Depression

[lala]

I've been having a certain degree of depression for almost a year. My doc prescribed me some anti-depressants for the past 2-3 months but my mum is against those medication as she felt that I'll get over-reliant on them. I'm trying to break away from them cos of her suggestion but I realise that my insomnia is back. Is there any natural way to help me overcome my depression and insomnia?

 

[Multi-Elis]

See a psychologist to work out why you are depressed and how you can solve it,

Find interesting things to do all day long so that you are distracted from your depression, and so that you are mentally sleepy by the end of the day.

Pills are not solutions, they are just away to bring you to the point where you can workout solutions, so maybe it's good that your mother thinks you shouldn't be dependant

 

[lala]

The doc did recommend that I see either a psychologist or psychiatrist but I'm not keen on the idea as I'm not exactly one to open up to a stranger, face-to-face. Thus, I rejected the suggestion.

I find myself getting more and more lethargic from all the routines in life. Trying to break away from everything and closing myself up in my tiny little world.

 

[brokenbananas]

What's your diet and exercise like? I found for myself I tended to be moodier, depressed and lethargic when my diet was not up to par for my body and I wasn't getting good, regular exercise. I'm not for taking any medications unless you've exhausted all other natural efforts.

Something I recently discovered about my body was that I needed to limit my starchy carbs & fruits to earlier in the day. Somehow eating these things late in the day caused me to be lethargic for days on end and not mentally as sharp. I'm feeling much better by eating these things in the morning or early afternoon. And, for a little while, I had cut all starchy carbs from my diet, which also made my thinking fuzzy.

If your diet is too restrictive, or it you're not eating the way your body wants to be optimal, this could have a huge part with the depression in causing a chemical imbalance. It'll take work to figure out what your body needs. Drugs are a way to mask these things, and I don't recommend this at all. First of all, cut out all processed foods, refined sugar, and white flour (it's not as tough as you think....Dr. Mercola wrote a book called the No-Grain Diet....it's a little hard to follow for me, but I figured out a way that I can eliminate most grains from my diet that works for me).

A psychologist or psychiatrist, counsellor would help to. Nothing wrong in this and they are trained to help direct you. However, (can't remember which one) some can also prescribe meds, which I would only do as a total last resort after you've figured out what your body needs food and exercise wise.

These things take time. BTW, what has changed in your life in the past 3-4 months?

 

[MrsGnomeCrusher]

My current shrink informed told me this when I was going through a tough period and suggested drugs may help me. She stated that they aren't going to make things go away or are a "cure" for what's wrong. However, they may be able to help you through a rough period where you can focus on getting better. I decided not to go that route because my personal view on them.

I think you need to do what you and your doctor agree on what's best. I know it's hard, but opinions of others--even your mom--shouldn't be the deciding factor. I also think you should research the drug they want to put you on before going on it. Learn of their side effects and the effects you have when you do come off of them.

 

[lala]

I don't really have a regular diet due to my irregular hours at school and sleep. I don't really take vegetables and fruits as well, so I tend to make up for it by drinking fruit juice everyday.

I tried to commit myself to swimming once a week but recently, I've not been able to do so due to deadlines.

What changed? There's no single factor but rather, a collective of events that eventually led to this down spiral.

 

[lala]

My current shrink informed told me this when I was going through a tough period and suggested drugs may help me. She stated that they aren't going to make things go away or are a "cure" for what's wrong. However, they may be able to help you through a rough period where you can focus on getting better. I decided not to go that route because my personal view on them.

I think you need to do what you and your doctor agree on what's best. I know it's hard, but opinions of others--even your mom--shouldn't be the deciding factor. I also think you should research the drug they want to put you on before going on it. Learn of their side effects and the effects you have when you do come off of them.

Thanks for the advice. What I think is best for me contradicts what my doc thinks is best for me. So I really don't know how to go about doing it.

 

[Ariel]

Lala, I was diagnosed with major depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder fifteen years ago. My case was extreme, I was very ill. It was brought on by a single traumatic event.

I don't believe that you are as ill as I was. But perhaps some of the things that helped me may help you too.

The drug my psychiatrist put me on (Prozac) was a God-send. I didn't realize how black the world had become for me until I had been on it for a week, and then noticed that the inner clouds and darkness were beginning to disperse. Many anti-depressants such as this drug work by keeping your own natural endorphins from being washed away. I truly believe that without the drug I would not have made it. I did eventualy get off the anti-depressant, but by that time I was already starting to heal emotionally, and I could handle it easily.

Another factor to consider is allergies. For years I could not understand why my energy could be suddenly depleted. I found out I was allergic to about 30 different allergens, including dairy products. If I had any dairy product, my sinuses would swell and my energy level would plummet. Just getting off of milk and cheese gave me a huge boost--energy I had not had since my teen years.

Other things that helped were getting out of the house for exercise--walking, anything. When I was at my worst, my husband bought me a horse which I rode every day. We both noticed how much it helped to elevate my mood. It was my "endorphin fix," and lasted for hours. (I am still convinced today that I rode to health on the back of a horse!)

I also went through many hours of therapy. Although what pushed me into PTSD was a single traumatic event, I realized that there were also layers of emotional damage I needed to come to terms with, mostly events from childhood. I remember saying to my psychiatrist that I felt frightened to pull these monsters out of the closet--childhood memories of abuse. But once I did pull them out into the light and process them with my adult mind, I finally was able to start healing--and also start forgiving.

There is more. One of the problems of depression is getting frozen. It's like a ship in the waters of Antartica. If the ship stops moving, it will get iced in and needs help to break out of the ice. If, on the other hand, the ship keeps moving the chances of it getting frozen in ice are greatly decreased. I wanted to keep moving. My system was to put up a piece of paper on the refigerator every day with about nine spaces on it. Every time I did something, I would write it down. If I could fill those nine spaces by the end of the day, I told myself that that was a victorious day. At first I filled in the spaces with the smallest things--I took a shower, dressed in something fairly decent, combed my hair, put on make-up, etc. After a few weeks I decided that qualifying items for the list could be a bit harder--I did a load of wash, took a walk, read my bible, etc. Taking a walk and reading my bible got two spaces!

Learning to control my thoughts helped tremendously. I learned to try to say--and think--positive things, and to "pull down every thought" that made me feel horrible:

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." (NIV)

2 Corinthians 10:5 "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (NKJV)

It helped a lot to practice Phil. 4:8 daily. Something that really helped was to go through the day looking for good things--my son's hug, a stand of iris in the garden, the sun on my face. I called these moments "flowers for my bouquet." At the end of the day I would get out "my bouquet" and think about each of these lovely experiences and thank God for them. It helped me to get to sleep on a positive note.

Another thought. I talked to psychologists and psychiatrists for months. But talking to myself actually helped more. I got myself a good sturdy notebook I could use as a journal and wrote in it every day. I let all the hurt, anger, and poisonous thoughts pour out--for about 45 minutes. Then I would put the notebook away. If I thought about more additions to the notebook later that day I would say to myself, "I'll put that in the notebook tomorrow. But for now, I'm going to think positive things." This helped me to learn to control my thoughts, something that is not easy to do when recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Most important: I forgave those who hurt me. I would not have been able to do this right away. "Forgive and forget" doesn't work if you have been severely traumatized. You have to process the hurt, recognize it, even get angry at what happened, then finally grieve and put it away with forgiveness for all involved. Unforgiveness can put a person in continual torment, Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 6:14-15.

Today I am stable, happy, energetic and strong. I still have to take care of myself--to watch my diet, make sure I exercise nearly every day, and guard my thoughts. In some ways, I am stronger now than I have ever been before in my life, because I am able to recognize and deal with things better. Praise God that with healing also comes wisdom!

I hope this helps. Please let me know how you are doing. I will be praying for you.



;

 

[lala]

Thanks Ariel for the kind note and prayer. I've been keeping a journal to let out my innermost thoughts and feelings and it did help me a little. It seems to be a vicious cycle for me. During the day, I'll be all smiles and cheery but once the night falls, the nightmares will start floating back and torment me. I remembered how one night I nearly took a cocktail of pills to end everything cos I was just so sick and tired of being so helpless. I've passed the suicidal stage. Though I still have the thoughts, I'm able to better control myself now. But it is still a problem as it's affecting my school work and stuff.

 

[Ariel]

Lala, if you are still having suicidal thoughts, you need help. Try to find someone you can talk to and let them know what is going on. At least make the promise that if ever you get that close to suicide, you will let somebody know first.

Depression is an illness, and a dangerous one. One statistic I saw is that the mortality rate for major depression is 20%. If you had a physical illness that had that high a statistic, wouldn't you get help for it?

Be kind to yourself, Lala, because you are my sister in Christ, and God loves you. Get help. Find someone you can talk to, and to whom you can be accountable.

I will stay in prayer for you. You can get better! If God in all His graciousness could help me through the darkest days of my life, He can and will help you, too.

 

[lala]

Lala, if you are still having suicidal thoughts, you need help. Try to find someone you can talk to and let them know what is going on. At least make the promise that if ever you get that close to suicide, you will let somebody know first.

Depression is an illness, and a dangerous one. One statistic I saw is that the mortality rate for major depression is 20%. If you had a physical illness that had that high a statistic, wouldn't you get help for it?

Be kind to yourself, Lala, because you are my sister in Christ, and God loves you. Get help. Find someone you can talk to, and to whom you can be accountable.

I will stay in prayer for you. You can get better! If God in all His graciousness could help me through the darkest days of my life, He can and will help you, too.

I did tell my buddy that if I were to do anything hurtful to myself, I'll confess to him. I just can't really open up and tell people that I'm having these thoughts. For many years, I've learnt how to suppress my feelings and cotinue in the day with a smile and speaking properly as if I'm cheery - forever cheery. I only let myself be me in the night. And I tried opening up to some of my friends but after a while, I worry about burdening them with my thoughts as they are individuals with their own issues to deal with as well.

Thanks Ariel. I'm really grateful for your posts. It has really opened my eyes and make me feel that I'm not alone in this. I'll continue to try and battle the demons and pray that God's will will guide me through.

 

[Ariel]

Lala, you are right in your reluctance to talk to others. Most people would not know what to say to you, and may even give you bad advice.

Could you go back to the doctor who prescribed medication for you in the first place and ask for a referral? If you had cancer, wouldn't you seek medical attention? Or diabetes, wouldn't you seek treatment? This is nothing to be ashamed of. Depression is a recognized illness, and it often has physical causes. There are many people who are trained to help. Help yourself by reaching out. You'll find that there are people who do understand, and do want to help you.

I am still praying for you, lifting you up, and asking our Father to guide you. Remember that He loves you so much, you are His daughter, His jewel, His bride.

 

[humblegyrl]

Lala, I have been in your shoes more than I care to admit. There are many out there that care about you. Should you need anything, please let me know. I am here for you as well. I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[lala]

Thanks Ariel, I'll discuss with my mum and see whether she's agreeable to it cos right now, she's kinda in denial that I'm having depression. She thinks I'm just pulling a prank.

Thanks humblegyrl.

 

[Lizquests]

In my opinion people do not understand depression unless they go through it. I know that I never did until I did/am going through it. I am currently diagnosed with Depression single episode (don't know what that means even tho there are times when my depression is good/worse) and also with Anxiety/Panic Disorder. I am also a recovering alcoholic. I never knew that some people are more prone to this than others. Most of the time it is because of the seritonin levels being transfered to the brain. My doctor (psychiatrist or psychologies; whichever is the one who prescribes medicine) put me on Paxil and some other meds when I was first diagnosed. I am still on Paxil, but have had to try different kinds of medicine to get these things under control. When I first started it did help a lot with my panic attacks and depression, but I was still not feeling up to par. I think that after trying different medicines I am finally feeling a whole lot better.

I do have to say though, that now that I joined a fitness center, and can work out whenever I want, I am feeling even better. I think that the combinations of this and my medicines are a great combination. My medicines work on the depression and seritonin levels and working out releases endorphines that I soooo need.

You should try to be open to different things. It might take some time, but you can do it. I never liked talking with strangers ( I thought), but found out that it really wasn't too bad and some of them have some terrific advise.

Keep us posted on how things are going.

God Bless you!
YSIC,

Liz

PS. Sorry if this reply sounds a little off, but I am also on a sleeping medicine (cuz I can't sleep at night) and it is starting to take affect.

 

[Krystina661]

Find interesting things to do all day long so that you are distracted from your depression, and so that you are mentally sleepy by the end of the day.

I'm sorry to get a little off topic here.. but is that the case with insomnia? They aren't "mentally" sleepy?? Might sound dumb me asking but I have no idea about it. Just funny you mentioned that.. because I get insomnia (literally) anytime I'm in Vegas.. which is often. For some reason I CAN'T SLEEP! I was up for 3 days strait one time, even when I laid in bed for hours.. Then once I get home.. I'm totally fine..

 

[lala]

lizquests, my doc took me off sleeping pills cos she was afraid that I'll abuse them. I have a tendency of mixing alcohol with pills. And cos of that, I've not been able to fall back to sleep anymore. Every night, I'll struggle to go to sleep. Every morning, I'll struggle to stay awake. I feel like some nocturnal animal.

 

[Lizquests]

I hear ya. My doc started me on Serequil (helps depression and is for sleeping) so I would stop drinking. He didn't like that I was mixing the two. I had to hit rock bottom and get some serious help for my drinking. Thankfully it has almost been a year without a drink. I am very thankful thought that he kept me on it. I have tried not taking it, and would be up over 24 hours. I would take it the next night though so I could get some sleep. It is a great drug. My body doesn't get addicted to it.

 

[Krystina661]

lizquests, my doc took me off sleeping pills cos she was afraid that I'll abuse them. I have a tendency of mixing alcohol with pills. And cos of that, I've not been able to fall back to sleep anymore. Every night, I'll struggle to go to sleep. Every morning, I'll struggle to stay awake. I feel like some nocturnal animal.

Taking sleeping pills with alcohol is definitely not a good idea. Alcohol in general is really bad if you suffer from depression. Maybe you should stop with any pills or alcohol, or any drug for that matter.. eat healthy, exercise a little everyday.. and maybe even do a little fasting.

Try taking a hot bath or something to help you relax yourself before bedtime.. and clear your mind. Depression is awful!

I really hope you overcome it, and feel better hun!

 

[Lizquests]

I'm sorry to get a little off topic here.. but is that the case with insomnia? They aren't "mentally" sleepy?? Might sound dumb me asking but I have no idea about it. Just funny you mentioned that.. because I get insomnia (literally) anytime I'm in Vegas.. which is often. For some reason I CAN'T SLEEP! I was up for 3 days strait one time, even when I laid in bed for hours.. Then once I get home.. I'm totally fine..

I think that insomnia can be either mentally tired where your body is wide awake and ready to go, physically tired but your brain is going a mile a minute, or both at the some time. I have had all of the above.

I think that the the stimuli (sp) in vegas just keeps ya going. Does this happen to ya other times if you are on vacation? Just curious. I wouldn't call that insomnia if you are ok the rest of the time.