Have you ever felt depressed?

[cl5814]

true, but there is a difference between sadness and depression, don't you think?

I see depression more that you don't want to go on. A feeling of heaviness.
I see sadness more a result of disappointment. This I believe is healthy to express cause it's part of your emotions.

I have had some depression periods in my life as well. Life gets to you sometimes; especially living alone (no family around) in a foreign country.

From what i researched and were told, the difference between sadness and depression is 2 weeks. If after 2 weeks you are still sad, then you might want to look into depression symptions and see if that fits. If you are truly ok again in less than 2 weeks, then you have just been sad. I guess it is one way of measuring........
My mom read a wonderful book about diet and depression; something like ' be naturally depression free '. The book claims you can do wonders with just eating correctly, as has already been mentioned by another poster.

 

[cl5814]

Depression, on the other hand, is up to your doctor to decide whether you need meds. Not to mention many doctors are all too eager to stuff you with pills.

T_E

Unfortunately, this was my experience as well. I have learned to be careful to whom i say what if i just feel down. I too have acted (still do) "always happy" in front of selected people. Some people are just too paranoid that if you are just feeling a bit down for a day or two (without them knowing what really are going on in your life) you can end up in places that are no where appropriate for the situation. Maybe the paranoid people have just never been sad for longer than a day......lucky people to be that happy in life.

Meds take a long time to start working in any case. It is about 4-6 weeks, right ?

 

[Laura]

Meds take a long time to start working in any case. It is about 4-6 weeks, right ?

I think it depends on what someone's exact neurotransmitter issues are, and how effective the particular treatment is for them. I'm lucky in that I can start to feel relief within three days (I also have learned what the early signs of relief feel like), but it really takes a few weeks for me to stabilize. Dealing with this stuff is tricky, and mental health issues are so stigmatized that a lot of people just won't or can't deal with them -- even when they are under care! It's not like setting a broken bone, after all.

The serotonin cycle is the most commonly acted upon by various supplemental and drug treatments. However, people can also have issues with their endorphin or other systems that don't respond to the serotonin-targetted treatments, that all contribute to a low-functioning or "depressed" mental and emotional state.

 

[Purr]

If you're suffering from depession, the best thing to do is to get to your family doctor.

I was diagnosed with depression in 1998, and my doctor prescribed paxil. While the side effects of the medicine were bad, especially the weight gain, it did help me get through the day. I also went to therapy sessions with a counselor. When the circumstances contibuting to the depression improved, I was able to, under my doctor's supervision, go off the medicine in 2001. Now, I eat better, exercise regularly, and find things to do with my time (like dancing) so I don't sit at home moping. I also have a much better support system of friends and family around me than I did back then. While I can't say that I'm "cured", I'm in a much better place than I was then, and I recognize when an episode may be happening so I can do something about it.

 

[cl5814]

I disagree : my doctor asked me if I thought I was clinically depressed and wanted to take some drugs. I don't know what it means

You said "asked me" and so i say....

I would say it is important to keep the initial consultation with your doctor just between "you" and well, the doctor. No friends, co-workers, family or other influences should be welcome in that discussion. Other people can too easily get involved into saying things how *they* think you feel and act. Take someone with you to the consulting room but leave them in the front office, at least initially.

Anybody used any group therapy for depression ? Specific group meetings set up by mostly depression group, others with a history of depressoin but free of symptoms due to successful treatment and/or professionals.

 

[icering]

You know that I actually looked at this thread last night and saw your post, and I started to cry. I couldn't answer anything, because I felt guilty for thinking about myself. Those are questions as to which make you think about yourself, and the word that kept going through my mind was selfish for thinking that way.

Everything starts with you, if you can't answer the question just a a 'could" what could you feel good about today?, what could you be greatful for? If you can't make yourself feel good, how are you gonna make someone else feel good.

 

[Twilight_Elena]

This thread has gotten me thinking. First of all. I wish there was some sort of physical test that could prove your neurotransmitters are wonky. That way I would feel better about the idea of medication.
Secondly. I really don't trust doctors. Don't ask me why, I haven't met a doctor yet who has inspired my trust, and considering their profession that means something. I also have this personal... issue, so to speak. I feel guilty getting help from other people. Please, ask my mate how many times I tell him I feel guilty that I'm whining to him about my problems.
All that considered, I don't really want to go to a doctor or counsellor. And I don't think I'm depressed anyway. I'm just... I dunno. In a tough period, I guess.

T_E

 

[SPratt74]

Everything starts with you, if you can't answer the question just a a 'could" what could you feel good about today?, what could you be greatful for? If you can't make yourself feel good, how are you gonna make someone else feel good.

You can be grateful for a lot of things and still be depressed. And you can be good to a lot of people when you've been an actress so long that you can fool them... including yourself.

Well, I didn't realize that I would get four pages worth of discussion today! I was scared to write when I did in fear I guess, but it's so nice to know about options and how some things worked for some people etc. And that's good for me, because I do take lists of questions to my doctor when I go in to see her, so I can ask her about things.

But let me get through your posts, because I do plan on responding to them. One question though, do you think that I should tell my professors what's going on? I just haven't wanted to leave the house or anything. I mean I don't want them to know my history, because they don't need to know everything, but at the same time, then maybe they will know that I just don't mean to skip class that type of thing. What do you guys think?

 

[AzureDreamer]

there are some very definate distinctions between different sorts of depression and the need for meds in many cases is legitimate

It may be worth also investigating a more holistic approach to issues like this; things like a balanced diet, massage, yoga/pilates/flexibility classes, aromatherapy, and a basic fitness plan go a long way to getting things sorted out. Have a complete allergy check. I think there is a lot to be said for healthy lifestyle.

I have absolute confidence in people to screw their bodies up when they are stressed, or eating poorly, or mildly allergic to something and it causes just enough of a reaction so they don't sleep well at night.

I wouldn't rule out medicine, but there may be more than one way to approach the problem. Sometimes I feel like drugs just treat symptoms, rather than addressing causes. Sometimes you want to take two aspirin... but other times you want to stop hitting your head against the wall in the first place.

I think one thing that people really need to do is ask a lot of questions and develop an awareness of what is happening to them as they try medications.

yeah, excellent point.

 

[Laura]

First of all. I wish there was some sort of physical test that could prove your neurotransmitters are wonky.

Medicine is kind of a deductive science, and also an art. The reason why craving sugary starchy things like baked goods when coupled with depression is considered a sign of a low serotonin cycle is because the dump of sugar into your system causes a small serotonin dump. So, for a while, there is more serotonin loose in your brain. That's what the "feel good" rush is that comes from eating some cookies or cake when you're feeling low. Similarly for chocolate -- the theobromine in chocolate stimulates the endorphin system in the brain. Now obviously having sweets and/or chocolate every now and then when you feel blue every so often does not indicate a full-on neurotransmitter problem. But a repeated history of compulsive emotional eating coupled with long term periods of feeling down does indicate issues that go far beyond simple "willpower."

Anyway, when this was all explained to me it made so much sense -- so many pieces fit together. It wasn't like I was being told to swallow a pill and accept it on faith.

Secondly. I really don't trust doctors. Don't ask me why, I haven't met a doctor yet who has inspired my trust, and considering their profession that means something.

I grew up going to military doctors who were more concerned with patching people up so they could get back to the flight line than actual healing. My dad got involved with uppers (benzadrine) without even knowing it -- they were handed out with vitamins every morning by the corpsman (doctor) on the submarine he was serving on. So, I have a long outstanding distrust of doctors. Especially in light of some of the more dismal aspects of the US healthcare system (or lack thereof). There are good doctors, though, although I have no idea how to find one. It's complete and utter luck that I found mine.

I just realized that I've been going on about neurotransmitters and serotonin as if everyone knew what it was.

Serotonin is the "feel good" chemical in your brain. It affects many things, including satiety and sleep cycles.

 

[icering]

You can be grateful for a lot of things and still be depressed. And you can be good to a lot of people when you've been an actress so long that you can fool them... including yourself.

Well, I didn't realize that I would get four pages worth of discussion today! I was scared to write when I did in fear I guess, but it's so nice to know about options and how some things worked for some people etc. And that's good for me, because I do take lists of questions to my doctor when I go in to see her, so I can ask her about things.

But let me get through your posts, because I do plan on responding to them. One question though, do you think that I should tell my professors what's going on? I just haven't wanted to leave the house or anything. I mean I don't want them to know my history, because they don't need to know everything, but at the same time, then maybe they will know that I just don't mean to skip class that type of thing. What do you guys think?

depends on whats important to you...whether you tell them or now...I doubt it will change your grade or erase any tally marks by your name. But it could though...with a doctors note

 

[cornutt]

One question though, do you think that I should tell my professors what's going on? I just haven't wanted to leave the house or anything. I mean I don't want them to know my history, because they don't need to know everything, but at the same time, then maybe they will know that I just don't mean to skip class that type of thing. What do you guys think?

My take: They don't need to know all the details. Just tell them that you've been ill, or that you are having personal problems, or some such.

 

[cornutt]

It may be worth also investigating a more holistic approach to issues like this; things like a balanced diet, massage, yoga/pilates/flexibility classes, aromatherapy, and a basic fitness plan go a long way to getting things sorted out. Have a complete allergy check. I think there is a lot to be said for healthy lifestyle.
yeah, excellent point.

I'm afraid I will have to take issue with some of this. Yes, maintaining a good general state of health is important, but it is not proof against all disorders. Statements like this carry a bit of a vibe of "it's your own fault that you're sick, because you don't live the right way". We're not talking smoking and lung cancer here. I'm afraid that trying to drastically alter one's lifestyle can become simply an attempt to ignore the problem.

As for things like aromatherapy: If you enjoy nice scents, feel free. But anyone who tells you that enjoying nice scents will cure all manner of diseases is engaging in quackery.

 

[Laura]

SPratt74, aren't you near the end of the school year? Is it just a matter of making yourself go to class a few more times and then you're done with it and all this pressure and angst will start to lift?

If so, then one thing to think about is how many classes you can miss. Some professors don't care, some take attendance, some won't lecture on anything new for the rest of the semester, some will tell you something the last day that ends up on the test. Only you can evaluate your professors on this, but I figure a whole school year has gone by so you should have good feel for this by now.

If there's a class that in all honesty doesn't require your presence for a session or two, and you don't feel like going, then don't go. You don't have to tell your professors anything, just don't show up. People simply just don't show up for classes all the time. I'm thinking that some of what is tying you up in knots about this is your sense of loyalty and worries of being selfish. Still, maybe giving yourself permission to skip a class will help, because it won't be something you're doing because you can't leave the house, but because you've looked into the class situation and decided you just needed to give yourself a day off.

Or, here's another idea...you're having troubles leaving the house, for whatever agoraphobic/socially anxious reasons you have. What about if you make a deal with yourself, you will go to class because you're so close to being done for the year. But you'll cut yourself a break somewhere else...you won't pile on a bunch of errands and responsiblities, you'll just go to class, get your education, and come home.

I don't know if any of this will work for you, I'm just brainstorming here.

 

[Laura]

I'm afraid that trying to drastically alter one's lifestyle can become simply an attempt to ignore the problem.

And on top of that, say someone puts themself on a program to eat right, get healthy, get organized, get exercise etc etc. They could end up piling on a bunch of new stresses, and if they eat the wrong thing or miss a workout they get sucked into telling themself that they are failure etc etc.

Not that exercise and all that isn't good for you and won't help some, but if someone is as far gone as I was and didn't even want to leave the house, then they might not even be able to cope with starting and keeping up with all that until they get a degree of relief from the major depressive effects. I could tell I was starting to get better because I started wanting to go on hikes with my husband, or to the gym, or to do other things besides lay on the sofa watching TV. Heck, I could barely even get up the energy to read for a while...not a problem now.