badly but no matter how much I want to, it's still extremely difficult for me to actually do it?

I know that sounds weird but that's what it's like and it sucks. Exercise IS fantastic for the mood but when you're depressed it can be very hard to actually partake in any physical activity.

Slow Show

flyswatter wrote: »

A bit harsh no?

Telling it like it is tbh. I sincerely doubt anyone here is trying to act harshly towards you, you just seem grossly uninformed/unaware of some things which are fairly common knowledge. But you might as well ask and broaden your horizons instead of staying quiet and not knowing, there's no need for mental health to be more taboo than it already has been.

Aoibheann

Konata wrote: »

OH HAI :P

That describes me fairly well. Luckily I've past the part where I'm too scared to even leave my house but I still have massive problems motivating myself to exercise a lot of the time. I WANT to exercise so badly but no matter how much I want to, it's still extremely difficult for me to actually do it?

I know that sounds weird but that's what it's like and it sucks. Exercise IS fantastic for the mood but when you're depressed it can be very hard to actually partake in any physical activity.

We'll go, I promise! Once these fecking exams are over, we'll go.

Sure look at me! I'm (apparently!) grand and I can't get the will to exercise, what hope does anyone else have? :pac:

Insect Overlord

flyswatter wrote: »

It's difficult for men to figure out this perspective because anorexia is more common in women.

I'm going to let people in on something here. I posted it in another forum back at the very start of the year. I think it's become relevant to this discussion. It might broaden your understanding, it might not. Anyway.

I came in here to confess something that was making me feel guilty. I made it my mission for this month to get my eating habits under control. I tend to binge on chocolate a lot. I'm at least a stone heavier than I'd like to be. Not terrible, but over-weight nonetheless. I've decided to give up drinking for the next six weeks as well in the hope that I'll stop eating take-aways for soakage on nights out. The idea is to lose about 7.5 kg over the next few months.

I only lasted two and a half days. Tonight I opened a tin of Quality Street and ate a fecking pile of them. Once I finally took a break and stopped eating the guilt started to sink in. And then I felt a sudden urge to do something stupid. For a minute or two I was considering making myself get sick. Now, I didn't do it, or even begin to, but just realising I was even thinking about it has left me a bit shocked.

I felt fat. I felt I should have had a six-pack and permanently obvious muscles. I thought I couldn't have these things because I was weak and liked to binge on chocolate. I didn't feel strong enough to just control my appetite, and I was very close to making a huge mistake.

Something stopped me. Some little moment of clarity/sense, I don't know. I've taken some advice from the fitness forum and some other posters on this site. I've researched some exercise programmes and started eating a bit better. I have good weeks and bad weeks. The last fortnight, with Easter and everything, hasn't helped!

flyswatter

Aoibheann wrote: »

Oh, I completely agree, it definitely saved me going mad on numerous occasions. However, I know plenty of people who suffer from depression (which would be fairly common alongside eating disorders) who can barely convince themselves to leave their homes, let alone get any exercise. It's hard to motivate yourself when you're in that kind of place. TBH, it's hard enough to motivate oneself most of the time even without circumstances going against you!

Yep, it depends on the person.

My determination as a child shaped the person I am today.

My old doctor compared 2 identical twins, both had Schizophrenia.

On the same medication. One kept in shape, the other got obese.

I would have got clinically obese but I ended up only close to obese.

One twin had more determination, the other didn't.

So you know, depends on the person.

Glad, everything worked out for me. I feel incredibly lucky and I'm grateful everything seemed to work out in the end.

Jackobyte

ihavequestions wrote: »

Just to let everyone know there is a Darkness into Light 5km walk on all over the country this Saturday morning at 4.30am for the Pieta House (late tonight in other words!). There's one in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Ennis and Galway. Online registration is now closed but you can register on the morning if you go early! I'll be doing the walk here in Kerry with my friends. We finish work at 4am and are going straight there! It's safe to say we'll sleep soundly when we get home!

http://darknessintolight.pieta.ie/Index.html

Damn, I want to do that now but I can't get my parents to bring me in.

Aoibheann

Most people I know will tell you I'm one of the most determined people they know. Funny how it doesn't always help things though.

flyswatter

Insect Overlord wrote: »

I'm going to let people in on something here. I posted it in another forum back at the very start of the year. I think it's become relevant to this discussion. It might broaden your understanding, it might not. Anyway.



I felt fat. I felt I should have had a six-pack and permanently obvious muscles. I thought I couldn't have these things because I was weak and liked to binge on chocolate. I didn't feel strong enough to just control my appetite, and I was very close to making a huge mistake.

Something stopped me. Some little moment of clarity/sense, I don't know. I've taken some advice from the fitness forum and some other posters on this site. I've researched some exercise programmes and started eating a bit better. I have good weeks and bad weeks. The last fortnight, with Easter and everything, hasn't helped!

Yeah, I can empathise with that, it ruined my confidence too cos I thought I was fat.

I ate a lot for a good while, cookies, chocolate, sugary stuff, and didn't exercise cos I was depressed.

I'm not saying men don't have body issues. Anorexia is far less common in men though right?

IHeartChemistry

flyswatter wrote: »

Yeah, I can empathise with that, it ruined my confidence too cos I thought I was fat.

I ate a lot for a good while, cookies, chocolate, sugary stuff, and didn't exercise cos I was depressed.

I'm not saying men don't have body issues. Anorexia is far less common in men though right?

Not far less common. Just far less noticed and reported. I heard stats in the radio last year that eating disorders were becoming higher in men than in women. Most men are just ashamed to admit they have one so less cases are being reported and treated.

Aoibheann

flyswatter wrote: »

I'm not saying men don't have body issues. Anorexia is far less common in men though right?

Apparently for every 4 women with anorexia, there's one man suffering from it. This is supposedly a huge increase from what it was before (one for every ten or so), so if anything it's on the up in men moreso than women, which is worrying.

CK2010

sometimes even if you do have the determination exercise it may still not have much effect though. il feel great doing it and be happy walking out of the gym but once im home its back to square one. and i do swimming one day a week, yoga once a week, pilates once a week, 2 hour gym sessions three days a week and hill/mountain walking the odd day off. dont get me wrong, its great to feel healthy and i do feel happy straight after a workout but for some people it doesnt have the happy effect that people tell you it will. maybe it will soon, sure even if it doesnt at least i have nice toned legs! :pac:

Pigwidgeon

I doubt it. It's just less reported because of stigma relating to men and eating disorders. Just because they don't seek help it doesn't make their problems any less significant or real.

It's people who insist that men don't suffer from the same mental health problems as women that add to the stigma and as result discourage men from seeking help as they may feel that it isn't a real problem or they will be judged.

jumpguy

flyswatter wrote: »

Anorexia is far less common in men though right?

Yes, it is, according to this article.

However, it should be taken seriously in both genders, and does occur in both genders. Boys have been subject to far less research than girls, according to this article.

The study said: "While there has been considerable attention to factors predicting eating disordered behaviour among adolescent girls, much less has focused on adolescent boys."

This is despite the fact that the levels of body dissatisfaction exhibited by boys and girls with eating disorders are similar, it added.

flyswatter

Am I appearing too overconfident here? Arrogant?

It's near exam time and I'm feeling really good today and everytime I've been out in college and away from my parents it's been fine cos they expect me to do everything now that I'm feeling good.

It's just the way I am and can't change that.

Seriously, if you asked any of my friends I haven't told about this did they think I had a serious psychotic illness I think they'd be pretty shocked to be honest.

I'm a normal guy and there is a misconception around that all Schizophrenics are dangerous in certain countries where there is stigma, particularly America.

Grindylow

I'm kinda late for this conversation and shizz..

But wow, Flyswatter, no offence, but half of the things you say are so wrong that they don't even require facts to prove it..

You seem to look on many mental health issues as a "female" thing.. You said you suffered from schizophrenia, I think, so does that make it a "male" thing? Because judging by your posts, you're going on hear-say, so technically, I could post again next week and say I think schizophrenia is a male thing because I heard of someone who has it..

ihavequestions

Jackobyte wrote: »

Damn, I want to do that now but I can't get my parents to bring me in.

I'm lucky I live close enough to where it starts ! I finished work early and am now planning to just stay up until it! I told the people at work about it and they were in shock, they have never heard of any fundraising going on for sucide and self harm prevention, they couldn't praise the whole thing enough. This is why events like this walk should take place more often- to spread awareness and ultimately lift the stigma attached!

I have been following this thread closely for the last few days and I agree with a lot of the things that are being said. I love how open everyone is being here and I really do hope this openness can one day transpire to the rest of the world , and people won't think you're an attention seeker/ freak if you admit to self harming or having an eating disorder.

I have never been to the doctor , or actually spoken to anyone about my feelings before. I don't think I suffer from a mental illness, though I do have very bad thoughts often. I do know a lot about the self harm side of things, as I have been self-harming since I was 14. Even writing that I feel like, I don't know, you all are going to think I'm an attention seeker. I know the feeling it gives- it makes you feel in power, if everything else is going shít at least you can control something and feel something else. It's an escape. The pain you feel the days following the cutting are the same, everytime you touch it you are reminded that you can control SOMETHING. I don't know if thats how it is for everyone, but that's how it is for me.

I so think I'm happier now in some ways though. I've had a pretty shít few months, like really bad, but I know that I will have a whole new start in a different country come September. I feel more motivated, more determined. I want to start my course in September a new, more confident person, and I think I may be on my way to becoming that person.

Insect Overlord

flyswatter wrote: »

Am I appearing too overconfident here? Arrogant?

I don't think you're coming across as either of those things. You're clearly curious and enthusiastic. I said it earlier, it's great to see people sharing and learning about mental health.

Maybe uninformed would be a better word. Like, you've your own personal experience and you've met others with different issues as well. I think you just need to do a bit more background reading to go with that experience. See things from a research point of view. Supplement what you already know, clarify things you're not sure of. It puts those individual stories into a wider context.

To be fair, I only started to really learn this stuff after a few years in college. Courses, talks, presentations, counselling appointments, reading on the Internet, etc. You'll pick it up bit by bit.

flyswatter wrote: »

I'm a normal guy and there is a misconception around that all Schizophrenics are dangerous in certain countries where there is stigma, particularly America.

Nothing to do with you having schizophrenia. Awareness of misconceptions is important, no doubt about that. I've just tried to challenge a few of the misconceptions you've put forward about illnesses and gender. Hope you haven't minded that.

unknown13

There is two short things I would like to say on this issue. Firstly, I have never had depression or been to a professional in relation to depression. I know how depression can effect people and I know that it can be very serious at times.

Secondly, Stigma is something that people with all kinds of long term illnesses and disabilities have to deal with everyday. There is so much stigma in society today it is crazy, people should be afraid that they will get looked down upon for having an illness or disability.

flyswatter

Noel2k9 wrote: »

I'm kinda late for this conversation and shizz..

But wow, Flyswatter, no offence, but half of the things you say are so wrong that they don't even require facts to prove it..

You seem to look on many mental health issues as a "female" thing.. You said you suffered from schizophrenia, I think, so does that make it a "male" thing? Because judging by your posts, you're going on hear-say, so technically, I could post again next week and say I think schizophrenia is a male thing because I heard of someone who has it..

Noel, did I ever say Schizophrenia was exclusively male?

Maybe take another read through this thread again and look at Degausser's posts in particular.

She dealt with it a bit differently but it sounded just as bad as mine if not worse. When she self harmed she was in much greater danger than I ever was. I made one serious suicide attempt. I was kicked out of a school because of it. I try not to think about that. Part of the past now, part of who I am. That's what gives me such mental strength.

I was luckier in the long run.

All I'm saying is that I perceive men and women to deal with stuff differently.

Grindylow

flyswatter wrote: »

Noel, did I ever say Schizophrenia was exclusively male?

Maybe take another read through this thread again and look at Degausser's posts in particular.

She dealt with it a bit differently but it sounded just as bad as mine if not worse. When she self harmed she was in much greater danger than I ever was. I made one serious suicide attempt. I was kicked out of a school because of it. I try not to think about that. Part of the past now, part of who I am. That's what gives me such mental strength.

I was luckier in the long run.

All I'm saying is that I perceive men and women to deal with stuff differently.

I don't think you understood my post.. at all..

flyswatter

Noel2k9 wrote: »

I don't think you understood my post.. at all..

Nah, I did.

I know a lot about mental illness and I'm just curious about anorexia really.

Grindylow

flyswatter wrote: »

Nah, I did.

I know a lot about mental illness and I'm just curious about anorexia really.

Maybe just phrase it a bit differently or something so! I don't mean to offend you but saying it's more of a male/female thing just kind of attaches a greater stigma to some mental health issues!

flyswatter

Noel2k9 wrote: »

Maybe just phrase it a bit differently or something so! I don't mean to offend you but saying it's more of a male/female thing just kind of attaches a greater stigma to some mental health issues!

What do you have issue with in what I said?

Nah, I'm far from offended, it's ok. I tend not to piss off people, well in real life.

I'm a forgiving dude.

Also it's the internet after all and it's just text.

Lawliet

flyswatter wrote: »

A bit harsh no?

I don't think anyone means to be harsh, it's just frustrating for people to see others have this sexist attitude towards a lot of mental illnesses. Frankly I think it's insulting to both genders.

Aoibheann

I think what Noel was saying is that if people were to go by a similar logic to the argument posed that self-harming is a thing women do, then mainly men would suffer from schizophrenia, i.e. I'm fairly sure there wasn't much logic to it (the original argument, that is, as I appear to have confused someone by this!)...

flyswatter

Aoibheann, a read through this thread should sort that, a balanced discussion is healthy after all.

Aoibheann

flyswatter wrote: »

Aoibheann, a read through this thread should sort that, a balanced discussion is healthy after all.

I'm not sure I get what you're saying here.. I've read through this thread countless times..? And I'm fairly sure that implying that a specific type of illness/harm/etc is tied to a specific gender isn't quite balanced. I do agree though, that these things should be discussed. People need to be informed and misconceptions need to be cleared up, and as this is one of the biggest sites going in Ireland - no better place!

EDIT: Also, apologies if I'm coming across as a bit harsh, it's just that bundling these sort of illnesses into neat little brackets is the absolute worst thing that can be done. People are already afraid to get the help they need, so to add further stigma to it could worsen the situation so much. I think it's amazing the power others being open has given to those who were struggling. People like yourself, Konata, degausser, etc sharing your experiences on this thread have probably helped more people than any of you know (we've an awfully large amount of lurkers here at times), so I just don't want all that work undone!

amacachi

Just an observation here, but it's amazing how out of whack people's perception can get sometimes. (Don't read the rest of this if you're going to be hypersensitive about it.)

For example eating binges. I'm not trying to belittle anyone or play down their problems but when I hear what counts as a binge for some people it amazes me that it's one of the things that gets to them. Tonight for example I had quite a bit of food and then passed out til nearly 2am. With each passing week I'm more sure I'm diabetic. :pac: It's just a perfect example of how certain imbalances make certain people (e.g. me) go to one end of the scale and not care while others wouldn't be halfway up such a scale and yet it seems like a big deal to them.

flyswatter

amacachi wrote: »

Just an observation here, but it's amazing how out of whack people's perception can get sometimes. (Don't read the rest of this if you're going to be hypersensitive about it.)

For example eating binges. I'm not trying to belittle anyone or play down their problems but when I hear what counts as a binge for some people it amazes me that it's one of the things that gets to them. Tonight for example I had quite a bit of food and then passed out til nearly 2am. With each passing week I'm more sure I'm diabetic. :pac: It's just a perfect example of how certain imbalances make certain people (e.g. me) go to one end of the scale and not care while others wouldn't be halfway up such a scale and yet it seems like a big deal to them.

Yeah, some sugary food and fast food is fine for most people.

It's when you eat several dinners and keep snacking on chocolate and sweets that you put on weight and the more weight you put on, the harder it is to burn it off with exercise.

It is easier for men to burn that stuff off and they have stuff like protein shakes and creatine that can get quicker results. I actually don't know what similar products there are for women to be honest.

amacachi

flyswatter wrote: »

Yeah, some sugary food and fast food is fine for most people.

It's when you eat several dinners and keep snacking on chocolate and sweets that you put on weight and the more weight you put on, the harder it is to burn it off with exercise.

It is easier for men to burn that stuff off and they have stuff like protein shakes and creatine that can get quicker results. I actually don't know what similar products there are for women to be honest.

Protein is full of energy, it makes it take longer to lose weight.

My point was more about how different perception can be depending on how people feel about what they're doing before they do it.

flyswatter

amacachi wrote: »

Protein is full of energy, it makes it take longer to lose weight.

My point was more about how different perception can be depending on how people feel about what they're doing before they do it.

Really? Protein is more important than carbs I think but you need both.

Whats your height if I can ask? I'm a good bit over 6ft so I guess I can handle more food.

amacachi

flyswatter wrote: »

Really? Protein is more important than carbs I think but you need both.

Whats your height if I can ask? I'm a good bit over 6ft so I guess I can handle more food.

Carbs are unnecessary but adding protein to one's diet will add a lot more calories so it'll take more effort to use them up short of heavy weight work.
I'm 6 foot 2 or so and very fat.

My perception is out of whack as well btw, I think I've gone very far to the other end of neurosis. When I drink over the summer it'll generally be an 8-10 hour binge and a dangerous amount. With college I care a lot but still can't be bothered to make any effort whatsoever. Making friends? In 2 year I've probably met 2 new mates. I do no physical activity and am developing some medical problems from it and smoking. As for relationships I'm not even going to go there.

What I'm saying I suppose is that perception is an odd thing. TBH other than drug-taking my behaviour hasn't changed much from when I was depressed to now. If anything it's gotten worse. Yet how I perceive things has swung from one ridiculous extreme to another.

Konata

amacachi wrote: »

Just an observation here, but it's amazing how out of whack people's perception can get sometimes. (Don't read the rest of this if you're going to be hypersensitive about it.)

For example eating binges. I'm not trying to belittle anyone or play down their problems but when I hear what counts as a binge for some people it amazes me that it's one of the things that gets to them. Tonight for example I had quite a bit of food and then passed out til nearly 2am. With each passing week I'm more sure I'm diabetic. :pac: It's just a perfect example of how certain imbalances make certain people (e.g. me) go to one end of the scale and not care while others wouldn't be halfway up such a scale and yet it seems like a big deal to them.

It is very true that different people will perceive a binge as something someone else would perceive as a normal amount of food. Quantities of food are very subjective but binge eating disorder and bulimia binges are so much more than just eating.

I've had anorexia and bulimia in the past. With my bulimia, I had many serious binges, several times a day at my worst. This is the hardest thing for me to admit, even to this day because I feel so, so ashamed at eating so much, especially considering I was once anorexic.

Binges are the most awful things I've ever experienced. You try so hard to resist but it's like you enter a trance. I used to walk over to Centra, keep my head down and just pack my basket full of as much food as I could find - pizza, rolls, buns, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, crisps, anything I could stuff in me as soon as possible. I'd rush back to my room, lock myself in and just eat and eat without stopping. You don't think about anything else when you're in that trance - only the food. And THAT'S what made me binge so often. Because in those little trances, I forgot about everything else that caused me pain. I thought about nothing but food for that period of time. It was just another escape from my world of inability to cope with anything.

But of course the trance doesn't last forever. Afterwards, my God, the guilt. The shame, the utter disgust. It's some of the most awful feelings I've ever experienced in my life. Yet the next day I'd do it all again. My entire life was taken over by food and I stopped going to college, stopped meeting friends, totally isolated myself. The more I ate, the more weight I put on and I couldn't deal with that.

Binging as part of an eating disorder is about so much more than just overeating and feeling a bit crap. That happens to everyone. That's what happens me now, frequently unfortunately but I haven't had a "trance" binge in a long time.

amacachi

Konata wrote: »

It is very true that different people will perceive a binge as something someone else would perceive as a normal amount of food. Quantities of food are very subjective but binge eating disorder and bulimia binges are so much more than just eating.

I've had anorexia and bulimia in the past. With my bulimia, I had many serious binges, several times a day at my worst. This is the hardest thing for me to admit, even to this day because I feel so, so ashamed at eating so much, especially considering I was once anorexic.

Binges are the most awful things I've ever experienced. You try so hard to resist but it's like you enter a trance. I used to walk over to Centra, keep my head down and just pack my basket full of as much food as I could find - pizza, rolls, buns, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, crisps, anything I could stuff in me as soon as possible. I'd rush back to my room, lock myself in and just eat and eat without stopping. You don't think about anything else when you're in that trance - only the food. And THAT'S what made me binge so often. Because in those little trances, I forgot about everything else that caused me pain. I thought about nothing but food for that period of time. It was just another escape from my world of inability to cope with anything.

But of course the trance doesn't last forever. Afterwards, my God, the guilt. The shame, the utter disgust. It's some of the most awful feelings I've ever experienced in my life. Yet the next day I'd do it all again. My entire life was taken over by food and I stopped going to college, stopped meeting friends, totally isolated myself. The more I ate, the more weight I put on and I couldn't deal with that.

Binging as part of an eating disorder is about so much more than just overeating and feeling a bit crap. That happens to everyone. That's what happens me now, frequently unfortunately but I haven't had a "trance" binge in a long time.

I understand that and it wasn't my point, my point was just the massive difference in perception of different people in different mental states that I just find interesting. I doubt most people could eat what I ate last night but I didn't feel bad about it, it's that difference in perception that I was just saying I find interesting. Along with alcohol and socialising as well as other things.

flyswatter

amacachi wrote: »

Carbs are unnecessary but adding protein to one's diet will add a lot more calories so it'll take more effort to use them up short of heavy weight work.
I'm 6 foot 2 or so and very fat.

My perception is out of whack as well btw, I think I've gone very far to the other end of neurosis. When I drink over the summer it'll generally be an 8-10 hour binge and a dangerous amount. With college I care a lot but still can't be bothered to make any effort whatsoever. Making friends? In 2 year I've probably met 2 new mates. I do no physical activity and am developing some medical problems from it and smoking. As for relationships I'm not even going to go there.

What I'm saying I suppose is that perception is an odd thing. TBH other than drug-taking my behaviour hasn't changed much from when I was depressed to now. If anything it's gotten worse. Yet how I perceive things has swung from one ridiculous extreme to another.

It's definitely the lack of exercise that's doing that. It also sounds like your drinking a lot of alcohol which is not helping as there is a massive amount of sugar content in that. I'd say go to the college doctor who can advise a diet plan etc. About the protein, it is important for men, I would seriously advise changing your diet. I was very worried that I might be diabetic for a good while.

IHeartChemistry

Wow...this has kinda gotten mega out of hand.

I understand flyswatter you need to ask questions and you want answers but theres just some things we can't answer. Unless you suffer from it, you kinda wont understand it.

Everyone has different mind sets and different brain chemistry. Some people get sick and some people don't. Some mental illnesses are genetic. Others aren't. People develop things for unknown reasons and suffer from them for reasons only they know.

People hide things (and when your as ill as some people are, hiding it becomes second nature, I became a pro at hiding everything I did) People are ashamed to suffer from mental ilnesses such as eating disorders because of the way society is. Reality is society doesnt accept mental illnesses and people are scared. That then makes the people who suffer from it scared because they feel the world will turn against them.

The world revolves around how other people see us, regardless if we want to believe it and accept it. Its why so many of us suffer from depression and eating disorders. Just society dictates how we take it and see it.

People become ashamed, vunerable, scared. Its why so many cases are unreported each year. Guys are also in a sense more afraid because of the image men have these days. Tough, strong and nothing can beat them. Women are in a sense seen as weaker.

Society really can be a bitch at times.

Insect Overlord

flyswatter wrote: »

It is easier for men to burn that stuff off and they have stuff like protein shakes and creatine that can get quicker results. I actually don't know what similar products there are for women to be honest.

I'm not a nutrition expert, but this has me baffled. Who says women can't use protein shakes and creatine?

Grindylow

Insect Overlord wrote: »

I'm not a nutrition expert, but this has me baffled. Who says women can't use protein shakes and creatine?

Because everyone knows it's a male thing.

I heard it off my friend. :rolleyes:

flyswatter

No, sorry about that IO, maybe I phrased that wrongly or you misunderstood. I didn't say women can't use them , I just don't know anything about the female products. I'm not an authority on fitness by any means but I do know what worked for me but I suppose it was because of my self discipline that helped. Noel, you're being a bit immature there. I'm not being sexist here. I was just asking a genuine question about an illness I don't understand. Looking back at this tonight maybe I came across as a bit forceful in my views. I haven't been to a certain ward in that hospital where a lot of the people most at risk would have been staying. So if I offended anyone, sorry. Didn't mean to seriously. Keep on going its worth it in the end

Aoibheann

flyswatter wrote: »

It is easier for men to burn that stuff off and they have stuff like protein shakes and creatine that can get quicker results. I actually don't know what similar products there are for women to be honest.

flyswatter wrote: »

No, sorry about that IO, maybe I phrased that wrongly or you misunderstood. I didn't say women can't use them

Well, you basically said that men have products that can get these quicker results which would seem to imply that women don't. Also, your second sentence mentions a lack of knowledge of products for women. Now, to the best of my knowledge women can take these exact same things as men.

I know that you're not trying to come across as sexist in anything you're saying, but to be honest you still are. I'd suggest reading over what you've said thus far because you've made comparisons between the genders that, quite frankly, are annoying and a bit ridiculous at times. Again, I don't wish to sound harsh, but some of the things that have been said have irritated and offended me (the self-harm thing mostly). I understand the questions, because the more any of us learn about various mental health issues, the better - but you seriously need to consider how you phrase things!

Jay P

I've debated whether or not I would post an update here for a very long time. I've had them written out a few times, and then decided last minute not to submit, but I'm going to do it now. (Though don't blame me if I end up removing this...)

I was diagnosed with depression 3 days before Christmas, and since then I've just gotten worse and worse. Talking about it is incredibly difficult, and I spent days wondering if I should say something to my parents, or just hope it would go away. In the end I said it to them and saw my GP who prescribed me anti-depressants.

In March I went back to my GP and he increased the dosage of the anti-depressants and referred me to a psychiatrist. He also recommended that I talk to a counsellor, but I haven't worked up the courage to do that yet... Anyway, I only saw the psychiatrist on Friday, and she was lovely. I felt comfortable telling her stuff that I find hard even thinking about... And she prescribed me a different medication because the other one had no effect at all, and scheduled another appointment for June, so hopefully I'll see an improvement before then....

I haven't told very many people about it purely because I find it so hard to talk about. Aside from my parents, I've only told people when I've been drunk. I sometimes fit the title of "Classic emotional drunk" One of my friends has been brilliant though, I feel comfortable enough to tell him when I'm feeling shit. It helps being able to verbalize that kind of thing.

The last few months have been pretty tough. It's been very hard to live with depression, the feelings of sadness and lethargy are horrible, but the helplessness is the hardest thing to live with.

Gi joe!

Jay P wrote: »

It's been very hard to live with depression, the feelings of sadness and lethargy are horrible, but the helplessness is the hardest thing to live with.

Excellent point. That feeling of having no control over anything in your life, no matter what you do is the nastiest part of being depressed. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: you stop trying because you can't see a positive outcome, and because you stop trying you can never move forward.

Hope things pick up for you!