[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Depression... (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 1/2/2005 11:53:39 AM EDT
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Anyone know how to identify depression? Thanks in advance |
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There's seasonal depression that's really common this time of year. I think it can come on with many symptoms. Here's a good site: www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=1.4 and the "how can I tell" www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=1.9 How ya doin' lady? |
| Depression is a very difficult thing and there are many here that will say that its totally a choice and that you should just deal. If you have tried that and its not working, please seek medical attention and don't freak out if they offer you meds. I have some very close family that have suffered with this for years and meds have been a godsend for them. OTOH, if its a situational thing, don't be embarrassed about seeking professional help. We all have bad times and we shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. Hang in there and realize that this doesn NOT have to be a permanent situation. |
Depression is pretty common, especially when assimilating stressful life changes like having a child or getting married. Exercise and proper nutrition can help a lot. Having folks to talk to and do things with can help. If you still have problems see your doctor. Adjusting the serotonin levels in the brain temporarily can make all the difference. Also, ignore the retards who will inevitably say to "cowboy up" and "git R done" or whatever foolish nonsense. |
If you know that you are depressed, and it seems like you do from what you wrote, then a counselor is probably needed. It is hard to admit that to yourself. It was hard for me. But I can almost guarantee that a counselor will help. Your family doctor may be able to refer you to one, or you might have a friend that has also seen somebody. You don't necessarily need to be medicated, because that might mask the difficulties. I found that having a private professional friend to tell all your stuff to was very helpful. Just getting the "noise" out of your head is very therapeutic. I know it did wonders for me. It wasn't like they cured me from depression, but it helped me to see it in a different perspective, to understand how I would try and "medicate" myself. I have dealt with it for 20 or so years. It comes and goes, but now my lows arent as low. Hope this helps 
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Talk to your doctor. It can carry a number of symptoms, and is treatable. I have suffered from it myself. I had to change my living situation, and a friend of mine took some medication for her depression. It will get better, and you can take an active role in deciding (with your doctor) how to treat it. Good luck.
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Diffinately encourage whom ever you're thinking of to seek professional help. Either a health practictioner or a psychiatrist. I have problem with winter blues. I have found [besides light therapy] that extra Vitamin B6 helps. My 'blues' are not sever - I just have to make myself be more productive than I generally am. Best wishes, Patty |
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Please be careful about internet sites. Evaluation by yourself and a professional is the only way to diagnose. Not laughing anymore, finding yourself not interested in doing things you love are two signs. According to the alzhiemer's site and review test, three members of my family have it[two members are under 13!]!! and they don't according to the dr. Some of these sites can really scare you and make trouble worse. I have menieres disease[a vestibular balance disorder and some of the same symptoms of many disorders/illnesses concur with symptoms of it. So I have learned you must get checked out] clinical depression is something defined as lasting longer than 6 weeks with no "up " days. it is also treatable. Counseling would be my first choice, only because many meds are not healthy, not for long term use. but there is little choice when one is given a clinical rating AND is violent/self destructive. also, check into hypogycemia. it can cause a long term whopper of depression episodes. And is very common over the holidays due to eating sugar and sporadic meals and fatigue. Watch the drs that say you have a seratonin imbalance. Many imbalances are caused by GABA neurotransmitters and not seratonin. While seratonin can create depression, GABA actually can do it with the same symptoms,and drs usually won't check those. If you should decide to go the medicine route, please be aware that seratonin re-uptake inhibitors can be dangerous as far as suicide as a side effects. Uncontrollable rage is also a side effect that is little published. GABA and seratonin are controlled by amino acids in the body. There are essential amino acids,[meaning, you can get them from food. And non-essential, which your body produces on its own. Both control the resceptors in the brain for feel good thougths and actions. The only food combo you can receive ALL[essential and non essential] of them from are beans and brown rice, eaten together. Small amounts at every meal will increase the GABA and seratonin levels and enhance your mood. However, doing it this way will take a few weeks. If meds for seratonin imbalances do not work,. I would highly suggest asking about xanex and valium. They are GABA helpers. While xanex is a drug of choice over valium for most drs[due to past addictions in population], valium has fewer side effects, been around longer and is safer as far as physical attributes. I know it is all a bit confusing!!holdgood luck! God bless, Joyce |
+1 don't give up...This too shall pass... |
there are agencies that will provide counseling on a sliding scale--a friend of mine had marriage counseling for $5 a session first, you have to start looking |
| A counselor doesn't prescribe meds, and is usually a lot less expensive. Maybe 50 or 60 a visit, every other week. I know it is still a lot,(but worth every penny) but when I did it, I found that I started to look forward to it. Plus, many will work with you on payment. A psychiatrist will probably be twice that, and the one that I saw seemed to quick to want and get me on an anti-depressant. I was hesitant even going, so the cost of a psych and meds was way to much. THat is why i sought out a counselor/social worker. Maybe thru church, or a place like that you could find someone. I read a million of those books telling me this and that, but talking to someone that I didn't know, and yet still cared, was very helpful |
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call your county office of social services. they can provide counselors should you want one. For free if you are under a certain income for your size family. Or for three to five dollars if you qualify. If all else fails, tyr the amino acid diet of rice and beans. Doesn't have to be alot, just a bit of each with each meal. God bless, Joyce |
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Postpartum? Do you think getting out of the house would help? Have you been to a Mom's group meeting or LLL if you are nursing? Do you think something like that would help? Maybe leave the baby at home with daddy and go out for the day? Coffee with a friend w/ no babies in sight can be very refreshing.  Good luck momma! hang in there! |
If you have had these feelings for more than two weeks, seek help. Talk to your family doctor; he should be able to direct you to someone that can help you and that you can afford. |
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Emotional Sadness Anxiety Guilt Anger Mood swings Lack of emotional responsiveness Helplessness Hopelessness Physical Chronic fatigue, lack of energy Sleeping too much or too little Overeating or loss of appetite Constipation Weight loss or gain Irregular menstrual cycle Loss of sexual desire Unexplained aches and pains Behavioural Crying spells Withdrawal from others Worrying Neglect of responsibilities Loss of interest in personal appearance Loss of motivation Thoughts/Perceptions Frequent self-criticism Self-blame Pessimism Impaired memory and concentration Indecisiveness and confusion Tendency to believe others see you in a negative light Thoughts of death and suicide |
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Hang in there MrsBRF - you're so brave to check out a way to make things better for yourself and of course your family! I really recommend trying some Vitamin B6 until you can get to a health practitioner. It's realitively inexpensive and if it's going to work - it will rather quickly [like on the 2nd dose]. Just take the recommended ammount on the bottle. This of course is a general fix - for most lady type hormonial type depressions - such as PMS and Post Postpartum. I have a quick question too - is this sudden? Does working out of the house help or make it worse? You have a pretty young one at home and that can play on some emotions big time! Anyway, I wish you all the success and happiness in the world. I'm sure I'm not alone when thinking of you and your 'wacky' [affectionately speaking of course] post with that big smile on your face that was in one of your pictures! Of course it isn't realistic to be that ways always but hey what part of ARFCOM is really reality? 
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You are 18 years old. I would recommend to skip any kind of drug intervention at this point in your life. Do you really want to let some drug control your moods for you from this point on until you are an old lady? You had a shit load of life changes happen in a very short amount of time and maybe you feel you have no control over your life now. You aren't alone. Nobody would be able to completely handle the hand you've been dealt. But....you started playing the game so now you need to finish it. Sit down and try to figure out what makes you happy and what makes you sad. Then try to figure out what would make you happier about the things that make you sad and do something about it. You can choose to be reactive or proactive. Believe it or not, It's YOUR choice and nobody elses. Walk into a church and talk to a priest. I'm sure none of them will turn you away, nor would they ask you for a dime. There is help out there, but nobody else can help you more than yourself right now. |
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Well how I deal with my dperession which varies from light to very bad, I try to keep myself busy with something, normally something that needs to be done. As for meds, Zoloft made me very angry, I seen it mess other people up worse then most street drugs, they didnt know what they were doing or where they were going, I also tried one other, but I cant remember the name it did basicly nothing. My depressions is normally more of an angry type of depression with alot of hate for certain people. |
+1 |
+2 You need to ask yourself (only you will know) is this a pity party or is something really wrong? If you can look around this forum at the people that have died or are dying, all the people going through various hells and at all the people that have gone out of their way to help you two (Not myself, but I know many that have) and still can't snap yourself out of it, then you need to see a real Doc. You need to do it, no one here can do it for you. |
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It sounds like you really ought to talk to a doctor. Religion is fine, but a priest cannot prescribe anything for you. It's hard to believe if you're suffering from depression, but you really do see the glass as half empty all the time, and it really isn't. I have loved ones who have gone through this. If it is truly depression (and it sounds like it is) it WON'T go away on its own--it will only get worse. There are resources available if money is a problem. Seasonal Affective Disorder happens during the winter, but has to do with lack of sunlight affecting the circadian rhythms. I suppose it's possible that you have it, but much less likely in Georgia than in Maine or Alaska, where sunlight is drastically reduced/eliminated during winter. Please see a doctor right away. You and your child are worth it. |
This I don't agree with. Depression definitely gets more harsh at this time of year, but you've previously stated that you've been experiencing it for a while. I was diagnosed with chemical depression at 11; been on meds since I was 15. Mine are relatively inexpensive and then help to balance out my emotions not so that I'm feeling happy all the time, but so they're on a more normal level and not so extreme in range. Getting diagnosed is something I recommend, they really have helped me out. I don't look at it as being a crutch, but more like a solution to a medical problem, like insulin for diabetes. Also, if you can't afford counseling, try and find someone your age that you connect with and can socially visit, even if it's when lilBRF is taking a nap. It's important to have someone to talk to so you can have a release. Hang in there, and let us know how it goes. For what it's worth, you're appreciated around here. |
That statement is completely false; do not let it scare you. If you have depression caused by a chemical imbalance you will be on medication long-term. However, you can also be treated with medication for short periods, usually about 3 - 6 months. Sometimes we are given a lot of life situations that are difficult to deal with and we need some outside help. Just talking about things is all that is needed sometimes; it helps you to get your thoughts in order and you are then able to cope. But if you need medicine to help you with this, don't think you will be stuck taking it for the rest of your life. Try to figure out what is making you feel depressed; that will be your next step. I realize you are young and have a lot of stessors in your life but things are not hopeless. If you are a religious person, keep faith in things working out. BTW, sometimes birth control pills can make you feel this way; they can get your hormones out of whack. A few months after my son was born I had a big problem with this. All I had to do was change pills. |
Low dose antidepressants are prescribed as a temporary measure for those dealing with depression which cannot be alleviated through exercise, diet and counseling. They do not "control your moods" nor will you be on them "until you are an oldlady"  |
SigZig, I gotta agree with the others on this. Sometimes an antidepressant can really be the answer, even if only for a short time. About 12-15 years ago I suffered from some very severe depression and went on Prozac. It made huge difference and after about 10 months, I went off it with no ill effects. It helped break the pattern and self-feeding downward spiral of depresion so I could see a way out. In my case, the things that made me happy didn't work anymore, and the very fact that they didn't bring me any joy just made me more depressed. Meds are definitely not a panacea for every case of depression, but it may be an option that should be considered. (Ironically, one of the new activities I discovered in my depression that did make me happy and helped bring me out of it was shooting. Until that point, I had never owned a gun or shot in my life.)
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MrsBRF, being a teenage mother has it's own unique difficulties. Young moms are set up to fail by just about everyone. If a 27 year old first time mother goes to the grocery store in her PJs with her tangled hair in a scrunchie and spit-up on her shoulder, people offer to help her and give her support and understanding. If said mother is 18, she gets looks of disapproval and people comment on how she has ruined her life. It is overwhelming. I have been there, and I am here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to tell you that you are doing a good job. You are a good mother, from what I can tell. Your son is the light in your eyes, and you were brave enough to ask for help for his sake, and that says a lot. I would reccomend joining a local church where you can get counselling through the pastor. It also helps to build yourself a support network. Most importantly, go easy on yourself. Nobody is a perfect mother or wife. You don't have to be super woman. Relax and enjoy your baby. He will grow up before you know it. Kids are very forgiving if they are loved. He'll forget all the times mommy lost her cool or didn't keep the house spotless, as long as mommy shows him everyday that he is loved and valuable. IM me if you'd like my email address or phone number. I may not have all the answers, but I have been there, and I will listen and offer support. ((Hugs)) You CAN make it. It does get easier and more enjoyable. You are doing a good job allready. |
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OK...OK....I just meant to try to make that a last resort. At any rate, it's a doctor who should be recommending what is best for her, not us. I should have refrained from commenting about taking mood altering drugs since I don't speak from experience. Glad that you all had good experiences with meds, but I think that some people tend to turn to them instead of solving their true issues (i.e. people who don't really have medically diagnosed chemical imbalance). At least try to figure out what the REAL problem(s) is/are before thinking that some med is going to "make everything ok". Sorry, but that is my personal opinion. ETA: Cat is right. You don't have to be perfect for anyone except yourself, so don't fall into the trap of believing you have to be. Every new mother goes through this whether she is 18 or 30. I still feel (mine are 7 and 4 now) hopeless sometimes in my daily adventures, but the strength to accept life as it stands and to make it the life you want to live comes from within. If you have inner strength, there is no other person on this earth who can take that away from you. Start from there and you'll be amazed at yourself when you look back on your life. |
I have a relative that has struggled with depression for most of her life, because of trauma when she was a child. When she was laid-off from her job, she was able to seek treatment from a private, non-profit mental health service. When she was able to find work again, as a teacher at a private school, the pay and benefits were low enough that she was able to continue her treatment with them. I am not sure if something similar or a public mental health service, is available in your state, but it would be worth checking. |
Well said sig. New mother again here. I was 37 when I had lilGH. I had/have the same feelings now as I did when I was 21 with baby in tow. The most important thing I think everyone has said.... YOU must be the one who makes this better. With a Dr./medication/counseling, one of the above, or non of the above. You are the key. I took medication for a short time when younger. This time I knew how to deal with it. I wish you luck MrsBRF... |
+1 Drugs should be a last resort. Most of the time it is not the hormone levels that is the problem at first, it is the way of thinking that makes the levels go crazy. Being a psych student (with only a year left), I believe that a counselor will truly help you and your way of thinking. You know I love you and would do ANYTHING to help you! All you need to do is call me.  If you want, I can bring my abnormal book with me when you come down next (next weekend...... ) and we can check it out together. I know things are hard with you right now; I completely relate. Together we can get through all of this. I love you! I'm always here for you. 
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you are correct, NH, but what sig was saying is that she could try other alternatives, like counseling, exercise or the other suggestions, first--sig is also correct in saying that its a doctor who should be making real recommendations, not us fabulous womenz  |
+1! |
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Life can be overwhelming sometimes...I went through a bout of depression when I was your age. I talked to a psychologist many many times, and she's the one that really made a difference. Let me rephrase that: She's the one that made me realize I could make the difference in myself. I was going through financial difficulties at the time and couldn't pay her, so she told me the payment each week was whatever I had in my pocket at the time. Some days it was a dollar, some it was $5, but most it was nothing. She never said a word. If you can get counseling, do it. It makes a world of difference to talk to someone who's objective. Usually they will work with you on payment...I've heard of others that have a payment plan and so forth. Regardless, talk to someone. It sounds like you're carrying a full load, and the weight of the world can get heavy on small shoulders. IM me if you'd like to talk. I'm a great listener. Keep your head up...
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+1 |
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MrsBRF, Cut down on animal fats immediately. Eventually reduce your saturated fat content to as little as possible. Begin exercising now. Cut down on everything with white sugar in it. Eat as little white sugar as possible. Begin exercising now. Increase intake of fruits and vegitables. Begin exercising now. Drink more water. To put it bluntly if you pee and there is any noticable color in your urine you're not drinking enough water. Vitamin B-6 and B-12, right now. Begin excercising NOW. Put the kid in a stroller bundled up properly and go walking. If it's too cold do this at the mall. Begin to excercise every single day. Go to a tanning salon. Some of this is probably seasonal. Get some sun even if it's fake sun. Drink more water, 100 ounces a day is a good start. Begin excercising now. MrBRF, Help her out with all of the above. Throw out all the junk food. Snack on apples instead of cookies. Drink water instead of Pepsi. Help her exercise or watch the kid so she can go alone. |
Yup, it's amazing how much of an impact diet and exercise have on mood and mental health. |
See here. For more articles on fats. I have been following a Weston A. Price diet for a few months now (though not perfectly) and the changes in my health, energy, and mood have been dramatic. A low fat diet was killing me. |
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This LINK may help you find free public Mental Health services in your local area, should you need to pursue this. There are also assessment tools, reference materials, resources, etc. Hope this helps...
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MrsBRF, Unfortunately, all I know about you what I've read here. But I will tell you this... You are very important and valuable to your family, your friends, and this community. Based on your previous responses and my knowledge of this topic, you need help that is not available here on ARFCOM. Please...contact a health care professional. Doctor, nurse, therapist, whoever. Please make the phone call. |