Depression and anxiety

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Originally Posted by Mr White

Do you do any physical exercise Andrew? I know it would be hard at first to start (if you don't already) but after a while I'm sure it would help your energy levels and to fight the lethargy and apathy that depression can cause.

I went through some difficult times in my late teens and into my early 20's and looking back it was my taking up an active job, playing 5 aside football again after years off and then eventually getting into snowboarding and travelling to do a couple of ski seasons that really turned things round.

Apologies if this is unhelpful or it something you've already tried. I remember how hard it could be to get up and get moving when feeling low but even getting out for a walk now and then can be beneficial. Good luck with it, I hope you find something soon that helps you start to feel better.

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I go out walking every night, had increased that to a jog but been floored with a heavy cold the last week or two so just building it back up again from walking pace, i've never been the most athletic.

I also do 80 sit ups per night - this is more because the tablets I am on have increased my weight - I can't seem to shift it though. I am not overly heavy it's just completely out of shape.

I've also cut out the cr*ppy foods and replaced with fruits etc.

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Originally Posted by andrew70

It's the hopelessness I am really struggling with right now.

I got myself in to a position where I could get back to my work but after work I am always so tired even going to a game at the weekend is hard work.

I feel hopeless in the respect of no matter what I do nothing gets 'much better' I figure that coz of this I will never be happy.

I would give my left arm to lead a 'normal' life...hell I can't even remember the last time I smiled properly.

So I keep myself to myself to avoid bringing others down. I can't face going out for a pint, I don't want to have conversations about everyday life with my mates, people more often than not annoy me for no apparent reason.

It's a catch twenty-two situation, I feel like I will always be alone coz I have no confidence to go out and meet new people etc.

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Hi Andrew, yours are a lot of the classic signs of depression, feeling ennervated, hopelessness and so on.

To not surrender to those feelings of wanting to do anything - or feeling too 'tired' through depression too can be the key. That key is that you should try to ease yourself into doing some of these activities - in a small way, before the motivation comes. It won't feel comfortable, it might even feel painful but it is important to have a few little spells breaking out of that inertia you feel. Keep doing them - persevere.

I am here to tell you that things can and will improve, my friend. Many, many people recover from depression and given a bit of time, care and dedication on yourself so will you You are not bound to this forever, and there is no reason to feel hopeless. You need to work on a few simple steps as I've described though. Start at the very beginning, break it down day by day, hour by hour if necessary, but think of those little activities that you know will help and practice them in a small way. There is plenty of light at the end of the tunnel but you need to start at the beginning. Have a go, even if it's incredibly hard - just do them. Come back and report how it was, mate.

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Originally Posted by stu in nottingham

Hi Andrew, yours are a lot of the classic signs of depression, feeling ennervated, hopelessness and so on.

To not surrender to those feelings of wanting to do anything - or feeling too 'tired' through depression too can be the key. That key is that you should try to ease yourself into doing some of these activities - in a small way, before the motivation comes. It won't feel comfortable, it might even feel painful but it is important to have a few little spells breaking out of that inertia you feel. Keep doing them - persevere.

I am here to tell you that things can and will improve, my friend. Many, many people recover from depression and given a bit of time, care and dedication on yourself so will you You are not bound to this forever, and there is no reason to feel hopeless. You need to work on a few simple steps as I've described though. Start at the very beginning, break it down day by day, hour by hour if necessary, but think of those little activities that you know will help and practice them in a small way. There is plenty of light at the end of the tunnel but you need to start at the beginning. Have a go, even if it's incredibly hard - just do them. Come back and report how it was, mate.

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Cheers Stu, I do try to keep myself as active as possible.

I just feel like no matter what I do this always, always wins. :(

Stu is absolutely spot on Andrew. I always plan my day. I write things down the night before giving myself achievable goals. Can be something as simple as going a walk, planning a meal and going to the shops to get the stuff you need. But remember, keep them achievable. I've been there mate and although things feel hopeless it's far from true. If your medication is causing weight issues go to your GP and talk about it. I had the same problem with mine. We live in a world now where everyone wants instant results. This illness takes time and patience to get under control so we can live a normal life.... But I will tell you this, what is normal?? I have friends, work colleagues who don't suffer from any form of mental illness...... But they are more ****ed up than me!!! It's hard mate. You gotta work bloody hard to get on top of it but it's worth it and so are you... :agree:

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Originally Posted by Mikey09

Stu is absolutely spot on Andrew. I always plan my day. I write things down the night before giving myself achievable goals. Can be something as simple as going a walk, planning a meal and going to the shops to get the stuff you need. But remember, keep them achievable. I've been there mate and although things feel hopeless it's far from true. If your medication is causing weight issues go to your GP and talk about it. I had the same problem with mine. We live in a world now where everyone wants instant results. This illness takes time and patience to get under control so we can live a normal life.... But I will tell you this, what is normal?? I have friends, work colleagues who don't suffer from any form of mental illness...... But they are more ****ed up than me!!! It's hard mate. You gotta work bloody hard to get on top of it but it's worth it and so are you... :agree:

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Yeah for the first time in my life I got myself a diary at the start of the year. Every day I write what I've got to do at work, things I do outside of work (like walking, sit ups etc) it seems a very structured way of living and very routine but it works that wee bit better for me especially with regards to my work.

I certainly don't feel like I am or "it's" worth it anymore.

Yeah I know what you mean - there isn't really a "normal" I just guess I wish I was free of this pain, even just for one day.

Worth a bump, seeing as the subject is in the news at them moment.

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Originally Posted by Phil D. Rolls

Worth a bump, seeing as the subject is in the news at them moment.

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Yep.

The debate is interesting, if for no other reason than the loonies among us seem to be seeing it in different terms :)

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/...=facebook-post

Thoughts?

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Originally Posted by Hibrandenburg

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/...=facebook-post

Thoughts?

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I was interested on her criticism of having everyone with Mental Illness in the same ward. As there as many mental illnesses as there are people in the world, I don't see what else can be done.

We don't have separate A&E departments for different conditions, and a psychiatric ward is very much the A&E of madness. It's a place to keep people safe before they are well enough to go into the community and really get better.

Great stuff about suicide though, and it puts recent events into perspective.

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Originally Posted by Hibrandenburg

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/...=facebook-post

Thoughts?

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The fact that the headlines have provoked a response from professionals and sufferers is one of the better aspects of what has happened.

As I mentioned on the other thread, this might be a watershed in terms of media representation of mental health issues.

Watched the 2nd part of Louis Theroux's fantastic documentary 'By reason of Insanity' last night. Might be on my own here but I really like Theroux's work. Got right in about the grey area of not guilty by reason of insanity. Anyway... I enjoyed it. Brought back some **** memories and made me think of how far I've come with my own battles with mental illness. Although I've not committed a crime in case it comes across that way!! :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Mikey09

Watched the 2nd part of Louis Theroux's fantastic documentary 'By reason of Insanity' last night. Might be on my own here but I really like Theroux's work. Got right in about the grey area of not guilty by reason of insanity. Anyway... I enjoyed it. Brought back some **** memories and made me think of how far I've come with my own battles with mental illness. Although I've not committed a crime in case it comes across that way!! :thumbsup:

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His interviewing technique and the questions he asks are excellent. Great the way he sets the person up and lets them tell their own story.

Its for the viewer to decide whether the people he is talking to are mad or bad. Have to say that these were complex cases he was looking at.

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Originally Posted by Phil D. Rolls

His interviewing technique and the questions he asks are excellent. Great the way he sets the person up and lets them tell their own story.

Its for the viewer to decide whether the people he is talking to are mad or bad. Have to say that these were complex cases he was looking at.

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Thought this thread should get going again.... Especially as we're playing them the morra!!! :wink:

You're right rolls, Theroux is very good at what he does. Would have been too easy for him to dance round the issue and ask easy questions but he has that knack of drawing out a story from the person them self. A lot of other interviewers could learn a lot from him. He makes it about the person affected by the subject whilst others want to make it about them. I like his work.

Not sure if FR will ever return.

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Originally Posted by Mikey09

Thought this thread should get going again.... Especially as we're playing them the morra!!! :wink:

You're right rolls, Theroux is very good at what he does. Would have been too easy for him to dance round the issue and ask easy questions but he has that knack of drawing out a story from the person them self. A lot of other interviewers could learn a lot from him. He makes it about the person affected by the subject whilst others want to make it about them. I like his work.

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I think he gets away with it because he plays the naive, almost 'stupid', part well. That draws people out and they confide thing they maybe wouldn't with an interviewer who appears more polished and prepeared. Of course Theroux is anything but naive or stupid but he's using a technique that works for him.

I think that's why he now works predominantly in the US. He's so well known here now he probably wouldn't get the same success in drawing people out that he had in his earlier career when he was the new kid on the block.

I'm no way a psychiatrist/psychologist but the increasing prevalence of depression/anxiety and stress related disorders on early career academics in Universities is something that I've been wondering about for a long time now and I've just commissioned a study that seeks to look at perceived emotional stress/wellbeing/post-work rumination and job satisfaction amongst PhD graduates, postdoctoral researchers and first-position lecturers - so far, the responses have been fairly alarming with almost 80% of respondents feeling they suffer from a stress or anxiety related condition but feel absolutely terrified to confront it, feeling it's part and parcel of the pursuit to becoming a full lecturer or established researcher!

This isn't particularly surprising to me but in all honesty but it's alarming nonetheless. Often, those of us looking to move into permanent positions are required to demonstrate so many skills and proficiencies, it requires working way beyond our normal means and '9-5' just isn't a realistic concept. In fact, most respondents feel they work more than double an average 40 hour week, spending lengthy evenings and weekends working on grant proposals, papers, analysis, coursework etc just to fulfil the criteria for a lectureship. It's little wonder many people leave academia in the UK and pursue their careers overseas.

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Originally Posted by Sylar

I'm no way a psychiatrist/psychologist but the increasing prevalence of depression/anxiety and stress related disorders on early career academics in Universities is something that I've been wondering about for a long time now and I've just commissioned a study that seeks to look at perceived emotional stress/wellbeing/post-work rumination and job satisfaction amongst PhD graduates, postdoctoral researchers and first-position lecturers - so far, the responses have been fairly alarming with almost 80% of respondents feeling they suffer from a stress or anxiety related condition but feel absolutely terrified to confront it, feeling it's part and parcel of the pursuit to becoming a full lecturer or established researcher!

This isn't particularly surprising to me but in all honesty but it's alarming nonetheless. Often, those of us looking to move into permanent positions are required to demonstrate so many skills and proficiencies, it requires working way beyond our normal means and '9-5' just isn't a realistic concept. In fact, most respondents feel they work more than double an average 40 hour week, spending lengthy evenings and weekends working on grant proposals, papers, analysis, coursework etc just to fulfil the criteria for a lectureship. It's little wonder many people leave academia in the UK and pursue their careers overseas.

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The people you speak of have chosen to fight their way to the top of a certain tree within society. To get there and stay there will be some achievement. The fear of failure is a natural thing that spurs people on when they set high goals for themselves but in today's high pressure society, it can all become too much and become unhealthy.

A lot of the people I know who have "built empires" are the most unhappy.

I believe the ability to build such an empire, be it a very successful business or career lies within every one of us. Finding something that you love or have a real passion for is the key as you will feel fulfilled even if you accept that you have to make sacrifices in other areas of your life.

How many of these PHD graduates really love what they are doing?


Personally, my job isn't challenging but it has an element of stress to it which I think is a healthy thing in a way. It's a natural instinct that keeps you going. I concentrate on things I love and have a real passion for things like football and art...and these are the things that define me.


I'm probably not explaining myself very well but I think more people need to sit down and think more about what they want from life....and I don't mean in the material sense. We aren't here for a long time so we really have to try and be happy with what we have and do what we love.

People put too much pressure on themselves.

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Originally Posted by peter douglas

The people you speak of have chosen to fight their way to the top of a certain tree within society. To get there and stay there will be some achievement. The fear of failure is a natural thing that spurs people on when they set high goals for themselves but in today's high pressure society, it can all become too much and become unhealthy.

A lot of the people I know who have "built empires" are the most unhappy.

I believe the ability to build such an empire, be it a very successful business or career lies within every one of us. Finding something that you love or have a real passion for is the key as you will feel fulfilled even if you accept that you have to make sacrifices in other areas of your life.

How many of these PHD graduates really love what they are doing?


Personally, my job isn't challenging but it has an element of stress to it which I think is a healthy thing in a way. It's a natural instinct that keeps you going. I concentrate on things I love and have a real passion for things like football and art...and these are the things that define me.


I'm probably not explaining myself very well but I think more people need to sit down and think more about what they want from life....and I don't mean in the material sense. We aren't here for a long time so we really have to try and be happy with what we have and do what we love.

People put too much pressure on themselves.

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The sort of people I'm speaking about aren't running departments or labs or such and in reality, we're not even in a secured position within a department.

To answer your question, I think most PhD graduates love what they're doing - they've had 3 (minimum) years slaving away at a chosen research project and if, at the end of all of that, they still elect to pursue a research career (typically as a Postdoctoral fellow) then it's not a decision taken lightly.

The desire of a lot of us is to go on to fully established academic positions - e.g., lectureships. To do so requires an inordinate amount of pressure from all corners that results in a high likelihood of failure along the way and I think you touch on something I've said myself in the paper I'm writing on the back of the survey - academia attracts perfectionists - those who aren't happy unless they've published x amount of papers or published in journals such as Nature or Science...those who view any grant income under £100k as 'small potatoes'. Factor in teaching reviews, paper rejections, actually conducting research and the additional stuff such as reviewing papers for others, attending conferences etc and the workload is exponentially unmanageable.

People put that sort of pressure on themselves because until they hit the security of 'tenure' (to borrow the American terminology), the temporary contract is an area of anxiety in itself as it's not secure in the slightest and can mean a lot of moving around and not being able to settle. The system also puts that kind of pressure on you though because until you can prove you can do ALL of that, you're not going to get anywhere near tenure. It's a vicious cycle that breeds stress.

Thank you to everyone whom has posted on this thread!
I ve read quite a few pages(not all though,sadly) and i guess in a selfish way it points out to me im not alone in feeling down/depressed.

A few helpful tips also included on the thread and well thank you all again for posting your experinces, the good ,bad and the ugly side of depression(if there ever was a good side to it?)

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Originally Posted by bobbyhibs1983

Thank you to everyone whom has posted on this thread!
I ve read quite a few pages(not all though,sadly) and i guess in a selfish way it points out to me im not alone in feeling down/depressed.

A few helpful tips also included on the thread and well thank you all again for posting your experinces, the good ,bad and the ugly side of depression(if there ever was a good side to it?)

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I was talking to a mate about this earlier.

In dealing with my depression, my fitness regime is better, as is my diet. I have discovered meditation, and a host of other management tools.

All of these help me deal with my depression, but also enhance my life. Had I not had the condition in the first place, would I have had them? I would argue not.

In that way, there has been a positive side.

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

I was talking to a mate about this earlier.

In dealing with my depression, my fitness regime is better, as is my diet. I have discovered meditation, and a host of other management tools.

All of these help me deal with my depression, but also enhance my life. Had I not had the condition in the first place, would I have had them? I would argue not.

In that way, there has been a positive side.

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hi there glad that it has had a postive effect on you health mate!
Im in a similar situation and am trying to get in shape.eat better which im hopinh in turn will help with the depression.Just a part of me thinks its a good idea but the other part of me thinks im not *dealing with the problem of depression* if that makes sense .
I think it takes time and being a few stone overweight im sure will take a few more weeks than the person with a few lbs to lose!!

What I find makes my Depression worse is the fact that nearly every doctor I see just throws more anti psychotics at me. 700mg of Seroquel a night and they are talking about increasing it again.

For me, MoodJuice and other sites have been a great tool in showing different ways to deal with it rather than popping pills the whole time.

Has anyone been on Lithium?

I am currently on 375mg of venlafaxine during the day and 45mg of Mirtazapine at night.

However I get about 3-4 'good' hours throughout the day then just feel very tired, upset etc.

I've been maintaining my exercise and healthy eating routine for a while and feel no difference in fact probably felt worse than I've done for a year in the last couple of weeks.

So my psychiatrist has suggested Lithium in combiniation with the venalfaxine through the day. Just wondered if people had any experinces with Lithium as I've done a bit of research and I am still unsure as to whether it's a good option.

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Originally Posted by andrew70

Has anyone been on Lithium?

I am currently on 375mg of venlafaxine during the day and 45mg of Mirtazapine at night.

However I get about 3-4 'good' hours throughout the day then just feel very tired, upset etc.

I've been maintaining my exercise and healthy eating routine for a while and feel no difference in fact probably felt worse than I've done for a year in the last couple of weeks.

So my psychiatrist has suggested Lithium in combiniation with the venalfaxine through the day. Just wondered if people had any experinces with Lithium as I've done a bit of research and I am still unsure as to whether it's a good option.

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Don't know about Lithium, but I used to be on Venlafaxine.

I came off it when I saw what it did to my cholesterol levels. Maybe you should get them checked.

This time of year can be a struggle for us crazies. A combination of coming out of the hibernation of winter, and the very light nights, can combine to throw sleeping and energy patterns all over the place.

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Originally Posted by andrew70

Has anyone been on Lithium?

I am currently on 375mg of venlafaxine during the day and 45mg of Mirtazapine at night.

However I get about 3-4 'good' hours throughout the day then just feel very tired, upset etc.

I've been maintaining my exercise and healthy eating routine for a while and feel no difference in fact probably felt worse than I've done for a year in the last couple of weeks.

So my psychiatrist has suggested Lithium in combiniation with the venalfaxine through the day. Just wondered if people had any experinces with Lithium as I've done a bit of research and I am still unsure as to whether it's a good option.

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A wee bit about Venaflaxine here ..Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are similar to SSRIs. They were designed to be a more effective antidepressant than SSRIs. However, the evidence that SNRIs are more effective in treating depression is uncertain. It seems some people respond better to SSRIs while others respond better to SNRIs.

Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta and Yentreve) and venlafaxine (E***or).

These were the ones I was on & it was the Seroxat that practically destroyed me ...they offered me Sertraline but I refused & went cold turkey !!

Fluoxetine is probably the best known SSRI (sold under the brand name Prozac). Other SSRIs include citalopram (Cipramil), paroxetine (Seroxat) and sertraline (Lustral).



Ive had a few health issues to deal with the past few months & I am now taking 100mg of Trazadone (Oleptro) to aid sleep & hopefully kick my anxiety in to touch ...

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

Don't know about Lithium, but I used to be on Venlafaxine.

I came off it when I saw what it did to my cholesterol levels. Maybe you should get them checked.

This time of year can be a struggle for us crazies. A combination of coming out of the hibernation of winter, and the very light nights, can combine to throw sleeping and energy patterns all over the place.

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I prefer winter anyway but I understand what you mean. Although every time of the year seems to be a struggle. Got a stag do in budapest this weekend and I really ain't in the mood for it. Finding work harder and harder again which had been a lot easier since I returned to work in Jan after 6 months off.

I feel like I am regressing rapidly instead of progressing as I was doing a month or two ago.

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

A wee bit about Venaflaxine here ..Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are similar to SSRIs. They were designed to be a more effective antidepressant than SSRIs. However, the evidence that SNRIs are more effective in treating depression is uncertain. It seems some people respond better to SSRIs while others respond better to SNRIs.

Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta and Yentreve) and venlafaxine (E***or).

These were the ones I was on & it was the Seroxat that practically destroyed me ...they offered me Sertraline but I refused & went cold turkey !!

Fluoxetine is probably the best known SSRI (sold under the brand name Prozac). Other SSRIs include citalopram (Cipramil), paroxetine (Seroxat) and sertraline (Lustral).



Ive had a few health issues to deal with the past few months & I am now taking 100mg of Trazadone (Oleptro) to aid sleep & hopefully kick my anxiety in to touch ...

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So posssibly the venlafaxine is an additional issue rather than an aid?

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Originally Posted by andrew70

I prefer winter anyway but I understand what you mean. Although every time of the year seems to be a struggle. Got a stag do in budapest this weekend and I really ain't in the mood for it. Finding work harder and harder again which had been a lot easier since I returned to work in Jan after 6 months off.

I feel like I am regressing rapidly instead of progressing as I was doing a month or two ago.



So posssibly the venlafaxine is an additional issue rather than an aid?

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Or dosage may need tweaked Andrew, Im not certain of that but def worth mentioning to your GP as opposed to just "getting on with it" ...its about what works best for the individual, Prozac & others imo made my symptoms far worse, to the point of unbearable, but they have been successful for others..

Hope it all works out for you mate ..:aok:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

Or dosage may need tweaked Andrew, Im not certain of that but def worth mentioning to your GP as opposed to just "getting on with it" ...its about what works best for the individual, Prozac & others imo made my symptoms far worse, to the point of unbearable, but they have been successful for others..

Hope it all works out for you mate ..:aok:

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Doc checked last week, I am on the highest dose allowed.

Thanks, getting back to the stage where I can't see a way out of this hell.

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Originally Posted by andrew70

Doc checked last week, I am on the highest dose allowed.

Thanks, getting back to the stage where I can't see a way out of this hell.

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You will mate, it wont be a quick fix, never is ..there will be a few dark days but things will move on, you are doing everything possible to get to the other end ...& you will ..:aok:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

You will mate, it wont be a quick fix, never is ..there will be a few dark days but things will move on, you are doing everything possible to get to the other end ...& you will ..:aok:

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Thanks mate, I hope so.

Cheers for your replies, appreciated.

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Originally Posted by andrew70

Has anyone been on Lithium?

I am currently on 375mg of venlafaxine during the day and 45mg of Mirtazapine at night.

However I get about 3-4 'good' hours throughout the day then just feel very tired, upset etc.

I've been maintaining my exercise and healthy eating routine for a while and feel no difference in fact probably felt worse than I've done for a year in the last couple of weeks.

So my psychiatrist has suggested Lithium in combiniation with the venalfaxine through the day. Just wondered if people had any experinces with Lithium as I've done a bit of research and I am still unsure as to whether it's a good option.

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Oh Jeez, Venlafaxine, the drug they claimed has no side-effects, despite so many people's tales of how difficult it is to come off them. Turns out they knew all along and supressed the evidence.

Thankfully I've never been addicted to Heroin, so can't make a comparison, but if the withdrawal symptoms of trying to come off it are anything like trying to come off Venlafaxine, then I pity the poor Buggers.

Even forgetting to take it for one day can bring on the side-effects.


Have a read at this



EDIT: I seem to be having trouble adding the link because of a block on the letters f-e-x in the URL :confused:


https://ef***orisevil.wordpress.com/...r-venlafaxine/

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Originally Posted by keekaboo

Oh Jeez, Venlafaxine, the drug they claimed has no side-effects, despite so many people's tales of how difficult it is to come off them. Turns out they knew all along and supressed the evidence.

Thankfully I've never been addicted to Heroin, so can't make a comparison, but if the withdrawal symptoms of trying to come off it are anything like trying to come off Venlafaxine, then I pity the poor Buggers.

Even forgetting to take it for one day can bring on the side-effects.


Have a read at this



EDIT: I seem to be having trouble adding the link because of a block on the letters f-e-x in the URL :confused:


https://ef***orisevil.wordpress.com/...r-venlafaxine/

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I will have a wee read a the article shortly.

I take it at ten am every morning, if for whatever reason I fail to take it at that time then even just an hour or two later I can feel the effects.

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Originally Posted by keekaboo

Oh Jeez, Venlafaxine, the drug they claimed has no side-effects, despite so many people's tales of how difficult it is to come off them. Turns out they knew all along and supressed the evidence.

Thankfully I've never been addicted to Heroin, so can't make a comparison, but if the withdrawal symptoms of trying to come off it are anything like trying to come off Venlafaxine, then I pity the poor Buggers.

Even forgetting to take it for one day can bring on the side-effects.


Have a read at this



EDIT: I seem to be having trouble adding the link because of a block on the letters f-e-x in the URL :confused:


https://ef***orisevil.wordpress.com/...r-venlafaxine/

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I managed to come off it, but only because the cholesterol levels scared the crap out of me. I still had to wean myself off slowly, though.

Even now, I can get flashbacks.

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Originally Posted by andrew70

Has anyone been on Lithium?

I am currently on 375mg of venlafaxine during the day and 45mg of Mirtazapine at night.

However I get about 3-4 'good' hours throughout the day then just feel very tired, upset etc.

I've been maintaining my exercise and healthy eating routine for a while and feel no difference in fact probably felt worse than I've done for a year in the last couple of weeks.

So my psychiatrist has suggested Lithium in combiniation with the venalfaxine through the day. Just wondered if people had any experinces with Lithium as I've done a bit of research and I am still unsure as to whether it's a good option.

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Hi mate - just wondering what your healthy eating routine is? ie what type of foods you added in, anything you cut out of your diet??

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Originally Posted by Victor Park

Hi mate - just wondering what your healthy eating routine is? ie what type of foods you added in, anything you cut out of your diet??

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I live a very structured life now.

Breakfast: Porridge, honey and fruit (usually banana and raisins)

Lunch: Soup, 2 slices of bread, fruit cocktail, rice pudding

Dinner: Anything from Lasagne to Macaroni, Mince and Tatties to Sausage and Mash, Scampi to Chicken bites and wedges

Pudding - can be a choc bar or a cake etc but not every night.

I've cut out fizzy drinks for diluting and only drink alcohol once a month if at all. Very rare now as I just feel like it's an added depressant.

Hi folks,

I thought I'd put this couch to 5k to good use:-


https://www.justgiving.com/andrew70/

The community foundation have been fantastic in helping me with a couple of different things.

I've had a bad couple of days myself. Since the Seroquel was increased to 800 mg I do get more sleep and I'm less impulsive but I find myself jogging and writing blogs when I'm wound up now instead of some of the bad habits I used to have. I'm on the maximum dose of both Seroquel and Zoloft and 10 mg of Pericyazine. At 23 I'm just a bit worried about the long term effects these meds will have on me given I've been on medication since the age of 18.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by <3Morrissey

I've had a bad couple of days myself. Since the Seroquel was increased to 800 mg I do get more sleep and I'm less impulsive but I find myself jogging and writing blogs when I'm wound up now instead of some of the bad habits I used to have. I'm on the maximum dose of both Seroquel and Zoloft and 10 mg of Pericyazine. At 23 I'm just a bit worried about the long term effects these meds will have on me given I've been on medication since the age of 18.

---

I can't talk about the long term effects as I honestly don't know yet but I guess it balances itself out by helping us at the time. The problem is every medication brings other side effects along with it.

As to how you are feeling just now, I hope your mood improves soon.

Exercising is good, I can't believe how much I am actually enjoying it. I was writing a lot about football but at this moment my mind isn't allowing me and that's getting me down but keep the writing up mate.

Sorry to bring this thread back up but im going through a bit of a down period. I got back from holiday last week and have walked into a bit of a mess at work. I know what I need to do but I'm scared to make the big decision. I talked to my doctor last month about reducing my medication and I'm still struggling to balance what I want to happen with what I need. My doctor(who has been brilliant with me) is going off on maternity leave and I feel uncomfortable with having to speak to someone else.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

Sorry to bring this thread back up but im going through a bit of a down period. I got back from holiday last week and have walked into a bit of a mess at work. I know what I need to do but I'm scared to make the big decision. I talked to my doctor last month about reducing my medication and I'm still struggling to balance what I want to happen with what I need. My doctor(who has been brilliant with me) is going off on maternity leave and I feel uncomfortable with having to speak to someone else.

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Sorry to hear this.

Is part of the issue the post -holiday blues?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

Sorry to hear this.

Is part of the issue the post -holiday blues?

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I think so. It's never been an issue before though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

I think so. It's never been an issue before though.

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It always affects me.

I don't know you from Adam, so apologies if this comes across as patronising. ......my thoughts would be to avoid any major decisions until you're over the post - holiday stuff.

Your GP issue is unavoidable. ...and I empathise, I've been there. ....but the loss of that safety net might force you into finding other coping mechanisms.

In the meantime, get out in the light. ...maximise the exercise. That's what I'm doing, because we all know it's not here forever.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

It always affects me.

I don't know you from Adam, so apologies if this comes across as patronising. ......my thoughts would be to avoid any major decisions until you're over the post - holiday stuff.

Your GP issue is unavoidable. ...and I empathise, I've been there. ....but the loss of that safety net might force you into finding other coping mechanisms.

In the meantime, get out in the light. ...maximise the exercise. That's what I'm doing, because we all know it's not here forever.

---

Thanks for the advice. I got a bike a while back and have been thinking of giving that a go, rather than going to the gym.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

Thanks for the advice. I got a bike a while back and have been thinking of giving that a go, rather than going to the gym.

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Thats what I have done mate, Ive been off work for a while and hope to get back at end of month, rather than sit and dwell over things I've been hammering the bike along the Innocent railway line path, feel it clears the head, and generally lifts the gloom.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

Thats what I have done mate, Ive been off work for a while and hope to get back at end of month, rather than sit and dwell over things I've been hammering the bike along the Innocent railway line path, feel it clears the head, and generally lifts the gloom.

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I'm just round the corner from there, that's where I was planning to go.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

Thats what I have done mate, Ive been off work for a while and hope to get back at end of month, rather than sit and dwell over things I've been hammering the bike along the Innocent railway line path, feel it clears the head, and generally lifts the gloom.

---

Cycling can be so therapeutic. The physical and emotional benefits for me are undeniable . It's another form of mindfulness.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

Cycling can be so therapeutic. The physical and emotional benefits for me are undeniable . It's another form of mindfulness.

---

I have tinnitus due to a significant hearing loss and have recently been fitted with bilateral hearing aids, that news floored me just at a time I was feeling good. The bike has given me a new lease of life so to speak. Out doors I tend not to notice the tinnitus and after a good hard workout I forget all about the hearing loss. I'm out on the bike most days now and as you say, the physical and emotional benefits far outweigh the sitting in house twiddling thumb days/nights.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by happyhibbie

I have tinnitus due to a significant hearing loss and have recently been fitted with bilateral hearing aids, that news floored me just at a time I was feeling good. The bike has given me a new lease of life so to speak. Out doors I tend not to notice the tinnitus and after a good hard workout I forget all about the hearing loss. I'm out on the bike most days now and as you say, the physical and emotional benefits far outweigh the sitting in house twiddling thumb days/nights.

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I also have tinnitus, although not as bad as you seem to have it.

There's a theory that it and depression are physiologically linked, in that the relevant parts of the brain are very close to each other.

Whether that is true or not, the ways of dealing with the conditions are very similar.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

I also have tinnitus, although not as bad as you seem to have it.

There's a theory that it and depression are physiologically linked, in that the relevant parts of the brain are very close to each other.

Whether that is true or not, the ways of dealing with the conditions are very similar.

---

I just woke up one morn in October to loud whining in my ears (not the Wife 😃) thought it would pass but after steroids (doc thought it was blocked Eustachian tubes) I was referred to ENT and audiology and they told me I had the hearing of a 70 yo man !! Possibly caused by years of working as Scaffolder and with the Brewery. It's a blow, and it's hard to take knowing that I will probably never have silence again, and that kicked off the anxiety again. Thankfully though as said, getting out and about, be it cycling or walking has definitely helped ease the anxiousness.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

Thats what I have done mate, Ive been off work for a while and hope to get back at end of month, rather than sit and dwell over things I've been hammering the bike along the Innocent railway line path, feel it clears the head, and generally lifts the gloom.

---

I'm just back from cycling along the railway path, I had no idea that tunnel was there at the end.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

I'm just back from cycling along the railway path, I had no idea that tunnel was there at the end.

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Its a great cycle mate, I start at the cycle path at the Jewel near Asda then along the back of Bingham onto the Innocent rail path, the time I get to the tunnel my legs have nothing left as the gradient knackers me 😃 the tunnel seems to never end though 😃

I've got a query regarding prescriptions. My GP refuses to change my medication without the consultant giving it the go ahead so I tried a different GP a few times and they all say they "can't" change meds. Is this really the case? It was my understanding that the Psychiatrist was there to guide and give advice to doctors, not dictate to them?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

Its a great cycle mate, I start at the cycle path at the Jewel near Asda then along the back of Bingham onto the Innocent rail path, the time I get to the tunnel my legs have nothing left as the gradient knackers me 😃 the tunnel seems to never end though 😃

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I started at the miners club and went along to the tunnel. You're right about the tunnel being a killer, I was knackered by the time I got to the end. I thought about going round the park but I decided against it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

I started at the miners club and went along to the tunnel. You're right about the tunnel being a killer, I was knackered by the time I got to the end. I thought about going round the park but I decided against it.

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Me and my brother normally go through the tunnel then down the road, through Duddingston village, past Holyrood school and onto the path beside Duddingston golf course, that takes you onto Bingham and back onto the cycle path. The Arthur's seat road is particularly good early on a Sunday as the road is closed to cars etc so it's a good enjoyable safe cycle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

Me and my brother normally go through the tunnel then down the road, through Duddingston village, past Holyrood school and onto the path beside Duddingston golf course, that takes you onto Bingham and back onto the cycle path. The Arthur's seat road is particularly good early on a Sunday as the road is closed to cars etc so it's a good enjoyable safe cycle.

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Is there not a cycle path that runs the whole way adjacent to the road?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by liamh2202

Is there not a cycle path that runs the whole way adjacent to the road?

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Yes the Innocent does, it brings you out just down from Pollock Halls, there is a cycle/walkway adjacent to the road heading towards the palace but not towards Duddingston village.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

Yes the Innocent does, it brings you out just down from Pollock Halls, there is a cycle/walkway adjacent to the road heading towards the palace but not towards Duddingston village.

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Ah I see. My wife's uncle used to be parkeeper and used to live in the house at the start of the tunnel. I have an awesome video of my motorbike going up the tunnel when no one was around ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by liamh2202

Ah I see. My wife's uncle used to be parkeeper and used to live in the house at the start of the tunnel. I have an awesome video of my motorbike going up the tunnel when no one was around ;)

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Cottage garden? I've hit a ball or 2 into there from the third tee at prestonfield :greengrin

HH and LB if you haven't yet I would recommend exploring the old railway paths that link warriston and bonnington with Leith and Granton and all the way to roseburn. A great way to explore the north of the city.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr White

Cottage garden? I've hit a ball or 2 into there from the third tee at prestonfield :greengrin

HH and LB if you haven't yet I would recommend exploring the old railway paths that link warriston and bonnington with Leith and Granton and all the way to roseburn. A great way to explore the north of the city.

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I actually was part of a Council team that laid the cycle paths at Roseburn, Bonnington and Connaught Place many years back, haven't had the pleasure as yet to cycle on them though

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

I actually was part of a Council team that laid the cycle paths at Roseburn, Bonnington and Connaught Place many years back, haven't had the pleasure as yet to cycle on them though

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I've been down a few times as I'm interested in the former railways in the city. Last year my father in law and I started in king george v park, through rodney st tunnel down towards granton, turned at newhaven and headed to leith on the caley goods line and had a pint in teucters landing. Back on the bikes and onto the caley leith new line on easter road through restalrig to seafield and then onto the prom and along to the dalriada at joppa for another beer. From there it was up over harry lauder road, over the east coast main line and back up the road from portobello golf course. Was a brilliant day out travelling close to areas I know well but on paths I'd never seen before.

I realise all of the above has only a tenuous link to the thread but as a means of getting out in the sunshine (if you're lucky) and getting some exercise slightly off the beaten track it is, as happyhibbie has said, a very good option.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr White

Cottage garden? I've hit a ball or 2 into there from the third tee at prestonfield :greengrin

HH and LB if you haven't yet I would recommend exploring the old railway paths that link warriston and bonnington with Leith and Granton and all the way to roseburn. A great way to explore the north of the city.

---

I used to cycle along there everyday when I worked in gorgie.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

I used to cycle along there everyday when I worked in gorgie.

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I bet you were happier on the return journey each day :greengrin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr White

I bet you were happier on the return journey each day :greengrin

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I used to get home much quicker than I arrived

My wife works with dementia patients and puts on different themed days for them to trigger memories. I took this on and use the idea in a way when I'm having a bad time. Anyone can do it to suit there needs. I maybe watch an old comedian I loved, or an old episode of only fools and horses. You can go further back and watch your favourite cartoon when you were a kid. Listening to the first band that triggered your love of music. A book you read as a teenager. There is nothing embarrassing about doing any of this. It works wonders for me so I do it. When I started feeling brutal I used to lock myself away from everyone and wait on it passing... Now I do something, like what I've wrote, to help. Getting out is even better. I remember one particular time I felt crap we packed some sandwiches and headed off to The Whitadder in the Lammermuir hills with the dog. Used to go there as a kid and when we got home I felt great. To me triggers can bring on my bipolar, however they can also level me out as well. Thanks. Mikey...

This is my favourite thread on Hibs.net.

The opportunity for men to talk about emotional problems, in relative confidence, and without judgement, is a wonderful example of the positive power of social media.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

This is my favourite thread on Hibs.net.

The opportunity for men to talk about emotional problems, in relative confidence, and without judgement, is a wonderful example of the positive power of social media.

---

Absolutely CWG. Every football forum should have a thread like this. It could be the start of help and recovery for people who need it. It's also humbling and inspiring.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mikey09

Absolutely CWG. Every football forum should have a thread like this. It could be the start of help and recovery for people who need it. It's also humbling and inspiring.

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:agree:

For every person who has posted on here, I reckon there will be another 3 or 4 who don't feel ready to talk....but who, hopefully, will be getting something from it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mikey09

My wife works with dementia patients and puts on different themed days for them to trigger memories. I took this on and use the idea in a way when I'm having a bad time. Anyone can do it to suit there needs. I maybe watch an old comedian I loved, or an old episode of only fools and horses. You can go further back and watch your favourite cartoon when you were a kid. Listening to the first band that triggered your love of music. A book you read as a teenager. There is nothing embarrassing about doing any of this. It works wonders for me so I do it. When I started feeling brutal I used to lock myself away from everyone and wait on it passing... Now I do something, like what I've wrote, to help. Getting out is even better. I remember one particular time I felt crap we packed some sandwiches and headed off to The Whitadder in the Lammermuir hills with the dog. Used to go there as a kid and when we got home I felt great. To me triggers can bring on my bipolar, however they can also level me out as well. Thanks. Mikey...

---

A couple of years back when I worked at the Royal Edinburgh I bumped into an old acquaintance from the bowling club. He was in a very emotional state, his Wife was in the Jardine clinic dementia ward & whenever he went to visit her she just didn't relate to him. After being with her for over 50 years he was heart broken to see her sit with a blank stare. He would often sit for hours talking to her but he just wanted her to relate to something he was saying, something to acknowledge their love, their relationship/companionship, their hobbies, holidays or kids. He understood her condition & he understood that she wouldn't have long to live but he just wanted one lasting moment with her.

As simple as it sounds, I suggested he wore his white bowling jersey, it had a wee symbol of a bowl on it. Both were excellent bowlers & won many tournaments together. A couple of weeks later I spoke to him in the grounds of the hospital, he was in a much happier mood & explained that when he wore his bowling jersey his Wifes face lit up, she pointed to the wee bowling symbol on his jersey, smiled, uttered a few words & embraced him. That contact, as minimal as it was, was the connection he had yearned for, a lasting memory of the Wife, life long companion, mother of his children, he loved, adored & treasured.

She sadly passed a couple of months later.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by <3Morrissey

I've got a query regarding prescriptions. My GP refuses to change my medication without the consultant giving it the go ahead so I tried a different GP a few times and they all say they "can't" change meds. Is this really the case? It was my understanding that the Psychiatrist was there to guide and give advice to doctors, not dictate to them?

---

Sorry, this got missed, so bumping it in case someone knows the answer.

The cynic in me says that everyone in the medical profession is scared of being sued, hence the reluctance to go against someone else's advice.

But... I really don't know. Maybe someone out there does.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

This is my favourite thread on Hibs.net.

The opportunity for men to talk about emotional problems, in relative confidence, and without judgement, is a wonderful example of the positive power of social media.

---

It certainly puts a lot of the nonsense posted elsewhere on here into some perspective. :thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

This is my favourite thread on Hibs.net.

The opportunity for men to talk about emotional problems, in relative confidence, and without judgement, is a wonderful example of the positive power of social media.

---

Totally agree and I for one am grateful to everybody on here for both giving the subject the seriousness it deserves and also for the many posts giving advice and understanding.




:thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mikey09

My wife works with dementia patients and puts on different themed days for them to trigger memories. I took this on and use the idea in a way when I'm having a bad time. Anyone can do it to suit there needs. I maybe watch an old comedian I loved, or an old episode of only fools and horses. You can go further back and watch your favourite cartoon when you were a kid. Listening to the first band that triggered your love of music. A book you read as a teenager. There is nothing embarrassing about doing any of this. It works wonders for me so I do it. When I started feeling brutal I used to lock myself away from everyone and wait on it passing... Now I do something, like what I've wrote, to help. Getting out is even better. I remember one particular time I felt crap we packed some sandwiches and headed off to The Whitadder in the Lammermuir hills with the dog. Used to go there as a kid and when we got home I felt great. To me triggers can bring on my bipolar, however they can also level me out as well. Thanks. Mikey...

---

Wonderful advice Mikey, if only one person is helped then it's all credit to you my friend, something I will try when I'm feeling in a crappy place, cheers

Good to see this thread bumped again.

Truth be told I've been having an utterly ***** time of it the last few weeks. Contrary to most people who's depression and anxiety tends to get worse in the winter I tend to get worse in the summer. My hayfever and asthma plays up in the summer and that leads to my mind running away and imagining my symptoms are something far more serious than they are. I came close having my first full blown panic attack in about 2 years in Tesco a couple of weeks back, dropped my basket and ran out the door as I was sure I was going to faint and couldn't breathe, just about managed to get it under control. I've also been really short with people and become far more argumentative than usual which is always a sure sign I'm struggling a bit. This all leads to me getting very frustrated with myself and that in turn makes me more anxious which makes me frustrated again and so the circle goes on. I've also been a bit paranoid about people hiding things from me or lying to me which isn't unusual but has been under control for a long while.

As well as the above mentioned problem with my mind running away with itself regarding my hayfever and illness we have also been dealing with a family illness that has been very stressful for everyone and work has been tough lately as well. I've tried to keep busy, walked 20+ miles last weekend and climbed 2 Munros and forced myself to the Scottish Open this weekend. Trying to keep active as the urge to just lie about feeling sorry for myself is strong but I know it's unhelpful.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by happyhibbie

A couple of years back when I worked at the Royal Edinburgh I bumped into an old acquaintance from the bowling club. He was in a very emotional state, his Wife was in the Jardine clinic dementia ward & whenever he went to visit her she just didn't relate to him. After being with her for over 50 years he was heart broken to see her sit with a blank stare. He would often sit for hours talking to her but he just wanted her to relate to something he was saying, something to acknowledge their love, their relationship/companionship, their hobbies, holidays or kids. He understood her condition & he understood that she wouldn't have long to live but he just wanted one lasting moment with her.

As simple as it sounds, I suggested he wore his white bowling jersey, it had a wee symbol of a bowl on it. Both were excellent bowlers & won many tournaments together. A couple of weeks later I spoke to him in the grounds of the hospital, he was in a much happier mood & explained that when he wore his bowling jersey his Wifes face lit up, she pointed to the wee bowling symbol on his jersey, smiled, uttered a few words & embraced him. That contact, as minimal as it was, was the connection he had yearned for, a lasting memory of the Wife, life long companion, mother of his children, he loved, adored & treasured.

She sadly passed a couple of months later.

---

as i said in my last post... Inspiring and humbling. Fantastic story hh... :top marks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pretty Boy

Good to see this thread bumped again.

Truth be told I've been having an utterly ***** time of it the last few weeks. Contrary to most people who's depression and anxiety tends to get worse in the winter I tend to get worse in the summer. My hayfever and asthma plays up in the summer and that leads to my mind running away and imagining my symptoms are something far more serious than they are. I came close having my first full blown panic attack in about 2 years in Tesco a couple of weeks back, dropped my basket and ran out the door as I was sure I was going to faint and couldn't breathe, just about managed to get it under control. I've also been really short with people and become far more argumentative than usual which is always a sure sign I'm struggling a bit. This all leads to me getting very frustrated with myself and that in turn makes me more anxious which makes me frustrated again and so the circle goes on. I've also been a bit paranoid about people hiding things from me or lying to me which isn't unusual but has been under control for a long while.

As well as the above mentioned problem with my mind running away with itself regarding my hayfever and illness we have also been dealing with a family illness that has been very stressful for everyone and work has been tough lately as well. I've tried to keep busy, walked 20+ miles last weekend and climbed 2 Munros and forced myself to the Scottish Open this weekend. Trying to keep active as the urge to just lie about feeling sorry for myself is strong but I know it's unhelpful.

---

One of the things I hate the most about my depression is when I start being really abrupt with my family. It makes me want to be on my own all the time so that I don't take it out on others. Lying in my bed makes me feel better but I know that's not really helping.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

One of the things I hate the most about my depression is when I start being really abrupt with my family. It makes me want to be on my own all the time so that I don't take it out on others. Lying in my bed makes me feel better but I know that's not really helping.

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Aye it's a pain in the erse as it's usually people who don't deserve it who take the brunt of it.

I'm just frustrated more than anything as I had a lot of things I was looking forward to this summer and I've ended up tolerating most of then rather than enjoying them which is annoying.

This is a great thread. I have suffered from depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember.. Things get hard I know. Recently I've found that things like eating healthy drinking lots of water, cycling and keeping active can make u feel much better. Hope this helps lol

If you are going through hell, keep going - winston Churchill

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

Sorry, this got missed, so bumping it in case someone knows the answer.

The cynic in me says that everyone in the medical profession is scared of being sued, hence the reluctance to go against someone else's advice.

But... I really don't know. Maybe someone out there does.

---

GP's are free to prescribe what they want, other than a few drugs that have to be initiated in hospital. It's nothing to do with fear of being sued. If someone has complex mental health issues a GP may be reluctant to change treatment because doing so often means titrating treatment in and out and can make things worse. Sometimes if a number of treatments have been tried they will simply want to stick with what seems to be in part working rather than risking making things worse
Having said that, if a patient wants to change or have a change considered its not unreasonable to ask the GP to liaise with the psychiatrist by phone/email to discuss risks/benefits of changing treatment

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pretty Boy

Good to see this thread bumped again.

Truth be told I've been having an utterly ***** time of it the last few weeks. Contrary to most people who's depression and anxiety tends to get worse in the winter I tend to get worse in the summer. My hayfever and asthma plays up in the summer and that leads to my mind running away and imagining my symptoms are something far more serious than they are. I came close having my first full blown panic attack in about 2 years in Tesco a couple of weeks back, dropped my basket and ran out the door as I was sure I was going to faint and couldn't breathe, just about managed to get it under control. I've also been really short with people and become far more argumentative than usual which is always a sure sign I'm struggling a bit. This all leads to me getting very frustrated with myself and that in turn makes me more anxious which makes me frustrated again and so the circle goes on. I've also been a bit paranoid about people hiding things from me or lying to me which isn't unusual but has been under control for a long while.

As well as the above mentioned problem with my mind running away with itself regarding my hayfever and illness we have also been dealing with a family illness that has been very stressful for everyone and work has been tough lately as well. I've tried to keep busy, walked 20+ miles last weekend and climbed 2 Munros and forced myself to the Scottish Open this weekend. Trying to keep active as the urge to just lie about feeling sorry for myself is strong but I know it's unhelpful.

---

I can relate to a lot of that PB. The light nights in the summer play havoc with my sleeping pattern. I actually prefer the dark nights as I feel I sleep better. Hay fever is just an added pain in the arse I could do without as just like when I get a cold I really have to watch I don't slip into the habit of locking myself away from everyone. I'm 45 today and have suffered with bipolar since I was about 21. However, I would say the past 5 years I have lived with it. Acceptance is huge. For years I wanted to, and did blame others, mostly my family. My wife got the brunt of it as I would snap at her for making me feel crap. I have learned to first and foremost step back from situations and question why she is telling me something. To be honest 9 times out of 10 it's because I'm acting strange and I can't see it. I am so lucky to have someone who is patient and understands my illness and the way it makes me act sometimes. As others have said, this thread can be a sounding board for people and is without doubt the best and most important one on this forum. Stick in mate... Good things happen to good people.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mikey09

I can relate to a lot of that PB. The light nights in the summer play havoc with my sleeping pattern. I actually prefer the dark nights as I feel I sleep better. Hay fever is just an added pain in the arse I could do without as just like when I get a cold I really have to watch I don't slip into the habit of locking myself away from everyone. I'm 45 today and have suffered with bipolar since I was about 21. However, I would say the past 5 years I have lived with it. Acceptance is huge. For years I wanted to, and did blame others, mostly my family. My wife got the brunt of it as I would snap at her for making me feel crap. I have learned to first and foremost step back from situations and question why she is telling me something. To be honest 9 times out of 10 it's because I'm acting strange and I can't see it. I am so lucky to have someone who is patient and understands my illness and the way it makes me act sometimes. As others have said, this thread can be a sounding board for people and is without doubt the best and most important one on this forum. Stick in mate... Good things happen to good people.

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Happy birthday mate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

Happy birthday mate.

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Thanks mate!! :thumbsup:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pretty Boy

Good to see this thread bumped again.

Truth be told I've been having an utterly ***** time of it the last few weeks. Contrary to most people who's depression and anxiety tends to get worse in the winter I tend to get worse in the summer. My hayfever and asthma plays up in the summer and that leads to my mind running away and imagining my symptoms are something far more serious than they are. I came close having my first full blown panic attack in about 2 years in Tesco a couple of weeks back, dropped my basket and ran out the door as I was sure I was going to faint and couldn't breathe, just about managed to get it under control. I've also been really short with people and become far more argumentative than usual which is always a sure sign I'm struggling a bit. This all leads to me getting very frustrated with myself and that in turn makes me more anxious which makes me frustrated again and so the circle goes on. I've also been a bit paranoid about people hiding things from me or lying to me which isn't unusual but has been under control for a long while.

As well as the above mentioned problem with my mind running away with itself regarding my hayfever and illness we have also been dealing with a family illness that has been very stressful for everyone and work has been tough lately as well. I've tried to keep busy, walked 20+ miles last weekend and climbed 2 Munros and forced myself to the Scottish Open this weekend. Trying to keep active as the urge to just lie about feeling sorry for myself is strong but I know it's unhelpful.

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I can relate to all this as well and what Mikey09 said a wee bit further on. I am winter person always have been and I hate the bright, summer days. The brightness irritates me, the warmth annoys me further, I sweat profusely (embarrassing) and in an unfortunate way I hate how everyone seems so cheery with it all and I am stuck being me.

I've been really struggling of late and as you say doing things has been forced rather than wanting to do them. Also looking for excuses not to do things although I think that is exacerbated by being skint.

I've also been made homeless. My mum and dad are wanting me out the house, the council don't want to know. Apparently 18k should be more than enough to rent my own home and pay all the bills. I am currently staying on my mates couch but that's no good for anyone as he has a young kid who he gets 3-4 nights a week.

The one person I normally talk to is going through stuff of her own so don't want to burden her with any of my nonsense.

I've been keeping going with my running and playing golf to keep active but it's the lack of fight that gets me.

As you say it's hard to break that circle, when you are in it, of depressed anxiety.

Stick in mate.

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Originally Posted by andrew70

I can relate to all this as well and what Mikey09 said a wee bit further on. I am winter person always have been and I hate the bright, summer days. The brightness irritates me, the warmth annoys me further, I sweat profusely (embarrassing) and in an unfortunate way I hate how everyone seems so cheery with it all and I am stuck being me.

I've been really struggling of late and as you say doing things has been forced rather than wanting to do them. Also looking for excuses not to do things although I think that is exacerbated by being skint.

I've also been made homeless. My mum and dad are wanting me out the house, the council don't want to know. Apparently 18k should be more than enough to rent my own home and pay all the bills. I am currently staying on my mates couch but that's no good for anyone as he has a young kid who he gets 3-4 nights a week.

The one person I normally talk to is going through stuff of her own so don't want to burden her with any of my nonsense.

I've been keeping going with my running and playing golf to keep active but it's the lack of fight that gets me.

As you say it's hard to break that circle, when you are in it, of depressed anxiety.

Stick in mate.

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The council have a duty of care to you if you are homeless... As you have a young child this should prioritise you. Maybe someone with a bit more insight can give you the advice and info you need.

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Originally Posted by Mikey09

The council have a duty of care to you if you are homeless... As you have a young child this should prioritise you. Maybe someone with a bit more insight can give you the advice and info you need.

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It's my mate, who I am staying with, who has the kid. He has joint custody so see's him at least three times a week. I am glad he's put me up for just now but council say I could be homeless for a while. They are looking into alternative accomodation i.e. B&B's and keep informing me of houses that I could be private renting in the local area.

That option is far too expensive for me with the cheapest rent approx £500 per month with council tax, bills and food I will have literally £100 left for the month at the very most.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by andrew70

It's my mate, who I am staying with, who has the kid. He has joint custody so see's him at least three times a week. I am glad he's put me up for just now but council say I could be homeless for a while. They are looking into alternative accomodation i.e. B&B's and keep informing me of houses that I could be private renting in the local area.

That option is far too expensive for me with the cheapest rent approx £500 per month with council tax, bills and food I will have literally £100 left for the month at the very most.

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Have you looked into the option of housing benefit. On your wage I'd imagine you are entitled to some to help with private let. I used this option in the past

I don't suffer from depression but this thread has certainly changed a few of my views on it. Good luck to all you guys who have to fight this on a daily basis.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by andrew70

It's my mate, who I am staying with, who has the kid. He has joint custody so see's him at least three times a week. I am glad he's put me up for just now but council say I could be homeless for a while. They are looking into alternative accomodation i.e. B&B's and keep informing me of houses that I could be private renting in the local area.

That option is far too expensive for me with the cheapest rent approx £500 per month with council tax, bills and food I will have literally £100 left for the month at the very most.

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Sorry mate... Read that wrong! :idiot:

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Originally Posted by liamh2202

Have you looked into the option of housing benefit. On your wage I'd imagine you are entitled to some to help with private let. I used this option in the past

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When I had a meeting with the council they said I wouldn't be entitled to anything unfortunately.

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Originally Posted by Mikey09

Sorry mate... Read that wrong! :idiot:

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No worries at all! Thanks for taking time to reply to me :aok:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pretty Boy

Good to see this thread bumped again.

Truth be told I've been having an utterly ***** time of it the last few weeks. Contrary to most people who's depression and anxiety tends to get worse in the winter I tend to get worse in the summer. My hayfever and asthma plays up in the summer and that leads to my mind running away and imagining my symptoms are something far more serious than they are. I came close having my first full blown panic attack in about 2 years in Tesco a couple of weeks back, dropped my basket and ran out the door as I was sure I was going to faint and couldn't breathe, just about managed to get it under control. I've also been really short with people and become far more argumentative than usual which is always a sure sign I'm struggling a bit. This all leads to me getting very frustrated with myself and that in turn makes me more anxious which makes me frustrated again and so the circle goes on. I've also been a bit paranoid about people hiding things from me or lying to me which isn't unusual but has been under control for a long while.

As well as the above mentioned problem with my mind running away with itself regarding my hayfever and illness we have also been dealing with a family illness that has been very stressful for everyone and work has been tough lately as well. I've tried to keep busy, walked 20+ miles last weekend and climbed 2 Munros and forced myself to the Scottish Open this weekend. Trying to keep active as the urge to just lie about feeling sorry for myself is strong but I know it's unhelpful.

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I've had a real hard time of late with anxiety which has in turn spiraled into a bout of depression. I've been reading through this thread whenever I'm sat feeling sorry for myself and I appreciate and relate to a lot of your posts.

My hypochondria has turned into an almost unmanageable anxiety over my health at times. A month or so back I was on holiday with my girlfriend and had a panic attack for the first time, felt like I was going to drop dead and had no idea what was happening. The rest of the holiday was me acting normal trying not to ruin it for my GF whilst fighting to get my breathing under control and feel normal, I could barely leave the hotel. When my mind is distracted I tend to feel normal but as soon as I have a day off or have time to myself a wave of depression hits me and a sea of negative thoughts enter my mind, I've never felt like this before and I don't know how to get my mental health back to how it was a year ago. Hope all is well with you and all the other posters on this thread, I thank everyone for sharing as it really does help.

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Originally Posted by Liam89

I've had a real hard time of late with anxiety which has in turn spiraled into a bout of depression. I've been reading through this thread whenever I'm sat feeling sorry for myself and I appreciate and relate to a lot of your posts.

My hypochondria has turned into an almost unmanageable anxiety over my health at times. A month or so back I was on holiday with my girlfriend and had a panic attack for the first time, felt like I was going to drop dead and had no idea what was happening. The rest of the holiday was me acting normal trying not to ruin it for my GF whilst fighting to get my breathing under control and feel normal, I could barely leave the hotel. When my mind is distracted I tend to feel normal but as soon as I have a day off or have time to myself a wave of depression hits me and a sea of negative thoughts enter my mind, I've never felt like this before and I don't know how to get my mental health back to how it was a year ago. Hope all is well with you and all the other posters on this thread, I thank everyone for sharing as it really does help.

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Sorry to hear that mate, anxiety is a tricky one, Ive been & still am in the same boat as you. After a recent health issue I started having anxiety attacks, some for fairly prolonged periods & almost impossible to control, I see them as "tidal" they tend to come in waves, some mornings I wake up & have the nauseus feeling in my stomach then the dark thoughts. Breathing techniques do tend to relieve the panic side for a period but the nausea & darkness remain for up to a day or so, sometimes longer.

I always use the analogy that with depression you care or worry about absolutely nothing, but with anxiety you care & worry about absolutely everything, no matter how trivial.

Thankfully I have good support from my GP & on my days off work I try to get as much exercise done as I feel that tends to reduce my anxiety too. Thus far Ive had far more good days than bad days & as days go by I feel the anxiety reducing. Try & get GP advice, even if its just talking to him/her, you may find that may help.

Good luck mate, its a horrible thing to go through.

I too unsually for summer am running a roller coaster of emotions utter depths of depression one day then fully positve the next followed quickly by a down. On the down days I do not want to speak to anyone and almost go into a trance. Thought it had gone from me as I had a long spell of being in a good place . Good luck its nice to know your not alone

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

This is such a good thread - I ain't a man, honest :greengrin but I see some of my own issues in many of the experiences shared in this thread.

I just wanted to thank you all for your honesty, and bravery (I hope that doesn't sound too patronising or condescending) As someone mentioned above, for every one of you/us who posts, there's probably several more hovering around and hopefully feeling inspired, and consoled, by what everyone has to share.

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Originally Posted by Hibby D

This is such a good thread - I ain't a man, honest :greengrin but I see some of my own issues in many of the experiences shared in this thread.

I just wanted to thank you all for your honesty, and bravery (I hope that doesn't sound too patronising or condescending) As someone mentioned above, for every one of you/us who posts, there's probably several more hovering around and hopefully feeling inspired, and consoled, by what everyone has to share.

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Not at all, D. Much appreciated.

:aok:


I actually felt a bit guilty that the thread is very much Male Oriented but I'm sure some of it will be useful to Women suffering similar problems.

I might be wrong in this [I usually am ;)] but I've found that men are generally less inclined to admit to depression, so it's good that there is at least one place guys can come to and discuss it without being judged.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hibby D

This is such a good thread - I ain't a man, honest :greengrin but I see some of my own issues in many of the experiences shared in this thread.

I just wanted to thank you all for your honesty, and bravery (I hope that doesn't sound too patronising or condescending) As someone mentioned above, for every one of you/us who posts, there's probably several more hovering around and hopefully feeling inspired, and consoled, by what everyone has to share.

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Absolutley not, I think there is the stigma attached to depression & anxiety, folk are scared/shy to force or share their feelings upon others, particularly on an internet forum & it very much becomes a taboo subject.

I suppose, and thinking back to when I lived with depression, it wasn't the fear of disclosing it to others but more the fear of myself, everything outwith my "bubble" either didn't exist or was an "enemy" a denial perhaps that was deeply embedded into my train of deep negative thought. On reading & contributing to this thread its warming to think that although most are strangers to myself & others, we are all fighting the same demons, all at different degrees but all willing to share stories/feelings.

Heart warming indeed ...:agree:

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Originally Posted by happyhibbie

Sorry to hear that mate, anxiety is a tricky one, Ive been & still am in the same boat as you. After a recent health issue I started having anxiety attacks, some for fairly prolonged periods & almost impossible to control, I see them as "tidal" they tend to come in waves, some mornings I wake up & have the nauseus feeling in my stomach then the dark thoughts. Breathing techniques do tend to relieve the panic side for a period but the nausea & darkness remain for up to a day or so, sometimes longer.

I always use the analogy that with depression you care or worry about absolutely nothing, but with anxiety you care & worry about absolutely everything, no matter how trivial.

Thankfully I have good support from my GP & on my days off work I try to get as much exercise done as I feel that tends to reduce my anxiety too. Thus far Ive had far more good days than bad days & as days go by I feel the anxiety reducing. Try & get GP advice, even if its just talking to him/her, you may find that may help.

Good luck mate, its a horrible thing to go through.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Greenworld

I too unsually for summer am running a roller coaster of emotions utter depths of depression one day then fully positve the next followed quickly by a down. On the down days I do not want to speak to anyone and almost go into a trance. Thought it had gone from me as I had a long spell of being in a good place . Good luck its nice to know your not alone

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

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I can certainly relate to the tidal feeling of it. Some days I wake up feeling fresh and happy only to realise that I should be worrying about something! Might sound crazy but thats how it is for me at the moment. Cheers for the advice though HH, I've taking up cycling again to relieve some stress, definitely helps and would recommend it to anyone struggling mentally.

I know exactly what you mean by being in a trance like state, recently I've caught myself feeling like this whilst with my family and SO and they can definitely tell I'm not how I used to be, I'm not ready to confide in them yet though. Hopefully it'll pass!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Liam89

I can certainly relate to the tidal feeling of it. Some days I wake up feeling fresh and happy only to realise that I should be worrying about something! Might sound crazy but thats how it is for me at the moment. Cheers for the advice though HH, I've taking up cycling again to relieve some stress, definitely helps and would recommend it to anyone struggling mentally.

I know exactly what you mean by being in a trance like state, recently I've caught myself feeling like this whilst with my family and SO and they can definitely tell I'm not how I used to be, I'm not ready to confide in them yet though. Hopefully it'll pass!

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I have been dealing with depression after a major bout around 9 years ago liam89 I went to counselling which helped me a lot as i was in a bad place that I would not wish on anyone.
I deal with what I have now on a day to day basis but thankfully can go months feeling ok.
Drinking is a big downer for me good at the time but usually follows on with a big depression the following morning huge guilt trips even though ive done nothing.
Excercise is good as is trying to be around people, even though all your instincts want you to hide away alone..
Good luck mate always happy to try and help in anyway I can with advice or just someone to bounce how your feeling off.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Liam89

I can certainly relate to the tidal feeling of it. Some days I wake up feeling fresh and happy only to realise that I should be worrying about something! Might sound crazy but thats how it is for me at the moment. Cheers for the advice though HH, I've taking up cycling again to relieve some stress, definitely helps and would recommend it to anyone struggling mentally.

I know exactly what you mean by being in a trance like state, recently I've caught myself feeling like this whilst with my family and SO and they can definitely tell I'm not how I used to be, I'm not ready to confide in them yet though. Hopefully it'll pass!

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Not crazy at all mate, & I totally get where you are. I love my holidays & a couple of months back myself & my Wife went to Italy, I was an absolute wreck on the lead up to the holiday, to the point I was trying to find an excuse to cancel it. However I saw it as part of my ongoing rehab & a chance to rebuild my confidence & mental strength so I just gritted the teeth & went for it.

It did come with issues though, as the taxi picked us up at 0400am I went into complete anxiety/panic mode, I couldn't do it, I was hyperventilating, sweating, nausea, the lot .I scraped myself off the walls & got into that bloody taxi, I wasn't letting this beat me no matter what. That was my Wifes holiday too, she works her ass of & she needs a break aswell. She has also been my rock throughout so I was determined to fight this tooth & nail. I had a couple of wobbles whilst away but got through it.

Don't be scared to confide in your family either, you may feel you are being a burden but sometimes that extra ear could be the one that supports & gets you through this mate.

You will ..:aok:

This is usually a time of the year when I'm incredibly relaxed and much more light-hearted - our students are all away for the summer and I get some quality time to myself to get on with research - our campus is quiet so there's not any queuing for lunch or coffee, or general bustle; the traffic into work is lighter and getting parked is easy (it's the small things). Like Pretty Boy, my hayfever gets really bad at this time of the year and combined with chronic gastric reflux, my mind can too wander to places of serious self-diagnoses, only to reign myself back in and give myself a slap.

This summer has been a ferocious whammy of problems though that just keep coming - I had a three day spin in early July where I was diagnosed as being asthmatic on the Monday, experienced significant family trouble from afar on the Tuesday and then was rejected for what would have been a life-changing career jump when everything looked so positive on the Wednesday. To say I was down, verging on maniacal/hysterial would be an understatement. My usual "out" is baseball but there have been so many problems and politics in our club this year that even that is a chore!

Based on how I've been feeling of late, I don't think I've fully recovered from everything - I buried myself in work to try and distract myself (after eventually convincing myself that the job rejection didn't make me a total failure, though this is common in people who've undergone a PhD - the thoughts of perfectionism and the Fraud Police are never far away). I've chipped away at work and have slowly begun applying for jobs again (current contract runs out in March so I'm in a bit of a looming panic) but constantly feel a sense of unease. Yesterday, I decided to pop up to Tesco (roughly 20 miles to our nearest big one) and on that drive, everyone on the road was annoying me in some way. That unyielding sense of irritation followed me around a busy Tesco with a lot of people just stopping, wandering right in front of me and generally getting in the road and I thought I was going to lash out at someone at one point - I eventually took my basket into the cafe and got a cup of green tea for 15 minutes and felt immediately better.

I hate feeling constantly irritable but there's no shaking it. It's making things that wouldn't normally annoy me, properly rattle me. For example, I usually game online in the evenings with a group of friends (virtually) - the other night, we were playing against a much better team and after I was killed for the umpteenth time, I was so angry I used a homophobic slur that to this day I can't get my head around - in that heat, my brain went for the most aggresive, offensive word it could find and out it came - I'm not homophobic in any way, shape or form! I immediately muted my mic and enforced a subsequent online gaming ban til I felt better but that hasn't quite arrived yet!

It's always nice to know I'm not going mad and that other people experience similar sentiments on a daily basis!

Thought I'd share some of my recent experiences. As someone with Borderline Personality Disorder, my mood can change several times in a day. One minute I hate you, the next I love you.

I found that by learning about my disorder it's a bit easier to control and understand.

My consultant has me on Seroquel at 800mg, Sertraline at 200mg and Chlorpromazine at 25mg but he is confident that as I continue to learn that the symptoms may become less severe.

A word of advice also: I bought the Borderline personality disorder survival guide on Amazon. There are several books by the same publishers on things like Depression, anxiety, PTSD so take a look folks if you are struggling.

P.S. Sorry to the admins for being too forward in the past.

Andy

Has anyone experienced CranioSacral Therapy (CST)? I have been advised to try it.

My psychiatrist is going to change some of my medication so I am currently going through a weaning down process in order to start me on a new tablet.

Maybe happiness and pain relief is in the same place though?

I am tired, fed up and frustrated of not only feeling depressed but in constant agony all over my body.

The doctor's believe it is all anxiety related symptoms off the back of my depression.

This is the worst bout that I can remember coming up a year and a half now and still no sign of improvement in mood or otherwise. In fact I'd say my mood is the lowest it's ever been.

So hopefully this CST can help.