Depression and anxiety

[barcahibs]

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Looking for some advice on experiences with anti depressants and sleep.

I am really bad at remembering to take my meds first thing in the morning and recently I've been taking it in the evening,I'm not sure if it is linked but since then my sleep is being ruined by horrific dreams. I have had some really messed up dreams which are almost impossible to comprehend. I am on pro longed release 37.5mg venlafaxine. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

We need to be careful generalising as every med effects people in different ways and working out the exact causes of side effects can be really difficult. But yeah I had something very similar when on Venlafaxine, the weirdest, most vivid dreams imaginable combined with massive nighttime sweating fits and a couple (very rare) of waking dreams/hallucinations.

I really feel for you, I've been off meds for a while now but remember the dreams too well. Like always the answer is to speak to your GP and weigh up the benefits of the drug against its side effects, only you can decide what's worth it for you - but don't just stop taking them

[barcahibs]

Wanted to put this in a seperate post so as not to send any mixed messages with the previous one.

https://amp.theguardian.com/environm...mpression=true

More evidence that getting outside and interacting with nature has multiple benefits for your mental health - whether you consider yourself to be 'outdoorsy' or not.

The evidence around this approach continues to grow. It's not a cure - and no one should be thinking about dropping their meds or other therapies and replacing it with a trip to the park without the advice of their GP - but it really, really works.

This is what I do nowadays, a couple of weeks ago we had 200 NHS practitioners out for a demonstration, you're going to keep seeing more of it.

Not long after I gave a presentation to another group, I hadn't read the brief properly and expected about 20 people to be listening - so it was a bit of a surprise to walk out to an audience of about 400. Tbh it wasn't the best presentation I've ever given, but I stood and gave it - this is me that a few years ago used to shut myself in the bathroom and hide for an hour if I saw the postman coming to my door because I was do afraid to speak. Me who had to have a therapist coach me into going out into the streets to put the bins out. Me who was told I'd never work, never have 'normal' relationships, to 'manage my expectations' about a 'normal' life.

For people in the right place in their lives spending time in nature works.

And for me the best thing is that - although it's great that there are services out there that can help you take the first steps and can work to build your confidence and knowledge - it's not exactly rocket science. You don't really need me or people like me at all, you can, when you feel ready, just step outside.

There are loads of services and groups out there, it's definitely worth giving it a google.

[Scorrie]

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Wanted to put this in a seperate post so as not to send any mixed messages with the previous one.

https://amp.theguardian.com/environm...mpression=true

More evidence that getting outside and interacting with nature has multiple benefits for your mental health - whether you consider yourself to be 'outdoorsy' or not.

The evidence around this approach continues to grow. It's not a cure - and no one should be thinking about dropping their meds or other therapies and replacing it with a trip to the park without the advice of their GP - but it really, really works.

This is what I do nowadays, a couple of weeks ago we had 200 NHS practitioners out for a demonstration, you're going to keep seeing more of it.

Not long after I gave a presentation to another group, I hadn't read the brief properly and expected about 20 people to be listening - so it was a bit of a surprise to walk out to an audience of about 400. Tbh it wasn't the best presentation I've ever given, but I stood and gave it - this is me that a few years ago used to shut myself in the bathroom and hide for an hour if I saw the postman coming to my door because I was do afraid to speak. Me who had to have a therapist coach me into going out into the streets to put the bins out. Me who was told I'd never work, never have 'normal' relationships, to 'manage my expectations' about a 'normal' life.

For people in the right place in their lives spending time in nature works.

And for me the best thing is that - although it's great that there are services out there that can help you take the first steps and can work to build your confidence and knowledge - it's not exactly rocket science. You don't really need me or people like me at all, you can, when you feel ready, just step outside.

There are loads of services and groups out there, it's definitely worth giving it a google.

Thanks for posting this. I am recovering from a serious bout of mental health illness largely based on anxiety and stress. I wasn’t prescribed meds but counselling so don’t have meds to drop but being outdoors and exercise in general has been a great help and continues to be. Not always easy if you’re feeling knackered, and being mentally ill is tiring, but even 20-40 mins helps

[Pretty Boy]

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Wanted to put this in a seperate post so as not to send any mixed messages with the previous one.

https://amp.theguardian.com/environm...mpression=true

More evidence that getting outside and interacting with nature has multiple benefits for your mental health - whether you consider yourself to be 'outdoorsy' or not.

The evidence around this approach continues to grow. It's not a cure - and no one should be thinking about dropping their meds or other therapies and replacing it with a trip to the park without the advice of their GP - but it really, really works.

This is what I do nowadays, a couple of weeks ago we had 200 NHS practitioners out for a demonstration, you're going to keep seeing more of it.

Not long after I gave a presentation to another group, I hadn't read the brief properly and expected about 20 people to be listening - so it was a bit of a surprise to walk out to an audience of about 400. Tbh it wasn't the best presentation I've ever given, but I stood and gave it - this is me that a few years ago used to shut myself in the bathroom and hide for an hour if I saw the postman coming to my door because I was do afraid to speak. Me who had to have a therapist coach me into going out into the streets to put the bins out. Me who was told I'd never work, never have 'normal' relationships, to 'manage my expectations' about a 'normal' life.

For people in the right place in their lives spending time in nature works.

And for me the best thing is that - although it's great that there are services out there that can help you take the first steps and can work to build your confidence and knowledge - it's not exactly rocket science. You don't really need me or people like me at all, you can, when you feel ready, just step outside.

There are loads of services and groups out there, it's definitely worth giving it a google.

That's a really interesting article.

I was listening to a podcast recently and they mentioned that GPs in England have recently started to 'prescribe' Parkrun to people with both physical and mental illnesses.

Whilst obviously it's not for everyone and certainly not for people at an acute stage of illness it seems a great idea for people maybe looking for a way to get outside, get fit and interact with people. The non competitive nature and general friendliness of Parkrun seems as good a place as any to suggest to people.

Whilst I would 100% argue that traditional medicines and therapies have their place it is good to see a recognition of the benefits of a more holistic approach as well.

[barcahibs]

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Thanks for posting this. I am recovering from a serious bout of mental health illness largely based on anxiety and stress. I wasn’t prescribed meds but counselling so don’t have meds to drop but being outdoors and exercise in general has been a great help and continues to be. Not always easy if you’re feeling knackered, and being mentally ill is tiring, but even 20-40 mins helps

Yeah I think one thing that folk who haven't experienced depression and anxiety don't get is how physically exhausting it is just getting through a day. You have to use so much energy just to face the world.

20-40 minutes is great I wouldn't knock that at all. But if you really, really can't face going out then studies have shown that just looking out the window has a measurable positive effect. Actually there are some studies that suggest just looking at pictures of nature makes a difference - our bodies are hardwired to be fascinated by trees and other living things, and while your mind is busy processing them you don't have the mental 'time' to be anxious. Or at least that's one of the theories!

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That's a really interesting article.

I was listening to a podcast recently and they mentioned that GPs in England have recently started to 'prescribe' Parkrun to people with both physical and mental illnesses.

Whilst obviously it's not for everyone and certainly not for people at an acute stage of illness it seems a great idea for people maybe looking for a way to get outside, get fit and interact with people. The non competitive nature and general friendliness of Parkrun seems as good a place as any to suggest to people.

Whilst I would 100% argue that traditional medicines and therapies have their place it is good to see a recognition of the benefits of a more holistic approach as well.

It's happening here too. Branching Out is the 'government' run version of what my work does (we're a charity) and it's basically time in the outdoors that is prescribed by your doctor. I'm a branching out leader too and it's a great scheme.

My own project now regularly gets referrals from GPs, health workers, CMHTs and OTs and we were originally part funded by the NHS. The big challenge is finding enough funding so you can be around long enough for health workers to have heard of you and to trust that you'll still be running when they do refer to you. Due to the way funding works in this country its a constant battle.

You'll hear a lot more of this, SNH (the government body that looks after nature in Scotland) is getting into what it calls our 'Natural Health Service' in a big way and various environmental charities are keen to use the 'ecosystem services' argument (basically all the useful things we can get for free from nature rather than paying for them) to boost their own conservation arguments.

Like i say, it's not a cure, it'll never replace conventional medical approaches, only supplement them, and it won't have the same effect on everyone, but it does work, and it is essentially free of charge and side effects...

[Antifa Hibs]

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That's a really interesting article.

I was listening to a podcast recently and they mentioned that GPs in England have recently started to 'prescribe' Parkrun to people with both physical and mental illnesses.

Whilst obviously it's not for everyone and certainly not for people at an acute stage of illness it seems a great idea for people maybe looking for a way to get outside, get fit and interact with people. The non competitive nature and general friendliness of Parkrun seems as good a place as any to suggest to people.

Whilst I would 100% argue that traditional medicines and therapies have their place it is good to see a recognition of the benefits of a more holistic approach as well.

I've listened to something similar. Think it was Feel Better Live More podcast by Dr Chatterjee. I think the community aspect of Parkrun was just as good for you as the exercise. Even if you can't run volunteering by handing out oranges or doing registration and going for a coffee afterwards with people is meant to be just as beneficial as running. Despite holding a device in our pockets 99% of the day that connects us to the whole world in seconds - we are being more and more isolated as a race and this is having a massive affect on mental health. Something to do with our brains are still programmed back to the stone age were we lived in tribes and small close-knitted communities but these days despite technology and living in huge cities, find ourselves to be pretty isolated. Fascinating stuff these studies have shown (maybe not so much if you're suffering I guess).

Dr Chatterjee and Geoff Lloyd & Ed Miliband have podcasts on mental health with guests - well worth a listen.

Regarding excerise and getting outdoors I find it a brilliant way to clear the head and as a 9-5 desk jocky (well really half 8 to half 5) find it very beneficial. A 3 mile walk up and down the canal or round arthur seat etc is barry during the summer months - not so much the winter months however!

Stick in everyone.

[barcahibs]

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I've listened to something similar. Think it was Feel Better Live More podcast by Dr Chatterjee. I think the community aspect of Parkrun was just as good for you as the exercise. Even if you can't run volunteering by handing out oranges or doing registration and going for a coffee afterwards with people is meant to be just as beneficial as running. Despite holding a device in our pockets 99% of the day that connects us to the whole world in seconds - we are being more and more isolated as a race and this is having a massive affect on mental health. Something to do with our brains are still programmed back to the stone age were we lived in tribes and small close-knitted communities but these days despite technology and living in huge cities, find ourselves to be pretty isolated. Fascinating stuff these studies have shown (maybe not so much if you're suffering I guess).

Dr Chatterjee and Geoff Lloyd & Ed Miliband have podcasts on mental health with guests - well worth a listen.

Regarding excerise and getting outdoors I find it a brilliant way to clear the head and as a 9-5 desk jocky (well really half 8 to half 5) find it very beneficial. A 3 mile walk up and down the canal or round arthur seat etc is barry during the summer months - not so much the winter months however!

Stick in everyone.

Totally agree about the social aspect, one of the big things we do us that we always, always stop our sessions to make a cup of tea on an outdoor kettle and sit and chat around the fire. If folk want to talk about their lives we'll listen, if folk want to banter that's great, and if folk want to just sit and listen there's no pressure to speak.

My boss accuses me of including this as just an excuse to get paid to drink coffee (he's kidding) but for me it's probably the most important thing we do.

There's a huge social ritual around making and sharing a cuppa that everyone (OK almost everyone) in the UK almost instinctively understands. It's a great socialising opportunity, it's easy to do, it requires no skills (beyond safely lighting a fire, which we'll teach you), there's roles for everyone (sorting the water, the cups, finding the spoons, handing out the biscuits, taking orders, cleaning up after) and there's opportunities to bond over things like remembering other people's favourite drink or how many sugars they take.

If you are socially isolated how often in a week does someone make you a cup of tea? More importantly, how often do you get a chance to make a cup of tea for someone else? To get that wee glow inside when some says "thank you" and enjoys your cuppa, or when someone remembers you take milk and two sugars.

It doesn't seem like much but don't underestimate the small stuff.

Do it outdoors and the nature effect just multiplies everything.

A couple of links below to research, if anyone is interested I have loads more of these.

http://publications.naturalengland.o...13819616346112

https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/e...ation-for-mind

[wpj]

Circumstances have conspired to put me back a wee bit. Looking for something to get me back up, been here before and sadly will be here again but still optimistically looking forward

[MSK]

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Circumstances have conspired to put me back a wee bit. Looking for something to get me back up, been here before and sadly will be here again but still optimistically looking forward

Stick in mate, we are all here for you 👍

[wpj]

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Stick in mate, we are all here for you 👍

Thanks, this thread has been a massive help. The professional people I talk to have been pleasantly surprised that a football forum has been such a help. I feel lucky to have this resource as well as the wonderful NHS who are strained to the max but still supply much needed assistance.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

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Thanks, this thread has been a massive help. The professional people I talk to have been pleasantly surprised that a football forum has been such a help. I feel lucky to have this resource as well as the wonderful NHS who are strained to the max but still supply much needed assistance.

It's by far the best thread there's ever been on here.

[MSK]

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It's by far the best thread there's ever been on here.

Totally, seven years old and still going strong 👍

[wpj]

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Totally, seven years old and still going strong 👍

As are we, that is a testament to our own strengths and limitations. I used to read this thread and seldom comment. The years have passed and I am very open now about my illness. I have a degenerative heart condition and severe anxiety and panic attacks. As a result? I don't think they are connected but they certainly don't help each other much. A massive thank you for this thread. All the contributors and people looking in we all know we are not alone, that is the scariest thing, trying to deal with it alone. Now I dont have to.

[MSK]

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As are we, that is a testament to our own strengths and limitations. I used to read this thread and seldom comment. The years have passed and I am very open now about my illness. I have a degenerative heart condition and severe anxiety and panic attacks. As a result? I don't think they are connected but they certainly don't help each other much. A massive thank you for this thread. All the contributors and people looking in we all know we are not alone, that is the scariest thing, trying to deal with it alone. Now I dont have to.

Mate thats brutal, you are certainly being put through the mill, I can relate to your issues in a way, my depression started due to my heart condition (now repaired) Ive been through the deaths of both my parents and came through unscathed, I genuinely expected the black dog to bite me again but I think dealing with depression in the past gave me a bit steel back.

The sudden loss of my hearing, 60% in one ear and 40% in the other and tinnitus triggered my anxiety, Ive coped with it so far and my anxiety, from being every day for over a year has reduced to practically zero. I still have my down days, esp when my tinnitus is full on, its absolutely brutal to live with and can be very debilitating at times but self reassurance gets me through it, along with this thread. Some fantastic contributions and warming to think we are not alone, we are all in this together.

Stay strong bud 🇳🇬👍🇳🇬

[Pretty Boy]

I couldn't beieve this thread was 7 years old, I had to go back to the 1st page to check and it's been interesting reading.

In many ways 7 years ago feels like another lifetime. When I read back through my posts on here, Facebook etc from that time I see a sneering, cynical and bitter person. I was unhappy so I hated seeing other people having fun or being passionate about things. It's only relatively recently I began to shed that bitterness. I was bitter about my anxiety, bitter about the poor choices I had made that cost me friends and opportunities and bitter about missing out on what should have been a great time in my life, partially through my own fault and partly through circumstances. I've come to realise I can't change the past and whatever I feel about it is irrelevant. It took me a long time to realise trying to be someone else or trying to live up to other people's expectations put unnecessary pressure on me and fuelled both my anxiety and my compulsive behaviour. It seems what really makes me happy is living a simple life. I have a job I don't mind, a small but close group of friends, a girlfriend who has put up with a lot from me and a daughter who quite literally lights up my life. Every time I see her or think about her it makes me smile from ear to ear.

To echo others I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. I'm far more of a sporadic reader and poster (of this thread) now than I was a few years back but for a long time it was, and indeed still is, a great source of comfort and support. This forum has a lot of conflicting opinions and it often gets heated as we get irrationally passionate about 22 men booting a ball about; however at it's heart there are a lot of very good, caring people who have helped each other out either directly or indirectly. If anyone hasn't contributed to this thread yet but feels they may want or need to then please do and to those who are regular contributors please continue to be.

[LustForLeith]

Good morning folks,

This is a brilliant thread and one that highlights the benefits of a football forum. Well done to those who’ve spoken openly about what they’ve been and are going through. You should all be very proud.

There’s a drop in session for The Changing Room tonight. For those that don’t know about it, The Changing Room is a programme designed to help men in their middle years tackle depression through football and Hibs were the first club to be involved.

More information on what the Changing Room is about is here http://www.thechangingroom.org.uk/

Tonight we’re meeting at the West Stand at 6pm. If you or anyone you know Wants to come along then feel free to do so.

See you there 👍

[LustForLeith]

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Good morning folks,

This is a brilliant thread and one that highlights the benefits of a football forum. Well done to those who’ve spoken openly about what they’ve been and are going through. You should all be very proud.

There’s a drop in session for The Changing Room tonight. For those that don’t know about it, The Changing Room is a programme designed to help men in their middle years tackle depression through football and Hibs were the first club to be involved.

More information on what the Changing Room is about is here http://www.thechangingroom.org.uk/

Tonight we’re meeting at the West Stand at 6pm. If you or anyone you know Wants to come along then feel free to do so.

See you there 👍

That was a good drop in session last night. We had quite a few men turn up and because it was a nice evening we had a walk and talk around the Easter Road pitch. The whole event was supposed to lay ninety minutes but we were still there closer to two hours.

Well done to those who came along 👍

[Dalianwanda]

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As are we, that is a testament to our own strengths and limitations. I used to read this thread and seldom comment. The years have passed and I am very open now about my illness. I have a degenerative heart condition and severe anxiety and panic attacks. As a result? I don't think they are connected but they certainly don't help each other much. A massive thank you for this thread. All the contributors and people looking in we all know we are not alone, that is the scariest thing, trying to deal with it alone. Now I dont have to.

I did this article for a local magazine last year on Panic Attcks. My approach has changed slightly but this may be of help to you http://www.johngcoaching.com/blog/20...ng-of-the-past

[wpj]

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I did this article for a local magazine last year on Panic Attcks. My approach has changed slightly but this may be of help to you http://www.johngcoaching.com/blog/20...ng-of-the-past

Thanks, I have several coping methods but will add this advice to the list

[Dalianwanda]

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Thanks, I have several coping methods but will add this advice to the list

What ever helps dude...any questions you know where i am 👊😉

[wpj]

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What ever helps dude...any questions you know where i am 👊😉

Thanks 👍👊

[beensaidbefore]

Apologies if it's posted earlier in the thread. Came across this today and thought it was quite a helpful video. It makes a comparison between depression and the 'black dog' that follows you around appearing at unexpected times and manifesting itself in unhelpful ways. Might be a helpful resource to share with someone who finds it diffixukt to understand how depression can impact on somebody's life.


https://youtu.be/2VRRx7Mtep8

[Pedantic_Hibee]

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I couldn't beieve this thread was 7 years old, I had to go back to the 1st page to check and it's been interesting reading.

In many ways 7 years ago feels like another lifetime. When I read back through my posts on here, Facebook etc from that time I see a sneering, cynical and bitter person. I was unhappy so I hated seeing other people having fun or being passionate about things. It's only relatively recently I began to shed that bitterness. I was bitter about my anxiety, bitter about the poor choices I had made that cost me friends and opportunities and bitter about missing out on what should have been a great time in my life, partially through my own fault and partly through circumstances. I've come to realise I can't change the past and whatever I feel about it is irrelevant. It took me a long time to realise trying to be someone else or trying to live up to other people's expectations put unnecessary pressure on me and fuelled both my anxiety and my compulsive behaviour. It seems what really makes me happy is living a simple life. I have a job I don't mind, a small but close group of friends, a girlfriend who has put up with a lot from me and a daughter who quite literally lights up my life. Every time I see her or think about her it makes me smile from ear to ear.

To echo others I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. I'm far more of a sporadic reader and poster (of this thread) now than I was a few years back but for a long time it was, and indeed still is, a great source of comfort and support. This forum has a lot of conflicting opinions and it often gets heated as we get irrationally passionate about 22 men booting a ball about; however at it's heart there are a lot of very good, caring people who have helped each other out either directly or indirectly. If anyone hasn't contributed to this thread yet but feels they may want or need to then please do and to those who are regular contributors please continue to be.

I think one day soon I will add my experiences to this thread. Often read it but not really had the balls to post on it as some people know me personally. I’ve found writing to be cathartic and for that reason alone, I’ll contribute soon.

[wpj]

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I think one day soon I will add my experiences to this thread. Often read it but not really had the balls to post on it as some people know me personally. I’ve found writing to be cathartic and for that reason alone, I’ll contribute soon.

Needs to be when you feel comfortable, loads of support here 👍

[Dalianwanda]

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That was a good drop in session last night. We had quite a few men turn up and because it was a nice evening we had a walk and talk around the Easter Road pitch. The whole event was supposed to lay ninety minutes but we were still there closer to two hours.

Well done to those who came along 👍

Sounds like a great initiative 🙏💚

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

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Good morning folks,

This is a brilliant thread and one that highlights the benefits of a football forum. Well done to those who’ve spoken openly about what they’ve been and are going through. You should all be very proud.

There’s a drop in session for The Changing Room tonight. For those that don’t know about it, The Changing Room is a programme designed to help men in their middle years tackle depression through football and Hibs were the first club to be involved.

More information on what the Changing Room is about is here http://www.thechangingroom.org.uk/

Tonight we’re meeting at the West Stand at 6pm. If you or anyone you know Wants to come along then feel free to do so.

See you there 👍

Have you pointed the guys that attend these meets in the direction of this thread?

[LustForLeith]

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Have you pointed the guys that attend these meets in the direction of this thread?

I’ve not but I will do at the next drop in which is a couple of weeks. We just had a piece in the STV news along with Hearts promoting the Changing Room.

[LustForLeith]

It’s just to say for those interested there’s a drop in session for The Changing Room tonight. It’s free and a chance for men to meet up in an environment they feel safe in to talk about their mental health. You don’t need to talk if you don’t want to, feel free to come along for a chat and a biscuit. We’re meeting at the West Stand at Easter Road tonight at six.

Further information on the Changing Room can be found here http://hibs.thechangingroom.org.uk/

See you there 👍

[Pagan Hibernia]

So it’s september and, as a few on this thread have pointed out, it’s a time of year that’s difficult for many as the days shorten and darkness starts to take over...

hows everyone doing?

personally I had a relationship come to an end last month and it’s been a very trying few weeks. Some days I could barely make it out of bed such was the emotional paralysis I felt. I feel I’m just starting to come out of it now but as ever it’s a long road and not always a straight one.

[stu in nottingham]

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That was a good drop in session last night. We had quite a few men turn up and because it was a nice evening we had a walk and talk around the Easter Road pitch. The whole event was supposed to lay ninety minutes but we were still there closer to two hours.

Well done to those who came along 👍

All joking aside about current circumstances, I'd say that a stroll around the Easter Road pitch on a non-match day would be a very effective therapeutic environment for any of us on this thread. It's a place where we all feel comfortable and one where we love to be. I could see good things coming from that. Kudos to the facilitators and to those who participate.