Depression and anxiety

Always a difficult time of year. I think this year will prove particularly tough.

The expectation of a more normal Christmas snatched away late in the day. Plans being cancelled last minute as covid hits people who have thus far avoided it and a generally sombre mood.

For me it's about remembering it's one day. I have to put a face on for the kids, particularly my eldest. She's been a star dealing with the isolating and deserves as good a day as we can give her. We'll eat some nice food, do a Zoom call with extended family and watch crap telly and play games.

As I said it really is one day and hard as it sometimes might be to see sometimes, it's not the end of the world if it goes wrong. For anyone alone or struggling maybe consider going along to a Christmas Day Parkrun or one of the communal walks organised in a few places. There is one up Falkland Hill in Fife.

I hope everyone on this thread has a peaceful Christmas. There are so many good people contribute to this thread and you have all made a positive difference in the life of others by sharing your story.

Thanks all who posted on here this year. Been really helpful in this tough year. Hope everybody has a peaceful, healthy and stress free Christmas.

Wishing you all the very, very best.

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Originally Posted by McD

I’ve been feeling very stressed for a little while now, couple of very mild, almost panic attacks at work, and very low as well.

like yourself I’ve just not been feeling Christmas at all this year, putting a smile on for the bairn and family, but tbh I can see the 27th coming far enough

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Take care of yourself bud. I understand what you mean about 'feeling' Christmas. In all honesty, I'm not the greatest Christmas fan but I had a pal come round for a visit this afternoon and had to catch my thoughts to remember it was actually Christmas Day tomorrow.

I think that ironically, the ushering in of the 25th December again will bring some relief for many. The build-up and especially the expectations can be very high and when feelings of helplessness or inability in meeting those expectations comes along it can be deeply upsetting or unsettling. This is especially so when we feel it may affect others, say our loved ones, in a negative way. Many matters have been out of our control due to Covid and we witness the great sadness and disappointment mentioned within this forum by those who have had their hopes dashed of a 'traditional' Christmas dashed at the eleventh hour due to isolating in particular.

It seems simplistic to say but it really does revolve around one day of our lives, sacrosanct though we may see that day. That time passes whether we wish it to or not and very quickly it is history with the rush of Christmas quickly trailing into a distant blur.

A few years ago, after losing my partner and being faced with a very quiet and subdued situation in the home, full of grief and sorrow, I wondered how to 'survive' the days of Christmas. A friend who was full of wisdom offered me similar thoughts to the above. I remained conscious of my feelings through that first Christmas and understood on reflection that it really didn't hurt me. The time passed and I got on with my life as we all do.

At the risk of repeating myself, we really need to manage those expectations, about this time of year and indeed generally in life. To not challenge them can be anxiety inducing, uncomfortable, even painful.

I'd like to wish all here a pleasant and peaceful time, also thank each and every person for their meaningful and sincere thoughts on the conversations we've had here and no doubt will continue to have. I know that I learn a lot from those contributions. Thank you.

Happy Christmas all.

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Originally Posted by stu in nottingham

Take care of yourself bud. I understand what you mean about 'feeling' Christmas. In all honesty, I'm not the greatest Christmas fan but I had a pal come round for a visit this afternoon and had to catch my thoughts to remember it was actually Christmas Day tomorrow.

I think that ironically, the ushering in of the 25th December again will bring some relief for many. The build-up and especially the expectations can be very high and when feelings of helplessness or inability in meeting those expectations comes along it can be deeply upsetting or unsettling. This is especially so when we feel it may affect others, say our loved ones, in a negative way. Many matters have been out of our control due to Covid and we witness the great sadness and disappointment mentioned within this forum by those who have had their hopes dashed of a 'traditional' Christmas dashed at the eleventh hour due to isolating in particular.

It seems simplistic to say but it really does revolve around one day of our lives, sacrosanct though we may see that day. That time passes whether we wish it to or not and very quickly it is history with the rush of Christmas quickly trailing into a distant blur.

A few years ago, after losing my partner and being faced with a very quiet and subdued situation in the home, full of grief and sorrow, I wondered how to 'survive' the days of Christmas. A friend who was full of wisdom offered me similar thoughts to the above. I remained conscious of my feelings through that first Christmas and understood on reflection that it really didn't hurt me. The time passed and I got on with my life as we all do.

At the risk of repeating myself, we really need to manage those expectations, about this time of year and indeed generally in life. To not challenge them can be anxiety inducing, uncomfortable, even painful.

I'd like to wish all here a pleasant and peaceful time, also thank each and every person for their meaningful and sincere thoughts on the conversations we've had here and no doubt will continue to have. I know that I learn a lot from those contributions. Thank you.

Happy Christmas all.

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thanks for this Stu

i think you make a really important point, that struggling with anything in the time leading to Christmas, doesn’t just ‘go away’ because it’s Christmas, and it’s important to take time for self care


I’d also like to wish everyone a peaceful, relaxing and happy time, not just over Christmas, but hopefully this is a time for most, if not all of us to get some space, and find some comfort and respite from the challenges each of us is dealing with

merry Christmas

Just to give a bit of hope to folk. I came off sertraline early November under the advise of gp and to start with it was a real struggle. Another gp said that it was totally the wrong time of year for me (dark days and my sons anniversary) and if my mood didn’t pick up soon to get back on my meds until spring. I reckoned after a fortnight of misery I’d stick it out for another week, and I’m glad I did!
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my moments of crying for no apparent reason and been a grumpy ******* at times but saw it through.
Today was going to be a real test with my wife testing a positive LFT so not seeing the bairns but speaking on FaceTime and doing a virtual quiz was a bit of a giggle, so all good so far. Hopefully I’ve turned the corner!!
Merry Christmas and the very best of health to everyone, there is light at the end of the tunnel!!
Cabbaged
Apologies if that’s a bit of a ramble, too many vino’s 😂

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Originally Posted by I'm_cabbaged

Just to give a bit of hope to folk. I came off sertraline early November under the advise of gp and to start with it was a real struggle. Another gp said that it was totally the wrong time of year for me (dark days and my sons anniversary) and if my mood didn’t pick up soon to get back on my meds until spring. I reckoned after a fortnight of misery I’d stick it out for another week, and I’m glad I did!
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my moments of crying for no apparent reason and been a grumpy ******* at times but saw it through.
Today was going to be a real test with my wife testing a positive LFT so not seeing the bairns but speaking on FaceTime and doing a virtual quiz was a bit of a giggle, so all good so far. Hopefully I’ve turned the corner!!
Merry Christmas and the very best of health to everyone, there is light at the end of the tunnel!!
Cabbaged
Apologies if that’s a bit of a ramble, too many vino’s 😂

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:aok:

It remains a difficult time for many with much uncertainty and hardship. Just a gentle reminder to keep an eye on friends, family and others close to us.

This morning I noticed a series of concerning Facebook posts from an acquaintance. There were many responses asking if the person was okay etc,. An occasional person asking if someone local could go round and pay him a visit to see if he's okay but with nobody responding to that nor doing anything but showing concern.

It's really important if you have any concerns at all of this nature to contact emergency services to request a welfare call in these circumstances. I can understand that sometimes people might feel a bit silly or that they're overacting if the person turns out to be okay but try and put those personal feelings aside and make sure the person is safe. I know of instances, even with professionals, where this has not happened and people have lost their lives.

My acquaintance today was found to be safe thankfully but not in great shape and wasn't responding to people either on the phone or at his property.

Take care of each other.

Kevin McNaughton sending some really troubling tweets last night. Thankfully found safely by the police today.

Attachment 25505

Horrible thing to see but glad he has been found.

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Originally Posted by Lendo

Kevin McNaughton sending some really troubling tweets last night. Thankfully found safely by the police today.

Attachment 25505

Horrible thing to see but glad he has been found.

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That's awful. Glad he's been found and hopefully he can get the help he needs.

Cracking player.

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Originally Posted by Lendo

Kevin McNaughton sending some really troubling tweets last night. Thankfully found safely by the police today.

Attachment 25505

Horrible thing to see but glad he has been found.

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That's really sad to hear.

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

That's really sad to hear.


My own life at the moment is probably familiar to a lot of people, as it seems to be one long pointless malaise.

I get up, do my work, go through normal routines and it all feels so pointless. I have had some short breaks, go out for a wander every weekend, sometimes visit family, go to the football... but I honestly can't remember the last time I actually really enjoyed doing anything, though I pretend to, so I don't upset anybody.

I expect there's loads of folk feel the same, though.

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I was feeling like that in the run up to Christmas. Working from home was making things tougher. Every day just feels like the day before, nothing to look forward to or get excited about. Plus just prior to Christmas I lost my best mate to cancer.

Since New Year I’ve started running again and hitting the gym three times a week. I’ve signed up to a few races to give me something to work towards. All I’m focused on now is my Fitness graph on Strava and making sure it continues to go up. It’s such a small thing but having something to motivate me has helped hugely.

It’s really difficult to get yourself out of a rut but it is possible and once you do things get a hell of a lot easier as the weeks go by.

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

That's really sad to hear.

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This is the misery guts thread, so not only is it allowed, it’s actively encouraged.

This for any LGBT posters. Pretty appalling stuff, but worth being aware of.

https://twitter.com/CounsellingKaz/status/1486997717410795529?t=bbJaxh3QEGf0yr2uCXqoJw&s=19

This for any LGBT posters or allies. Pretty appalling stuff, but worth being aware of.

https://twitter.com/CounsellingKaz/s...r2uCXqoJw&s=19

https://timetotalkday.co.uk/about/

Today is TTTD, a mental health awareness day run by Mind in partnership with the Scottish Association for Mental Health and See Me in Scotland. The aim of the day is to encourage open and frank conversations about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues with the aim of building supportive and transformative communities across the country.

Been going through that worthless feeling of late, just seems like I can do nothing right, high anxiety, depression etc, hoping in the long term I can get out of that feeling its not a nice place to be in. Mental health is something you don't really get I feel until you go through it.

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Originally Posted by LunasBoots

Been going through that worthless feeling of late, just seems like I can do nothing right, high anxiety, depression etc, hoping in the long term I can get out of that feeling its not a nice place to be in. Mental health is something you don't really get I feel until you go through it.

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You’ve taken a massive step by even just opening up about what you’re going through and how you’re feeling by posting here. DM are always open, as I’m sure they are for most people on this thread if you need to talk.

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Originally Posted by LunasBoots

Been going through that worthless feeling of late, just seems like I can do nothing right, high anxiety, depression etc, hoping in the long term I can get out of that feeling its not a nice place to be in. Mental health is something you don't really get I feel until you go through it.

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I've been feeling very similarly for a few months now mate, and know exactly what you mean. The enjoyment seems sucked out of everything, little interest in doing things you normally enjoy, even wee things

Don’t know if any of you are aware, there is a good podcast that seems to be getting recored weekly about mental health by the longbangers guys.

They are open to having new people join so just get in touch.

Otherwise, I find it an immensely interesting discussion every week. It’s good to know some people feel the same way you do.

Here’s the spotify link, it’s called Heidbangers.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oD...R2eQUxQobXBnBw

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Originally Posted by Alex Trager

Don’t know if any of you are aware, there is a good podcast that seems to be getting recored weekly about mental health by the longbangers guys.

They are open to having new people join so just get in touch.

Otherwise, I find it an immensely interesting discussion every week. It’s good to know some people feel the same way you do.

Here’s the spotify link, it’s called Heidbangers.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oD...R2eQUxQobXBnBw

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It’s really good this.

Well worth a listen

I've had anxiety for a few years.ive been off medication for over a year.But in the last few months ive had to deal with my dad & uncle both getting diagnosed with prostate cancer.ive split with my girlfriend.my sister has been sectioned with mental health issues. I'm back on pills now.ive bit the bullet and asked for help.i can't cope on my own.but ive realised there is help out there.if only one person struggling reads this.please get help.there are folk out there that love you.

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Originally Posted by Lendo

You’ve taken a massive step by even just opening up about what you’re going through and how you’re feeling by posting here. DM are always open, as I’m sure they are for most people on this thread if you need to talk.

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Thanks mate, have been in weekly CBT therapy which has been a eye-opener to problems throughout my life, basically has said I've been very let down by certain professionals and even some family who don't get the whole mental illness thing and just act like I'm normal and can do everyday life things like them when that's not the case. One day I'm fine next I can be right down in the dumps, just try my best to live with it.

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Originally Posted by LunasBoots

Thanks mate, have been in weekly CBT therapy which has been a eye-opener to problems throughout my life, basically has said I've been very let down by certain professionals and even some family who don't get the whole mental illness thing and just act like I'm normal and can do everyday life things like them when that's not the case. One day I'm fine next I can be right down in the dumps, just try my best to live with it.

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Your last sentence is key. Taking each day as it comes is so important and on the bad days remember that it will pass and, importantly, be kind to yourself

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Originally Posted by ArnoldGrove

I've had anxiety for a few years.ive been off medication for over a year.But in the last few months ive had to deal with my dad & uncle both getting diagnosed with prostate cancer.ive split with my girlfriend.my sister has been sectioned with mental health issues. I'm back on pills now.ive bit the bullet and asked for help.i can't cope on my own.but ive realised there is help out there.if only one person struggling reads this.please get help.there are folk out there that love you.

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Ive read pages upon pages of this thread, Ive had my moments but know what, the sheer balls that folk and fellow hibs fans have in sharing their experiences with fellow fans (hope guest fans are reading too as we are as one) trumps anything football has to offer, 10/10 hibs.net for this thread

Kick on mate, you are not and will never be alone

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Originally Posted by ArnoldGrove

I've had anxiety for a few years.ive been off medication for over a year.But in the last few months ive had to deal with my dad & uncle both getting diagnosed with prostate cancer.ive split with my girlfriend.my sister has been sectioned with mental health issues. I'm back on pills now.ive bit the bullet and asked for help.i can't cope on my own.but ive realised there is help out there.if only one person struggling reads this.please get help.there are folk out there that love you.

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Speaking up is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Similarly, I found (and still do) that writing a daily journal helps massively in unravelling my thoughts.

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Originally Posted by ArnoldGrove

I've had anxiety for a few years.ive been off medication for over a year.But in the last few months ive had to deal with my dad & uncle both getting diagnosed with prostate cancer.ive split with my girlfriend.my sister has been sectioned with mental health issues. I'm back on pills now.ive bit the bullet and asked for help.i can't cope on my own.but ive realised there is help out there.if only one person struggling reads this.please get help.there are folk out there that love you.

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I'm really sorry to hear you're struggling, understandable given your circumstances.

It's good to hear you've reached out for help and I really hope you get the help you need.

Anybody heard of this?

https://www.iflscience.com/health-an...t-of-patients/

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Originally Posted by Hibrandenburg

Anybody heard of this?

https://www.iflscience.com/health-an...t-of-patients/

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Yeah. There was a wee discussion on here about it a few months back.

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Originally Posted by ArnoldGrove

I've had anxiety for a few years.ive been off medication for over a year.But in the last few months ive had to deal with my dad & uncle both getting diagnosed with prostate cancer.ive split with my girlfriend.my sister has been sectioned with mental health issues. I'm back on pills now.ive bit the bullet and asked for help.i can't cope on my own.but ive realised there is help out there.if only one person struggling reads this.please get help.there are folk out there that love you.

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Sorry to hear you’re having a particularly tough time of it pal, never easy.

I know someone that experienced pretty similar to what you described above. It can be a long grind but there is a light at the other side as there is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help.

It’s also quite surprising how much of a difference the weather and light can make, which should begin to improve quickly.

In addition - I wouldn’t describe myself as in a depressive or anxious state at all right now. But I am aware with everything going on in the world right now, that it makes my mood less ‘hopeful’ when I do feel less then great.

Hopefully things pick-up for you before long.