I was prescribed anti depressants a couple of months ago, when my wife read the side effects your not taking them, she's a nurse. I am lucky really as I'm involved with Combat Stress its a charity for ex service personnel with a 24 hour phone number and a weekly meeting.
@val - have you tried St John's Wort? I know of a few people that have taken it and had considerably more success with it than anti-depressants.
12 year ago, I was prescribed seroxat. I was on them for about 12 months and they worked a treat. Fast forward to 12 months ago, I was prescribed citalopram. Still on them now, working a treat. I have anxiety, depression and a touch of OCD. I am a worrier, and if I have nothing to worry about I worry! Lol!!
Omega 3 oils are also said to help. I take one of these a day and I seem to be a lot more upbeat than I used to be. Then again it could be the nice weather we are having too. Is that so you can post in this thread? You really shouldn't feel ashamed to be open about your mental health problems, even if you think people you know in real life might be reading this. I know it's hard but it does help a great deal to be open as it reduces the stigma surrounding it and the worry about you broadcasting an image that people expect to see from you. The more people who are open about it the less stigma there will be around it. This isn't just directed at you but any others who may be lurking about this thread. (If you randomly posted in this thread to ask for a name change then please forgive me for making the wrong assumption)
I've suffered depression all my life. I was first referred to a shrink at seven years old. I've tried pills and gave up on them. That was over thirty years ago though, so as I'm not au faix with current medication the following is based on observing one of my brothers. Firstly, my personal thinking is that there are two broad types of depression; a] physiological (that's just how it is) or b] psychological (depression that is triggered) Pills may be the answer in the second instance but I have no experience of this. My brother and I suffer from the former (as did one of my grandfathers). Lil bro is on prescription. It controls it most of the time, but what I have noticed is that he is less able to deal with stress. He also struggles with his weight and his thought process is less clearly defined. My approach over the last thirty years has been totally different. I suffer from depression - deal with it. During the lows I shut myself away from the outside world (the internet helps - I can interact with the outside world on my terms). Two or three days sees me through the worst of it. I eat well, smoke too much and have a hobby that absorbs me. None of this is a cure, but it does provide a level plateau on the whole. The biggest single difference has been quitting recreational drugs and alcohol - it is clear that I was just hiding behind them. Twice in my life I have been serious about committing suicide. The first time (thirty years ago) I committed myself to the local "nut house". It got me through it (and it convinced me that medication did not work), but that was it. The second time I sought refuge with a friend who also suffers. Which brings me on to the other great life changer - find someone that you can share face to face with. Even if you opt for medication, this is important. Not a close friend maybe - it is more important that they understand how it feels I think. My way is maybe not the right way, but for me it works. On the whole I'm happy even though I'm a miserable git! Not sure if this helps? Don't take it the wrong way, but that has been apparent for a while. For me it's socks - they have to be matched (same make of sock can shrink/wear at different rates - I HAVE to match them up. They have to be dried next to each other in case it rains). That's normal - I can go into the depths of a depressive episode when life is really good. For me, my depression is at it's worst in the winter. I can shut myself away for days on end.
I agree with @longk it's always good to talk about this (and most other things really) with someone who has "been there done that". Sometimes when you talk to a professional, you get the impression that you're just going through the motions, that they don't fully understand on the deepest level. Which is what you need really. And I'm totally there with OCD. I'm glad I don't have mains gas anymore, I used to be really bad with checking the hob was off. And EVERYTHING has to be checked in 3s or ideally 9 times (3 3s). Cookers if I've used them (not anymore as I've got a range that's always on), that I've locked the door, etc. I have no idea why I'm obsessed with 3. Shoes have to go on left first etc. sometimes it's a strong mental effort to not check things.
I also agree with @longk find a hobby that absorbs you, I feel less stressed when I'm in my garden pottering about. I know people will laugh at this I also make 1/35 scale military models, I fined keeping my mind active and busy helps to block out other stuff. But I don't like being on my own, when my wife works a night shift I don't sleep.
I have had a number of therapy sessions for OCD. The second more helpful than the first because the guy was really trying to get into my mind set. For example...I could be much quicker if I had incentive (meeting someone). @Ellen my number is 4, but unfortunately I do many multiples of 4 I spend far too long checking the hob is off, even if it hasn't been used. I check the knobs, look for a flame from each ring a number of times, and listen for the sound of a lit ring. Mine is about safety and security. I spend about 7 minutes checking my front door over and over (multiples of 4). I think my neighbours are use to me now As for your shoe thing. When I get out of the shower, I shake my right foot, then my left, then step out with my right, so both feet are wet! Sometimes you have to laugh at yourself. It's what gets me through, despite wasting so much of my life and stressing myself out. It takes me an hour to leave work because I use so much electrical equipment.
I take mirtazapine 30mg. For the PTSD from the continual vomiting and associated Iv drips / hospital stays etc from my pregnancy
It's funny how there are so many similarities! I used to check the knobs, that the line lined up with the little 'o'. I used to talk to myself, saying "off off off". If i couldn't get satisfied after checking all 4 knobs 3 times, I'd have to do 9 times. The worse thing would be if I wasn't satisfied after 9 times... then I'd have to do it all again, 3x9... Sometimes my husband would get impatient with me, if we were about to leave to go out, and if I wasn't satisfied deep down I'd fret inside, and then go through a whole different lot of stuff in the car. I also can't read the word 'dead' etc, even if it's part of a different word, without doing a weird blinking as I read past it, again in 3s. I must look really strange while reading books like Game Of Thrones...!
A big up to all that have posted here -been lucky enough not to have had depression catch me yet - but it good to know the different coping mechanisms folk adopt. Forearmed, forewarned etc. As posted - not many folk are open about mental health but it is important that we do talk about it, to get this information out there so we can all recognise the signs and symptoms of when we are undergoing a mental health crisis and get help accordingly. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
