Dealing with depression

Hi BOTTs:

Am two years out and have done well up to now. Found out during holidays that junk foods go down easily and have gained a little weight - one reason for depression, the other a very ill brother (nursing home). Would LOVE some support from all of you who go through these things too.

DH is very, very supportive and we walk together, but I feel like hiding under the bed. Diagnosed with clinical depression a few years ago and am on meds, but may need to have dosage changed.

Spring is coming - the daffodils are in the stores, the sun shines and with some help all will be well.

Thanks and hugs,
Rudie

Hi Rudie,
I am sorry to hear about your brother.  I was diagnosed with depression about 15 yrs ago.  I know how difficult things can be.  You might want to check with your Psychiatrist about new meds.  It seems like every couple of years, I need an adjustment.  Please feel free to email me if you need to talk. 
Deb 

Deb: Thanks so much for responding. How are you doing now? I'm going to doctor today to discuss the situation.
Rudie

Hi Rudie,


I too battle my demons daily. I'm 11 months out and just about at goal yet I still deal with depression. About 2 months out my meds were raised to the maximum, I take 475 mg Wellbutrin a day and that has helped alot. You are very lucky to have your DH and he is so supportive. A few things that have helped me are:


* Talk to someone: I would'nt be here today without my therapist. Getting with a therapist you feel comfortable with makes all the difference in the world.


*Fresh air and sunshine: I have found I suffer from lack of sunlight during the winter-SADD so I try and get outdoors as much as possible.



*Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins which give you a natural high.


*Caffene: I KNOW we should'nt, but when times are dark and tough a little caffene boost helps get over that dark hump.


*Carbs: Carbs seem to weigh me down, both physically and mentally, so I try to avoid them as much as possible.


*Sugar: A big NONO!!!! Sugar gives you a fast high and then a super fast drop into that deep dark hole.


*Make a list of why you are depressed: Sometimes when I see in print, things are'nt all that bad.


*Photographs/Photo albums: When "the darkness" hits, dig out some pictures of happy times and close your eyes and relive them for a few minutes. That always makes me smile.


Dogs/Cats: Go hug a puppy or kitten! If you don't have one, find a friend that does and make a reason to go visit them just so you can play with their animals. I have been known to visit pet stores just to go in and play with the puppies.


***DO NOTS***


DO NOT go to Barnes & Noble: To quiet and you are alone with your thoughts looking at books and magazines.


DO NOT go to the movies. No matter how funny the movie, you are alone in a DARK enviornemnt. You need to get out from the dark.


DO NOT go into a grocery store. You are depressed and being around all that good food is going to be to much of a temptation.


So far the best thing for me is to go to the beach, even in winter. I am outside in the sun and fresh air. I am getting exercise either swimming or walking.And there always seem to be people around and they are generally friendly and it's easy to make small talk with them....and they usually have their DOG with them


Hope some of these help. Best of luck!

:Richbehr: Thanks so much for your rules for living. Very thoughtful and straight forward. The sun came up over the mountain today, red sky in the morning, but so beautiful. I'll go outside, breathe deeply and give thanks.

Rudie

Hi Rudie!  I agree with Rich's post, a little sunshine or just light in general goes a long way in the winter toward staving off depression.  Also, talking to us and others is very healthy!  Talk therapy is just as effective sometimes as meds are!  Definitely get your meds checked, especially with weight loss, dosages may need to be adjusted not too mention the effectiveness of a drug can change over time.  Thinking of you, Robin

Hello everyone, I have suffered from depression almost my entire life. Left untreated there were days were I could have ended it all. Even as a child I had pets that I would talk and cry to. All through those hard adolescent years I continued to bury the pain with food. I lived in a home were children were seen and not heard. It would have been a reason for discipline if I had said I felt bad or unhappy. I left home at 18 years old and never looked back! I got help for myself and sought out medical and psychiatric treatment. I to have had to change medications over the past 30 years. I moved from the cold dreary weather of the north to the sunny and warm weather of the south. I have a home with lots of windows for tons of natural light. Recently, I purchased a lamp for Light Therapy (SAD), we have had a dark dreary winter here and I was feeling blue. I can really tell the difference since I have been using the light. I still don't talk about it to my parents and I turn 48 this year...I know that's sad but "It is what it is" Thanks for listening *.*June

Hi June, Is it a special natural light lamp?  Who makes it?  Thanks, Robin

The light I purchased was from Full Spectrum Solutions www.fullspectrumsolutions.com I did some research on the Internet before I bought one. I bought a BlueMax 70w Desk Lamp on sale for $169.00 (free shipping). It has a lifetime warranty and  friendly customer service.Really fast shipping too. They have several different styles to suit your needs. I have returned to school for a  business degree and I needed a good lamp anyway so it does double duty for me....

This is funny...when I told my husband I was thinking about getting this kind of light but was concerned about the price, but explained what it did for people....(he has a real dry sense of humor). All he said was"Get two" LOL Gotta love him!!

June: So glad you have figured out how to take care of yourself. I have a friend who used the light also and it helped her. Having a family not in tune with your depression is also very troubling. DH is very attuned to me so I am very lucky. I've been in treatment for 20 years or more, but the depression was there waaay before that. I can also see it in my family members. Take care, June. It's so nice to have others with same problems on this forum. Seeing doctor today!
Rudie