Depression and anxiety

[Ronniekirk]

Havent seen this thread before
Patch 1875 In terms of breathing techniques and giving you insight into the way this impacts on the body and mind you can by some good books on Mindfulness or find out if groups run in your area
Someone trained in that technique can also help identify areas in the body that then tense up or feel sore
Getting any medical tests lined up can also take some of the stress off and deescalate feelings of panic that escalate into full blown anxiety attacks You can rewire-the way your brain thinks about situations but that takes time and someone you trust talking you through the process so you have some understanding of why things happen and learn to identify sigs and break the cycle
But often guys find it difficult to seek support or if they do they are fobbed off with anti depressant medication without getting to the teal triggers and talking those through
Keeping to routines and getting regular exercise and tome to relax and practise breathing techniques can be difficult to fit in in a busy working schedule but are essential components to help assist
Sounds like you are on the right track but the whole area of mental health is poorly resourced and has been underfunded for years Don't know if you saw the Professor Green ( the rapper ) documentary where he went on a journey of self discovery into his own family history of mental health which had been privately troubling him For years Very moving and touching story
Anyway just thought i would add to the debate and hope anyone reading this thread who feels isolated and hasn't taken the first step to Talk to someone does so and those tackling their own issues make progress



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[pacoluna]

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Havent seen this thread before
Patch 1875 In terms of breathing techniques and giving you insight into the way this impacts on the body and mind you can by some good books on Mindfulness or find out if groups run in your area
Someone trained in that technique can also help identify areas in the body that then tense up or feel sore
Getting any medical tests lined up can also take some of the stress off and deescalate feelings of panic that escalate into full blown anxiety attacks You can rewire-the way your brain thinks about situations but that takes time and someone you trust talking you through the process so you have some understanding of why things happen and learn to identify sigs and break the cycle
But often guys find it difficult to seek support or if they do they are fobbed off with anti depressant medication without getting to the teal triggers and talking those through
Keeping to routines and getting regular exercise and tome to relax and practise breathing techniques can be difficult to fit in in a busy working schedule but are essential components to help assist
Sounds like you are on the right track but the whole area of mental health is poorly resourced and has been underfunded for years Don't know if you saw the Professor Green ( the rapper ) documentary where he went on a journey of self discovery into his own family history of mental health which had been privately troubling him For years Very moving and touching story
Anyway just thought i would add to the debate and hope anyone reading this thread who feels isolated and hasn't taken the first step to Talk to someone does so and those tackling their own issues make progress



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Going to the doctors for medical tests reinforces the Hypochondria for anyone with health anxiety.

[CropleyWasGod]

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Going to the doctors for medical tests reinforces the Hypochondria for anyone with health anxiety.

Whilst that may be true in some cases, it's by no means correct for everyone. What I have seen is that everyone's depression is different, and is personal to them. Everybody's care and management of their depression has to suit them; there is no generic treatment that suits everyone.

If part of that management is consulting with professionals, and it works, then so be it.

[pacoluna]

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Whilst that may be true in some cases, it's by no means correct for everyone. What I have seen is that everyone's depression is different, and is personal to them. Everybody's care and management of their depression has to suit them; there is no generic treatment that suits everyone.

If part of that management is consulting with professionals, and it works, then so be it.

I agree, Of course behavioural and cognitive therapy is an important aspect of management for some/most people with depression, and as you say everyone has their own way of coping/dealing with their symptoms.

I was alluding to Physical checks as in blood tests/ecg/mri's for those with Hypochondria/ health anxiety as it's just as vicious a cycle as googling your symptoms.

[Mikey09]

Ok. Time for me to post again. Had probably the worst two weeks I've experienced for a good few years. Head racing, paranoia, manic one minute, crashing lows 30 minutes later. Physically tired but mentally done in. Everything, and I mean everything I couldn't give a flying **** about. My bipolar has hit me like a train and out of nowhere. I can usually see the signs and put things in place but this episode has just done me. Today is the first time I've felt slightly better so decided to post. I know this is something I have to deal with for life and have accepted that, but it's ***** at the time. It's wearing on my family who are amazing in dealing with me. Days just now feel like weeks. Tomorrows another day so hopefully my moods level out a bit more. It's just so ****ing tiring.

[CropleyWasGod]

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Ok. Time for me to post again. Had probably the worst two weeks I've experienced for a good few years. Head racing, paranoia, manic one minute, crashing lows 30 minutes later. Physically tired but mentally done in. Everything, and I mean everything I couldn't give a flying **** about. My bipolar has hit me like a train and out of nowhere. I can usually see the signs and put things in place but this episode has just done me. Today is the first time I've felt slightly better so decided to post. I know this is something I have to deal with for life and have accepted that, but it's ***** at the time. It's wearing on my family who are amazing in dealing with me. Days just now feel like weeks. Tomorrows another day so hopefully my moods level out a bit more. It's just so ****ing tiring.

That's a good sign, mate.

Accepting, even embracing it, and finding ways to manage it are much better than running away from it. As each episode comes, you'll become an expert in your condition.... you'll find ways to manage it.

[CropleyWasGod]

Our manager:-

http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.co...igma-1-4175324

[AngusHibby]

First time I've read this thread, great to discuss these things with fellow Hibees. I've tried forums before, but have always felt too much of a distance between me and other contributors. Reading through these messages have given me a boost though.

I've suffered with severe anxiety for a couple years now, along with a delightful side of depression. The first few months were hell on earth, the anxiety literally crippled me, I couldn't do anything without feeling like I was buzzing (in a bad way) from head to toe.

The main problem I suffered with was health anxiety. Despite being a healthy 20 year old at the time, I was convinced I was about to suffer from a stroke, have a heart attack, have an epileptic fit, you name it. It was ridiculous, if I felt tired I thought I was suffering from narcolepsy and was about to fall asleep on the spot, If I couldn't sleep straight away that was insomnia and if I ever felt happy, I was losing my mind. Looking back I can laugh at these things, but at the time it all felt real.

Anyhow, here's a list of stuff that's helped me over the past couple of years:

• Exercise: It works. Just get out and run, swim or whatever you fancy if you can. Before depression and anxiety I was a lazy *******, now I've ran half marathons, climbed umpteen munros and trekked around some of the biggest mountains in the world. This also shows that despite the *****ness that comes with depression and anxiety it can have its positives, I'd have never done that stuff before it all happened.
• Yoga: every time without fail helps me to calm down when my anxiety is boiling over. Sign up for a class, or if money's an issue have a look on Youtube for a step by step guide.
• Counselling: Helped me understand why I was feeling the way I feel, by looking back to my childhood I could better understand my illness and knowing your enemy can go some way to helping you battle both depression and anxiety. Don't settle for a counsellor you don't like, change them until you're happy.
• Socialise: This is one I still struggle with. You can convince yourself that you'll be no fun to be around, but being around friends and family can go someway to cheering yourself up or at least forgetting about the problems you're having. If you trust them enough, let them know about your problems, they might not fully understand them, but they will support you. Also try and find ways to socialise that don't involve drinking (I like rock climbing and hillwalking!). I know it can be hard to force yourself to go and meet friends, but just do it.
• CBT: I'm trying CBT for a second time and after about three sessions its helping. It wasn't as good the first time because the doctor was inexperienced and nearly as nervous as me so I struggled to buy into the whole thing, change your doctor if you find this is the case! I feel that CBT will probably be the key to me beating the anxiety and depression.
• Meds: I'm 3 weeks into a 6 month course of Escitalopram and can't really comment on its benefits. The first couple weeks are rocky, but the majority of the side effects pass after a couple weeks. I struggled with sleepless nights, but helped combat this by exercising more during the day. Also i'm with a doctor who I feel I can trust and who is tracking my progress, make sure you are with a doctor who can point you in the right direction if things get too difficult.
• Stress Control course: 6 week course that explained anxiety and depression and how to combat it, have a read about that here: http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/Se...s/default.aspx This went a long way to normalising the problems I was suffering. Seeing the variety of people at the course will show you how widespread the illnesses can be.
• Talk to someone: Talk to family, friends, doctor's or counsellors. You're probably not going to be able to think your way out of these problems all alone so build a network of people who can help you. I've also used Samaritans several times and can say I've felt a hell of a lot better after every phone call. 116 123.
• David Gray's goal: Give it a watch and it's bound to bring a smile to your face

Hope this advice helps 1 or 2 folks and if not it's helped me just by talking about it all. I might post in a couple months to say how the Escitalopram's going... Have a nice day folks.

[Scorrie]

Would fully agree with Angus Hibby's post. I suffered from depression for years, probably longer than I thought. Eventually had to go to GP and was put on a counselling course. The pure relief in actually saying "I have depression" was unbelievable. Being able to talk to a counsellor was tough but did help a lot; I couldn't have fought depression without it. Exercise is a really good idea, even just a brisk walk in fresh air. To combat the stress, I have taken up Pilates and yoga a bit and that helps as it helps with breathing and calming down. I still get depression but through the counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy which the counsellor used, I have the tools to try and deal with it.

Hope this helps as well. Just really glad that depression is being openly discussed now. I lost a good friend to suicide earlier this year and for men it's tough to talk but you have to try and seeing your GP is a start. Well done to Neil Lennon for his efforts in all this as well

[lord bunberry]

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First time I've read this thread, great to discuss these things with fellow Hibees. I've tried forums before, but have always felt too much of a distance between me and other contributors. Reading through these messages have given me a boost though.

I've suffered with severe anxiety for a couple years now, along with a delightful side of depression. The first few months were hell on earth, the anxiety literally crippled me, I couldn't do anything without feeling like I was buzzing (in a bad way) from head to toe.

The main problem I suffered with was health anxiety. Despite being a healthy 20 year old at the time, I was convinced I was about to suffer from a stroke, have a heart attack, have an epileptic fit, you name it. It was ridiculous, if I felt tired I thought I was suffering from narcolepsy and was about to fall asleep on the spot, If I couldn't sleep straight away that was insomnia and if I ever felt happy, I was losing my mind. Looking back I can laugh at these things, but at the time it all felt real.

Anyhow, here's a list of stuff that's helped me over the past couple of years:

• Exercise: It works. Just get out and run, swim or whatever you fancy if you can. Before depression and anxiety I was a lazy *******, now I've ran half marathons, climbed umpteen munros and trekked around some of the biggest mountains in the world. This also shows that despite the *****ness that comes with depression and anxiety it can have its positives, I'd have never done that stuff before it all happened.
• Yoga: every time without fail helps me to calm down when my anxiety is boiling over. Sign up for a class, or if money's an issue have a look on Youtube for a step by step guide.
• Counselling: Helped me understand why I was feeling the way I feel, by looking back to my childhood I could better understand my illness and knowing your enemy can go some way to helping you battle both depression and anxiety. Don't settle for a counsellor you don't like, change them until you're happy.
• Socialise: This is one I still struggle with. You can convince yourself that you'll be no fun to be around, but being around friends and family can go someway to cheering yourself up or at least forgetting about the problems you're having. If you trust them enough, let them know about your problems, they might not fully understand them, but they will support you. Also try and find ways to socialise that don't involve drinking (I like rock climbing and hillwalking!). I know it can be hard to force yourself to go and meet friends, but just do it.
• CBT: I'm trying CBT for a second time and after about three sessions its helping. It wasn't as good the first time because the doctor was inexperienced and nearly as nervous as me so I struggled to buy into the whole thing, change your doctor if you find this is the case! I feel that CBT will probably be the key to me beating the anxiety and depression.
• Meds: I'm 3 weeks into a 6 month course of Escitalopram and can't really comment on its benefits. The first couple weeks are rocky, but the majority of the side effects pass after a couple weeks. I struggled with sleepless nights, but helped combat this by exercising more during the day. Also i'm with a doctor who I feel I can trust and who is tracking my progress, make sure you are with a doctor who can point you in the right direction if things get too difficult.
• Stress Control course: 6 week course that explained anxiety and depression and how to combat it, have a read about that here: http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/Se...s/default.aspx This went a long way to normalising the problems I was suffering. Seeing the variety of people at the course will show you how widespread the illnesses can be.
• Talk to someone: Talk to family, friends, doctor's or counsellors. You're probably not going to be able to think your way out of these problems all alone so build a network of people who can help you. I've also used Samaritans several times and can say I've felt a hell of a lot better after every phone call. 116 123.
• David Gray's goal: Give it a watch and it's bound to bring a smile to your face

Hope this advice helps 1 or 2 folks and if not it's helped me just by talking about it all. I might post in a couple months to say how the Escitalopram's going... Have a nice day folks.

It's interesting that you mention the socialising aspect. I'm the absolute opposite of what you describe. I'm the guy that's considered the life and soul of the party(so to speak). That's one of the hardest things I have to deal with. Going out on a night out is always great at the time, but invariably I feel the most depressed the next few days after. I tend to over analyse what happened and see things in a different context to what others do. Recently I've avoided going on nights out, but that brings its own problems. I drove to the cup final and went home after we'd won, but I had the nagging feeling that I was letting my mates down by not being with them. It all sounds really pathetic and trivial as I type it now, but it's the reality for me at the moment.

[AngusHibby]

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It's interesting that you mention the socialising aspect. I'm the absolute opposite of what you describe. I'm the guy that's considered the life and soul of the party(so to speak). That's one of the hardest things I have to deal with. Going out on a night out is always great at the time, but invariably I feel the most depressed the next few days after. I tend to over analyse what happened and see things in a different context to what others do. Recently I've avoided going on nights out, but that brings its own problems. I drove to the cup final and went home after we'd won, but I had the nagging feeling that I was letting my mates down by not being with them. It all sounds really pathetic and trivial as I type it now, but it's the reality for me at the moment.

The night out one's tricky. I still go out, just drink less if at all. I was worried what my friends would say about me quitting drink for a while, but they all just accepted it and didn't interrogate me about it like I was expecting. The CBT is helping me to break paranoid thought patterns about letting everyone down or pissing everyone off, amongst other things. If your pals are good pals which I'm sure they are they won't be pissed off with you

[wpj]

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The night out one's tricky. I still go out, just drink less if at all. I was worried what my friends would say about me quitting drink for a while, but they all just accepted it and didn't interrogate me about it like I was expecting. The CBT is helping me to break paranoid thought patterns about letting everyone down or pissing everyone off, amongst other things. If your pals are good pals which I'm sure they are they won't be pissed off with you

Followed this thread for a long time. I am going through a very tough time and have been signed off work for a month. Have a couple of appointments this week and also am giving up drink for a while. Feeling better finally telling people including this thread. Got a 1430 appointment am really nervous abou. Hopefully be ok. Anxiety is a b!tch

[CropleyWasGod]

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Followed this thread for a long time. I am going through a very tough time and have been signed off work for a month. Have a couple of appointments this week and also am giving up drink for a while. Feeling better finally telling people including this thread. Got a 1430 appointment am really nervous abou. Hopefully be ok. Anxiety is a b!tch

Everybody's different, but I rarely touch alcohol now. When I do, even a couple of glasses put me on a downer for a couple of days. And I don't miss it.

Let us know how you get on

[wpj]

Survived it! Only thing was it was a group which i struggled with as i am not one for talking in groups. Have a 121 later this w3ek. Thanks

[Mikey09]

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Survived it! Only thing was it was a group which i struggled with as i am not one for talking in groups. Have a 121 later this w3ek. Thanks

In all honesty some people get a lot out of sitting in a group session. I went once a week for 3 months before I even spoke mate. But I related to so much others were saying and took a lot from them. It was a wake up call that I wasn't the only one going through that and others were so kind and patient because they know what you're going through. Don't be afraid of it... It can be better than one to ones sometimes. Stick in...

[Edson Arantes]

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Survived it! Only thing was it was a group which i struggled with as i am not one for talking in groups. Have a 121 later this w3ek. Thanks

Have been following this for quite a while now.

Well done mate - all the best to you.

[wpj]

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Have been following wing this for quite a while now.

Well done mate - all the best to you.

Thanks, having a mare at the mo but being able to talk about it is helping. Most folk know its an illness but there are always those that dont get it. I work in the health setting and am amazed at how little understanding there can be from some.

[CropleyWasGod]

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Thanks, having a mare at the mo but being able to talk about it is helping. Most folk know its an illness but there are always those that dont get it. I work in the health setting and am amazed at how little understanding there can be from some.

Stigma can be a real struggle to deal with, particularly for and among people of our generation. But threads like this can help to break it down.

And, in areas like this, young people are brilliant. We can learn a lot from them about tolerance and reducing stigma and judgmentalism.

[GreenLake]

I read a fair bit recently that magnesium deficiency can cause depression among a lot of other undesirable symptoms.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...nal-chill-pill

I am not suggesting the above are credible sources so do your own investigation.

I remember taking milk of magnesia as a kid and often think there is something in age old remedies.

[WeAreHibs]

Just wanted to post a message of positivity to those that read this thread who have suffered or are suffering. I've had a couple of spells and still on fluoxitine that I take as a daily dose just to keep me level.

I wanted to share this to give those currently suffering a little bit of comfort.

I recently separated from my wife having found out that she'd been seeing someone else. I spoke to my doctor who suggested that I could double my dose of I felt the need. I've actually felt an inner strength I never knew I had. My focus is on my little boy, nearly 3yrs, and my own health, mainly weight. I've joined a fitness class, where I'm the only guy in a class with 57 ladies, and have met some great people who are really encouraging and caring. They've taken me under their wing and now going to Slimming World with a few of them. I've not felt the need to increase my dose and feeling really positive about the future and a life without the strains and pressure that married life created. I wouldn't wish the cause on anyone though as that was horrific and still has moments of upset.

I'm getting my first tattoo on Wednesday which incorporates a semicolon, check out "semicolon project".

We all deal with things differently and sharing my experience helps me loads. I've never been more proud of myself, felt so much support or had the amount of belief in myself despite having the worst experience I could imagine.

Keep believing, be strong and share your feelings. People want to help and will help you through!

Peace and good wishes!

[Betty Boop]

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Just wanted to post a message of positivity to those that read this thread who have suffered are are suffering. I've had a couple of spells and still on fluoxitine that I take as a Daily Dose just to keep me level.

I wanted to share this to give those currently suffering a little bit of comfort.

I recently separated from my wife having found out that she'd been seeing someone else. I spoke to my Doctor Who suggested that I could double my dose of I felt the need. I've actually felt an inner strength I never knew I had. My focus is on my little boy, nearly 3yrs, and my own health, mainly weight. I've joined a fitness class, where I'm the only guy ina class with 57 ladies, and have met some great people who are really enjoying and caring. They've taken me under their wing and now going to Slimming World with a few of them. I've not felt the need to increase my dose and feeling really positive about the future and a life without the strains and pressure that married life created. I wouldn't wish the cause on anyone though as that was horrific and still has moments of upset.

I'm getting my first tattoo on Wednesday which incorporates a semicolon, check out "semicolon project".

We all deal with things differently and sharing my experience helps me loads. I've never been more proud of myself, felt so much support or had the amount of belief in myself despite having the worst experience I could imagine.

Keep believing, be strong and share your feelings. People want to help and will help you through!

Peace and good wishes!

Love this post, best wishes to you and your wee one.

[WeAreHibs]

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Love this post, best wishes to you and your wee one.

Thank you! I hope my story can give a little bit of strength or help to someone!

[Mikey09]

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Just wanted to post a message of positivity to those that read this thread who have suffered or are suffering. I've had a couple of spells and still on fluoxitine that I take as a daily dose just to keep me level.

I wanted to share this to give those currently suffering a little bit of comfort.

I recently separated from my wife having found out that she'd been seeing someone else. I spoke to my doctor who suggested that I could double my dose of I felt the need. I've actually felt an inner strength I never knew I had. My focus is on my little boy, nearly 3yrs, and my own health, mainly weight. I've joined a fitness class, where I'm the only guy in a class with 57 ladies, and have met some great people who are really encouraging and caring. They've taken me under their wing and now going to Slimming World with a few of them. I've not felt the need to increase my dose and feeling really positive about the future and a life without the strains and pressure that married life created. I wouldn't wish the cause on anyone though as that was horrific and still has moments of upset.

I'm getting my first tattoo on Wednesday which incorporates a semicolon, check out "semicolon project".

We all deal with things differently and sharing my experience helps me loads. I've never been more proud of myself, felt so much support or had the amount of belief in myself despite having the worst experience I could imagine.

Keep believing, be strong and share your feelings. People want to help and will help you through!

Peace and good wishes!

Keep up the hard work through the tough moments... Good things come to good people.

[wpj]

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Keep up the hard work through the tough moments... Good things come to good people.

Wee bump, would hate for this thread to disappear. Having a very torid time at the mo but am trying get on top of things. Work not being as supportive as I had hoped and other factors are also not helping. Need a wee break I think!

[CropleyWasGod]

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Wee bump, would hate for this thread to disappear. Having a very torid time at the mo but am trying get on top of things. Work not being as supportive as I had hoped and other factors are also not helping. Need a wee break I think!

Sorry to hear that, mate.

On the subject of breaks, I always thought that a "wee break" might help. The problem was.... your problems are still in your head, no matter where you go. In fact, if you're not working, you don't have the luxury of work distracting you from them. So I just dived straight into work, which helped as a break in itself. If that makes sense...

This thread will likely come back to the fore, as the darker nights come in.

On that note....

Light boxes, anyone?

Hypnotherapy?

Meditation?

[Shore Thing]

Thanks to all who've been posting on this thread - some really helpful stuff. And good to know you're not alone...

I got a light box about 6 years ago (almost to the day) and would not be without it from Sept/Oct right through til March.

End of September every year without fail, my brain simply seizes up. I usually have 30 mins or more of lightbox use first thing in the morning, and sometimes more during the day, or evening if needed. After that I nearly resemble a normal, functioning human being! I can physically feel my brain starting to function during lightbox use. Without it I usually stay semi-zombie like all day...

I bought one of these 6 years ago and it's still going strong http://www.litebook.co.uk/litebook-elite.html - best £120 I've ever spent! (with a 30 day money back guarantee).

That model is now discontinued but they do others. This brand is good because they are portable.

From what I've read, it's the colour / wavelength of the light which is more important than brightness. Blue-ish white light is what's needed (around 450nM).

[Hibrandenburg]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R8RpHg...ime_continue=1

Old army friend of mine who lost his daughter is severely troubled with depression following her death. This is one of the toughest guys I know and just goes to show that anybody can suffer. His efforts to combat it might appear extreme but he is an extreme kind of guy.

[Shore Thing]

I've been finding CBD oil very good for anxiety. Heard good things from other people who use it too.

You can either take pure oil orally, or use it in a vapouriser.

[CropleyWasGod]

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Thanks to all who've been posting on this thread - some really helpful stuff. And good to know you're not alone...

I got a light box about 6 years ago (almost to the day) and would not be without it from Sept/Oct right through til March.

End of September every year without fail, my brain simply seizes up. I usually have 30 mins or more of lightbox use first thing in the morning, and sometimes more during the day, or evening if needed. After that I nearly resemble a normal, functioning human being! I can physically feel my brain starting to function during lightbox use. Without it I usually stay semi-zombie like all day...

I bought one of these 6 years ago and it's still going strong http://www.litebook.co.uk/litebook-elite.html - best £120 I've ever spent! (with a 30 day money back guarantee).

That model is now discontinued but they do others. This brand is good because they are portable.

From what I've read, it's the colour / wavelength of the light which is more important than brightness. Blue-ish white light is what's needed (around 450nM).

This is my winter chum.

I stick it on around the end of October, and have it on at work until the light outside fades. Wouldn't want to be without it.

http://www.sad-lighthire.co.uk/produ...t-box-lamp-/24

[Shore Thing]

Thanks for your earlier mention of 5-HTP by the way CWG.
It worked well for me on one particular day of brain freeze. Just took 1 and could feel the serotonin starting to get processed again.
Tried it again and it made me feel a bit edgy so gonna save that for emergencies.
I was glad to find out that there are non-prescription, fairly natural pills available though, as I've always hated the thought of going on to a course of prescribed medication.