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BS: Depression and Anxiety
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Subject: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,I'd rather not say Date: 30 Nov 05 - 12:39 PM I have been in a period of persistent depression and anxiety for several months, now. I find it nearly impossible to concentrate on my work. I take frequent breaks to check in with the Cat, and also some other boards of personal interest. But while I am doing that, I am anxious about what I SHOULD be doing and what the consequences might be. Despite the fact that I have my basic needs in life (and then some!) met, I am anxious about what could go wrong and what the future holds. Fire, theft, weather disaster, and anything else. I am also anxious about the future of my job, even though it is not one that is typically sent overseas or sold to another company and I get kudos from my supervisor all the time. I have taken meds off and on, but I am very afraid of the other damage they might be doing to me, so I am not taking them now. But given my recent outlook on life, I may consider starting again. I guess it would be better than having myself dead. At least, my friends and loved ones would feel that way, I guess. And then I get to beating myself up for my weakness of character, since I have so much that so many others do not have, and how could I be such an idiot for all this worrying?! I should be so grateful for what I have and who I am! Nevertheless, it is VERY REAL, and I live with it every minute of every day. Why is life worth living? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 30 Nov 05 - 12:43 PM We could all start sending you messages telling you how wrong you and how important your life actually is, but I think you already realize it is important. You can't control the future, and you realize that too. It sounds like you need professional help, probably to get back on the meds, and the advice of amateurs here on Mudcat is not of use to you. Listen to your family, friends and most important - professional help. You aren't alone. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Clinton Hammond Date: 30 Nov 05 - 12:50 PM Get more exercise... Chop wood... go for walks... visit your locak YMCA and swim with the kiddies... It does WONDERS to help with depression... It helps you sleep better so you feel MUCH better when you wake up in the AM... and it gives you a sense of accomplishment, and can help turn your downward spiral back upwards Ya also might meet some new interesting and friendly folks! :-) Use professionals as mentioned above, and take yer meds too! Good luck IRNS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: John MacKenzie Date: 30 Nov 05 - 12:51 PM I hate taking pills, but if I didn't take my Beta Blockers for my heart probs, I might be dead. If I didn't take my painkillers for my Arthritis I would be in worse pain than I am, and would not be able to get around as much as I do, and I DO get around. I guess we just have to 'Go with the flow' I know it's difficult to keep on keeping on, but just be thankfull for the nice things in life, of which there are many. Giok |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Janie Date: 30 Nov 05 - 12:53 PM Depression and anxiety are medical illnesses--NOT weakness of character. All choices involve costs and benefits. Most of the medications prescribed for depression and anxiety have been around plenty long enough for serious or long term side effects to have been identified, and most are remarkably safe for most people. From your description of how you are feeling, it seems to me that the benefits of medical treatment probably far outway the health risks of the medications likelyt to be prescribed. Stop torturing yourself and those who love you. Go see your doctor and the medical treatment you deserve. You DO deserve to feel better and less anxious. Feel free to pm me if you need a more private ear. Janie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 30 Nov 05 - 12:56 PM Good advice, Ron: Half the time, I don;t even know what's good for me, let alone anyone else. I will add that I was in a depression many years and committed myself to a psychiatric ward. One of the best things about that was that I discovered that I was nowhere near alone. Many, many people have had depression at times in their lives. I needed about equal portions of self-forgiveness and faith, with a dash of professional help thrown in, too. I needed all three. But, that's just me. Not necessarily you, Guest... Jerry |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: M.Ted Date: 30 Nov 05 - 01:33 PM I am not sure if you can call people who live and deal with depression on a daily basis amateurs, Ron--though I think you mean that this is a problem that "Heloise's Hints" won't solve, and our friend should get professional help-- To the good and useful insights above, I would add that drugs alone are not the answer, and that you should be seeing someone that you can talk to about the feelings that you're having, and also can help you to get back to living your life, instead of just worrying about it-- A word about "having so much that others don't have" and not appreciating it--keep in mind that on of the things that you have, that others don't, is an illness that causes you great discomfort-- it's OK to take care of yourself--and it's OK that you're not taking full advantage of whatever, or doing all the things that are out there to do, because you are not well, and you need to cut things back to a level that you can manage |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,Been There Date: 30 Nov 05 - 01:45 PM I'm a long-time Mudcatter and I've logged out for purposes of this post. Like GUEST,I'd rather not say, and for similar reasons, I prefer to remain anonymous while making the following comments. GUEST, I'd rather not say, I went through the same thing about ten years ago and I wouldn't wish those feelings on my worst enemy. Miserable! Downright debilitating! Two things helped me very much when I was going through that. First, I got a copy of Managing Your Mind by Gillian Butler and Tony Hope and read it. I found much of this book very helpful. There are also a couple of books by Dr. Herbert Benson on what he calls "the Relaxation Response" that are worth reading. I found them quite helpful as well. But second, and most important, get to a good counselor. Sometimes this sort of thing is included in company health benefits, but even if it isn't, believe me, it's money well spent. My counselor sent me to a psychiatrist first for evaluation, and we soon found out that not only did anti-depressants not work for me, they actually made it worse. So this was not, strictly speaking, a physical condition, like serotonin imbalance. There were reasons in my life that had led me into anxiety and depression. I won't go into that, but after a few sessions with the counselor, I began to get a handle on why I was feeling the way I was. Once I addressed this, the anxiety disappeared and the depression started to fade away. People who have not gone through this have no idea of how ghastly these feelings can be. I wouldn't go through that again for anything in the world. But if they should ever recur, I still have my counselor's telephone number and I would not waste a second calling her and getting an appointment. Good luck! And hang in there, buddy! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Clinton Hammond Date: 30 Nov 05 - 01:48 PM " People who have not gone through this have no idea of how ghastly these feelings can be." 100% true! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Dead Horse Date: 30 Nov 05 - 01:49 PM I agree with all above. But for me, the worst part of depression is that my brain, which was once my friend, is no longer to be relied upon. It lies to me. It tells me things which are not true, and goes on to justify itself. So I do not stop taking the meds. My brain is capable of convincing me that self destruction would be a good thing, so why the hell should I believe it when it tells me to lay of the pills? I could go on, but wont. See your doc, pronto. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,Been There Date: 30 Nov 05 - 02:04 PM Aye, Dead Horse, there's the rub! I've always felt that no matter how miserable things might get in my life (fortunately, not that often), that my mind is a refuge, a haven where I could retreat, feel that I was safe there, and work things out to solve the problem. But this kind of anxiety and depression invades that inner sanctum and you no longer feel safe even there! That's the truly unsettling part. There is no relief! But unless it is caused by a physical problem with brain chemistry and such, your mind is still where you have to work the problems out. But in this case, you need help and guidance. That's where the counselor comes in. I can't recommend this highly enough! Please, do it! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 30 Nov 05 - 02:25 PM "I am not sure if you can call people who live and deal with depression on a daily basis amateurs" That wasn't what I meant, but now that you bring it up M.Ted, I will say that it is true! Just because someone suffers from depression and/or anxiety does not make them an expert on dealing with others. Every case is different. While it is all well and good that people give encouragement on Mudcat, it does not replace GOOD professional medical advice. Yes, we are amateurs (and I apologize if it turns out to be your profession). Someone who is truly suffering could use this advice as a crutch. See a professional. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: SINSULL Date: 30 Nov 05 - 02:37 PM I was treated for depression about ten years ago when a relative begged me to see a therapist just to rule out any problems. An emergency visit with a psychiatrist followed that same day, a debate about hospitalizing me, and the start of five years of intensive therapy. I would not wish that black hole on anyone. My curse - I felt nothing. I would look at a sharp knife or a hot stove and honestly wonder if I could feel something by touching them. Prozac works for me. But without professional help I could never have gotten to the basis for my depression and climbed out of the hole. I also could not keep myself on the straight and narrow now without understanding who I am and what I want. I can see the "signs", recognize the red flags and get myself back on track all by myself. Get a professional evaluation. I can almost guarantee that you will discover that not only do you not suffer from a weakness of character but your very strength of character has kept you from hurting yourself or wallowing in depression. Life free from depression is pure joy. One of the strangest discoveries I made was how to feel disappointment, sorrow and pain without losing nyself in them. Good luck in your journey. Mary |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: katlaughing Date: 30 Nov 05 - 03:29 PM All of the above, esp. what Janie, Sinsull, and other anon. said, as well as CH. Anti-depressants helped me for a few months, several years ago. Mine was a physical living and health situation which just seemed to bury me. Over the past year, I've had tons of anxiety and have taken Xanax at night to make my mind STOP THINKING! so that I may get some rest. It has helped tremendously. I don't feel any grogginess nor is it habit-forming for me which pleases me and my docs. One thing, which may sound very simple, but may actually be very difficult to do, at the moment, is to try to say, mentally or out loud, in the morning upon awakening, something like this: "I give thanks for all that I have, all that I give and all that I receive." I find it helps me to not feel guilty about having what I need; in fact it helps me feel good about sharing what we have...that "passing it on" action. I find it very difficult to not beat up on myself, mentally. My experience is that women have more of a problem with this than men. I have friends with whom I "co-counsel" reminding each other to be kind to ourselves. Along with traditional professional help, I would also recommend a good hypnotherapist, one who can help with self-hypnosis techniques which can help reduce the anxiety and manage depression. For a quick response to anxiety, if able, try this: take in a deep breath and as you do, *think* the words "I AM" then, as you blow the breath out, slowly, think the word "RELAXED." With practice this can really help. I would still stress, though, the need for professional evaluation and treatment. Feel free to PM me, also, if you'd like. You DO deserve to feel good about yourself and your life. kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST Date: 30 Nov 05 - 04:48 PM In 1993, Donald Klein suggested that anxiety results from an overly sensitive "suffocation alarm" system. He argues that the brain monitors brain levels of Co2 as a way of monitoring the danger of asphyxiation. The physiological and behavioral responses to asphyxiation, hyperventilation, rapid heartbeat, a sense of extreme danger, and intense need to struggle and get away-strongly resemble the symptoms of panic disorder. Therefore it is imperative that you first determine if you are not getting enough oxygen, either because of sleep apnea or if you are breathing poorly during the day or in a building that is oxygen deprived. You may also be sensitive to the byproducts of muscle exertion, sodium lactate, which would then create anxiety for you. The noradrenergic system, the body's alarm arousal system clearly plays some role in anxiety disorders. This system may become dysregulated after chronic stress. Addressing stress in the ways suggested (with the exception of continued xanax useage,) are good recommendations. As for your existential question, good luck with that... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Ebbie Date: 30 Nov 05 - 04:56 PM Guest, that is a very interesting hypothesis. I'll be doing some reading. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,Another Guest Date: 30 Nov 05 - 05:29 PM Dear Guest, That all makes a lot of sense - when I was suffering from depression and anxiety a few years ago I kept getting suffocation dreams. Luckily, they seem to have almost gone away now. To 'Guest-I'd rather not say' - professional help is the only way to go - although getting such help can be difficult. One thing that you might try, in addition to the above, which can't do any harm, is eating more oily fish or taking fish oil supplements. These are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids - I have read that some authorities believe that these may be useful in treating depression and other disorders. Please remember, though, not to take this to extremes. My doctor told me that some people go mad and start taking handfuls of fish oil capsules - which can lead to other problems - not least of which is fishy breath! I take one Omega-3 rich fish oil capsule a day and I believe it helps, even if it is only a placebo effect! First thing, though, is to talk to your doctor. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,Been There Date: 30 Nov 05 - 05:42 PM Kat, I'm afraid that Xanax (generic name, Alprazolam) is considered to be addictive. Everything I've read, plus my own experience bears that out. In fact, in the book I mentioned above, Managing Your Mind, there's a whole chapter on the problems with benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drugs and how to go about get off of them. Benzodiazepine is the active ingredient in Xanax and many other tranquilizers or anti-anxiety drugs, including Valium. The psychiatrist that my therapist sent me to prescribed alphrazolam, but didn't warn me about the addictive aspects of it. In fact, he maintained that it wasn't addictive. But I had some real trouble getting off of it. The poop sheet the pharmacist gave me warned that it was addictive and I checked on the internet and found plenty of addiction warnings about it. For example Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use.The shrink prescribed a pretty heavy dose, every four hours. It made me feel like reality was wa-a-a-a-a-ay down the hall, and I wife told me afterwards that when I was taking the stuff, I was spending a lot of time practically comatose. I cut the doses in half on my own and started feeling more alert. After several weeks with the therapist, I didn't feel like I needed it anymore. But I had one rough time getting off of it. I had to spend about three months tapering off by reducing the dose and spreading out the time between doses. The shrink told me I should keep taking it, even though I felt like I didn't need it anymore. The therapist disagreed with him, feeling that I was the best judge of how I felt, and she helped see me through it. Several things I read about it agreed that one should not take it for more than a couple of weeks at most. God, I hate being hooked like that! The problem with a lot of psychiatry these days, not to mention medical practice in general, is that doctors find it a whole lot easier to just reach for the prescription pad and alleviate the symptoms than it is to take the time to deal with the root of the problem. --------------------------- And as for you, Martin Gibson (your real name, of course!), if ever I have an emotional problem, which is rare, I take the steps necessary to solve it, unlike you. If I chose to remain anonmymous in this instance, it's not because of any shame, it's because of people exactly like you, who are in denial about their own severe mental problems, and who try make a weapons out of other people's difficulties just as you are trying to do right now. You've done this a lot, which tells everyone all they need to know about you. You're the one who needs to get help. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,bagpuss Date: 30 Nov 05 - 05:45 PM Definitely see your doctor. You have to weigh up the possible damage that pills might do to you against the damage the depression will do to you. With each episode of depression your risk of suffering heart problems later on increases. And I'm sure it comprimises you immune system and makes you more vulnerable to all sorts of other illnesses. If you are really against taking anti depressants, or find them of limited help, ask your doctor about referring you for cognitive therapy, which has been shown to be equally effective and may be more helpful in preventing further episodes. Otherwise, as others have said exercise, and trying not to cut yourself off, and trying to keep doing anything you still find enjoyment in, are all useful in minimising the depression. PS. I sympathise with you a lot. How you describe yourself at work sounds exactly the way I am when I am depressed. One thing I would say is that taking some time off sick really can help (as long as you dont sit at home worrying about work), especially if you have a sympathetic boss that will cut you a bit of slck and ease you in gently when you return. Often just having someone know about it really eases the situation and stops you getting so tied up in knots. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Bobert Date: 30 Nov 05 - 05:50 PM Now I make no bones about havin' gone thru one very intense 'bout with anxiety and depression and like Jerry did, I checked into an inpatient mental faility fir a couple of weeks... That was followed by various types of counselin' and some nasty pills... But I wasn't really breakin' it grip on my life until someone told me, just as Clinton told you above, that exercise would help... Well, I'd always been a purdy good swimmer and so Im started swimmin' 5 days a week at the WMCA... It didn't take long and I was up to a couple miles a day and I'll tell ya what, the depression and axiety seemed to lesson with every day... Now just two other things... This time of year, presuming you live in the northern hemispere, you need more light... You can get a light panel that comes on with a timer and that will help... In some cases yer insurance will pay fir one of these light panels... Secondly, as you have suffered off and on fir some time now... you need to keep in mind that it does pass... You can do it... Exercize, light and a little Faith gonna get you thru it... I promise... Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,bagpuss Date: 30 Nov 05 - 05:57 PM Martin Gibson. Don't you ever get tired of feeling so superior to everyone else? People often dont post their name in regard to this sort of thing because there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health problems. Admittedly, not fighting the stigma, by hiding what has happened to you might be helping to perpetuate that stigma somewhat, but it shouldn't be solely the responsibility of the sufferer to combat the stigma, especially when they are not in the strongest of positions, emotionally, and encountering more stigma would probably make the condition worse. Also, web forums are very helpful in depression. Usually (barring the odd idiot like you) they are very supportive and help a person in seeking help, when the person is not capable of making good decisions all the time because of the illness. And if you actually read the posts, not only is there a lot of supportiveness (very useful in helping recovery from depression, as isolation and keeping your feeling in, make the illness worse), but there is also a lot of practical advice and information. Bagpuss |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,bagpuss Date: 30 Nov 05 - 06:05 PM A lightbox saved my life. But they only really have an effect if your depression is seasonal - usually starting around october/november each year and usually remitting in april, with few periods of depression outside these times. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,River Date: 30 Nov 05 - 06:12 PM Depression shows its face in many ways, and we just don't understand all of those manifestations. I have lived with it and occasionally in spite of it for decades. At various times professionals have helped. I am thankful for that. The medication route can be a rocky road. Not all meds work for all people. However, take the time to consult a therapist/doctor/counsellor. See someone who works in the area of 'depression'. Until you take that step you will likely be no further toward understanding the condition and how it plays out in YOU. The people who have posted, myself included, can tell you our stories and even listen to yours, but really none of us are able to DO anything about it for you. Hie yourself to a doctor and get 'diagnosed'. It is the beginning of a journey for you, because the probability of finding a med-therapy combination that works on the first try is really low. Could take upto a year. But if you don't take the first step you just won't make any progress at all. Depression is a hell of a thing to live with. Those who don't have it won't really understand. Those who do understand only too well. Get to a doctor. Soonest. That is important. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Divis Sweeney Date: 30 Nov 05 - 06:14 PM After having worked as a Therapist for 26 years, now retired, I know exactly what and where you are coming from.There comes a time in many peoples lives when they either take stock of their life or evaluate it. Sounds very much to me as if there is something underlying that has triggered this of for you, it's very intense and there are a lot of mixed emotions and fears present.Can you relate it to a recent event ? The death of someone known to you ? Has someone you know went through a traumatic incident recently ? We all get a wake up call when someone we know either dies young or suffers a heart attack, we consider giving up smoking or drinking and promise to get more excerise.If you can think about when this first started for you and recall events in your life at that time, it could be a starting point.I am glad to see you note positive points in your life, build on these. I don't see this as long term,not saying that out of comfort, but it will pass. Start and plan a structure to your life and employ a daily routine, which incorporates taking stock of what you really have going for you.Understanding helps, Sympathy reinforces. You know we are all here for you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Liz the Squeak Date: 30 Nov 05 - 06:31 PM Try and create something new each week.... a picture, some sewing, a Christmas card.... I spent several months doing just that, it's what kept all my marbles in the tin. Sometimes you feel that life is just a game of Kerplunk, and someone else is pulling all your straws out. Creating something helped keep those marbles in, and at the end of it, I had a big pile of handmade cards that I sold to raise money for a charity. Of course, I didn't want to end up on medication, but in the end, there was no other sensible course. We had a few trial runs with different types - that's why you MUST go and see a professional - til we found one that suited me. I got better and then I got ill again. It's the way life goes. This time around, it's different. I'm getting more anxiety attacks than previously so we've tried another medication. This one seems to be working well now... I daresay next time this happens (and I'm not kidding myself that it won't happen again), it will be a third medicine and more counselling. Seek professional help, talk to someone who will be able to give you the time you need, take the medication, even if you don't want to. Good luck with it, and remember, where there's one asshole, there are two ears. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Deda Date: 30 Nov 05 - 06:55 PM Guest rather not say, I won't offer any advice, but I will share some of my own experience. After being fired from a job (at which I was also spending a lot of time on the 'cat), I was so demoralized that all I could bring myself to do, month after month, was play computer solitaire while listening to Folk Alley. At first I thought this was a phase and I'd soon pull out of it, and I just needed to be patient with myself. But after, oh, 4 or 5 months of my not being able to do anything else, my husband's sense of alarm and my own hit a level that demanded some kind of intervention. I finally went to my HMO mental health place and saw the shrink there. He put me on Zoloft and had me start seeing a therapist and coming to group. Once the meds kicked in, the therapist and the group seemed less necessary -- but I was very impressed by a book called "Feeling Good" by a Dr. David Burns, which I found very helpful, re Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, I think. The meds plus the CBT got me off my rear end, and I gradually became more active -- although I've never been as fully employed as I might be, as I should be ("should" based on my perilous finances). After a little over a year I went off the Zoloft and have never needed it again. Not that I don't have challenges, but I've never been as paralyzed again, I've always felt functional. I'm glad that the Zoloft was available, and I'm glad that after a year or so I was able to stop taking it. It was helpful to me. CBT was also very helpful. I wish you good luck. It sounds as though you have a life that includes a decent job and people who care about you -- no small thing! We'll all be interested to know what follows. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST Date: 30 Nov 05 - 07:04 PM By trying to be contemptuous, Martin Gibson winds up being contemptible. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 30 Nov 05 - 07:55 PM I think some of you should really read what Martin Gibson had to say hear. Instead of making him an easy target (which we all know he can be), he offered some legit advice in this thread. Everyone loves to share their personal stories, but they won't solve this person's problems. Instead of being an amateur therapist, this person needs to find some real help. You aren't helping this individual who needs more than the anecdotes that we serve up here. If anything, all this so-called advice could only delay getting the personal help he or she needs. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 30 Nov 05 - 08:01 PM Winston Churchill's Black Dog. I now have a cat, and she helps to chase away the dog. Pets can help you know. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,Been There Date: 30 Nov 05 - 08:10 PM Ron, if you'll check most of the posts here, you might take note of the number that are urging GUEST,I'd rather not say to seek help. Martin Gibson's advice is merely saying what others have already said, then pumping his ego up by acting as if he's the only one to say it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 30 Nov 05 - 08:40 PM ... as bloody normal... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: John O'L Date: 30 Nov 05 - 08:47 PM For about 6 months now I too have been suffering depression and anxiety just like you describe, and am just now starting to come out of it. A couple of weeks ago I started meditating and doing Tai Chi, for the first time in about 30 years. By all means get counselling, but try meditaion & Tai Chi too. It has worked for me. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Bobert Date: 30 Nov 05 - 08:48 PM Ron, Amongst the folks here at Mudcat there's over a 1000 years of life's experience.... Many folks here have gone thru anxiety and epression and know purdy danged well what the treatment modalities are... You are way off base... I'd trust the folks here in this joint a hundred times more than I would trust a single friggin' doctor... I don't mean to sound confrontational but, hey, what do y6ou think this community is made up of? A bunch of teenagers... Maybe you should try to make it to a Getaway and then you'd have a different level of respect for the folks who frequent this joint... Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:07 PM Sorry Bobert, but I disagree with you. You are the one who is off-base to suggest that I do not understand what this "community" is made up of. Don't be condescending, I don't appreciate or deserve that. I completely respect you and all the folks here, and your intentions are good. Everyone wishes to help this person, including me. The problem is that the advice being given here, is being based on a few sentences and a complete lack of knowledge of this person's situation. People read into these posts and assume they can relate to the specifics. Well, you can't. I am not trying to be confrontational, and again I do see all the good that this so-called "community" is trying to offer. However, it is foolish advice to direct this person to anyone else besides a professional. This could very well be an illness that needs medical treatment, not some sort of folky advice from strangers. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Once Famous Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:21 PM Bullshit, Been There. I said it first and then others followed. Most here are just pumping sunshine up this guy's ass. You included. I said get professional help and then others jump on the bandwagon. And taking up sewing probably won't help. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,Why bother saying who I am.. Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:28 PM Well, GUEST,I'd rather not say. There you have it, a good number of People who can empathise with you and some sound advice. Empathy certainly helps me when I read some of these posts. I feel a sense of relief that I am not the only person in the world who feels like this. A few of the posts that are telling you that there is nothing worthwhile in what a lot of people here are saying to you....ARE WRONG, WAY OFF BASE and just downright uncaring. Not surprising judging by the sources. It is a usual response from those posters. So, if you choose to, you can accept the "Folky" kindness being offered and see a Doc and know your not alone. Help is out there. Take it from the People who have been down this road before. Ignore the ignorant and the "stand well back and offer ***k all to people that ask for help" types. They only make people feel worse. Good Luck. It's a road your on...get the help you need and you will eventually get through this. I believe I will....and I believe you will too. Check back in and we can compare Doc notes...this too shall pass... Best Wishes to ya |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,Been There Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:33 PM Not true. Rechecking the posts above show clearly that you're full of it as usual, Martin Gibson. And Ron, as I said before, you might recheck as well. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:35 PM I did Been There and I never disagreed with you. I am glad most people have suggested this person seek professional help. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Once Famous Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:37 PM Well, Been There I don't really give a shit. Your advice is just self serving and this guy has got a real problem if he needs to go to a folk music forum with a bunch of psycho babbling pseudo-intellectual navel-gazers for help. Your help is as 2 dimensional as this forum is. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Once Famous Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:38 PM Yeah, Ron. Professional help is the right course. Hand wringing home made "folky" instant therapists is like the fucked up leading the fucked up. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Bobert Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:48 PM Tell ya what, Ron, when I was going thru depression I went from one "doctor" to another and got different opinions and ideas fir treatment from each one???? Hmmmmmm???? Depression ain't like a gun shot wound... DEifferent stuff works on different folks.... I wished I'd had a Mudcat back when I was going thru it 'cause it would have lobed off a years wirth of doctors who didn't really understand depression... The things that I, as well as others have suggested here, have since my bout been proven to be "reliable" treatments... Our GUEST has been thru various doctors in the past and has come to us in the hope of finding something that might work that the variety of doctors didn't have on their respective plates... You can disagree all you want and that's fine... I understand a little about mental health havin' been a social worker dealin' with many, may folks who suffered from mental health issues and I'm here to tell ya that the medical community ain't all on the same page in the game plan book... Enougyh said on my part... BObert |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: goodbar Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:51 PM despite his insensitivity and dickness, i'm diggin' Martin Gibson. just because he's a badass and i tend to side with the underdog. but yeah, life can suck sometimes. if you have the balls and truly don't want to live, suicide's a good way out. if not professional help is the way to go. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Once Famous Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:51 PM bobert, I figure you were depressed about your guitar playing and your inability to get past first position chords. Of course you are much more of an authority on mental health than mental health professionals being the complete loon and bogus black that you are. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Justa Picker Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:55 PM What Clinton said. EXERCISE. Got me off of Effexor although the withdrawl effects were highly impressive. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:56 PM " DEifferent stuff works on different folks. " I am so glad you agree with me Bobert. It is irresponsible to assume that what works for one person will work for another, especially when we aren't professionals and do not have all the facts. " Enougyh said on my part..." There is something else we agree on Bobert! We've all said too much on this subject. I hope that this person gets the help that they need. They are not alone in this. Advice is great, but don't depend on it. I'm not a doctor, but I play one on the internet. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: katlaughing Date: 30 Nov 05 - 10:00 PM "Been There," thank you, but I am well aware of what the *norm* is with xanax and the generic version. My doctors are also well aware that I have something within my body chemistry which prevents those types of drugs from having the effects on me which you describe. (This has been true of other types, such as muscle relaxants, too, and for many, many years.) I have gone off of xanax several times with no effect at all except maybe one or two less sleep nights. Oddly enough, I am listed as a "high risk" for using medications because I am allergic to so many. Once we find something I can take without itching, breaking out, or acting *bonkers* , we tend to stick to it for as long as I need it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Bobert Date: 30 Nov 05 - 10:25 PM Well, MG, not only have I expeienxce on mental health from tghe inside but, ahving been a socail worker dealin' with adult clients I know a little from the other side lookin' in an'.... ... you is a nut!!! There, that's purdy much a hit-the-nail-on-the-head diagnosis... If I had to guess it prolly was becasue yer dad din't show you much positive attention but, hey, could have jus as easilly been from gettin' caught masterbatin' in the high school library??? Hard to say, but you is a nutball of the highest order... Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: LilyFestre Date: 01 Dec 05 - 01:35 AM Hi Guest, Go see your local Dr., cry and bellyache and whine as much as you need to...let them know what's going on. Chances on that they are going to be very empathetic, get you some meds to help even things out so you can think clearly and get yourself a bit more on track. I can't speak for anyone else except myself, but I know that having a few close friends to talk to, ramble on to, email endlessly were more than helpful for me. Not just people to be kind and coddle me, but also folks who gave me a swift kick in the behind when I really needed it. The doctor was helpful but the people who checked on me, let me cry, hugged me, gave me frequent reality checks...they saved my life. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 01 Dec 05 - 01:44 AM Joe O., Please, if this isn't f---ing stupid anti-social activity fom a well known mixer in a thread that has some hurting people trying to have a rather important converstion, I don't have a clue what is! It's time to delete that redundant * post haste!! Art (* = all the euphemisms for G-rated swear words in Jerry's nice thread_ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety From: Big Al Whittle Date: 01 Dec 05 - 04:28 AM well its been a very quick and 100% supportive response. we've all tried to profer advice in our own way. and i think depression is tricky stuff - it manifests itself in different ways to different folks. Shortly after a couple of family bereavements, I got these terrible panic attacks. I felt I was going to die. Other people, like our friend feel that life is somehow intolerable - almost the exact opposite of my terror of losing life. it's tough knowing what the answer is to this guy's problems without actually knowing him. but to me the clincher is that final question about life being worth living. it sets warning bells off in my mind. I think maybe Martin was right and you do need some professional help. whatever your problem, depression is a nasty trick our mind plays on us. its very common - look at the swift response you message has evoked. we all have had some experience of it, and we wish you well. I hope we have helped. |
