Depression

Mr Benevolent

Strangely, this thread has made me realise that I'm only slightly depressed at times. Great thread, long may it last and mods please don't move it to PI, it's great to make everyone more aware of depression in Ireland and AH is the perfect place to do it.

Oranage2

Confab wrote: »

Strangely, this thread has made me realise that I'm only slightly depressed at times. Great thread, long may it last and mods please don't move it to PI, it's great to make everyone more aware of depression in Ireland and AH is the perfect place to do it.

Same, I thought I was depressed when I felt a little "bummed out" for a few weeks but after hearing what some people go through depression sound like an horrendous thing to have to live with and I doubt I ever had it.

It is so great that people have contributed so much to this thread. Thank you all.

Quick question - what should be done to tackle depression and help those suffering with it? What changes should be brought in?

ShadowGal

I think people need to not be so hard on themselves when they are feeling a little down, like we expect to be happy 24/7 and bouncing off of the walls with glee everyday. It ok to be a little gloomy every now and then, even if its for a day or 2, once you or your loved ones around you can spot the difference between having a bad few days and full on depression.

Ive had crappy days where ive felt awful, but the best advise i can give is find a good friend and talk talk talk. Best wishes to anyone suffering from depression

WesternNight

Deleted User wrote: »

Quick question - what should be done to tackle depression and help those suffering with it? What changes should be brought in?

Well, I think this is one example of something that could be done - not shoving the subject under the carpet, or into PI forum. That's not to say there's anything with PI, obviously, but with something like this it's important to bring it into the mainstream as much as possible, because there are so many misconceptions about it, and about the people who suffer from it. The more awareness there is about it, the better. After that, I don't really know.

t0mm13b

Deleted User wrote: »

It is so great that people have contributed so much to this thread. Thank you all.

Quick question - what should be done to tackle depression and help those suffering with it? What changes should be brought in?

• Learn to go easy on yourself, but do not get complacent
• Read boardsie for some threads that are hilarious and funny
• Participate in boardsie threads, and reply back, no matter how silly it sounds, you will feel good as you will start to listen more to your inner voice when expressing yourself
• Cut out negative friends who drain/sap energy from you. Stick to the real good friends you have - now you will have to consider this carefully.... don't burn bridges with your family...despite the shyte they might eschew and spout on...
• Write down goals and keep track of it, simple ones, such as "Go for a walk"...once you achieve it, reward yourself with a nice hot cuppa or treat yourself something nice, for accomplishing that said goal...build up on it... you will learn to respect yourself more...
• Don't dwell on things you have said/felt/done within the last 24 hours... you will learn to let go and be surprised at how easy it gets after a while
• Do something with yourself, such as hobbies...keep the mind busy - I do sudoku a lot.....

Sounds patronizing, but the thing is, with depression, all aspects of yourself, respect, hygiene, dignity goes out the window... you have to re-learn them which is in the bullet points above, hard it may be....that's how you get back the control of your life and not hand it over to the black darkness ...

Above all, learn to love yourself a bit more.... (sounds selfish... but you have to be selfish to survive it and in order to live....)

My 2cents...

Konata

I suffer from depression and have done for years. It has ranged from mild to very, very severe but luckily I'm doing a lot better now.

I've suffered from anorexia, self harm, bulimia and abused alcohol and prescription drugs. Underlying all of that was my depression - it was at it's worst in the period of September 2009 to March of this year but it's something that's always there y'know? I'm on anti depressants at the moment and have been since Feb although I do wonder about how much my improvement can be attritubted to medication.

I could talk for ever about my battle with depression and other mental illnesses but I just want to emphasize how important it is to get help if you're feeling down. As with everything, the earlier it's caught the easier it is to treat. And the second most important thing to remember is that if you go to a doctor, a counseller or whatever and you don't think they're helping you, you don't think you click or whatever, DON'T GIVE UP! I saw a terrible counseller for my anorexia when I was 16 and just gave up because it wasn't helping me. If I had sought out another counseller back then I don't think all the shít that followed would have happened. I tried 2 more counsellers in Dublin last year before I found one that suited me. I've been to several psychiatists and it really is so much easier when you're working with someone you trust and who you feel comfortable with. I really can't emphasize that enough!

Dilynnio

Deleted User wrote: »

It is so great that people have contributed so much to this thread. Thank you all.

Quick question - what should be done to tackle depression and help those suffering with it? What changes should be brought in?

AWARENESS.....................people need to be aware of the symptoms and signs that are making them feel depressed at an early stage and what is happening in their lives that is contributing to that feeling.

Most people hide away because of the stigma associated with it. I used to always worry about what others thought but I have learned now not to care. You only have one life so who really gives a fcuk what so and so down the street thinks.

It affects a lot of people and there really are people who do care and want to help others out there.Don't suffer in silence. Its always good to talk.

I think a new campaign is really needed in this country. Maybe some celebs or sportsmen who suffer/suffered need to make a stance on it. Some really good leaflets on the subject is needed and also a proper dedicated phone line that is properly funded by the government is needed.

For me though the weather also has a huge impact on my moods! Better weather please!

P.S since boards is such a massive platform maybe something can be done here. It is great to see all the people who have come on and contributed. Fair play to you all.

TeddyTedson

I never suffered from depression. Lucky.

Never realized so many people did though. That poll is an eye opener.

Dilynnio

Dilynnio wrote: »

AWARENESS.....................people need to be aware of the symptoms and signs that they are getting or feel depressed at an early stage.

Most people hide away because of the stigma associated with it. I used to always worry about what others thought but I have learned now not to care. You only have one life so who really gives a fcuk what so and so down the street thinks.

It affects a lot of people and there really are people who do care and want to help others out there.Don't suffer in silence. Its always good to talk.

I think a new campaign is really needed in this country. Maybe some celebs or sportsmen who suffer/suffered need to make a stance on it. Some really good leaflets on the subject is needed and also a proper dedicated phone line that is properly funded by the government is needed.

For me though the weather also has a huge impact on my moods! Better weather please!

I agree completely. It would be amazing to have well-known people in the public arena to talk about it openly. Then we could slowly get rid of any stigmas that are associated with it.

Something I was personally thinking of is a mobile unit for health awareness, one with a trained counselor that travels around the country making sessions.

Dilynnio

Deleted User wrote: »

I agree completely. It would be amazing to have well-known people in the public arena to talk about it openly. Then we could slowly get rid of any stigmas that are associated with it.

Something I was personally thinking of is a mobile unit for health awareness, one with a trained counselor that travels around the country making sessions.

Thats a great idea....educate people and make them aware. For me awareness is so important. I recognise it in myself now and I seek help immediately......just by talking to someone or by acknowledging it in my own mind and making the changes that are needed not to be overwhelmed and consumed by it.

It can jump up and bite you in the bum before you know it.Yes it is easier to be in bed all day than to go and talk to someone but you have to make the effort to want to get out of it. If I didn't recognise it I would not be able to help myself out of it.

I still live a very normal life. I hold down a good job and I still go out as normal. So its not a big deal to me anymore, it is part and parcel of who I am and I accept that. I also don't hide it. It takes time and hard work but you can get threw it.

What can I add to the first post to help raise more awareness, for those unwilling to read through the whole thread?

WesternNight

Support and awareness for family and friends of people with depression as well. I can only imagine how terrifying it must be to have a child or sibling or friend diagnosed with depression...and I think some of that fear could be alleviated if people were better equipped to deal with it and even to be made aware of what it is. Knowing what to say and what not to say, and just how to approach the whole thing.

pheasant tail

Yaa people that never had depression wil never properly understand it and what it intails.! its a chemical illness:( and shouldnt be anything to be embarassed about!

Wolfe Tone

For what its worth I decided to tell my mother today.

Apparently I may have:

Iron deficiency, take vitamin tablets!
Have been stuck in my room too much
Should read the secret
Should go back to mass
Too much time on the internet
Should try holistic medicine
Should burn lavender
Hormonal imbalance, also explains thinning hair

After I shot down all those things she finally suggested I should go to the doctor, who would do a blood test which would explain everything!

The best bit was when she said "What do you have to feel down about?" Which has made me feel pretty guilty. The worse thing is that she really means all those things and is trying to help.

The fact that I expected that reaction means it doesnt really bother me.

Dunno why Im posting about it here really, thought someone might be interested.

anniehoo

The most brilliant thread ive read in here in a long while. Well done to everyone whos been so open and honest, its so brave.

Depression runs in my family, my mother suffers and my granny did too. While i wouldnt say i have depression per se, i have to keep myself in check with regards to my moods as i can get quite introspected and maudlin sometimes. Any of my friends will tell ya id be fairly out going and fun to be around,but im shy by nature and my friends bring the fun side out in me. Left to my own devices im quite moody and often wondered was it borderline depression as i also worry too much too which makes me tired far too often that is healthy.

This country is rife with this condition and i cant believe that help is so difficult and so expensive to come by. Suicide is one of the top, if not the top killers of people in Ireland yet its barely talked about and getting help is so difficult to get unless you're literally carried in the door of a hospital in an ambulance.

About 7 or 8 yrs ago, i was quite low (worrying about my mams situation and her depression) and went to a doctor about it. I NEVER go to doctors so this was a big deal to me. Her response "well you dont look depressed" WTF??! I literally was stunned. Because i was dressed and presentable and on my way to work, i couldnt possibly have been depressed.Her advice was to lose some weight( i wasnt fat),eat better and get an early night. Yet id probably spent the guts of a year feeling awful,dull headed and constantly worried but functioning. She'd never heard of a "functioning depressive"..amazing!:rolleyes:

Its always in my mind due to family history that im predisposed to it so if i find myself getting "in the horrors" as i put it, i make a point of seeing my friends,keeping active and watching what i drink. My low moods are manageable for me but i always worry that it'll catch me out in the future.

Long post sorry, didnt intend it to be either. Ah well. Ive watched 2 family members (and a good few friends and colleagues) go through this and it is a seriously frightening condition that i wouldnt wish on my worst enemy. I have literally lost my mother to it. Shes still alive, but its not the mother i knew 15 years ago, its robbed her of any trace of what i remember her to be and wrecked the family to be quite honest.

I wish there wasnt such a stigma about it and there was a more transparent,cheaper and accessible mental health service in this country. Good luck to everyone whos in the midst of it right now-hopin the sun shines brighter for you very soon!;)

WesternNight

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

For what its worth I decided to tell my mother today.

Apparently I may have:

Iron deficiency, take vitamin tablets!
Have been stuck in my room too much
Should read the secret
Should go back to mass
Too much time on the internet
Should try holistic medicine
Should burn lavender
Hormonal imbalance, also explains thinning hair

After I shot down all those things she finally suggested I should go to the doctor, who would do a blood test which would explain everything!

The best bit was when she said "What do you have to feel down about?" Which has made me feel pretty guilty. The worse thing is that she really means all those things and is trying to help.

The fact that I expected that reaction means it doesnt really bother me.

Dunno why Im posting about it here really, thought someone might be interested.

And this is why people need to be educated about depression. Not only the people with it, but the people who are there to support them. Because that kind of reaction is what stops people talking about it any further.

Not posting about it won't help anyone, but posting about it might help you and might help other people too either directly or indirectly.

WesternNight

WesternNight wrote: »

And this is why people need to be educated about depression. Not only the people with it, but the people who are there to support them. Because that kind of reaction is what stops people talking about it any further.

Not posting about it won't help anyone, but posting about it might help you and might help other people too either directly or indirectly.

Even just placing a vote is acknowledging that it's there and that a person may have it. Congrats at admitting it, Mussolini - it must have take such strength.

bluecatmorgana

Limerick Dude wrote: »

First of all I would just like to thank the OP for setting up this thread and it's great to see the amount of positive replies to this thread and for people taking this seriously, especially in After Hours.

Well I'm a 21 year old male, currently in my final year of college.

I think I've always known I've had some level of depression throughout my life, I can't remember anytime when I was happy with life or happy being me. I've always had a serious lack of confidence throughout my life and it's something I still have. I was bullied a lot at primary and secondary school, my mother past away when i was 9 years old and I found out when I was a teenager that I'm actually adopted, my biological mother has sent me birthday cards throughout a lot of my life. I say some of these factors have had an affect on me.

I'm currently receiving counselling in my University. I have had 2 sessions so far, and my counseller says that the most important thing right now is to try and get myself through the final year of college. So a lot of my "therapy" seems to be little things like getting more exercise, better diet and doing a lot of cognitive therapy, so writing out thought records and learning how it is negative thoughts which cause negative feelings and to try and identify the distortion which occurs.

What really put me over the edge to receive counselling was my recent break up with my girlfriend. I'm still nowhere near over her, and the crippling sense of lonliness, isolation and hopelessness which I have been experiencing have been indescribable. I have had thoughts of suicide, but I honestly don't think I could ever carry out such an attempt or even begin to plan something, I love my Dad too much to do that to him and he has had a tough enough life as it is.

My counseller reckons i suffer from both depression and anxiety. I was a bit dissapointed when she told me that we wont focus as much on my adoption, death of my mother etc but rather on the cognitive therapy and getting myself through my final semester. Should I mention my scepticism to her?

Can someone also tell me how they found cognitive therapy? You know such as writing out journal entries, thought records and all that sort of stuff. I sort of feel it's not going to have a great effect on me and I have only found it to be slightly beneficial to me so far.

Again, well done to the OP, this is a great thread and hopefully it could even be stickied.

LD

Hi Limerick Guy, I would definitely mention the fact that you want to talk about your adoption and your mothers death, you want to talk about them and it could help so why not. It just happens that cognitive therapy is more about the present thoughts not the past, but if its important to you, mention it.

I did a year of cognitive behaviour therapy and found it very good for fighting anxiety, I say fighting because you have to battle with yourself a bit and it will help. Saying that it didnt get rid of my depression and eventually what changed for me was an anti-psychotic medication I was put on.

So I would say for me it helped a lot but wasnt the complete answer.

bluecatmorgana

pheasant tail wrote: »

My GP told me that depression,,if not treated will still go totally away in time,,is this true????
Can i also ask has anyone ever suffered depression due to roaccutane and if so how did it end up???

for some people it will go away by itself say by their situation changing or even the season changing but for others it will not just go away.

Brussels Sprout

Dilynnio wrote: »

I think a new campaign is really needed in this country. Maybe some celebs or sportsmen who suffer/suffered need to make a stance on it.

A few years ago I spent some time in New Zealand and the ads below were played a lot on national TV. They feature John Kirwan, who's a former All Black who had suffered from severe depression.

youtube link 1

link 2

link 3

bluecatmorgana

stupidusername wrote: »

I just want to address the issue there that some people have brought up about if it's genetic / chemical imbalance etc. None of this is proven. I mean no one knows for sure if one person will take to meds better than another person, and there's no guarantee that meds will help. I mean my mother was always in moods while I was growing up, and I know she was on St Johns Wort for a while, and the three of us now at separate points have been on anti depressants, but I would be more putting this down to how my mother being depressed affected our growing up, rather than saying it's genetic.

The chemical balance thing is definitely true for some depression. Take bipolar depression were people feel high and low over several weeks, that can definitely have positive effects with medication.

sheesh

Star Bingo wrote: »

so who'd like to take a stab at defining depression then? cos the definitions are conflicting. the 'reality' man insists on shaping can 'depress' us all; particularly in our current climate when it all goes t!ts up.. may well be better locking yourself away tbh - but is it really a chemical imbalance which only prescribed medication can aid? because those things depressed me even more.. n trust me i was depressed! ? otherwise melancholy thanks.. or a sort of.. sober sombriety. out of choice - but who do you listen to on such matters? who do you choose to ignore. when it stems from the self; has it to do with the self? sure there's contributary outside factors but.. the solution lies within yourself.

if you have trouble sleeping, are regularly tearful, lacking in motivation, tired, anxious on a regular basis for 4 weeks and you have not suffered a recent bereavement (previous 6-12 months I think)

you can consider yourself clinically depressed.

A doctor can perscribe medication to lift your mood but if the depression has some sort of cause councilling sessions might be required to figure out what the issues are and what changes the patient can make.

WesternNight

sheesh wrote: »

if you have trouble sleeping, are regularly tearful, lacking in motivation, tired, anxious on a regular basis for 4 weeks and you have not suffered a recent bereavement (previous 6-12 months I think)

you can consider yourself clinically depressed.

Eh. What? Are you a physician?

I could have trouble sleeping because of some pain or discomfort somewhere in my body. I could be regularly tearful because I'm a ****ty relationship, or in a job I hate. I could be tired on a regular basis because of an excessively busy schedule, or because of a bad diet. I could have all of that happening at the same time, for more than a month and I would not be clinically depressed. It's not as simple as that.

This is part of the problem here, folks.

kowloon

Brussels Sprout wrote: »

A few years ago I spent some time in New Zealand and the ads below were played a lot on national TV. They feature John Kirwan, who's a former All Black who had suffered from severe depression.

Just to make things a little more convenient.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ9yRhCiLfA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUvy3JQb6x8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nkZQZfFSCs

This thread reminds me of AH a while back.

steddyeddy

I dont think depression is anything to be ashamed off, a lot of animals get depression. A top antropologist said thats depression was our ancestors way of telling them to stay in the cave. It helped me to realize that its natural and evolved as a prtective mechanisim to help us. The same with anxiety, whenever i get anxious about something i tell myself that the anxiety is trying to help me but that doesnt mean im facing a threat, it just means theres a system in place to warn me in case theres a threat.

t0mm13b

steddyeddy wrote: »

I dont think depression is anything to be ashamed off, a lot of animals get depression. A top antropologist said thats depression was our ancestors way of telling them to stay in the cave. It helped me to realize that its natural and evolved as a prtective mechanisim to help us. The same with anxiety, whenever i get anxious about something i tell myself that the anxiety is trying to help me but that doesnt mean im facing a threat, it just means theres a system in place to warn me in case theres a threat.

:eek:

Sources please.....?

That I do not know what to say to this patronizing posting......

Wake UP! Who fed you that load of codswollop...... :rolleyes:

bluecatmorgana

Those ads with John Kirwan are excellent, thanks for posting them.

What needs to be done?
Well imagine if every single person who has suffered or who is suffering from depression or who knew someone who suffered from depression got up tomorrow and just brought it up in their general conversation, that would be at least half the country. If more people talked about it depression wouldnt seem so taboo.

When I was in the midst of my depression to talk about it out loud was difficult but as time went out and I had to talk to doctors, occupational therapists, therapist, psychiatrists and psychologists about my history of depression it became easier.

About two weeks ago we were talking about drugs in the staff room and someone mentioned the long term effects were unknown and I said "really?, thats interesting as Ive been on them for 10 years now. " It worked out well as some people were interested in knowing what kind of doctor or therapist I went to, the effects I had and they were able to ask me. One man even told us his wife had been on them since their son was born. I mean stuff just flowed out, it was great. I felt like I had "came out" and I was being accepted, but was even better was they dont see me as being the depressed girl but bluecat the living functioning generally normal person and I could answer their questions.

I think what would also help if there were more story lines on tv were mental health was a theme and dealt with in a positive manner, like for example someone on Eastenders going to their doctor for depression and being told to cop on and then they dump their gp and go to another gp who helps them. It would show how perserving people with MI have to be and how you can find help.
I work with people with intellectual disabilities and would love to see people with ID on tv programs like Becky in Glee. It makes for a more inclusive society.

steddyeddy

t0mm13b wrote: »

:eek:

Sources please.....?

That I do not know what to say to this patronizing posting......

Wake UP! Who fed you that load of codswollop...... :rolleyes:

what? i think you took me up wrong mate, when i feel depressed this helps me. im not trying to tell people they should think of depression this way. it comes from an evolutionary psychologist called paul gilbert. I do believe it but if no one else does fine it helps me. i think your over reacting to be honest. what part do you have a problem with?

t0mm13b

steddyeddy wrote: »

what? i think you took me up wrong mate, when i feel depressed this helps me. im not trying to tell people they should think of depression this way. it comes from an evolutionary psychologist called paul gilbert. I do believe it but if no one else does fine it helps me. i think your over reacting to be honest. what part do you have a problem with?

Thats your prerogative.... which is fine... but don't tell us by spouting about some evolutionary psychologist....

this is as real as it gets and has nothing to do with the "evolutionary" crackpot theory... it can happen to anyone as it happened to myself included... it will bite you hard in the arse... this thread is about sharing in order to get rid of the stigma and lay bare the difficulties of it... who needs to know "animals suffer with it"....

Some who have posted previously can feel suicidal and tbqh what you said does not help one bit at all... and your posting sounds condescending and belittling those who were open about it and shared on this thread.....