The Depression Thread

[Sideboard Bob]

Thank you for sharing your experience. How do I (or they) know if I need meds, need someone to talk to, or both? How do I know what is right for me when I’m not quite right, right now? Does that make sense?

I agree with what @Maid22 says. It’s really up to you. I guess ideally if you’re ok with taking meds (and if you’re not that’s your choice), you should also be offered someone to talk to as well. Medication can really help to take the edge off, but it helps so much to be able to talk through what’s causing you to feel this way.

It’s so brave that you’ve made the appointment, I don’t say that lightly. I had a gp appointment where I was terrified to explain what was going on, so I just wrote down what I wanted to say. I know it sounds so obvious, but it helped me at the time.

Can I just ask if anyone is on meds for anxiety? I'm on meds for my depression but my anxiety is out of control

I’ve been prescribed Propranolol for anxiety in the past, it only helps with the physical symptoms, but even that is so helpful. It stops that ”tense” feeling that you literally feel in your body.
I have also been prescribed diazepam which I found really helpful, but it can only be used short-term, and (in my experience), made me exhausted the next day. I really feel for you, its a tough combination dealing with anxiety and depression together.

 

[Penguin86]

I agree with what @Maid22 says. It’s really up to you. I guess ideally if you’re ok with taking meds (and if you’re not that’s your choice), you should also be offered someone to talk to as well. Medication can really help to take the edge off, but it helps so much to be able to talk through what’s causing you to feel this way.

It’s so brave that you’ve made the appointment, I don’t say that lightly. I had a gp appointment where I was terrified to explain what was going on, so I just wrote down what I wanted to say. I know it sounds so obvious, but it helped me at the time.



I’ve been prescribed Propranolol for anxiety in the past, it only helps with the physical symptoms, but even that is so helpful. It stops that ”tense” feeling that you literally feel in your body.
I have also been prescribed diazepam which I found really helpful, but it can only be used short-term, and (in my experience), made me exhausted the next day. I really feel for you, its a tough combination dealing with anxiety and depression together.

Yeah I definitely need something. CBT didn't help me at all. I have Agoraphobia and depression so yeah fun times

 

[TapToBoreMeRigid]

Yeah I definitely need something. CBT didn't help me at all. I have Agoraphobia and depression so yeah fun times

please know that agoraphobia IS beatable/manageable. I was housebound for almost 6 years, aged 19-25. The right medicine and therapy helped me.

Depression and anxiety are an horrific combination. I struggle badly with intrusions and OCD. Additionally I have dermatillomania AND BPD & cPTSD.

The days feel short and long at the same time. Like they're never ending but I'm wasting them.

 

[Penguin86]

Depression is never curable

 

[under the ivy]

please know that agoraphobia IS beatable/manageable. I was housebound for almost 6 years, aged 19-25. The right medicine and therapy helped me.

Depression and anxiety are an horrific combination. I struggle badly with intrusions and OCD. Additionally I have dermatillomania AND BPD & cPTSD.

The days feel short and long at the same time. Like they're never ending but I'm wasting them.

I go through bouts of not leaving the house, it’s definitely linked to a relapse in my depression/BPD. Sorry to read about your struggles x

 

[or JusRollWithIt]

It’s so brave that you’ve made the appointment, I don’t say that lightly. I had a gp appointment where I was terrified to explain what was going on, so I just wrote down what I wanted to say. I know it sounds so obvious, but it helped me at the time.

Thank you. To be clear, I hadn’t made the call yet but I did today. The dr will do a phone appointment tomorrow afternoon. I feel the hardest part was picking up the phone today.

Spoiler: TW maybe

/I don’t feel relief or anything, I just need sleep and to get through the day without multiple panic attacks. I keep it together when my kids are around or I’m busy but the minute I let my thoughts drift, or in the middle of the night unexpectedly, I start to lose control all over. I’m glad I called. She did say if I felt I needed it, to walk into the hospital and they would help me immediately. And they did offer in person but I don’t trust myself to drive right now being so tired .

 

[Raymond Luxury-Yacht]

Thank you. To be clear, I hadn’t made the call yet but I did today. The dr will do a phone appointment tomorrow afternoon. I feel the hardest part was picking up the phone today.

Spoiler: TW maybe

/I don’t feel relief or anything, I just need sleep and to get through the day without multiple panic attacks. I keep it together when my kids are around or I’m busy but the minute I let my thoughts drift, or in the middle of the night unexpectedly, I start to lose control all over. I’m glad I called. She did say if I felt I needed it, to walk into the hospital and they would help me immediately. And they did offer in person but I don’t trust myself to drive right now being so tired .

Well done! I really hope the appointment helps and you feel better soon

 

[anything at all]

New to this thread

Unfortunately my issues are long and ongoing, I try to just get on with life as I’ve been on antidepressants before and I was such a bad experience that I don’t think I want to go through it again

I started the self referral a couple of months ago through the NHS to see what help I can get and either I got the wrong idea or all they’re offering me is some webinars? I was in bits on the phone call assessment as I have a very bad fear of phone calls so it was all a bit of a blur so may have misunderstood. I’ve had a look at what webinars I could book and not sure any are really right for me?
Wondered if anyone has gone through this same process and tried them and if they helped?

I really hope that I got the wrong idea of what help I was being offered .. I’m not sure how watching some videos is going to help anyone with depression.

 

[or JusRollWithIt]

@anything at all i don’t know the answer to your question, maybe someone else can help? But didn’t want to leave you hanging.

I had my appointment. My GP was lovely and didn’t rush me, listened and gave a full assessment with lots of questions. We have a short and longer term plan. It was hard but I’m glad it is started.

 

[Penguin86]

So much anxiety

 

[hereforthememe]

I had trouble with my anxiety last night but I think it has settled... I'm hoping a good workout tonight will put me right today

 

[Penguin86]

I made it out very reluctantly and i never want to again

 

[or JusRollWithIt]

I made it out very reluctantly and i never want to again

Do you mean made it out of the house? ((Hugs)) I hope you can rest and recharge.

 

[Penguin86]

Do you mean made it out of the house? ((Hugs)) I hope you can rest and recharge.

Yeah i went out on my own. Only like 5 mins in a taxi and i was still proud of myself

 

[Fizzwhizz2020]

Hi all. Not sure if this is the right place so apologies if not. I have a very good friend who has been diagnosed with depression, it’s been well over 2 years, different meds, counselling etc.. nothing seems to be helping or working. I never expected a quick fix, but some improvement maybe. Following an incident at work a few weeks ago, there was an outburst, which set off a chain reaction to the point where we were all pretty shocked. But ever since, I’ve been completely ghosted, by this person that is genuinely my best friend. The incident had nothing to do with me (just to add). But I don’t really know where to go from here. Do I keep trying, do I give space, do I just make this person aware that I’m there for them regardless and will wait until they’re ready? I’m not one to give up on someone when they need me most. I’ve never suffered from depression, although I’ve been to some very dark places but I just don’t know what to do in terms of support for my friend. I want to help but how do you help someone who won’t even talk to you? Am I fighting a losing battle? Or is this something that happens. Sorry for the long rant x

 

[nothanksbabes]

Hi all. Not sure if this is the right place so apologies if not. I have a very good friend who has been diagnosed with depression, it’s been well over 2 years, different meds, counselling etc.. nothing seems to be helping or working. I never expected a quick fix, but some improvement maybe. Following an incident at work a few weeks ago, there was an outburst, which set off a chain reaction to the point where we were all pretty shocked. But ever since, I’ve been completely ghosted, by this person that is genuinely my best friend. The incident had nothing to do with me (just to add). But I don’t really know where to go from here. Do I keep trying, do I give space, do I just make this person aware that I’m there for them regardless and will wait until they’re ready? I’m not one to give up on someone when they need me most. I’ve never suffered from depression, although I’ve been to some very dark places but I just don’t know what to do in terms of support for my friend. I want to help but how do you help someone who won’t even talk to you? Am I fighting a losing battle? Or is this something that happens. Sorry for the long rant x

I would keep trying if you weren't involved in whatever happened. Your friend might be embarassed and feeling pretty bad about themselves. I've always appreciated it when my friends have made the effort for me even though I know it's not always that easy.

If you don't want to badger, just say that, and that you're their friend and care and will be there when they're ready to talk. But I'd still check in periodically, it can be really hard to reach out when you're in headspace.

You sound like a lovely friend.

 

[Fizzwhizz2020]

I would keep trying if you weren't involved in whatever happened. Your friend might be embarassed and feeling pretty bad about themselves. I've always appreciated it when my friends have made the effort for me even though I know it's not always that easy.

If you don't want to badger, just say that, and that you're their friend and care and will be there when they're ready to talk. But I'd still check in periodically, it can be really hard to reach out when you're in headspace.

You sound like a lovely friend.

Thank you. That’s what I want to do but I’ve been blocked everywhere so have no way of getting hold of my friend. I’ve gone as far as writing a letter just to let her know that I’ll be there when she’s ready and there will be no judgement. I don’t want her to feel abandoned when she needs me most as there will be no one left. Thank you for your advice. I’m glad I’m doing the right thing (I hope) x

 

[or JusRollWithIt]

Yeah i went out on my own. Only like 5 mins in a taxi and i was still proud of myself

And you should be.

@Fizzwhizz2020 she may have blocked you because it could be triggering online or by phone. Do you know she is at home? Can you drop off a care package or note just to say “no obligation to reply, I’m here if you need anything.” I wasn’t sure if you sent that letter from your reply I just read. I don’t know. It’s so hard.

 

[Fizzwhizz2020]

And you should be.

@Fizzwhizz2020 she may have blocked you because it could be triggering online or by phone. Do you know she is at home? Can you drop off a care package or note just to say “no obligation to reply, I’m here if you need anything.” I wasn’t sure if you sent that letter from your reply I just read. I don’t know. It’s so hard.

I wish I could drop something off but I live too far away sadly and have no car. so I can’t just pop round. I hope that by sending a letter then at least I know she has it and there’s no obligation to reply to me. Just wanted her to know that I’m there when she’s ready. She does have support at home, otherwise I’d be there like a shot. But I did think the phone etc might be triggering and that’s why I’m blocked x

 

[or JusRollWithIt]

I wish I could drop something off but I live too far away sadly and have no car. so I can’t just pop round. I hope that by sending a letter then at least I know she has it and there’s no obligation to reply to me. Just wanted her to know that I’m there when she’s ready. She does have support at home, otherwise I’d be there like a shot. But I did think the phone etc might be triggering and that’s why I’m blocked x

You’re a good friend and have done the right things.