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[S120]

Hang in there my friend, there will be a brighter day, one day.
You probably can't see that day right now but it will happen. You must believe that.
To a degree, I have been where you are (without knowing your circumstances of course and i am not trying to marginalise or equivalise your experience) and what got me through was nature.
Yes nature.
I got up, i walked around, i started looking at things. The fresh air, the sunshine, all those cliches. It worked for me.
I started getting such joy at the seemingly simplest things. An example; for the first time in many years of trying i have been able to finally grow an avocado, from a nut. I was astonished when it sprouted leaves, I actually shed a tear. Nature beguiles, intrigues and comforts me, it is my constant source of hope.
The point being that you have to beleive there is hope, there is a future, there will be a better day.
Because there will be. It doesnt have to nature, as it has been for me. It can be something else for you that moves and inspires you.
You'll find a way, your family will (hopefully) guide you there, which was another source of strength and support to me.
Go well.

That's fascinating and great to hear.

Can you expand on any of that at all because I'm really curious and interested. Like what had you been dealing with before trying things with nature? What had you already tried? Had anything else worked for you previously? Anything you're will to share would be awesome

 

[Punts]

Hope everyone is doing well

Just wondering if anyone has had the anti depressant called Agomelatine

I was just flipped over from flouroxtine

Cheers

 

[mxett]

Hope everyone is doing well

Just wondering if anyone has had the anti depressant called Agomelatine

I was just flipped over from flouroxtine

Cheers

i tried it. My doctor said it may improve my poor sleep pattern which he believed was contributing to my anxiety. I didnt notice much benefit myself but it was worth a try given others have found it helpful. Some reported benefits are it doesnt appear to have many side effects and you generally know pretty quickly if it's likely to be beneficial, rather than waiting months for improvement like some SSRIs. Good luck

 

[Punts]

i tried it. My doctor said it may improve my poor sleep pattern which he believed was contributing to my anxiety. I didnt notice much benefit myself but it was worth a try given others have found it helpful. Some reported benefits are it doesnt appear to have many side effects and you generally know pretty quickly if it's likely to be beneficial, rather than waiting months for improvement like some SSRIs. Good luck

Thanks for the feedback mate

Only day 2 but has made me a little drowsy in the morning

 

[Buzz Hawk]

That's fascinating and great to hear.

Can you expand on any of that at all because I'm really curious and interested. Like what had you been dealing with before trying things with nature? What had you already tried? Had anything else worked for you previously? Anything you're will to share would be awesome

Apologies for not responding earlier, Been a crazy week. In my case I went through a traumatic relationship breakdown, death of both parents relatively suddenly and a bout with cancer. Which according to my specialist I shouldn’t have survived. But I did, somehow and here I am. These events all happened within a year and shook me to the core. I was bewildered, lost.
Didn’t know where to turn. A psychologist helped, she was empathetic and sympathetic but I thought there was something missing.
So one day, at 5am I got up and went for a walk, just down the road, couldn’t sleep, possibly in a fog of depression . Still not even sure why I did.
But I did. And I enjoyed it and did the same thing the next day for another ten minutes.
That 10 minutes three years ago now has become a one hour walk in the morning and also in the evening.
Every day, it’s sort of my thing. It clears the mind and the morning walk braces me for the day.
How can we compete with nature. She even has Leonardo covered. The ultimate artist.
I found myself on my walks marvelling at the simplicity and beauty of nature, the early crow call, the easy laziness of early suburbia.
Nature.
The birds chirping at this eejit greeting their dawn with them.
These birds know me now to the extent where I have been hand feeding a parliament of magpies (yes a parliament), for the last twelve months. They know me and wait for me outside the cafe where I get my coffee each morning. They will literally wait outside the cafe, seven, eight of them until I buy their sausage roll and feed them. Magpies are very clever and I respect that. I find this fascinating and intriguing. Inter species dependency? Who knew. There is a warp and a weft to what I, we do and it sustains me.
That and mindfulness meditation, which I think has fascinating potential, works for me.
Staying in the moment is so critical and not letting your mind race away from you is so very important.
I hope I did not ramble too much but my overarching point is this, there is a way out of the abyss.

 

[mxett]

Apologies for not responding earlier, Been a crazy week. In my case I went through a traumatic relationship breakdown, death of both parents relatively suddenly and a bout with cancer. Which according to my specialist I shouldn’t have survived. But I did, somehow and here I am. These events all happened within a year and shook me to the core. I was bewildered, lost.
Didn’t know where to turn. A psychologist helped, she was empathetic and sympathetic but I thought there was something missing.
So one day, at 5am I got up and went for a walk, just down the road, couldn’t sleep, possibly in a fog of depression . Still not even sure why I did.
But I did. And I enjoyed it and did the same thing the next day for another ten minutes.
That 10 minutes three years ago now has become a one hour walk in the morning and also in the evening.
Every day, it’s sort of my thing. It clears the mind and the morning walk braces me for the day.
How can we compete with nature. She even has Leonardo covered. The ultimate artist.
I found myself on my walks marvelling at the simplicity and beauty of nature, the early crow call, the easy laziness of early suburbia.
Nature.
The birds chirping at this eejit greeting their dawn with them.
These birds know me now to the extent where I have been hand feeding a parliament of magpies (yes a parliament), for the last twelve months. They know me and wait for me outside the cafe where I get my coffee each morning. They will literally wait outside the cafe, seven, eight of them until I buy their sausage roll and feed them. Magpies are very clever and I respect that. I find this fascinating and intriguing. Inter species dependency? Who knew. There is a warp and a weft to what I, we do and it sustains me.
That and mindfulness meditation, which I think has fascinating potential, works for me.
Staying in the moment is so critical and not letting your mind race away you from is so very important.
I hope I did not ramble too much but my overarching point is this, there is a way out of the abyss.

walking was a big part of my recovery from anxiety too. Just me and my beautiful dog Amber. She was great company, and we would just walk and enjoy our special times together in the morning or night air, quietly soaking in the surroundings, not thinking about anything, not saying anything.

Mindfulness was also a big factor, in fact by far the biggest. I cannot stress enough how useful it is in every aspect of my life now. It's like I've finally woken up to myself. I accept myself in every area and in every situation, which in my experience is a big part of mental health. However, it did take quite some time to really 'kick in'. So for those who try mindfulness and find the meditation part a bit 'meh', it's not really about the meditation, it's about learning to be present with yourself and your surrounding, and not caught up in your thinking. This skill develops over time, and the more you practice mindfulness meditation, the more it will benefit your life. I've got to the point where I can be mindfully aware of my present almost constantly. Once there it's an amazing feeling

 

[S120]

Apologies for not responding earlier, Been a crazy week. In my case I went through a traumatic relationship breakdown, death of both parents relatively suddenly and a bout with cancer. Which according to my specialist I shouldn’t have survived. But I did, somehow and here I am. These events all happened within a year and shook me to the core. I was bewildered, lost.
Didn’t know where to turn. A psychologist helped, she was empathetic and sympathetic but I thought there was something missing.
So one day, at 5am I got up and went for a walk, just down the road, couldn’t sleep, possibly in a fog of depression . Still not even sure why I did.
But I did. And I enjoyed it and did the same thing the next day for another ten minutes.
That 10 minutes three years ago now has become a one hour walk in the morning and also in the evening.
Every day, it’s sort of my thing. It clears the mind and the morning walk braces me for the day.
How can we compete with nature. She even has Leonardo covered. The ultimate artist.
I found myself on my walks marvelling at the simplicity and beauty of nature, the early crow call, the easy laziness of early suburbia.
Nature.
The birds chirping at this eejit greeting their dawn with them.
These birds know me now to the extent where I have been hand feeding a parliament of magpies (yes a parliament), for the last twelve months. They know me and wait for me outside the cafe where I get my coffee each morning. They will literally wait outside the cafe, seven, eight of them until I buy their sausage roll and feed them. Magpies are very clever and I respect that. I find this fascinating and intriguing. Inter species dependency? Who knew. There is a warp and a weft to what I, we do and it sustains me.
That and mindfulness meditation, which I think has fascinating potential, works for me.
Staying in the moment is so critical and not letting your mind race away from you is so very important.
I hope I did not ramble too much but my overarching point is this, there is a way out of the abyss.

It's a real credit to you that you've found such an effective way of living that suits you and is uniquely tailored for you. Thanks a lot for sharing, I really appreciate it.

 

[Matt Stevic]

Can't argue with that. I won't be going back to the psych who suggested it. The mere consideration of it (which will go no further than a consideration) is an indicator of how much I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Do a favour to others and report her to AHPRA.

 

[Nugett]

Just a quick update. I am doing so much better in a new environment. I move into a new place tomorrow. It’s. A lot better now that I no longer have to travel 12 hours to and from on weekends!

For the past 2 months since I handed in my resignation from my old job, I feel a lot more refreshed and energised. Have taken up smoking again, which is unfortunate, will try the attempt again when I do finally get my own place!

Looking forward to going for walks again, am not far from the mountains, so hoping to go exploring as soon as I get my stuff sorted.

Thinking of buying a Brisbane membership, so I can see some footy again, who knows I might make some new friends there!

Anyway good luck with all of your personal battles and thanks for the support you have all shown me as it has been greatly appreciated.

 

[bresker]

walking was a big part of my recovery from anxiety too. Just me and my beautiful dog Amber. She was great company, and we would just walk and enjoy our special times together in the morning or night air, quietly soaking in the surroundings, not thinking about anything, not saying anything.

Mindfulness was also a big factor, in fact by far the biggest. I cannot stress enough how useful it is in every aspect of my life now. It's like I've finally woken up to myself. I accept myself in every area and in every situation, which in my experience is a big part of mental health. However, it did take quite some time to really 'kick in'. So for those who try mindfulness and find the meditation part a bit 'meh', it's not really about the meditation, it's about learning to be present with yourself and your surrounding, and not caught up in your thinking. This skill develops over time, and the more you practice mindfulness meditation, the more it will benefit your life. I've got to the point where I can be mindfully aware of my present almost constantly. Once there it's an amazing feeling

How did you learn about mindfulness? I’ve got a couple of books about it but it seems something you practice more than learn. Recommendations of Any good books, apps or courses would be much appreciated.

I got out of hospital for a couple of days but became actively suicidal - I took all my pills to the park and was going to take them at 6am and drown myself in the pond. Thankfully the thought of the effect it would have on my wife and kids brought me home.

The CAT team intervened & gave me the choice of entering the Northern hospital at Epping as a voluntary patient. Otherwise they’d call the police and have me admitted as an involuntary patient. Joseph Heller would enjoy this.

I’ve been here a few days now. It’s ok. Desperate for my mood stabilising meds to kick in but they are very conservative in upping them. I am feeling much better.

Part of the hypomanic episode I suffered in dec - feb this year involved a lot of drug and alcohol use , so I think I’m withdrawing as well as going through a bi polar deflation.

Please, if you do feel suicidal and the lifelines and helplines don’t work - take yourself to your local emergency department. Everything passes. Life is a series of moments, but the moment you kill yourself has horrible ripples and echoes for your loved ones down the years xx

 

[mxett]

How did you learn about mindfulness? I’ve got a couple of books about it but it seems something you practice more than learn. Recommendations of Any good books, apps or courses would be much appreciated.

my favourite book is the happiness trap by Dr Russ Harris. It's based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which utilises mindfulness to allow you to identify your thoughts and defuse them away as just thoughts, rather than fusing with them and believing them as fact. This is a fantastic skill that is learned over time but eventually proves incredibly useful. Mindfulness allows you to perform defusion more effectively because, when practised regularly, you become aware of your surroundings including your thoughts. If left unchecked our brains get caught up reminiscing the past, which is usually negatively based, or fearing the future, which was my weakness. But all of these are just thoughts, and with practice can be seen as completely harmless.

I have read a few other books on ACT and mindfulness, but none which were as memorable. As far as apps go I used 'Calm' mainly. There are costs for getting the full version but even the basic app I found helpful. But as you said, mindfulness is all about doing it, thinking about doing it isnt really helpful at all.

Sounds like you've been through some major challenges. I'm glad you're starting to feel better. Good advice on seeking help. Moods always pass eventually. Good luck

 

[Matt Stevic]

my favourite book is the happiness trap by Dr Russ Harris. It's based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which utilises mindfulness to allow you to identify your thoughts and defuse them away as just thoughts, rather than fusing with them and believing them as fact. This is a fantastic skill that is learned over time but eventually proves incredibly useful. Mindfulness allows you to perform defusion more effectively because, when practised regularly, you become aware of your surroundings including your thoughts. If left unchecked our brains get caught up reminiscing the past, which is usually negatively based, or fearing the future, which was my weakness. But all of these are just thoughts, and with practice can be seen as completely harmless.

I have read a few other books on ACT and mindfulness, but none which were as memorable. As far as apps go I used 'Calm' mainly. There are costs for getting the full version but even the basic app I found helpful. But as you said, mindfulness is all about doing it, thinking about doing it isnt really helpful at all.

Sounds like you've been through some major challenges. I'm glad you're starting to feel better. Good advice on seeking help. Moods always pass eventually. Good luck

I have that book. I will give it another read.

 

[MKMatty]

my favourite book is the happiness trap by Dr Russ Harris. It's based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which utilises mindfulness to allow you to identify your thoughts and defuse them away as just thoughts, rather than fusing with them and believing them as fact. This is a fantastic skill that is learned over time but eventually proves incredibly useful. Mindfulness allows you to perform defusion more effectively because, when practised regularly, you become aware of your surroundings including your thoughts. If left unchecked our brains get caught up reminiscing the past, which is usually negatively based, or fearing the future, which was my weakness. But all of these are just thoughts, and with practice can be seen as completely harmless.

I have read a few other books on ACT and mindfulness, but none which were as memorable. As far as apps go I used 'Calm' mainly. There are costs for getting the full version but even the basic app I found helpful. But as you said, mindfulness is all about doing it, thinking about doing it isnt really helpful at all.

Sounds like you've been through some major challenges. I'm glad you're starting to feel better. Good advice on seeking help. Moods always pass eventually. Good luck

I recommend the app Headspace if you need another. Doing morning meditation has undoubtedly helped me since I’ve been diagnosed with generalised anxiety.

 

[Buzz Hawk]

walking was a big part of my recovery from anxiety too. Just me and my beautiful dog Amber. She was great company, and we would just walk and enjoy our special times together in the morning or night air, quietly soaking in the surroundings, not thinking about anything, not saying anything.

Mindfulness was also a big factor, in fact by far the biggest. I cannot stress enough how useful it is in every aspect of my life now. It's like I've finally woken up to myself. I accept myself in every area and in every situation, which in my experience is a big part of mental health. However, it did take quite some time to really 'kick in'. So for those who try mindfulness and find the meditation part a bit 'meh', it's not really about the meditation, it's about learning to be present with yourself and your surrounding, and not caught up in your thinking. This skill develops over time, and the more you practice mindfulness meditation, the more it will benefit your life. I've got to the point where I can be mindfully aware of my present almost constantly. Once there it's an amazing feeling

Great story.
I agree about the power and influence of animals on our mental and physical health.
I have two jack Russell terriers who accompany me on my Homerian wanderings each day. Wonderful little fellers who only and ever live in the the moment which is another constant reminder of the power of living in the right now.
They are a delight.
We can learn so much from animals.

 

[Buzz Hawk]

How did you learn about mindfulness? I’ve got a couple of books about it but it seems something you practice more than learn. Recommendations of Any good books, apps or courses would be much appreciated.

I got out of hospital for a couple of days but became actively suicidal - I took all my pills to the park and was going to take them at 6am and drown myself in the pond. Thankfully the thought of the effect it would have on my wife and kids brought me home.

The CAT team intervened & gave me the choice of entering the Northern hospital at Epping as a voluntary patient. Otherwise they’d call the police and have me admitted as an involuntary patient. Joseph Heller would enjoy this.

I’ve been here a few days now. It’s ok. Desperate for my mood stabilising meds to kick in but they are very conservative in upping them. I am feeling much better.

Part of the hypomanic episode I suffered in dec - feb this year involved a lot of drug and alcohol use , so I think I’m withdrawing as well as going through a bi polar deflation.

Please, if you do feel suicidal and the lifelines and helplines don’t work - take yourself to your local emergency department. Everything passes. Life is a series of moments, but the moment you kill yourself has horrible ripples and echoes for your loved ones down the years xx

I admire your courage in being so open and honest.
This is a superb thread.
Smiling Mind is a mindfulness app I find very useful in centering my thoughts.
It sounds so easy to stay in the moment and to not let your head do yourself in but it is a very difficult thing to do. It takes patience and practise but it is worthwhile persevering as the benefits are endless.

 

[BlackGun1]

RIP Shane Yarran

Question for everyone - how do you guys manage relationships in unison with the mental stuff? Been getting serious with someone lately and as soon as I think about the prospect of a relationship it gives me crippling anxiety... ie "do I really like this person, is it love, can I do better" etcetc.I know they're the right person, extremely nice and caring, but cant even let myself feel love for them, its like the anxiety/depression is a blockade. I think Im just used to being treated like s**t in relationships, too wired for the "hard to get"

 

[mxett]

RIP Shane Yarran

Question for everyone - how do you guys manage relationships in unison with the mental stuff? Been getting serious with someone lately and as soon as I think about the prospect of a relationship it gives me crippling anxiety... ie "do I really like this person, is it love, can I do better" etcetc.I know they're the right person, extremely nice and caring, but cant even let myself feel love for them, its like the anxiety/depression is a blockade. I think Im just used to being treated like s**t in relationships, too wired for the "hard to get"

your thoughts are a pretty normal part of your built-in self preservation instinct. However, for people experiencing mental illness these thoughts lead to emotions which often manifest physically. This can then be further exacerbated when you worry or get down about these physical feelings and negative/fearful thoughts, so the whole thing spirals downwards and you're crippled by negativity or worry (or both).

Understand though, your original thoughts are quite normal under the circumstances because they are instinctively protective. However, they do not necessarily reflect reality, they are your mind being over cautious for self preservation reasons. Try and accept the thoughts as normal reactions to your situation and just let them come and then go on their own without paying them too much attention. When they arise say to yourself "I'm having thoughts about......., isnt it interesting to observe my mind at work trying to protect me". Observe the thought objectively, and observe how the thought is not you, it's just a thought. Accept it and let it pass, another thought will replace it shortly. If it's another negative or fearful thought, observe it, acknowledge it's just a thought, and let it pass like a cloud in the sky.

Anyway, that's how I deal with similar instinctive thoughts, and so far for me it really helps. Good luck.

 

[Aeglos]

Agree with mxett’s post.
I didn’t particularly like my psych but that’s definitely one very positive thing I took from my appointments - acceptance of your thoughts/feelings.
I always use the analogy of being caught in a rip. If you try and swim into it head on you’ll eventually run out of juice and drown, but if you let it take you out then swim around it you’re more likely to come out alright.

 

[patfullfankezz]

One app I've found that helps no end (thanks boss) is an app called High Res. It's designed for vets, but I think it's great for managing my anxiety/sensory processing/aspergers.

http://at-ease.dva.gov.au/veterans/resources/mobile-apps/high-res-app/

Love the exercise where you write down your negative thoughts and throw them away. Also the breathing exercise is excellent.

 

[BattlerGM]

What do people know about the link between alcohol and depression?

I'm gonna give up grog altogether for a month and see how that goes.

 

[Matt Stevic]

What do people know about the link between alcohol and depression?

I'm gonna give up grog altogether for a month and see how that goes.

I like that idea very much. I wish I gave up grog sooner, it hasn’t miraculously cured me but at least my physical self can be healthier.

 

[mxett]

What do people know about the link between alcohol and depression?

I'm gonna give up grog altogether for a month and see how that goes.

not a drinker so no personal experience here. But my understanding is there's a link between heavy alcohol use and depression. Cant hurt to try.

Did you look into mindfulness or ACT? If you need further info let me know

 

[BattlerGM]

not a drinker so no personal experience here. But my understanding is there's a link between heavy alcohol use and depression. Cant hurt to try.

Did you look into mindfulness or ACT? If you need further info let me know

Gonna start reading the book you suggested, 'The Happiness Trap.'

 

[mxett]

Gonna start reading the book you suggested, 'The Happiness Trap.'

great. I think you'll love it. The author is a Melbourne GP who suffered significant anxiety himself. Most important thing is to do the exercises, not just gain the knowledge. It's also one of those books you need to read a number of times. There's so much you need to be reminded of regularly

 

[Aeglos]

What do people know about the link between alcohol and depression?

I'm gonna give up grog altogether for a month and see how that goes.

4 weeks of abstinence by alcoholics decreased depressive symptoms from 42% of participants to 6%
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsa.1988.49.412

Most other studies linking alcohol and depression show a link but can’t prove which came first ie did alcohol cause depression, or did the depression make them turn to alcohol.