Bob/PKB
For years I have suffered from low-level depression & taken a low-dose anti-depressant. It seems that every morning and often through the day, I find myself in tears. I spend hours playing solitaire, here at QA, and staring at the TV. I DO have alot of good going on in my life, but I can't shake the sadness. Any advice? Please no hurtful or "funny" answers. Thank you.
20 Answers
FISH-O
I began by shaking things up...doing different things that I wouldn't normally do...baby steps at first. I took myself out for a walk (with my dog) every morning so that I could see the sunrise...I began cleaning up the things I didn't like in myself and with others. I started really taking care of myself...paying attention to the small things...(regular haircuts...a little splash of colour...small things)...The biggest thing I did was look for one beautiful thing every single day. I found those beautiful things very easily...This began a chain of events...
I said to myself every Monday, "So what am I going to learn this week"...talking to the universe, I suppose....I decided that when my energy is up, it is up and when it is down, not to beat myself up over it....The one most important thing that I did (this took practice) when I began to feel down...or find myself going down that road, I said "Stop" out loud and thought in a different direction. This sounds strange but it works. I trained myself to think differently.
I felt that I had to take drastic measures within myself to stop feeling so badly...I couldn't stand another day or week of that horrible feeling each and every morning when I woke up. I just decided to change me.
I hope this helps.
xo Fishgirl
My goodness...everyone here has been through so much. It's nice that we can share and maybe spread the burden a little.
Bob, Mel came up with a brilliant idea...you make jewelery...Join a few craft shows...it's fun and gives you something to look forward to. It's that time of year
| 13 years ago. Rating: 20 | |
Where do you think the strength to pull yourself up came from???....the decision to just change.
hi, fish girl! I went through my jewelry stuff this morning and am ready to get busy with it. There really is no lack of things for me to do....it's getting the inner strength to move in spite of the stuff that makes me sad. Even when I am motivated, I am overwhelmed by everything I have let go. It does seem like we have all had/have our stuff to work through...but you are so right about baby steps. I am going to pay my bills and do my homework right now. Thank you for being our "head cheerleader". GO GIRL GO
There was a time that if I had no reason to get out of bed I just wouldn't. I don't want anyone to feel that way.
The last 5 years of my life have been depression free ... I would love for others to feel this way. It is freedom.
I never had depression very long, only when in the hospital for a long time and I though I would not get better, just long enough to know how it feels and thank God for the strength to over come it.
melandrupert
Hi Bob fish girl gave good advise you have to take this depression by the hand and get rid of it some how but you must stay positive at all times and start going for walks take up painting even if you cant paint it will take your mind of th D word start sewing decorate the house start of with one room do the garden you must turn that telly of and only put it on at night as a treat to reward your selve start cooking making cookies see if you can start selling them I know I am getting boring now so I will end the serman!! do you want my email so you can talk if you do ask Colleen she will give it to you! please take care and read everything that everyone has put it might help bless you xxx
| 13 years ago. Rating: 20 | |
jhharlan
I suffer from sever bi polar disorder and I medicate heavily but, after 32 years, I'm taking the right stuff. I do not recommend lithium as after 29 years on it, I began to react badly to it (I was slowly being poisoned....). But go to your doctor and tell him. Do not be afraid of taking a higher dose of meds, if you need them, you need them... I'll be on them the rest of my life but at least now I welcome life....!
| 13 years ago. Rating: 18 | |
bluesman1951
Oh my God , Now in some small way I know why I see some of the answers I do . We are all just human and some of the loads put on us by life are just too much to bear . For me this economy has killed what was a successful business driven me from success to one notch above being homeless. And taken a man with extreme high blood pressure and made him furious 20 hours a day . Side affects from meds give nightmares better than anything you'll see on TV. Got a thousand dollars worth of leather in yesterday sitting on the bench and after 25 years of making things I don't have a clue what to make or who will buy what I make . I used to love this and could not wait to show finished stuff. Now I could care less as I rember traveling and talking and getting one no after another hours of going from one store to another hearing the same crap about the economy. One store after another closing out of business. I am furious that people aren't marching in the street over gas prices. Worthless good for nothing pecker woods willing to settle for anything. Like sheep they go thru their days . To weak to say no to the crap fed to us by the Government. Sick of being angry all the time .
To all of you having a difficult time ,I am sorry .There aren't words to fix any of these things. I am not sure that rescuing those headed down bad paths is a solution or not. I believe in the end we will judged on our deeds and compassion. I can't fix my life so I wont presume to offer any advice here at all. We are all supposed to learn lessons on this journey ,interfering in someone else's schooling might upset the flow of the universe . To all of you I feel you pain and sadness I know what its like .Who ever said make each day count for one good thing is right on track . Toxic environments and toxic people do poison the well of life . So it spite of the reluctance to change it may be the solution. Best of luck to all . Bill
| 13 years ago. Rating: 15 | |
People are ready to buy USA sell it on e-bay if you don't now.
Without trying to sound conceited, I am one of the most intelligent and capable people I know, yet I have been without steady work for 5 years. (Maybe I just have a lousy personality). Now I am learning to be a tax preparer next year and what I learn every day about the way we are taxed and screwed over is frustrating, to say the least. I am at a loss as to what I can do to make a difference or get change started. No one listens to me in my world. No one.
pythonlover
Sorry to hear you are a sufferer of Depression Bob/PKB,i know how you feel as i am a sufferer also.Something has to trigger it off,i think mine stems from my child hood ,and to make matters worse i have a Daughter who was rebellious in her teen years and caused me a lot of grief,she is settling down now somewhat but still has her addiction (alcohol) which worries me every day.She is only 26 and a very pretty girl, it crushes me to see her waste her life.I have took her son,my 7 year old grandson into my care from the age of 2(for obvious reasons).I am trying to do my best ,but boy it is hard when you are solely on your own without a soul to help you through the tough times.My Depression comes and goes in stages,if i am not depressed i have anxiety if i don't have anxiety i have depression,i have been on a anti depressant for over 10 years now and every few years the dosage gets upped.Maybe you could do with a higher dose .I know how you feel and the feeling is not pleasant,we just have to ride it through.
| 13 years ago. Rating: 14 | |
Maca root helped me with my anxiety attacks (a root vegetable from the Andes Mountains).It comes in powedered form and pills and is available in health/nutrition stores. I have known a lot of other women who say the same... builds your energy as well...regulates hormones. It may work for you.
I used to feel like "it" was all my fault, but, thank God, I have come to realize that I wasn't the worst parent the world has ever known and they have consciously made their own decisions. As you say, ride it through; I am convinced my faith keeps my head above water.
Tommyh
My Grandkids take care of any depression i have. I get down in the dumps some mornings worrying about how things are going to turn out & then they arrive & it's like being in the eye of a cyclone.I sit in the middle of it &smile at them while they whirl around me with their activities & noisy carrying on.Before I know it I have snapped out of it because I am involved in what they are doing & there is no time to be depressed.
| 13 years ago. Rating: 14 | |
kinslow
i got the same feelings if u finds out let me know
| 13 years ago. Rating: 13 | |
Poppy3
Bob I get the feeling that the American people are more compassionate re depression. In the UK there is still remnants of the Victorian Era "Stiff upper lip". I cannot bear people who say "Get over it" -"move on" makes people feel so lonesome - I feel I cannot do it alone - and it would help if people realized this.I am not saying join me be sad - I am happy for the people who are happy - very. I was so happy once most of the time - only last six years have been so difficult - but when I was happy I would never say to someone feeling down "get over it^ etc" -I somehow always knew how it was for them never wanted to as you say make them feel there is something wrong with them - why what is this just rub salt into the wounds and yes there is something wrong they are depressed - just that, as if it is not enough but you get the feeling that they think other things like depression does not exist. .
| 13 years ago. Rating: 12 | |
Depression is very, very real. We don't ever just "get over it".
You have compassionate friends here, not-so-dopey. Any time.
Ducky
Exercise is the best way to start getting rid of depression. Start with a 5 minute walk, first thing in the morning (or as soon as you get up) every morning....EVERY morning....without fail. I know that looks like an overwhelming job but please....just try it. Each week, increase the time by 5 minutes....then just keep going. Your depression WILL lift but you are the one who MUST do the work and please...DO IT NOW!!!!!!! I speak from experience. I hope this helps.
| 13 years ago. Rating: 11 | |
Ann
Bob, you have a great personality and you are a caring person. I am sure all the problems you had in your life contribute to your depression. I have read all the posts on this site and my heart goes out to all of you who are dealing with this demon. I myself go through it every once in a while, like knitting and crochet projects that remain unfinished. There seems to be something to always to be depressed about.. The best way for me, is not to watch TV for a couple days, go for long walks and meditate.I never take medication, but take Norwegian Salmon Oil 20 grams a day, but dont take it if you are on birthcontrol pills or antidepressants. Junk food also has been linked to depression.and dont drink coffee or Alcohol.. You schould eat salmon, or sardines and walnuts couple times a week.There is also a new book coming out in November by Dr. Andrew Weil it is called "Spontanous Happiness" that deals with Depression.. He is all about natural Healing with Viamins and Herbs and food. I have most of his books and he is simply amazing. Just want to say thank you for beeing so open and honest and I know we will make it together with Gods help.
| 13 years ago. Rating: 11 | |
I think part of my depression is from being alone so much....even my dopey ex-husband has remarried.
I will be visiting my library tomorrow, and if there are any books left at Borders (if they are still open), I'll be reading Dr. Weil tomorrow night. Also, odd as it may seem to some, when I spend time reading my Bible, life really is less difficult.
Thank you again, Ann. Your friendship is treasured.
Bob, you have a great personality and you are a caring person. I am sure all the problems you had in your life contribute to your depression. I have read all the posts on this site and my heart goes out to all of you who are dealing with this demon. I myself go through it every once in a while, like knitting and crochet projects that remain unfinished. There seems to be something to always to be depressed about.. The best way for me, is not to watch TV for a couple days, go for long walks and meditate.I never take medication, but take Norwegian Salmon Oil 20 grams a day, but dont take it if you are on birthcontrol pills or antidepressants. Junk food also has been linked to depression.and dont drink coffee or Alcohol.. You schould eat salmon, or sardines and walnuts couple times a week.There is also a new book coming out in November by Dr. Andrew Weil it is called "Spontanous Happiness" that deals with Depression.. He is all about natural Healing with Viamins and Herbs and food. I have most of his books and he is simply amazing. Just want to say thank you for beeing so open and honest and I know we will make it together with Gods help.
| 13 years ago. Rating: 10 | |
hector5559
YES YOU ARE RIGHT ,BOB /PK/B, den.xxx
| 13 years ago. Rating: 10 | |
mom
It's sad to me to think that so many of you are hurting like this. I can't say too much because I'm fortunate not to suffer with sadness or depression for long periods, if at all. I write one full page in my journal every morning allowing me to release a lot of emotion as well as a page in a gratitude journal to remind myself of everything that is good to me. I also get up early every second morning and ride my bike for an hour working up a good sweat and keep busy in my salon and talking and making people feel good throughout the day. I just wish there was something to say that could magically lift all of you out of this. My heart breaks for the sadness I have read in all your stories.I have to say that so many times when the boulders have fallen I have had all of you to turn to for thoughts, prayers and support so I want you to know in return I give you all that I can.
| 13 years ago. Rating: 10 | |
ClevelandRick
Wow,I don't know what more I can add to this after reading all this other than to say I also suffer from depression and have most of my life.
| 13 years ago. Rating: 9 | |
I started medication one day when I visited my then-doctor to talk about how I was feeling and just sat and cried, cried, cried in the exam'g room. Within a month, my irritability and depression had tapered off. When I tried NOT taking the Lexapro, within ten days, my now-ex husband would notice me "slipping", and ask if I was taking my medication. I'm pretty sure at least part of my problem is a chemical imbalance, but even without that going on, I'm still miserable too much of the time.
I hope you find a good job very, very soon.
zorro
carmaxable
i take anti depressants also. sometimes i cry like a baby for hours at a time. usually i try to listen to some upbeat music and i count my blessings one at a time. i also look around and see that i am doing better than some other people. not saying im better or anything like that. you know, but you do have to admit your car looks better than theirs!
| 13 years ago. Rating: 6 | |
cucumber
Whenever you are feeling down ,remember all the good that has happened in your life ,The mind can only feed from the thoughts that preoccupy it ,develop an attitude that says worry& depression has no available space in my head clean out the drug cabinet, and keep smiling nothing lasts forever
| 13 years ago. Rating: 5 | |
Jenn
Depression is an old friend. I cant remeber not knowing her. I have noticed a cycle. For about a week out of the month i am tragicly down. Now that I noticed that i always feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnle when I feel myself falling. but for that week I am hopeles, helpless, and removed from life.
I clean my sink in the kitchen. It always helps. It is a tiny thing. But it spreads like wild fire. I get a nice clean sick and just have to move on to the concers and the floor. The kitchen might be the only thing I get done... but i feel better....
I was with family all last week for my fathers funeral. I was fine.... But for some reason I could not feel anything I thought I should, no loss, no sorrow. Somethimes I think I am broken.
For the last 3 days I havent been able to make it out of bed. All things seem so piontless..... But after reading youe question ... I am going to go clean my sink...
You are not alone!!! I love you!
| 13 years ago. Rating: 4 | |
Looking back, I probably had low-level depression forever, but after my first son was born, I suffered from post-partum (SP?) depression. I didn't even realize it until I had finally climbed out of the hole (or been spit up, not really sure). Looking back, it seemed obvious (which are too long to detail here). But I found myself pregnant again at about that time (maybe that's what brought me out of it....the hormones changing again). I did tell my then-husband, "If I get like that again, you get me some help!"
Jenn, take a good look at the calendar. If it is cycle-related, you may be able to find a natural supplement to help you through it. Love you, too
fjoel
Benthere
I have answered you below. I have to go and get on with my day. I hope you have a good one. Take care and don't forget to post again on the subject when things are bad and good!
Hugs from the Fishy-one xo