The Depression Thread

[rainbowlemon]

Hey,

How long were you on the 40mg for?

Drug lowering should always be done gradually and that is quiet a jump.

Maybe you could order some meal replacement drinks like huel instead of eating and just gradually sip during the day?

 

[justheretoread99]

Completely unrelated, but does anyone get itchy skin, especially at night? My skin is fine and healthy, no eczema or other skin diseases, but I have difficulty falling asleep at night because it itches so bad. I’ve found that moisturising it really well before bed helps, but last night I had itchy toes, you don’t really moisturise your toes, do you? I’ve read itching is closely associated with depression and anxiety, surprising how depression can mess you up in some many ways really.

The tops of my legs are a mess because they itch so much and I sit scratching them for hours. No allergies. No skin conditions. No changes to washing powder etc.
Usually feel more itchy when I’m super stressed out.

 

[Professor Farnsworth]

i work for a GP - first thing they want to do as soon as some calls with mental health is to pass them on to MH services Most of the patients insist on speaking to a GP first though.

That’s what I said. They aren’t responsive on their own because they aren’t really qualified to deal with MH on their own. They absolutely should refer on.

 

[hrh89]

This is probably a gross question but doesn't anyone else here who suffers from depression/anxiety find that sometimes stress makes them have diarrhoea

stress can have a HUGE effect on your body. I’ve definitely experienced this don’t worry it’s not gross.

 

[Sheabutter]

Spoiler: Sharing thoughts

I’ve had a bad feeling since New Years and I can’t seem to shake it off. I’m getting bored of spending so much time on my own but I can’t bring myself to do the whole dating app thing. It’s not a good match for me - I can spend so much time dithering over my choices. Each time I say no to someone, it’s saying no to a possible future. Most likely though, it’s saying no to someone who doesn’t or fortunately for them won’t understand anything about my lived experience and perhaps will leave me feeling lonelier than before. It’s happened every time I’ve gone on a date or made friends if I’m being honest. I hate the way it feels. I trust things happen for a reason but it feels like someone is having a laugh.

 

[rainbowlemon]

Found it for you:

Borderline Personality Disorder & Clinical Depression.

Hi everyone, im just wondering if anyone else has been diagnosed with this? I finally got diagnosed back in February 2020, after years of being fobbed off by my GP. i always knew there was something different with me (from about 14/15). Ive done some pretty questionable stuff when it comes to...

tattle.life

 

[Libbylulu]

What do you do to keep yourself calm if you have anxiety? CBT didn't work for me

I’ve been reading about this recently . I’m trying it as I have nothing to lose.

EFT Tapping: Step-By-Step Guide and Benefits

It’s been an authorized treatment for veterans with PTSD, and it’s demonstrated some benefits as a treatment for anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia.

www.healthline.com

 

[Sheabutter]

I have maybe a weird question but am curious if it’s just me who thinks like this... I’m British and love the sun and warm weather, especially as it’s so rare here, but does anyone else ever find it stressful when it’s sunny? If I don’t have plans, when it’s sunny I can start to feel down and beat myself up. I live on my own and look out of the window at families and couples having fun, and I feel like I should be out enjoying it but sometimes I just don’t feel like it and it makes me feel like a total weirdo for not just going out and chilling in the sun like everyone else. Then I get into this cycle of knowing I should do something, not doing it and then feeling more irritated with myself. In a way it’s easy to relax at home when it’s rainy as nobody expects you to be out and about loving life! The sun just puts so much pressure on me. What a ridiculous thing to say, I know!

I keep getting this sinking feeling in my chest because the weather is changing. I really want to be in the Southern Hemisphere for our summer

 

[rubbish]

I so appreciate this thread. I have suffered with OCD / depression since I was very little and have been medicated the last 15 years or so on various drugs, which, quite frankly, have helped me be alive today.

I feel like my moods fluctuate so drastically, and for no real reason, to extremes. The past few days I have felt like a cloud follows me around all day and the world feels so ... heavy.

I'm not quite sure how everyone manages to live life so confidently, when I feel like I'm treading water. The pandemic, living alone, and trash heap that is dating in 2021 truly has me wondering how a future in such conditions is sustainable -- what's more, I live away from home, and if I reach out just to express I'm struggling their go-to line is MOVE HOME. But sadly, they're the ones who make me most unsettled and who drove me to such anxiety.

It's all very scary so I want to really just say thank you for listening and sending love to all those suffering.

 

[Penguin86]

 

[Penguin86]

So much anxiety

 

[Raymond Luxury-Yacht]

I just haven't slept much in 2 days and I've just hit a wall. I just end up arguing with my own brain when it comes to trying to sleep

I’m so sorry, Penguin ! I know it is difficult, but try to get some sleep, at least a couple of hours, it’s so important for your body. Have you tried falling asleep to the sound of TV/music? I do this sometimes when I don’t want to focus on my own thoughts too much .

I’m on fluoxetine not sertraline, but I am in the same boat as you, haven’t taken my meds for a couple of days and I know how it feels. You are not alone, we are always here to listen to you and support you

 

[StillLucilleBluth]

Me again. Struggling to sleep tonight. Only had 2 hours last night so I should be tired right ?? Nope. anyone else can’t sleep either ?

I find melatonin really helps. I think you can only get it in the US so you’d perhaps have to order online. I’m in the UK but got mine last time I was there. (But I might be wrong - someone else more knowledgeable can probably confirm.)

 

[Ndrangheta]

Some of the most creative brilliant people suffered from depression. Obviously I don't advocate this view and if you are depressed seek help. But for me, I need a little bit of light depression to spark me into creativity. For me, therapy and anti-depressants rob me of my creative spark. You don't often (if ever) hear this view in the media. Just saying. Again, that's how it works for me. Not for everyone of course. If you can harness it you can use it, like a wild stallion.

 

[Fairypop]

My GP told me they wouldn’t help and I insisted on being given them as I know they do (for me). I spoke to my psychology nurse and she talked me through all the options before doing my own research on what I want to try. My GP was very receptive to me taking them after that as he’d had a professional confirm it. It’s important to note mine were for depression, anxiety and PTSD. I agree it depends on the circumstances and don’t help everyone, but I had struggled for so many years I was at the end of my rope. I am also back with the psychotherapist after a year of trying to cope alone. I can’t talk to anyone about it because they judge me enough as it is.

It sounds like you’ve had a really good experience with your psychology nurse and GP (in the end at least!), I’m glad you’ve found medication and therapy is beneficial for you! I’m definitely open to trying medication if it will help, I just feel a bit deflated with it all at the moment. It took me months and months to call my GP and I just found he wasn’t overly helpful/was a bit quick to dismiss me. I suppose it’s difficult for them over the phone, I might give it a few weeks and see how I feel. Thank you for your response anyway, it’s great to hear how others are managing x

 

[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

 

[279cupcakes]

Hi my lovelies,

I hope you are all doing alright. I haven't been diagnosed with depression, but I struggle a lot with low mood and suicidal thoughts. I never actively tried to harm myself but every so often these thoughts crop up in my mind that no one likes me and I would be better off dead.
I had CBT that finished a month or so ago, because I was dealing with some painful family issues that made the suicidal thoughts more frequent. I found that really helpful in terms of helping myself cope with that one specific issue and reducing the frequency of the thoughts but I completely forgot how bad my mental state was even before that issue.
I'm really self critical and pick apart my appearance, and compare myself constantly to other people. I often feel like an awful person because I get really jealous of other people who seem to be living their best lives, and I get really annoyed easily and snappy towards the people I love.
I often just feel really low and down, and I have things that I do to distract myself (hobbies) but they feel like putting a plaster over a gaping wound. I try to stay upbeat by thinking about the future and how that will be easier but sometimes everything about the future seems so confusing and too much effort to deal with. I'm on the waiting list for counselling which I've had before and was semi-helpful, but I keep wondering what I'll do if it doesn't work. I know people who've been on anti-depressants and it's helped them but I just worry about side-effects, if they'll actually work, and how I don't want to be dependent on them (i think the last part is just challenging negative stereotypes about them that my parents have said).
So sorry this was so long- it helps to vent.

 

[or JusRollWithIt]

I'm really struggling tonight

I’m here for a bit if you need. Big hugs

 

[no-no]

Does anybody else keep on purposefully pulling their triggers? I know it does not make sense but it’s almost satisfying in some odd way, like picking scabs. My trigger is a certain person who (through no fault of her own, I must admit) fucked me up pretty badly. Yet I often feel the urge to look her up, check her social media, etc. Anybody does the same?

I’m also doing this at the moment and trying to ride it out. I’ll stop soon, but keep looking at my ex and his new ‘target’. Initially I was doing it out of safety because he was stalking me but now he’s gone official (very fast, typical narc) it’s like watching the calm before the storm. I know it’s unhealthy but not something I intend to do long-term. He was aiming for one colleague who got with another colleague and is now engaged, so I expect this one will be pregnant soon to up the ante.

Heard the young neighbours arguing before. They’re always at it. So many arguments remind me of ones I’ve had. It all just puts me off relationships. I don’t know whether I would want to trust again. I fully understand those couples who don’t live together now. It does get lonely on your own when you don’t have friends, but it would be nice to go out for dinner/on trips with someone.

I think I’m going to look into volunteering soon. I’ve put it off because I have so much stuff I want to learn but I’m procrastinating with that so might as well. Found a therapist who charges £45 which is the cheapest I’ve found, but I really need to clear some debts.

 

[flutternutter]

I had cbt and counselling over the years. I just asked to go on antidepressants. I even told the GP i wasnt at my absolute lowest point but just fed up of fighting my mood and anxiety every day. Just felt like i need a bit of peace... tbh 50mg sertraline and im sort of feeling it. Not sure if i should go up or what? Finding it a lot easier to stay calm about things which im loving but i think ppl can tell somethings changed coz i am less on the ball. 1 week left off work so will see how they cope when i am back to the daily grind