The Depression Thread #2

[Fanny Muchmore]

Thanks @Maid22 - my best friend feels like the only one I can trust, but the rest of the people in my supposed 'friend group' have shown their true colours.

 

[InTheDollsHouse]

Don't know where to start tbh, I had a good week for me last week, then it went tits up over the weekend, I've ended up staying in the bed today, apart from taking my dog out, it's no wonder I'm a pessimist, something always bite you in the arse.

Flip that around - I took the dog out today

 

[lemonlavender]

Thank you, I'm in Ireland. I completely forgot about the monthly drug scheme, Ill take a look now

I just got through to the HSE line, super helpful, turns out I already had the card but she will re-issue to me and I can see about a refund but may not work out any cheaper in this instance , thank you for reminding me

 

[nimblefimble]

I speak from oh so much experience! And feel free to vent here whenever you need.



ah I was thinking of you! Delighted doc was so considerate and supportive. And it’s amazing how empowering and relieving it can be to just get it all out there and be heard.

Thanks so much! empowered is definitely the word I was looking for! Anyone else who is on anything like sertraline, when do you take it? Morning, night, with or without food? Doc said it’s different for everyone and how it reacts so wasn’t sure which to try first!

 

[MrsBsDayOff]

I ran out of meds on Friday and didn't have time to get to the pharmacy to get the next batch. Thought I'd be fine but jesus I crashed on Sunday, and felt awful today, just picked up my prescription now. It was really stupid of me, I feel really low, crying for hours today. Feeling so lonely and like I don't matter to anyone, thank god my partner is here to make me dinner and look after me. I've taken my meds now so hopefully better tomorrow

 

[newaccount2022]

Exactly the same I'm starting new job on Monday and dreading how I'll feel. Good luck for Thursday

No way! Good luck, I will be thinking of you on Monday. Let us know how it goes.

it’s so tough being the new person, such pressure to put yourself out there and be chatty and get to know everyone. I know I’m going to be exhausted!

 

[Carapop]

Thank you so much for your comment, it really put my mind at ease as I was so worried

Anyway, I’m on my fifth day of fluoxetine and already feeling better. I know it’s mostly placebo effect but I’m still glad. Onwards and upwards from here, I hope

Oh gosh I’m delighted it was any help! Meds are so expensive that if you get on ok with generic it’s madness to ever go near the branded. We can drive ourselves crazy (crazier?!) with researching side effects too. Remember, more people don’t suffer any side effects, or the medication wouldn’t be approved. So odds are in your favour. We only tend to hear from those who have had negative experiences.

I’ve learned to stay far away from any of it unless i actually start experiencing something myself and then it’s reassuring to discover others have suffered similar and it’s temporary etc.

I’m so glad you’re experiencing some relief already. The placebo effect isn’t to be scoffed at, it’s very powerful and scientifically valid.

 

[Pollyanna263]

So my father in law was discharged from hospital, they think it was a mix of him still being poorly from the last time, and the new medication the hospital had put him on. It stopped his kidneys from working, but slowly they have started to improve. We also found out that the last time he was in the hospital he had sepsis and e.Coli!!

So as we were celebrating the good news of him getting discharged, I got a phonecall from my husband's aunt to say that his uncle had passed away He'd been poorly for a long time but it was still a shock.

It was his funeral on Monday but I was unable to go as my husband went and I had to stay home to look after my father in law. Wish I could have gone to pay my respects.

It just feels like we're being constantly battered without any rest at all. Feel mentally and physically exhausted.

I’m so sorry for your loss, and that you weren’t able to go to the funeral.

There are many ways that you can say goodbye to someone without being at a funeral.
Could you try and get a little time alone, somewhere peaceful and calm, where you can think or say all the things you want to about your husband’s uncle?
I did similar recently and it really helped me to feel that I’d paid my respects, and it was actually so special as it was just me and my own thoughts in my own time.

I’m glad your father in law is home again, although that in itself puts more strain on you I hope you’re able to access some external support with his care.

Don’t forget that your needs matter too in all of this x

 

[shadowcat5]

For the past two days I have been feeling miserable with no reason. I feel like there is something in the air beyond my mood disorder. I fell like I have learned about a death and my motivation is M.I.A.

@shadowcat5, how did the appointment go?

Thank you for asking, that's really kind! Thankfully the doctor was lovely which was something I was really worried about. I've got some medication and I have to go back in 3 weeks

As for your first point, I have the same feeling. It's like I'm in a funk I can't get out of. I don't know whether it's just winter blues thing or just everything going on in the world atm is getting me (and everyone else) down or what but there's just an aura of flatness atm

 

[Reverend]

Sounds like your mum is abusive and manipulative and plays the helpless woman. Good for you for drawing a line and setting boundaries. She should consider herself lucky you even give her the time of day. Keep looking out for yourself.

My mum has now apologised. My brother and his wife separated and the wife has ghosted my mum. My brother is not around much, and she was very close to his wife. The only person with that she has any real relationship is me.

 

[Megan12319990]

Hi all

Hope you are doing ok. I think the depression is coming back. That dark sinking feeling.

I was really ill in 2006 and SH.
I wouldn’t say I’m that level at the moment but I certainly don’t feel great and keep having fleeting thoughts of “why am I here” which scares me. ALot has happened over the last five years and to be honest I’m at breaking point.

I’m alone, a single parent. Toxic family members it’s all too much or rather it’s all catching up with me. I FEEL tired. I’m exhausted most days and just want to sleep the moment I wake up. I do work. Some days I don’t even know how I’m going to drag myself in and function but I do.
My weight is fluctuating. I lost 10kg and I’ve put on 2kg.
I comfort eat (a lot). I’ve just eaten half a block of cheese, crisps because food is comfort. Probably my only comfort.

Does this sound like depression or something more? I did see the GP a few months back but I am reluctant to try medication.

How do I get out of this?
Any tips help or advice would be really grateful to hear.

Hello, hope you are doing ok. It very much does sound like depression. I have a diagnosis of clinical depression and I'm on antidepressants ( sertraline ) for most likely rest of my life as I cannot be taken off them due to even worse depressive episodes without them. I would suggest seeing your GP again and possibly if you feel you can try some medication then to have a go even if it's just for a short term, also is there any talking therapies services in your area? As this may be something to look into. I myself have toxic family members and at the moment I'm finding it extremely difficult to deal with so I feel for you and completely understand the feeling of it, it's not nice. We can choose our friends but not our family isn't that right! I relapsed into self harming a few months ago - quite bad self harming unfortunately and my own mum told me it was " my choice " to do it. Since then I've had a very rocky relationship with my family. Anyhow I really hope you start to feel a bit better and brighter soon, I always look at it as tomorrow is a new day as it's all you can do. Also I hope I've helped you in some way - depression is possibly the worst invisible illness there could ever be and if I can help just one person then I'd be happy . Take care of yourself x

 

[veevee04]

I was diagnosed with endogenous depression at the age of 12. I'm currently on the combined pill under investigation for adneomyosis, it helps with the pain but I've never really got on with any hormonal medication . My mood has severely dipped I'm struggling with motivation big time and I've had a few intrusive thoughts. I'm just on 50mg Sertraline now I'm thinking maybe I should increase and ask the doctors. I think I want hysterectomy to avoid the hormones but they won't allow it as I'm 29.

 

[Megan12319990]

I hope that everyones doing ok.

A quick question for you all. I came back from an all inclusive holiday recently.
What’s everyone’s opinion on Sertraline and alcohol?
Avoid mixing like the plague? Ok in moderation? Or should be ok in general?
I had some weird experiences in that some days I was fine but others I felt like death

Spoiler: TMI

literally felt like I wanted to throw up and crap myself at the same time.

I know that everyone’s experiences will be different but I just wanted to know for the future in general.

So as said in above post I myself am on sertraline (200mg) so the highest dose. I normally avoid alcohol but I did a few months ago when I was going through a tough phase have some and afterwards felt sick and just generally unwell. Haven't bothered since x

 

[InTheDollsHouse]

I haven't posted on this thread for a long time, because well I couldn't face it. But I just wanted to ask if anyone has reported DV a few years after it's happened?

Hey lovely xx

It’s never too late to report. If you feel it’s right for you then you should absolutely do it xx

 

[LeWylde]

Hi all, I hope this isn’t inappropriate but this thread seems really supportive.
My mum suffers from depression and we live very far apart currently. I really want to support her in any way I can but some days I don’t know how to get through to her. I’m really sorry if that sounds insensitive, I don’t mean it like that. If anyone has any advice of how I can do better, I would be so so grateful.

 

[Fanny Muchmore]

Im just having one of those days
I'm mid 30s, single and have barely any friends. I've become content with that though

Sometimes friends aren't all they're cracked up to be. For a few years I had a large group of friends, we all hung out together and did stuff as a group. But then petty squabbles and infighting between the people in the group started and now I hardly see anyone out of that group. I have my best friend and I occasionally see a couple of people from the group separately for lunch or whatever. But I'm so tired of hearing about who's fighting with who, who's fallen out with who, over the most inane things. And some of the group fell out with me for reasons I've yet to fully understand.

Find yourself one good ride or die person and that's all you really need. Makes things MUCH easier.

 

[Pollyanna263]

Just need a rant sorry
I’m feel so low, I hate my job and the type of work I do, I find it so stressful and I dread every day.
My problem is I’m on my own with a mortgage so I can’t afford to leave and get any job, I’d need at least the salary I’m already on.
I feel so stuck. If it wasn’t for my cats I don’t think I’d be here. I don’t see any way out. I feel so lost.
Thanks for listening xx

Lots of questions from me as my mindset about work had changed massively while I’ve been signed off.

You can absolutely answer these here, or you can absolutely just think about them (or ignore them if it’s overwhelming - that’s not my intention!)


Have you always found your job stressful, or is it a recent change?

If it’s a change - when? Can you pinpoint what else was going on in life, or what happened at work to make it feel different?

If always - you know it’s not likely to change, and that is hard to accept x

Are you work understanding, would you feel comfortable approaching them to discuss a flexible schedule (if possible) so you do part of the week from home, or you condense your hours into 4 longer days and have 3 off?

Think about your salary now, and your income/outgoings.
Can you cut back on anything? Even little things (expensive haircuts / make up / wine / takeaway coffee) all add up so quickly.

Are you able to explore a mortgage holiday, to give yourself some breathing space to save a few months’ buffer?

Do you have a spare room that you could let? Maybe on a Monday night - Friday morning basis for someone working locally so you have the house to yourself at the weekends.

Salaries are all relative to our own perception, and hugely influenced by geographical area. For example my salary is £4K more than my friend but I’m in Hampshire in she’s in the midlands and so she has far lower outgoings than I do!

It’s not easy to just up and leave an area, especially when your mental health isn’t feeling strong. Even if you don’t have support around you, feeling familiar with your surroundings is a big deal.

Sorry, I realise I haven’t helped at all
Just know that work is not as important as your well-being, and it took me reaching breaking point to realise that. No one should get to that point xx

Currently waiting on an OH assessment

Just seen this after I replied.

I had an OH assessment for MH, no physical disability. I was so anxious beforehand and convinced myself they were going to say I was faking / fine / should be at work…. Which of course I wasn’t! But irrational brain!

Anyway - just to reassure you that the OH doctor was WONDERFUL. So kind, asked only what she needed to, really listened, was totally understanding of a couple of things I was unable to answer (because I couldn’t get the words out).

It’s worrying but they are brilliant so I’m sure your assessment will be okay

 

[Sheabutter]

Hope everyone is okay and having a relaxing Sunday 🤍

Does anyone have any tips for dealing with anhedonia? I’m more or less okay at work, but when I am off work/school, I just don’t know what to do with my free time because nothing brings me joy anymore. I try to make myself do stuff I used to enjoy but it’s quite pointless.

I remember feeling like this at my first office job. I wish I could go back in time and get myself excited about nature preserves. They give me so much life. Having a guide book for local nature and history make it easy to get into the hobby.

 

[InTheDollsHouse]

She wants to start me on 7.5mg and says she will raise it to 15mg in 2-3 weeks if the side effects are manageable. I was on Lexapro a few years ago but had terrible side effects so think I'm mentally scarred now as a result.

Is it the tablet itself that causes the weight gain or that it makes everyone feel starving so they eat more do you know?

Okay, I started on 15 and was up to 45 so 7.5 is a gentle start, hopefully that will be okay for you.

I’m not certain. I just found myself eating all the time! It sounds ridiculous but I would walk into the kitchen and then I’d have food in my hand… So I think a bit of both contributed.

 

[StatusWoe]

Hi all. Can anyone recommend some anxiety/depression med alternatives? I’ve been on sertraline for the past few years but it makes me feel so nauseous and sick. I want to try something else eventually. I looked on Amazon and saw these “rescue bear” and “ashwagandha” gummies. Has anyone tried those? Any other alternatives welcomed but ideally looking for a gummy format rather than tablet capsules as I find them hard to swallow.

Hi, I don't know about gummies, but it is possible to get some meds as liquids if you ask your GP.

Does anyone have any panic attack tips? I know this is a depression thread, but I've been having panic attacks nearly every day for months now and it's so hard to calm down. I got a referral for support, but it's not until February. My heart beats so fast I get scared it's a heart attack. I feel like I can't breathe, I get a weird hot/cold flush sensation, start shaking, go lightheaded, get muscle pains from the tensing. It takes nothing to set the adrenaline off and it's not a pleasant adrenaline rush. Usually I listen to music, go online for distraction, or if I'm at home I sometimes lie down in bed with a hot water bottle. Those things can help but not always and I wish it was easier. I get breathing problems a lot with anxiety but I'm no good at breathing exercises.