Depression.. No **** !

Kev Darn I hate to hear that from a guy who has been here for me thru many trials and tribulations.  You have a lot on your plate to deal with and I can certainly see how depression would jump in there and bite you right in the butt. I am in that depressive mood now for the past several months, but unlike you I have not done anything about it other than get my simulator implanted last week so that I can be without pain that prevented me from doing much of anything.  My problem has been turning to excess doses of pain medications and sleeping medications. Instead of taking one tablet that the Dr prescribed I take three at a time.  I am seeing my doctor today to see what I have to do to get off these meds now that the pain is gone.  Yes, you are not alone Kev, all of guys are here for you.  I believe that we guys never want to admit to any problems.  Often times untill  after it is too late.  It sure sounds like you are on the right track with seeing the Dr and following his instructions.  Remember he is educated on what to do, we are not.  Also, I agree with the other guys with getting on some type of exercise program.  I know after I get the staples taken out my back on Wed that I am going to start my exercise program.  I have a treadmill, recumant bike, total gym equipment, regular bike, and lots of room to walk around Kokomo .  I just have to do it.  It does me no good to look at it every day and say, I need to start using it.  It is time to flush the past down the pot and get up and move on with my life.   With the financial issues, let me just say that money and nice things are nice but can become a real burden.  I have been down that road.  My wife of 43 years and I decided that the most important thing in life was not possessions, but friends and family.  When her mother died a few years ago she inherited the home she was born in.  We decided to sell our place in Texas and the 17 acres around it and move into this two bedroom house.  We did some fixing up and have enjoyed it just a much as we did our home in Texas .  What I am trying to say Kev, is that what is really important is our relations with our spouse and family.  We do allot of volunteer work thru our church and our local rescue mission.  It such a good feeling to give back for al the blessings we have had over the years.    I am sorry Kev to pour out my life to you, but I think we may well be in the same boat.  It is now time to pick up the paddles and move on up river. Lastly Kev, you will be in my daily prayers for both you and your wife.  God will see you thru all of this. Thanks for your post Kev, it has opened my eyes inward to see how depression is affecting my own life. Dan

Hey Kevin, Good to have you back.  Don't do the exercise just to do it.  Do the things you already like.  I know none of us can afford to golf everyday, but try it twice a week rather than once.  Maybe go to a driving range on another day.   Then maybe try some yardwork or something like that which needs to get done anyway, but doesn't feel like you're just making time for "exercise".  Good luck and keep in touch. Al

I used to hate to exercise, still can't say i enjoy it. But I've teamed up with a group of guys and we work out 3 days a week. I don't want to quit because of the way my body is responding to the physical aspect but more importantly because of what is happening to my attitude. I'm upbeat and positive which is  unlike the old me. Try to hook up with a group of guys that will give you nothing but **** if you don't show up for a work out session. It works. Doug

Kev, This journey can be depressing.  Try to get out and walk and enjoy the beauty of the world that the Lord made.  Try some local WLS groups, their imput might be helpful. Good luck, Kent

Hi Kevin, I've just read your posts about depression and the guys' wise, compassionate replies. I can only echo their concern and good wishes and suggestion that you try to take up walking. In the 19th Century, folks even talked about "the walking cure"--a great phrase I think. I think depression is a multiple-front condition that warrants a multiple-front approach: meds if they help; exercise; talking therapy; friends and family; some sort of spiritual or philosophical exercises (church, prayer, reflective readng). What doesn't work at this moment or on this day may work at another time. Also, if you qualify for any sort of 12-Step type support group, you might those meetings a tonic. You've done a good, healthy thing by communicating with us. It sounds hokey sometimes, but when they guys here address each other as "my brother" or "brother" it conveys what a special bond can grow among a bunch of guys who may never meet in person but who have in common a shared history of unhappiness, shame about our weight, and feeling less-than and apart-from but who never gave up (all those diets) and who finally took a big risk on the promise of a brighter tomorrow. You, our brother, are one of those guys, one of us. Know that we're here to listen and let you know we're on your side. Hope the clouds part soon.

Doug:

Thanks so much !!!!!!

I am blessed to be a sober member of aa for 21 years; the "*****" is that my ego (ughhh) still makes it hard to share at aa meetings about my finances...

At 21 years I "should" have it all together LOL LOL LOL 

I went to my regular 10:00am meeting this am and it was great !

Thanks BROTHER

Kev-

Hey Kev, Very smart move--and you probably helped other folks at the meeting. Heck, your presence no doubt helped other folks. 21 years of sobriety is a great testament to your character. When you're down, remember all the times you've gotten back up. Be well, brother, and keep on keepin' on.