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BS: So what do you eat when depressed?

02 Apr 01 - 05:27 PM (#431502)
Subject: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

I've just finished an entire box of Ritz crackers (small savoury crackers for eating with cheese, pate, that sort of thing, nice and salty). Usually it's chocolate, but tonight, I'm that down, it had to be something different.

Just to stop myself going completely round the bend, what do other 'Catters eat when depressed/down/lonely/bored witless?

LTS

Going for the chocolate now.


02 Apr 01 - 05:32 PM (#431507)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Amergin

thats pretty much it, LTS....chocolate....anything you wish to talk about sweetie?


02 Apr 01 - 05:33 PM (#431508)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liam's Brother

If I eat at all, I eat Guinness.


02 Apr 01 - 05:37 PM (#431511)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Greyeyes

I'm rarely tempted by comfort eating, I tend to hit the bottle, which just makes me even more miserable. More positively, favourite book/poem/CD/video can all help.


02 Apr 01 - 05:37 PM (#431512)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Naemanson

I eat anything in sight. It's a see food diet.


02 Apr 01 - 05:39 PM (#431513)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: campfire

I'm with you on the chocolate. Fresh, home-made chocolate chip cookies are the best. Otherwise, just the chocolate chips will do. Or Chocolate Truffle Explosion Ice Cream. Maybe with the fresh chocolate chip cookies...

campfire


02 Apr 01 - 05:40 PM (#431514)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Kim C

Brie cheese, Haagen-Dazs Rum Raisin ice cream, sushi, or a tall Mocha Valencia from Starbucks. If I'm at home I may drink wine or whatever's there but I have to watch that.


02 Apr 01 - 05:46 PM (#431520)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: kendall

Kudos. Chocolate swirl no fat no sugar added ice cream. Crackers and peanut butter.


02 Apr 01 - 05:56 PM (#431529)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: CarolC

So what do you eat when depressed?

Not much. Sometimes I get so skinny, I scare myself when I look in the mirror. I gain weight when I'm happy. It's a no-win situation.


02 Apr 01 - 06:06 PM (#431541)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Hollowfox

Usually I bite people's heads off. Other than that, things with chocolate or salt. Or pastry. Or unbaked cookie dough.


02 Apr 01 - 06:32 PM (#431559)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Matt_R

Chocolate chip cookies and sweet tea!


02 Apr 01 - 07:16 PM (#431571)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Helen

Chocolate dark & bitter. Just discovered a Nestle variety here in Oz called Mocha Truffle - combines deep dark chocolate with deep dark coffee flavour. Yumm!

Cheese - allergic to dairy foods, that's why.

Scotch whisky - but never gin when depressed. I tested the Scotch theory for 14 months until end of June last year. It definitely works for stress. It is like a switch being turned off in my brain, stopping that high speed mouse-wheel repetition of everything that was worrying me and for which I could find no solutions.

I haven't had a drink of Scotch for at least 6 months. Only needed it when I needed it.

Helen


02 Apr 01 - 08:35 PM (#431614)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Peg

Cape Cod potato chips; Jif peanut butter on crackers (when not depressed I eat the all natural kind); ice cream (favorite at-home is Ben and Jerry's Vanilla Caramel Fudge); Lucky Charms cereal with milk...


02 Apr 01 - 08:42 PM (#431621)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Max

Tequila or Knowledge. Defer it or move forward.


02 Apr 01 - 08:51 PM (#431629)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: bigchuck

Everything. And too damn much of it.


02 Apr 01 - 08:52 PM (#431633)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Art Thieme

Zoloft.


02 Apr 01 - 08:58 PM (#431636)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Little Neophyte

I consume my credit card limit


02 Apr 01 - 09:09 PM (#431645)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Little Hawk

All the same things I eat when I'm not depressed, only with a bit less enjoyment. Pretty boring, eh? I get depressed just thinking about it...

- LH


03 Apr 01 - 12:09 AM (#431738)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: GutBucketeer

Ice Cream! (Any Flavor, Any Brand)

GutBucky

'course I eat ice cream when I'm not depressed too!


03 Apr 01 - 12:52 AM (#431754)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: GUEST,#1

Nothing like eating crow to make you depressed, but eating your way out of it I've never heard of.


03 Apr 01 - 05:27 AM (#431821)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Firecat

HOT DOG SANDWICHES!!!!!!!!! And lots of them!

Alternatively, I've just found this new sandwich. Take three slices of white bread, half a tin of tuna, a few slices of turkey ham, ketchup and salad cream. Mix the tuna with some of the ketchup and the salad cream. Lay the turkey ham on one slice of the bread (NO BUTTER!! It spoils the taste!) and spread the rest of the ketchup on it (If using a full bottle, use as much as you want). Put another slice of bread on top of that and spread tuna mixture on it. Place final slice of bread on top of that, squash down a little bit, cut into quarters (or half if you've got a big mouth!) and eat, with tomato and crisps on the side. GORGEOUS!!!


03 Apr 01 - 05:35 AM (#431826)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

Hmmm, might just give the Hot dog sausages a try. We have a catering size 100 tin of HDS downstairs........

And please, send me the recipe/availability for Chocolate Truffle Explosion Ice cream - it sounds a blast!!

Have progressed onto chocolate and crisps, things are not good...... although after 2 weeks of no appetite, anything is better than nothing!

LTS


03 Apr 01 - 06:29 AM (#431849)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Ella who is Sooze

EVERYTHING ANYTHING

Except Olives, brandy.

And a few other things...

Mostly chocolate, cream cakes, and various other stodge.

Ella


03 Apr 01 - 06:44 AM (#431852)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: sledge

anything savoury, on reflection this along with beer may explain my less than sveldt figure.


03 Apr 01 - 06:50 AM (#431855)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: sian, west wales

Taco chips or Tesco's Chocolate Fudge Brownie frozen yogurt - which has mega-sugar but next to no fat ... VERY much worth looking for this one, Liz.

Oh, or greasy-crisp-bacon-on-cheap-white-bread butties. With onions fried black.

Hmmm ... almost (but not quite) worth getting depressed for.

Hope things lighten up for you soon.

sian


03 Apr 01 - 07:06 AM (#431863)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Michael in Swansea

Guinness - good for any mood.


03 Apr 01 - 07:45 AM (#431880)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: mkebenn

Whiskey. Mike


03 Apr 01 - 08:06 AM (#431891)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Mr Red

Humble Pie


03 Apr 01 - 08:11 AM (#431895)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Jenny the T

My weight.

Especially if any salty crunchy food is around.


03 Apr 01 - 08:30 AM (#431911)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Bagpuss

When depressed because of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) I tend to crave carbohydrates. During other depressions, I tend to eat very little, except venlafaxine and mirtazapine.

By the way it is National depression Week in the UK - so I'm doing my bit and raising awareness of a crippling illness which still has a huge amount of social stigma attached and of which many people know very little, even though they are generally well informed people.

Bagpuss


03 Apr 01 - 09:15 AM (#431955)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Maryrrf

Pasta!!! And plenty of it!!!


03 Apr 01 - 09:24 AM (#431965)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: MMario

anything not nailed down. and some things that are.


03 Apr 01 - 09:40 AM (#431975)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: campfire

Liz the Squeak - Chocolate Truffle Explosion is made by The Dreamery, which I think is a "subspecies" of Edy's. A bit pricey, but worth it. Fortunately, it only comes in the pint size (like Ben and Jerry's) and I only let myself buy one at a time.

campfire


03 Apr 01 - 11:40 AM (#432072)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: LR Mole

Because I think life is an extended effort to repair childhood, I eat kidfood when I'm sad. Spaghetti-os with sliced frankforts is a big fave, maybe because it tastes, really, like neither. Sorta tomato-mustard-y, although I've never had mustard. Point is, I have to feela little bit as though I'm sneaking it. ALSO the difficult-to- find Cambbell's Scotch Broth which has barley and (Gawd!) parsnips in it. Can't imagine why I like it. Wouldn't eat the ingredients themselves on a bet.


03 Apr 01 - 12:13 PM (#432119)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

Suet pudding has gone down a treat, although I shall spare you Gervase's description of it. So basically, it's stodge and chocolate..... Hmmmm interesting.....!

LTS


03 Apr 01 - 01:10 PM (#432180)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Amergin

Bagpuss, I am with you on thought....most folks seem to think that depression is just feeling a bit sad....and that you can just "snap out of it"...they don't realise that for folks like us it is a serious medical condition that can kill....


03 Apr 01 - 01:13 PM (#432184)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: mousethief

Too many people use "depressed," which is a clinical term with a precise medical definition, when what they really mean is something like "feeling down" or "feeling blue."

When I'm depressed, I don't eat at all, or if I do eat, it's whatever is handy or placed before me. When you're depressed, it all tastes like sand anyway.

When I'm just "feeling down," chocolate is a definite must.

Alex


03 Apr 01 - 01:49 PM (#432226)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Joy Bennett

when I'm feeling blue - anything will do (though nothing beats Leonidas chocolates), but when I am depressed only EVERYTHING will do -- of course it doesn't make it go away -- in fact -- usually makes it worse. If I can manage to drag myself to the gym/pool when depressed, the exercise helps.

but those blues or on those sad days, only the best chocolate will do -- and that's when my credit card gets devoured along with it. Leonidas -- imported weekly from Belgium to NY -- the best!! (and NOT the most expensive)

You can get it in Brussels for a fraction of the cost -- at Harrods in London for a small fortune. There are several stores in the states with 2 in NYC -- 51st and Madison and Hanover Square in the financial district. Go, eat, enjoy!! And share some with me!


03 Apr 01 - 01:57 PM (#432240)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: MMario

when I'm depressed - I shovel food in. it doesn't matter what. then sleep until I'm hungry again. If I can't sleep for one reason or another (usually work) - then I eat more.


03 Apr 01 - 01:57 PM (#432241)
Subject: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Clinton Hammond

My wife...

And *poof*!!! No more depression...

:-)


03 Apr 01 - 02:01 PM (#432244)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: McGrath of Harlow

I suppose if I get depressed it puts me off my food.

I eat when I'm hungry, I drink when I'm dry if whiskey don't kill me, I'll live till I die.

Except I prefer drinking beer to whiskey as a rule.


03 Apr 01 - 03:21 PM (#432313)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

With you on the disinctions, I know I'm depressed when I cry for no reason. Being a bit down for me just means not being as noisy as usual, or just wanting to be alone. When I start blubbing at the merest thing and scream at inanimate objects (no, that doesn't include the SO) for no reason, then I know I'm in trouble.....

LTS


03 Apr 01 - 03:39 PM (#432330)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: enkd

I'm really not trying to pick a fight, this is an honest question...

What is the precise medical definition of "depressed"?
The only free online dictionary I found, Merriam-Webster, lists:
  1. a state of feeling sad
  2. a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.

(As well as some others, referring to indentations in glass, and whatnot...) Then again, I didn't check a medical dictionary. People seem very sensitive about the distinction... is it incorrect or insensitive to use the word to imply the first definition, above? It seems like a qualitative distiction, given that there is no real litmus test. Or is there?
Thanks


03 Apr 01 - 03:39 PM (#432331)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Jim Krause

Liz, sorry you're feeling so badly. I used to smoke a pipe. But later I found that it was starting to ruin my voice--couldn't make quite the high notes I used to. So I quit that--mostly. Anyway it helped me to keep some unwanted pounds off the middle.

Nowadays, I just mostly grab an instrument. Any of 'em will do, guitar, banjo, fiddle. Probably the guitar is the most likely candidate. That way I can sing the blues.

I save chocolate for when I get the craves. Popcorn is for when I'm feeling too lazy to fix even a sandwich. Crackers are for when I'm too lazy to fix popcorn. Fresh fruit is for when I'm feeling too lazy to open the box of crackers. Ice cream is seasonal, usually spring and summer.
Jim


03 Apr 01 - 04:35 PM (#432391)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: tiggerdooley

Nutella

Steak McCoys

Buttercream (made by mashing up icing sugar and butter)

Toast

Then nothing..........for days!!!!!


03 Apr 01 - 04:58 PM (#432419)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: mousethief

enkd, yes, it is at least impolite and imprecise to use definition 1 when there are people who actually fall under the medical definition around.

The actual definition is supplied by the DSM-IV. The DSM-IV lists major depression, disthymia, and bipolar disorder as 3 different "kinds" of depression.

The definitions are as follows:


Major depression is:

Over the last 2 weeks five of the following features should be present of which one or more should be:

1. depressed mood most of the day nearly every day
2. loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities most of the day nearly every day

and the remaining (the total to make at least five) from any of the following:

3. significant weight loss or gain (more than 5% change in 1 month) or an increase or decrease in appetite nearly every day
4. insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
5. psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down)
6. fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7. feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self reproach about being sick)
8. diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or observation of others)
9. recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

And the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in occupational or other important areas of functioning.

BUT:

It cannot be established that an organic factor initiated and maintained the disturbance

The disturbance is not a normal reaction to the death of a loved one (morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, marked functional impairment or psychomotor retardation, or prolonged duration suggest bereavement complicated by major depression).

At no time during the disturbance have there been delusions or hallucinations for as long as two weeks in the absence of prominent mood symptoms (i.e. before the mood symptoms developed or after they have remitted).

Not super imposed on schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder or psychotic disorder not superimposed on schizophrenia.


According to the DSM-IV, dysthymia is characterized by an overwhelming yet chronic state of depression, exhibited by a depressed mood for most of the days, for more days than not, for at least 2 years. (In children and adolescents, mood can be irritable and duration must be at least 1 year.) The person who suffers from this disorder must not have gone for more than 2 months without experiencing two or more of the following symptoms:

poor appetite or overeating
insomnia or hypersomnia
low energy or fatigue
low self-esteem
poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
feelings of hopelessness

In addition, no Major Depressive Episode has been present during the first two years (or one year in children and adolescents) and there has never been a Manic Episode, a Mixed Episode, or a Hypomanic Episode, and criteria have never been met for Cyclothymic Disorder. Further, the symptoms cannot be due to the direct physiological effects of a the use or abuse of a substance such as alcohol, drugs or medication or a general medical condition. The symptoms must also cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, educational or other important areas of functioning.


Bipolar is too big to put here; to see it go to this blicky: blicky


Alex


03 Apr 01 - 07:00 PM (#432544)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Justa Picker

I get depressed.

Then, I buy a guitar.

Then I play it for a while.

Then the bill comes in for it, and I get depressed figuring out how I'm going to pay for it.

Then, I eat several "Mounds" bars.

Then I weigh myself and discover I've gained weight.
(So I stop eating all chocolate and sweets. Then, the withdrawl from them makes me depressed.)

So, then I buy a guitar....


...and the cycle starts all over again. :-)


03 Apr 01 - 07:28 PM (#432568)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: campfire

Alex, I don't want to pick a fight either, but isn't the distinction between "depressed" and "depression"? (I have also suffered from Clinical Depression; I did the psychotherapy route, without drugs).

Even in your definition, (quoting from above)

" Major depression is:

Over the last 2 weeks five of the following features should be present of which one or more should be:

1. depressed mood most of the day nearly every day..."

it would imply that a depressed mood that lasts only a few hours or is not nearly every day would still be "a depressed mood", but not necessarily "depression".

In the medical field, we used "depressed" as a state a patient might be in, for example, post-surgically. We do not mean that the patient "has depression", merely that s/he is, for now, depressed.

I myself still have (occasional) depressed moods, but (I hope) I'm over the battle with Depression.

campfire


03 Apr 01 - 07:31 PM (#432572)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Hawker

everything!


03 Apr 01 - 09:57 PM (#432646)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: DancingMom

I like ClintonHammond's remedy. If not that, then I IMMERSE myself in music. I make myself get outside for a walk and some sun, even when it's cold. The light really helps me. Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia Ice cream. A good German beer. A chat with an old friend. I hope you feel better soon. Please see someone if it doesn't. Take care, Sharon


03 Apr 01 - 10:48 PM (#432675)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Clinton Hammond

Sharon...

Stay away from my wife!

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


03 Apr 01 - 11:33 PM (#432704)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: GUEST,Blind DRunk in Blind River

I scarf old pizza cruste from bewteen the kushuns on the sofa, eh? Ushualy it's about 1 to 3 weeks old, but once I got a piede that hadda hav been there for a t least a year I figger. it was kinda mnouldy too. Later I barfed, but I figger that was the skunky beer most likely. My brother Don wouldnt drink it, so you know it was real far gone. I have seen shittier times, but I am not sure when...xcept the weekend in jail, and there was no beer atall. I mean none! It was brutal, man! the company was no treat eether, eh? Buncha flippin' losers.

BDiBR


04 Apr 01 - 12:42 AM (#432747)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: DougR

Well, Clinton, you don't have to worry too much about calories then, do you? :>) DougR


04 Apr 01 - 02:08 AM (#432773)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: mousethief

Campfire,

Could be -- I'm not in the medical profession, just a regular customer thereof. I defer to your experience.

Alex


04 Apr 01 - 03:52 AM (#432818)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Joe Offer

Special deluxe combo pizza and a beer.
Cures everything.

Don't eat anything vegetarian or healthy. It'll just make you more depressed.
-Joe Offer-


04 Apr 01 - 08:36 AM (#432908)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Bagpuss

I'm not too sure about reserving the word depression only for the medical use of the word. I'm pretty sure the word was around to describe everyday sadness, and was then taken up by the medical profession (to replace the word melancholia which was used previously). So I don't mind when people use the word to mean they are a bit down in the dumps. What does annoy me is when people hear of a person who suffer from clinical depression and then say "I'm depressed too" and liken their state of temporary sadness to clinical depression. Because that blurs the line too much, and when people find out I have depression, they assume its just like when they are sad, but a bit worse. Maybe its the medical world that should invent a new word for it, to overcome the confusion.

When explaining what depression is like to someone who has never experienced it, I like to borrow from a book by Professor Lewis Wolpert (a scientist and clinical depression sufferer) called "Malignant Sadness". He likens depression to cancer. Cancer is normal cell division, where something has gone wrong and it becomes out of control and deadly. In the same way, depression is ordinary sadness which has become malignant and out of control. Cancer is nothing like ordinary cell division, and depression is nothing like ordinary sadness.

I'm glad to have provoked a discussion about this subject, if even one person understands a little more about the condition. My grandad had bipolar disorder which means that all of our family are at a greater risk of mood disorders such as depression. I have suffered since the age of 18 at least and my brother and several other relatives are sufferers too.

Bagpuss


04 Apr 01 - 10:02 AM (#432958)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: GUEST,Midchuck upstairs

I have the same reaction to people who try to stop me from using "depression" to mean simply "feeling sad" as I do to people who try to stop me from using "gay" to mean "happy and frivolous" or from using the male third person pronoun to include both sexes when I'm talking about any one of a group which may include both sexes - to wit:

"Look, s***-for-brains, this is the way I learned the language, from my English teachers in school as well as from reading, and it's the way I'm going to go on using it as long as I live and can speak. If you don't like it, go p*** up a rope."

Of course, I'm too inhibited to say so in those terms - but that's my secret thought...

Peter

P. S., in answer to the original question - whatever I can find, that I like. But Clinton probably had the most constructive suggestion.

P.


04 Apr 01 - 11:11 AM (#433000)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Bagpuss

Well you obviously were not too inhibited to say it here....

Bagpuss


04 Apr 01 - 11:11 AM (#433001)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: mousethief

Very enlightened, Peter.


04 Apr 01 - 03:03 PM (#433177)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

Shit, I'm screwed big time here, I fit ALL those descriptions for depressed and then some!

Bring on the marshmallows.....

LTS

Actually no, they melted and now I have a REALLY sticky keyboard....


04 Apr 01 - 03:04 PM (#433179)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

And I thought I was getting better!!!

LTS


04 Apr 01 - 05:21 PM (#433286)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Little Hawk

Midchuck - p**sing up a rope is a thankless endeavour, and nets no useful result whatsoever. It's almost as bad as being depressed, but it doesn't last nearly as long, so I suppose in some ways it is preferable, if one had the choice...

It's my impression that a lot of mudcatters are depressed lately. I wonder if I'm right about that?

- LH


05 Apr 01 - 05:26 AM (#433598)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Bagpuss

Little Hawk - maybe its just that finally people are getting the message that it is just an illness and we don't have to hide it or be ashamed. So more people are willing to talk about it. Maybe it is also because winter is just over, and a few of us have SAD (seasonal affective disoder) which I have - and are starting to come out of depressions enough to be able to talk about it.

Bagpuss


05 Apr 01 - 10:53 AM (#433736)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

At least pissing up a rope makes your hands warm for a while......

OK so now I know I'm ill and not just mad as a bag of snakes, what do I do about it without resorting to the happy pills again? I really need to know because I'm running out of chocolate here, and the big plate of stew didn't help any.

LTS


05 Apr 01 - 12:09 PM (#433793)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Bagpuss

Liz: If your depression tends to be in winter, buy a light box.

Other things which reduce the risk of a depressive episode are exercise, having a supportive social network, talking about your problems rather than bottling them up.

Some of us need the *happy pills* because the chemical imbalance we have is too strong to be overcome without them, but if you don't like taking artificial anti depressants, St John's Wort has been proven to work as well as any of them and has fewer side effects (and you can buy it in health food shops). But if you do take it, you have to be careful with any other medication you are on. SJW enhances liver function, so that your body processes chemicals faster. This leaves the contraceptive pill less efective, and you may need higher doses of other medication to get an effect which causes real problems if you come off the sjw and suddenly the levels of other chemicals rise and poison you.

Bagpuss


05 Apr 01 - 12:23 PM (#433808)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: BobP

Best mood improver is Post Raison Bran.

Two Jethro size bowls and you feel like new. Replacement therapy for when you're blue.

Shoots the canal like a shell from a bomber.

In no time flat your healthy and calmer.

Now go down for a brew or a straight shot of gin.

If your problems return just start over again.


05 Apr 01 - 01:24 PM (#433877)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Amergin

bullshit


05 Apr 01 - 01:52 PM (#433919)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Bert

Comfort foods...
Bread pudding, the real dark English bread pudding. All sweet and lots of spices.
Shepherds pie.
Fish and Chips.
Fresh baked bread, with lots of butter and blackberry jam.
Baked potato, with lots of butter and with salt.
Gooseberry crumble.
Treacle pudding.

Feeling better yet?


05 Apr 01 - 02:43 PM (#433974)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Kim C

I been depressed since my dad died in August. I was already on the way there anyhow. Have had it off and on since childhood. Never did anything stupid because of it (except drink too much, but sorrow knows how to swim!), usually worse around That Time. So next time I see my Dr. we are having the PMDD conversation. ;-)


05 Apr 01 - 03:10 PM (#433999)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Little Hawk

Amergin - What does bovine excrement have to do with it?

- LH


05 Apr 01 - 03:18 PM (#434007)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

Yeah, I was wondering that, seems that no matter how serious the question and how genuine the response, someone always comes up and dumps on it.

Not everyone gets the same effect from anothers' suggestions, but there is no need to dump on it.

LTS


05 Apr 01 - 03:19 PM (#434009)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

Yeah, I was wondering that, seems that no matter how serious the question and how genuine the response, someone always comes up and dumps on it.

Not everyone gets the same effect from anothers' suggestions, but there is no need to dump on it.

LTS


05 Apr 01 - 03:25 PM (#434017)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: SINSULL

KimC - don't wait. Go and start taking care of yourself.
Bagpuss - no drug, including St John's Wort has been proven to work in all cases. That's why there are so many different options and also why, if you are clinically depressed, you need professional help. Been ther; done that.
CarolC - Thank you triggering a whole new pepressive episode for me! Whi the hell loses weight when they are depressed? That's obscene!
Mary, who also gained weight with an overactive thyroid.


05 Apr 01 - 03:36 PM (#434028)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: gnu

"Don't stand so close to me."


05 Apr 01 - 09:41 PM (#434293)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: CarolC

Sorry SINSULL, it's just the way my body works. Can't help it. I still gain weight if I eat too much of the wrong things. It's just that my stomach can't handle food very well when I'm depressed. I get nauseous.


05 Apr 01 - 09:44 PM (#434296)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Matt_R

That's weird. I haven't thrown up in 12 years. October 1989 to be exact.


05 Apr 01 - 09:51 PM (#434300)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: CarolC

Matt, you know the exact date? Must have been some barf.


05 Apr 01 - 10:01 PM (#434311)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Matt_R

No, I just remember because it was 2 months after we moved to Augusta, Georgia. "Back To The Future" was making it's debut on television. I wanted to watch it, but was too sick, so I had to stay in bed. :-(


06 Apr 01 - 05:50 AM (#434480)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Liz the Squeak

Matt, that is just scary, not only do you remember the boik but what was on TV too!!

I've barfed due to stomach upsets, but not for a year or more..... but when I was pregnant..... Oy vey!!! morning sickness morning, noon and night!

LTS


06 Apr 01 - 08:53 AM (#434557)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Bagpuss

Sinsull, I know that there is no antidepressant that works for everyone. I know it because I have been on several different ones trying to find the right one. But each of the antidepressants give an improvement in about 2/3 of depressive episodes. Cognitive behaviour therapy has a similar success rate, other 'talking therapies' slightly lower. CBT in conjuction with anti depressant drugs is particularly effective. ECT - though much maligned - gives an improvement in about 80% of cases where all other treatment has tried and failed.

I use st johns wort (and aromatherapy) to prevent depressive episodes. But because you buy it over the counter, I am wary about increasing the dose above the standard dose (I usually need a higher than standard dose of any anti depressant). So if I feel it isn't enough, I then go to the docs.

I also lose weight when depressed - over the last year while my depression has been waiting for the right drug, I have been down to 7 stone. But the drug I am on now (mirtazapine on top of venlaxaxine) has given me a huge appetite. I do nothing but eat my way through the house all day.

Bagpuss


06 Apr 01 - 05:13 PM (#434849)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: Amergin

Sorry, LTS, for daring to speak my mind. I crashed after a two week upswing, the other night and this upheaval is very wearing. I have been dealing with this shit since adolescence and when I saw BobP's post it just struck me in the face. I get tired of people just telling me to cheer up or to get some exercise. You'll feel good then, they say. I am also tired of people telling me to smoke grass or to take a drink, that will get you good, they say...and no it does not. I am just bloody sick of this shit.


06 Apr 01 - 05:17 PM (#434852)
Subject: RE: BS: So what do you eat when depressed?
From: GUEST,diva

usually chocolate, but anything goes!!!!!!