Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

Depression Truly Sucks...

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » The DU Lounge Donate to DU
 
RetroLounge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:51 PM
Original message
Depression Truly Sucks...
:-(

RL
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
lizziegrace Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:52 PM
Response to Original message
1. It certainly does
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Writer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:52 PM
Response to Original message
2. Oh no, Retro...
I'm so sorry! I've been battling that for about twenty years, and it never gets easy. If you ever want to PM me to just talk it out, feel free.

:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Deja Q Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:52 PM
Response to Original message
3. Understandable...
:hug:

That's a clean and innocent :hug: too. No groping. Contrary to popular belief, I am respectable...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
devilgrrl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:52 PM
Response to Original message
4. Doesn't it?
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DeposeTheBoyKing Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:53 PM
Response to Original message
5. It truly does
And it is a lifelong battle. :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
RevolutionaryActs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:55 PM
Response to Original message
6. Aw
:( :hug:



Maybe posting naked pictures would help? ;)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:17 PM
Response to Reply #6
22. Could You Send Me Some?
:hug:

how ya doing Rev,

I still missed you while you were gone!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
RetroLounge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 01:55 PM
Response to Reply #6
72. Couldn't hurt.
I'll look forward to seeing yours...

:9

RL
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
seemunkee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:56 PM
Response to Original message
7. Yes it does
I hope you are getting some help, for your sake and the sake of those little imps of yours.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
greatauntoftriplets Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:56 PM
Response to Original message
8. I am so sorry, Retro....
My mother suffered from it for years. The holiday season always is a bad time for depression.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Oeditpus Rex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 08:57 PM
Response to Original message
9. It sure ain't in my 'five'
And I'm gonna run out of Lexapro before I can see my doctor again. x(

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Cheney Killed Bambi Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 12:27 AM
Response to Reply #9
42. You should call him (or her)
Your doctor might be able to phone in a prescription for just a few days if you're running short.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Oeditpus Rex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 01:46 AM
Response to Reply #42
45. It's not a prescription
She gives me samples because I don't have insurance.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Cheney Killed Bambi Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:33 PM
Response to Reply #45
92. You have a nice doctor
If she keeps you afloat on free samples because you don't have insurance, then that shows she really cares.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
TommyO Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 05:37 PM
Response to Reply #9
85. UH OH!
Edited on Thu Dec-14-06 05:41 PM by TommyO
See if they can call in a refill prior to your appointment. Going a few days without your SSRI is nasty, I know this from personal experience.

Edited to add: OK, if I read the entire thread before responding I would have read about your situation. Good luck.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SeattleGirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 09:03 PM
Response to Original message
10. Yes it does, RL
I know, first hand. :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
WritingIsMyReligion Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 09:04 PM
Response to Original message
11. Never battled a chronic case of it meself, but it just sounds horrendous.
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
bridgit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 09:06 PM
Response to Original message
12. yep...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
graywarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 09:09 PM
Response to Original message
13. Yup.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
crim son Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 09:18 PM
Response to Original message
14. Never stop fighting it.
There are so many of us who understand and care :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bullwinkle925 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 09:26 PM
Response to Original message
15. Indeed.
Take care of yourself.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
FedUpWithIt All Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 09:37 PM
Response to Original message
16. Yes sir, it surely does...
:hug:

Warm hugs do not. Hold in there.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Redstone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:06 PM
Response to Original message
17. And it's dangerous. Get yourself some fucking help, NOW! Therapy AND medication.
Edited on Wed Dec-13-06 10:06 PM by Redstone
Don't screw around with depression. It's NOT "just feeling sad." It's a chemical imbalance in your brain, and you NEED to treat it, or it can fuck up your life big time.

Redstone
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BarenakedLady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:09 PM
Response to Original message
18. Uhm hello?
150mg on Zoloft and still no improvement. PM me anytime you need to vent. :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:16 PM
Response to Reply #18
21. That's A Load Of Zoloft
not going to give medical advice because I'm not qualified to do that.

I took Zoloft once, made me mad as a march hare. I was manic on that stuff. Couldn't sit still, couldn't stop talking, cracking jokes at inappropriate times. Hell it was fun, but, it made me a nervous wreck after about a week of that.

Now I take Paxil and Klonipin, and I stay a little closer to where I feel I should be.

I'm sorry you aren't getting relief my friend. Maybe Zoloft isn't for you. Sometimes another med will help.

:hug: :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BarenakedLady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:17 PM
Response to Reply #21
23. Yup
Giving it about another 3 weeks before I switch to Effexor (I think), plus I'm on Clonazapam for anxiety. I'm totally screwed up. LoL.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:28 PM
Response to Reply #23
27. Sounds Like It
klonipin=clonazapam

Loved effexor-blood pressure went up

me=screwn too:thumbsdown:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BarenakedLady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:41 PM
Response to Reply #27
29. Great
We should start a group of screwn morans! :bounce:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 11:02 PM
Response to Reply #29
32. Hi, My Name Is__________, and I'm a Screwn Moran!
:rofl:

oh well, I feel I'd be in good company.

maybe the "screwn morans" are really the sane ones, and the ones who think they aren't are the insane ones.

I'd buy that!

:yoiks:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
KitchenWitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 03:42 AM
Response to Reply #32
48. I, too, am a screwn moran
I am on 200 mg Zoloft! 100 or 150 does not even TOUCH my depression, but 200 works.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BlueIris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 04:01 AM
Response to Reply #48
49. Oh, KW. I didn't know you were "one of us."
I knew someone else who took 200 mg per day, if that makes you feel better.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
KitchenWitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 04:07 AM
Response to Reply #49
50. I think there are more of "us" than even we know!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mzteris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:31 AM
Response to Reply #50
62. Maybe that's why I like this place so much . . .
Trying to climb out myself.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 04:29 PM
Response to Reply #48
81. Well, That's Good It Works
What I'm taking is working most of the time.

At times it seems like it peters out, and other times I'm a little overhyped IMO

but it beats the hell out of the way it was before for sure!

:shrug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NoSheep Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 04:33 PM
Response to Reply #18
82. What helped me: Older drugs
Nortriptiline first...then switched after several years and lots of side effects to Desipramine which works great with no side effects. The newer drugs don't work for me either.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BarenakedLady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 04:38 PM
Response to Reply #82
83. Wow
I was on Desiprimine about 15-20 years ago, that worked wonders. Actually my therapist suggested I try that again. But my gp put me on Zoloft. Perhaps I should look into it again. Thanks for the advice.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:28 PM
Response to Reply #82
90. Took Nortriptilene
Made me whacky

of course, maybe I'm that anyway

got really nervous taking it?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NoSheep Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 11:25 AM
Response to Reply #90
107. My experience with it:
It definately took the depression away. I had been really bad for 5 yrs straight. Couldn't work, visit people etc. Then I got great therapy and Nortriptaline. I TOTALLY lost all my ability to play music and do art. I didn't care about anything passionately, but I was happy. It was the weirdest thing. I thought, OKAY, this is the price I have to pay to not be crazy. I'll just be really dull and happy.

I took it for years and I was able to start a career and all that...but all along I had to up the dosage to keep the depression away. When I got to 150 mg., I couldn't remember what I did the day before. My memory was totally wiped out. But I was happy.

Then, I discussed it with my doctor and we tried a newer drug that didn't work...then we tried Desipramine.

It was great. ALL the side effects went away. No more memory loss, no more dull person (I started doing art and playing music again) no more dry mouth, no more blurred vision. I've been taking Desipramine for about 6 years now and it's great.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 05:17 PM
Response to Reply #107
116. I Didn't Last That Long
had a shrink who was going to put me on a "cocktail" of meds

that seemed to change after I got more nervous taking that.

So we stuck with Paxil and Clonezepam, and propanolol.

No longer take the propanolol. Do take the Paxil in higher doses, and the Clonezepam in lower doses.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
undeterred Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:10 PM
Response to Original message
19. Yeah
but eventually you get past it :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:12 PM
Response to Original message
20. It Does Indeed Retro!
I've taken just about every antidepressant (SSRI and SSNRI) over the course of 12 or more years. I was depressed long before that. I've spent 6 years seeing a therapist. Support groups of different stripes and problems.

The fact is, that it is just a one day at a time deal. Carpe Diem! For tomorrow may suck again is becoming my rather cynical philosophy these days.

It appears you aren't alone by a long shot my friend.

so hang in there!

:pals:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
S n o w b a l l Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:33 PM
Response to Reply #20
28. Just wanted to say. ..
yes, I'm totally with and understand. :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 11:04 PM
Response to Reply #28
34. Thanks!
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
leftofthedial Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:19 PM
Response to Original message
24. sometimes it blows
If we could just get the two together, we could play harmonica
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
S n o w b a l l Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:24 PM
Response to Original message
25. Yep...
it sucks beyond belief. Hope you start feeling better.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 11:03 PM
Response to Reply #25
33. Yeah It Does!
you okay Engi?

:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
S n o w b a l l Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 11:59 PM
Response to Reply #33
37. yeah, Southpaw....
I'm think I'm ok...thank you for asking. :hug:

I hope you're ok too. :)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 12:00 AM
Response to Reply #37
38. Good Deal!
I'm making it!

:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Roon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:27 PM
Response to Original message
26. I'm clinically depressed
I have lost two relationships in the last few years, have had hiv for 17 years. bla bla bla. My shrink has me on four different medications and I am doing pretty well in the last 6 months.

But you are right, depression does suck. I have lived with it untreated for many years before I got help.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Generic Brad Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:44 PM
Response to Original message
30. But it can be beaten
I was able to bounce out of it last year thanks to a combination of my wife's understanding, fishing, and looking forward to DU every night. I hope you can find something that works for you.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ThomCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 10:46 PM
Response to Original message
31. Yes, it does.
:hug:
I hope it passes.

My depressions tend to last a few weeks and then fade.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
CaliforniaPeggy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 11:52 PM
Response to Original message
35. Oh, yes, it does, my dear Retro.........
I only am a little depressed these days, and mine will pass, hopefully soon.....

But I do have some small idea of how you're feeling, sweetie.......

I really hope you find relief, and soon.........:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Left Is Write Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Dec-13-06 11:52 PM
Response to Original message
36. It does.
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
fizzgig Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 12:02 AM
Response to Original message
39. i'm with you on that one
all you can do is take it one step at a time
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LynzM Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 12:07 AM
Response to Original message
40. Love and hugs to you, RL
I wish I could come over and keep you company over mugs of something good... :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Beausoir Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 12:11 AM
Response to Original message
41. Yes. It is a dark tunnel with no light at the end.
I have suffered with it myself, but not to an extreme level.

My MIL has MD and she has struggled for years with depression as a side effect.

Fortunately, she knows to ask for more help.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Cheney Killed Bambi Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 12:31 AM
Response to Original message
43. I'm a big believer
in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Twelve weeks with a really good therapist can do wonders.



Also, the book "Feeling Good," the bible of CBT, is a really good read. I highly recommend it. You can buy it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-Therapy-Revised-Updated/dp/0380810336
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
plcdude Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:51 AM
Response to Reply #43
67. I have used the
first edition as a resource for students and find it to be helpful for them. Nice to know there is a new edition. Are there new things in it?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Der Blaue Engel Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 12:50 AM
Response to Original message
44. It so does
:( I've been feeling guilty lately about not being able to overcome mine...like I ought to have been able to "kick it" after being treated for 8-1/2 years. But that's crap. It's not my fault, and it doesn't make me a bad person. We all need to be kinder to ourselves.

Here's a big group hug for all of us: :grouphug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
u4ic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 01:56 AM
Response to Original message
46. I've had a couple of episodes in my life
So I understand what you mean.

I'm sorry, RetroLounge. :hug: :hug: :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
KitchenWitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 03:40 AM
Response to Original message
47. I have depression as well
I have been treated for it on and off for 20 years.

:hug:

As with other things, there are good days and bad.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Guava Jelly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 05:37 AM
Response to Original message
51. And this is the season for it unfortunatly
I hope you get out of your funk.
I sure as shit have been there myself.
You sure have tons of friends here on du that care about you.
And a few beautiful children. Thats something to be undepressed about
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
xchrom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 06:36 AM
Response to Original message
52. diagnosed clinically depressed here.
i'm not on meds because none ever worked -- and i've tried about six.

anyway -- as you can see by this thread you have a lot of support -- hope you're getting it actively in your life.

you can always pm folk at du -- if you need.

just take care of yourself.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ikojo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 07:29 AM
Response to Original message
53. In total agreement...
untreated depression sucks even more because it can lead to death as it did for my brother, Jeff (may he rest in peace, z'l).

PLEASE if anyone on this board is feeling depressed SEEK TREATMENT!!!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
zanne Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 07:46 AM
Response to Original message
54. I yearn for one "normal" day.
It's been so long, I'm beginning to wonder what "normal" feels like. It's very isolating--even when I'm surrounded by people, I can't "feel" their company.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
buddhamama Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 08:05 AM
Response to Original message
55. it does, and i am sorry
that you're depressed. i have been a bit of a funk myself these past few days.

talking helps, and you have friends here who support you and wish you nothing but the best!

:hug: :hug: :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
City Lights Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:06 AM
Response to Original message
56. Yes it does, RL.
:( I'm sorry you are hurting...:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
billyskank Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:07 AM
Response to Original message
57. I'm sorry RL
:(

:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
haf216 Donating Member (911 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:16 AM
Response to Original message
58. I'm so sorry.
:hug: :hug: :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GirlinContempt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:20 AM
Response to Original message
59. Why are you depressed?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hedgehog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 03:14 PM
Response to Reply #59
75. Sometimes depression has no reason.
Sometimes stress seems to bring it on, but then how comes stress doesn't always bring it on? I'm almost ready to believe that clinical depression really is independent of outside circumstances and that correlation is not proof of causation.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hunter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 05:04 PM
Response to Reply #75
84. Almost ready?
The problem is you can always find some reason to be depressed, and when you are depressed, you do find reasons. All these mental illnesses are like this. If you are hearing voices and seeing angels, and waking up at two in the morning to go running down the sidewalk wearing only your gym shorts, you actually come up with reasons for these behaviors and perceptions. But these behaviors and perceptions are not the mental illness. The mental illness is that these reasons MAKE SOME KIND OF GOD DAMNED SENSE TO YOU!

Clinical depression is exactly the same. You think "I'm depressed because.... blah, blah, blah." BUT THERE IS NO EXTERNAL "BECAUSE." Whatever it is is going on inside your body, inside your brain.

It takes someone outside of you to recognize the nature of your mental illness.

A long time ago, when I was a single guy living on my own, my room was a mattress on the floor, a computer, clothes and books thrown all about, and computer listings taped all over the walls. The hangers in my closet didn't hold clothes, they held more computer listings.

Almost anyone would've walked into that room and backed out slowly. Whoa...shit... a crazy person lives here... But it wasn't at all obvious to me at the time.

I once had a really bad drug reaction and went entirely psychotic. I remember I was running down the street in the dark when the police stopped me. Now this wasn't an entirely unusual experience for me, I think I sometimes served as comic relief for the police department's night shift because I was so good-natured, in fact I was a joy compared to the usual night-time crap they had to deal with, and anyways, the officer looked me up and down and asked, "Did you know your feet are bleeding?"

Bloody hell, they were! I'd forgotten to put on my shoes! I guess I'd been thinking about something else.

Now the awful thing was that they didn't take me to the hospital because this wasn't radically outside the range of my normal behavior. I was the guy they found naked walking up and down the beach looking for his clothes. (Note to self: If you go skinny dipping alone in the ocean at night you are crazy, but whatever you do, LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM AGAIN! At night a pile of clothes looks like a pile of kelp.

So anyways it took one of my professors to recognize that there was something exceptionally wrong with me. But it didn't turn out all that great because at the clinic they were like, "Oh well, shit happens, try this," but it did give me a remarkably clear understanding of these sorts of things, at least when I've got my head on straight.

I depend greatly on other people to notice when I don't have my head on straight, which works well, except the truly rotten thing is that I learned to fool both myself and other people that I was okay too.

Take a deep breath. Sigh.

If you have the slightest inkling that you need help, or someone close to you tells you that you need help, then by any means, get help!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hedgehog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 08:01 PM
Response to Reply #84
87. Some people attribute their depession to a traumatic event or
series of traumatic events. I didn't want to disagree with them, merely suggest that many people develop clinical depression independent of outside influences.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ghostsofgiants Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:42 PM
Response to Reply #84
93. Actually...
Edited on Thu Dec-14-06 09:42 PM by primate1
"Clinical depression is exactly the same. You think 'I'm depressed because.... blah, blah, blah.' BUT THERE IS NO EXTERNAL 'BECAUSE.' Whatever it is is going on inside your body, inside your brain."

Actually often there is. That's why mental illness is generally seen in certain demographics rather than randomly throughout all cultures. Single males are highly susceptible to mental illness.

That's not to say there are no physiological factors at play, but often there are external factors at play as well.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hunter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:10 PM
Response to Reply #93
95. Males with mental illness are higly susceptable to singleness.
There's a lot of external factors at play.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ghostsofgiants Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:24 PM
Response to Reply #95
97. While your experiences might be physiological, as you've said...
I don't doubt that there are cases that are purely physiological in nature. My point is that physiological reactions aren't the only cause of mental illnesses such as depression.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GirlinContempt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 07:37 PM
Response to Reply #75
86. And, sometimes it does.
So I'm asking why.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hunter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:27 PM
Response to Reply #86
89. The problem here is that we have one word describing many things.
Saying "I'm depressed" is too vague to mean much. I suspect the definition is drifting away from "I'm feeling upset about something that happened" to something more clinical, but that still doesn't solve the problem. We are unfortunate to be limited by one word when we need at least two.

My own issues are almost entirely structural and chemical. Troubles I've had are symptoms, not causes. I don't become depressed because I've suffered, I've suffered because I was depressed. Cases where it is the other way around are most often the result of some failure in the depressed person's social network. The social networks in American culture can be quite disfunctional.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GirlinContempt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:32 PM
Response to Reply #89
91. I don't think it's a problem.
Asking why someone is depressed is the opener to finding out:
My girlfriend left me
I lost my job
My mom died
I don't know/I'm clinically depressed

The word can fit both clinical and situational depression, I don't think more than one word is needed.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hunter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:04 PM
Response to Reply #91
94. Maybe you've not had to wade through the bullshit I have.
Edited on Thu Dec-14-06 10:05 PM by hunter
Talking to some people just taught me how to fake it. You are missing both your hands and they give you some pretty cosmetic things that look exactly like hands, but they are useless.

Give me something that works, even if it doesn't look like hands, even if it looks sort of scary. Plain old hooks are better than fake rubber hands, no matter that people think at first glance the rubber hands are real.

If I see a professional and I say, "okay, this is who I am" that had better be where we start from, and they'd better get up to speed quickly, or I know they are just trying to sell me some useless rubber hands, probably because that's all they've got.

A lot of what I've experienced is the equivalent of teaching a gay person to be straight. It's actually been harmful. Maybe that's another reason I wear the rainbow flag here...



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GirlinContempt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:54 PM
Response to Reply #94
102. I'm not sure what you're saying
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hunter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 11:31 PM
Response to Reply #102
103. It's sort of like being Data on Star Trek TNG...
I'm fully functional.

Most of the time, anyways...

I used to hang out with some Viet Nam vets. There were two guys who were best buddies, one of them suffered PTSD horribly, one did not, even though both of them had lived side-by-side through exactly the same horrors. There was nothing in their life experience that would explain that difference.

The question of Nature vs Nurture is stupid.

Some people get burned after a half hour in the sun, some don't. It helps to have dark skin.

Our brains are exactly like that.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hedgehog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 12:17 PM
Response to Reply #103
109. That's a very good explanation.
I'll be sure to remember that. It also points out that some of us have to stay out of the sun, so to speak, by avoiding certain situations.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Chorophyll Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:24 AM
Response to Original message
60. Depression
isn't for everyone. Just smart, creative, cool people.

Hang in there, man.
:hi:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Mad_Dem_X Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:29 AM
Response to Original message
61. I feel your pain
Depression is the worst, I sure know that. :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Patiod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:06 AM
Response to Original message
63. It does indeed
Stay strong, RL.

I am blessed that only three things seem to bring on major depression: breakups, job loss and lack of light.

I've been with the same guy for 15 years, and my job (the one with the tiny office which has two 4'x 4' windows) seems relatively secure (for now).



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Dastard Stepchild Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:10 AM
Response to Original message
64. If possible, I hope you can get the support you need...
Therapeutic or pharmacological (if necessary). I see so many people attempting to stoically heal themselves with no interventions, and while it can be done, I think it is a more painful, lonely and exhausting process when done alone.

Then again, I'm biased as a social worker. But from personal and professional experience, let me just say that it is most definitely something to consider. I think the normal reaction is to be brave and go it alone, but my argument is to be brave and attempt to find some assistance... particularly if you find this lingering. I generally raise my eyebrows if someone has been in a consistently depressed state for two solid weeks - suggests something potentially more intense than your average blues.

:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
RetroLounge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:42 AM
Response to Original message
65. Thanks for all the support. I appreciate it...
And this is not just being sad, as you with depression know. You can't just "cheer up" as uninformed individuals IRL and family members have told me to do. You don't "get over it."

And yes, I have sought help. I was diagnosed last year with untreated clinical depression. (Probably had it most of my life in varying levels. Spent the 80's self-medicating so I probably wouldn't have noticed.) Compounded with situational depression from the crash of my marriage, etc., and living for 10 years with a depressive who also was untreated. fun fun fun...

Unfortunately, I was diagnosed by my GP while seeing him about panic attacks, and he either mis- or over-medicated me.

The Xanax took care of the anxiety and panic, but was way too much, and I am no longer on that nasty drug. That drug in all truthfullness should be called "Xombie."

The Zoloft didn't "work" according to him, and he upped the dose from 25 to 50 to 100 to 200mg (the highest legal dose) and the side effects were staggeringly awful. Enough to make you, well, depressed. I won't get into them, look them up, they are nasty indeed and I wouldn't wish them on anyone.

At this point I sought out a specialist, and am now seeing a Psychiatrist for the medical side of the depression, and we are down to 12.5mg and that has been doing fine except for occasional bouts like yesterday. I am also seeing a psychologist weekly to deal with the personal things that set this off last year. Better sleep habits, diet and exercise have the potential to help, but lack of motivation to change those is also present...

Good days and bad days, light and dark. It's all part of my life now, and I just keep pushing on...

To all of you :grouphug:

Thanks

RL
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
bicentennial_baby Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:47 AM
Response to Reply #65
66. Have you thought about changing the
antidepressant? What works for one person may not work for others...as I'm sure you know. Anyway, I'm glad you got yourself a psych to work on this with you...If you ever wanna talk, let me know. This household has a LOT of knowledge about these matters, believe me...you don't know that half of it :P

:hug:

:loveya:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BarenakedLady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:53 AM
Response to Reply #65
68. RL
You and I sound very much a like. I've been dealing with depression most of my life as well. But this is the lowest I've ever been. The Zoloft at 150mg is not working. I'm going to have to change I think.

Anyway, as you can see, there are many of us here who understand what you are going through. :hug:

And I swear to goddess, the next person who tells me to "cheer up", "snap out of it" "be happy" or say "what do you have to be depressed about?" is going to get a fork in the eyeball. :banghead:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
RetroLounge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:55 AM
Response to Reply #68
69. "a fork in the eyeball"
:rofl:

I understand that urge...

:hug:

RL
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kwassa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 11:30 AM
Response to Reply #65
71. Having had a tendency to depression
and a long relationship with a major league depressive, I can relate to what your going through. I've lived around both depressives and manic depressives that refuse to take their medication. Not fun when they refuse to help themselves.

Therapy is important, the right medication is very important for some, and some of it is quite treatable. I never needed meds, just needed to do the right work.

Having done a grand survey of therapy types through the years, I also recommend Cognitive Behavior Therapy and the "Feeling Good" book as a way developing new tools to end depressive thinking. It, unlike other therapeutic forms, really builds a set of tools that can help end or greatly reduce depression.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
soleft Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 03:24 PM
Response to Reply #65
77. Mike Wallace, who's suffered from it his whole life, once said
if you told me there was a pill on the other side of the room that would make me feel better, I woudn't have the energy to go over and get it.

I really relate to that.

When I had it bad, I would go to work, close the door, lie down on the couch, and at 5pm I would get up, open the door and go home. I would try to read a memo, and I'd read the same paragraph 5 times and not be able to understand what it said.

But I've been in remission for about 6 years, which is how long I've been off meds. I'm finally losing all the weight I gained while I was so sedentary, and life is looking pretty good.

So it's great that you have a fighting attitude. Just try and hang on, because it can be overcome.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
reyd reid reed Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:57 AM
Response to Original message
70. It really does
I'm so sorry, darlin'. You okay?

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Avalux Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 01:56 PM
Response to Original message
73. Hey RL -
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Sequoia Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 02:40 PM
Response to Original message
74. It sure does.
Life is a living hell, pointless, and empty when you walk down that deserted road with no help coming.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hedgehog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 03:18 PM
Response to Original message
76. Well, going by the names on this thread, at least we know that us
depressives are good hearted people with a wicked sense of humor. You're right, depression sucks. Keep fighting the good fight; there are better days ahead.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Taverner Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 03:25 PM
Response to Original message
78. Big Beary Man-Hugs dude
Edited on Thu Dec-14-06 03:25 PM by Taverner
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
swimboy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 03:53 PM
Response to Original message
79. I know.
and I'm sorry. I'm glad you are doing what you are doing to address it. I think I need to look into some additional approaches.

:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NewWaveChick1981 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 03:59 PM
Response to Original message
80. Yes, it does, RL....
:hug: :hug: I've seen it do terrible things to people around me. :pals:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Blue_Tires Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 09:07 PM
Response to Original message
88. yes
yes it does....

and "suck" puts it kind of mildly
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
graywarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:18 PM
Response to Original message
96. Mine is surfacing bigtime lately.
Fucking HATE it. So sick of having it.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:25 PM
Response to Reply #96
98. I Hear Ya
and it fucking sucks Gray!

:pals:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
graywarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:27 PM
Response to Reply #98
99. Worst part is I can act like everything is ok, be funny as a bastard, and yet...
I'm sitting in a black hole of despair. Holidays make it more difficult.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:42 PM
Response to Reply #99
101. Yeah, In Certain Situations I can Do The Same
in others, I just feel blahhhhhh

actually, my meds, and exercise have helped a lot.

personal/relationship problems have taken me in the other direction too.

so, my mind vascillates between doing better, and doing worse, but in the end, I think that better is where I'm going. I hope.


This holiday season is going to be a challenge for many reasons, and I'd just as soon skip it.
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hedgehog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 12:18 PM
Response to Reply #99
110. I hear that - people ask me how such an optimist can have depression.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
graywarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 01:37 PM
Response to Reply #110
111. Yes, how can you be so funny and upbeat if you're on the verge of buying a pack of blades?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hedgehog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 06:23 PM
Response to Reply #111
117. Just don't be so good at hiding your symptoms that no one realizes how
much trouble you're in. There's nothing wrong with receiving help.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
gemdem Donating Member (975 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-14-06 10:29 PM
Response to Original message
100. Sucks ain't strong enough a word...
Hang in there RL. You've got a lot of support here. And even though I'm not a frequent voice, you and the others in the Lounge and elsewhere on DU have helped pulled me through with your posts. Just knowing I'm not alone makes it easier when the shit gets tough. Hope this note helps.

:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Control-Z Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 01:47 AM
Response to Original message
104. It does suck
I just gave in and started taking a new anti depressant myself - after 4 years without.

When you're in the deep of it it seems like there's no way out.

But when you're out of it life can be good, as I recall.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
u4ic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 01:50 AM
Response to Reply #104
105. .
I'm sorry, hon. :( I do hope that your new medication will help you tremendously.

If you ever need to talk, you know you can PM me. :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Control-Z Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 04:44 PM
Response to Reply #105
112. Thanks, u4ic
I'm sure it will.

I hope your surgery went well and painlessly today - and with no reactions.

Please check in with us when you're up to it so we know you're okay. :hug: :loveya:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 01:51 AM
Response to Reply #104
106. Yes It Can!
and don't forget it!

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Control-Z Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 04:46 PM
Response to Reply #106
113. I won't forget
Thank you, Southpawkicker.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SPKrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 05:09 PM
Response to Reply #113
115. Thank You Dancing Alone!
:hug: :hug: :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
MissMillie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 11:26 AM
Response to Original message
108. yep, it does
I hope who ever you are referencing here (my assumption was that you meant you, but assuming doesn't make it so) is getting treatment.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
tinfoil tiaras Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-15-06 04:49 PM
Response to Original message
114. I'm sorry
:( :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Thu Apr 25th 2024, 05:35 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » The DU Lounge Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC