Health Depression

[Lost_Deputy]

Question...when people are at their lowest, does it feel as if every single bit of your body is in pain?

Not for me mate but everyone is different has different reactions.

What sort of pain?

 

[shibz_1989]

I can't explain it. It's like everything just aches.

 

[Lost_Deputy]

I can't explain it. It's like everything just aches.

Hmmm trying to remember the little list of things they go over when diagnosing it and I don't think too much physical pain is mentioned. Lack of energy for sure but not pain.

To the doctor with you. Could be depression plus an ailment of some kind. Sorry to hear that mate. Get an appointment tomorrow

 

[shibz_1989]

It's only when I'm at my worst (ie crying). After I've finished it goes. Then I'm just flat.

 

[Lost_Deputy]

It's only when I'm at my worst (ie crying). After I've finished it goes. Then I'm just flat.

I'm sure there is a perfectly good reason. Whether it's physical pain or just lack of control the crying leaves you in a extremely bleak place. The bottom isn't far from there.
You in a hole or are you fighting it? Either answer is fine

 

[shibz_1989]

What do you mean sorry?

 

[Lost_Deputy]

What do you mean sorry?

All good.

Are you able to get out and exercise a little? Are you able to socialize at a low level?

Orrr

Are you in a hole? You struggle to see anyway out. Have suicidal thoughts etc?

Either way has (surprisingly) a silver lining.

 

[shibz_1989]

A bit of both.

To explain my situation, I'm confined to my room as my housemates all have different interests in regards to tv shows etc.

My contract ended at work, I'm a nurse, and I'm struggling to find ft work. Since the second week of August of done less than 10 shifts.

I have things to do (eg cleaning my room and car) but I have no energy to do so. Plus, my cat (which is my normal comfort) is at my mums due to my housing situation.

 

[lewigie]

I've intended to post here for a while but never really felt comfortable putting it out there. Tonight though I'm feeling more depressed than normal so I thought why not get it off my chest.

I recently turned 21 and have always been a quiet, introverted guy, I don't really have any mates which basically has meant my social life is non-existent. I know I have social anxiety issues which means I struggle to have conversations with people, which gets me down a fair bit.

Another thing is not having a job and not having any clue what career path I want to take. I have qualifications in accounting which has got me nowhere so I'm thinking about not pursing that line of work any longer.

I have an appointment with a counselor at my employment provider tomorrow so I guess that will tell me where I'm at and the steps I need to take.

Posting this has helped in a way, but still I can't get over the feeling that I don't have much to look forward to in the future and that I'm wasting what should be the best years of my life.

I think being employed will really help you in regards to meeting people and help with your struggling with conversations. I was the same as you, quiet and introverted, but just hanging out with good people (this is the important part, finding a job with great people) really gives you a lot of confidence.

I don't have any qualifications or any urge at all to study at uni or such, nor a girlfriend or any plans for my long term future so I know how you feel about not the not looking forward to the future etc, but I've just tried taking it day by day. Confidence is an incredible thing, and surrounding yourself by people such as workmates really helps.

I'm also at the same stage as you, I'm 20 on Monday, I'm struggling to find enjoyment in life at the moment and don't know what to do with my life. So I've tried changing things up, I'm going to Europe in December for three months and I even asked a girl out today aswell! (Which is actually a first for me, but again it's a confidence thing). Hopefully this'll help.

 

[Lost_Deputy]

A bit of both.

To explain my situation, I'm confined to my room as my housemates all have different interests in regards to tv shows etc.

My contract ended at work, I'm a nurse, and I'm struggling to find ft work. Since the second week of August of done less than 10 shifts.

I have things to do (eg cleaning my room and car) but I have no energy to do so. Plus, my cat (which is my normal comfort) is at my mums due to my housing situation.

That sucks! No doubt about it.
The thing that leaps out at me is there is no positive stuff on your agenda. No fault of your own but chores are not a meaningful activity.

An early morning walk (you are probably not sleeping well anyway, right ) will get your blood moving. It will help a bunch I promise.

I'm hitting the hay myself. It will be ok mate. Often depression is the best thing to happen to people. You hit rock bottom and rebuild yourself. It's hard to describe but know that you aren't alone, your feelings are justified and that you can inch forward into great times.

 

[Jay C]

I think being employed will really help you in regards to meeting people and help with your struggling with conversations. I was the same as you, quiet and introverted, but just hanging out with good people (this is the important part, finding a job with great people) really gives you a lot of confidence.

I don't have any qualifications or any urge at all to study at uni or such, nor a girlfriend or any plans for my long term future so I know how you feel about not the not looking forward to the future etc, but I've just tried taking it day by day. Confidence is an incredible thing, and surrounding yourself by people such as workmates really helps.

I'm also at the same stage as you, I'm 20 on Monday, I'm struggling to find enjoyment in life at the moment and don't know what to do with my life. So I've tried changing things up, I'm going to Europe in December for three months and I even asked a girl out today aswell! (Which is actually a first for me, but again it's a confidence thing). Hopefully this'll help.

Thanks mate.

I agree getting a job would certainly help me develop my social skills and improve my self esteem. I have to start talking small steps and not hoping this will somehow change overnight.

It was good to hear some of your story and that you are making changes to turn things around.

 

[The Passenger]

My doctor has switched up my prescription to Fluvoxamine, so that I hopefully don't have the sleeping problems anymore. I get to start them in about 5 days when my current lot run out.

I don't think i've posted in this thread before but do read it and my ears pricked at this. Just make sure you do a google up on it, it's a pretty full on drug I think. A couple of years ago some mates got their hands on it and used in place of 5htp to deal with a come down and said it knocked them around a bit (nauseousness and vomiting mainly from memory). It's a while ago so that may have said fluoxetine but they probably would have just said prozac if that's what it were.

On 5-HTP, have any of you guys given it a go? It's a serotonin rebuilder us druggies use all the time the day after a session and it works very well. Can buy over the counter either from a pharmacy or a nutrients store.

 

[TheFreshBanana]

Jay C

This reminds me of something I heard on the radio, the notion that our current society has the wrong impression that we "must be happy all the time". Not sure what I think about that. It's possible that it's a naive idea to think we can be happy all the time, but it's just as depressing to think that that isn't reality. Although, right now, I think it's more realistic to achieve the goal that we should be at peace most of the time. Whether or not it's depression or just life, but lately or for a long time now, I've just felt extremely unsettled. There's always something I'm worrying about or not happy with whatever situation. I'm just not at peace.



Whenever I think about this stuff, I always think of this bit by Jim Jeffries. Not sure whether it's true or not, but think it's funny and something to think about.

Also, I remember the first time I watched this, and when he mentioned he had depression and suicidal thoughts. It's just occurred to me that I watched this before I had depression. I remember thinking, man that sucks for him and that it was quite big of him to open up about it, but never really gave it much thought after that. Jeez, how real it feels now.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Question...when people are at their lowest, does it feel as if every single bit of your body is in pain?

Not for me, but I probably do notice the little aches and annoyances (ones that are always there) more. I'm also a little lucky in that I don't get deep sadness, just the unending flatness and pointlessness.

How depression manifests in each person is different though, so there are probably plenty for whom pains are an issue.
I would get the pain checked though, just in case. Maybe it is aggrevating the depression and not the other way around, or a feedback loop of both.

 

[dales.girl38]

When I was on Fluvoxamine, I actually lost weight, because I didn't feel like eating much so stopped eating, and as such lost weight. I think it's more to do with comfort eating, but I wouldn't know i'm not a doctor, so it's just my guess!

If you find that you're gaining weight while on it, and you're unhappy with it, just contact your doctor and tell them, you'll be able to work something out

I think the reason I've been gaining weight (not much, to be fair, but any changes at the moment aren't helping) is because I can't exercise as much as I used to and have been craving sweet things more than usual, normally I don't eat a lot of sweet things at all. If it gets to a stage where I'm really worrying about it, I'll talk to my doctor about it. Thanks for your reply

I don't think i've posted in this thread before but do read it and my ears pricked at this. Just make sure you do a google up on it, it's a pretty full on drug I think. A couple of years ago some mates got their hands on it and used in place of 5htp to deal with a come down and said it knocked them around a bit (nauseousness and vomiting mainly from memory). It's a while ago so that may have said fluoxetine but they probably would have just said prozac if that's what it were.

On 5-HTP, have any of you guys given it a go? It's a serotonin rebuilder us druggies use all the time the day after a session and it works very well. Can buy over the counter either from a pharmacy or a nutrients store.

I haven't felt too nauseous from fluoxetine, so I'm hoping that's the same for fluvoxamine. I'm on a relatively small dose, but I guess I'll see what happens. Thank you for replying

 

[Smiling Buddha]

Jim Jeffries is a shit comedian. Or, at least, that is a shit bit.

Please, watch this. Just watch it. Now. From 18s onwards.

 

[lewigie]

Jim Jeffries is a shit comedian. Or, at least, that is a shit bit.

Please, watch this. Just watch it. Now. From 18s onwards.

Very interesting. I can dig it.

Doesn't really mean much to me though. I think Jim Jeffries' bit resonated with me a bit better.

 

[Smiling Buddha]

You mean his sad half-cut effort on stage where he himself describes depression as 'childish'?

If that works for you then by all means, stick to Jeffries.

 

[lewigie]

You mean his sad half-cut effort on stage where he himself describes depression as 'childish'?

If that works for you then by all means, stick to Jeffries.

It was a joke. I found it humorous.

I didn't find Hicks' spiel about a rollercoaster as humourous, it was definitely smarter and there's no doubt to anyone that Hicks is a better comedian but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy Jim Jeffries aswell as Hicks. but whatever.

 

[lewigie]

I've been really down for about the last year now, just really down all the time and I really don't enjoy anything I used to, nor do I really feel like looking forward to anything in the future. Most of the time I can't be bothered hanging out with my friends or leaving the house, I just don't want to do anything. I'm always so bored and feeling down.

I feel like nothing has been going right for me lately, everything seems like it's been designed to really disappoint me. Just absolutely nothing has gone right.

I don't know if I'm feeling this low because things haven't been going right for me, and because I'm also so bored with life right now, or if it is something like depression.

My father, his father and my uncles all suffer from depression, so it is something that is in the family. Is this something that many people go through, or should I really be looking into getting professional help?

 

[Power Raid]

I've been really down for about the last year now, just really down all the time and I really don't enjoy anything I used to, nor do I really feel like looking forward to anything in the future. Most of the time I can't be bothered hanging out with my friends or leaving the house, I just don't want to do anything. I'm always so bored and feeling down.

I feel like nothing has been going right for me lately, everything seems like it's been designed to really disappoint me. Just absolutely nothing has gone right.

I don't know if I'm feeling this low because things haven't been going right for me, and because I'm also so bored with life right now, or if it is something like depression.

My father, his father and my uncles all suffer from depression, so it is something that is in the family. Is this something that many people go through, or should I really be looking into getting professional help?

mate, feeling like that for more than a short time is not a good sign. We all go through ups and downs but if it persists as you have explained you should talk to friends, family and seek medical advice. If you can, make a call to beyond blue, your doctor or similar organisation tonight.

http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Hopefully you can turn things around.

 

[WCFaithful]

I haven't contributed to this thread before, I didn't even know it was here tbh but I've just spent the best part of 2hrs reading through (not all) the posts and I just wanted to take the time to congratulate everyone for their own contributions. Depression is a b*tch! it's hard to understand and even harder to control and particularly hard to talk about with it being so misunderstood so to me finding this thread and seeing how you lot have been helping one another with things makes me feel all warm and fuzzy

I'm no stranger to depression and in all honesty I've probably suffered it for a lot longer than I was aware. I was always bullied at school, never really had a lot of people I could call "mates" and grew up in a household where my parents argued non stop and I think looking back on it now I kind of locked it all away and put on a brave front so as not to be seen as weak and vulnerable I guess.

I'm 39yrs old now and 4yrs ago it took a breakup with my ex whilst having a new born child in the middle of it all for me to finally let my guard down and I really fell into a very very deep hole. It was like everything I'd locked away for a lot of years came to the surface like a dam wall breaking open and I really hit rock bottom HARD! For the first time in my life I asked for help because if I didn't there's no telling what I was capable of in my state of mind. I spoke to several different counsellors/psychologists and doctors with varying results, I tried a number of different antidepressants but none of them were something I wanted to stay on for too long. The worst side effect I had from every brand of drug was sexual dysfunction I mean here I was trying to be happy and now my dick won't work! That made me sad so I kept taking myself off them. I eventually bit the bullet and went back on the pills telling myself that if I could get through 6 months it may be enough to clear my head so I did just that.

From personal experience the antidepressants were a necessary evil to me, they certainly didn't cure me and they absolutely affected me in other ways but they definitely helped me regain my ability to see things clearer and with a more positive outlook. I don't take medication anymore mainly as a personal preference and even though I'm nowhere near rock bottom like I once was I can't say that I'm no longer a sufferer of depression, I still have days/weeks/months where I really don't want to socialise or get out of bed and face the world but over the years I've learned to force myself. The biggest thing I've learned from this illness is that once you realise that the best chance of getting through the tough times is to be strong, stronger than ever before and face it head on the sooner you start to see what it is you need to do to help yourself.

This post was never meant to evolve into an essay about my personal life I honestly just wanted to say that I thought it was great to see people helping each other but I guess that's what happens when you feel comfortable sharing with likeminded, non judgemental people such as yourselves.

Thanks and good luck to anyone battling depression, you are not alone.

 

[Jay C]

I've been really down for about the last year now, just really down all the time and I really don't enjoy anything I used to, nor do I really feel like looking forward to anything in the future. Most of the time I can't be bothered hanging out with my friends or leaving the house, I just don't want to do anything. I'm always so bored and feeling down.

I feel like nothing has been going right for me lately, everything seems like it's been designed to really disappoint me. Just absolutely nothing has gone right.

I don't know if I'm feeling this low because things haven't been going right for me, and because I'm also so bored with life right now, or if it is something like depression.

My father, his father and my uncles all suffer from depression, so it is something that is in the family. Is this something that many people go through, or should I really be looking into getting professional help?

As hard as it is to do when you are feeling down, sometimes you have to talk to someone.

If like me you find it difficult to talk to those close to you about what is happening maybe try and arrange an appointment with a psychologist. Only recently have I started talking to a psychologist and it has really helped.

 

[shibz_1989]

Has anyone tried valdoxan? I have side effects from pristiq (such as weight gain, increased sweating) and doctor suggested I change to valdoxan as it has no side effects? Only issue is valdoxan is $75 a month (that's because it's not on the PBS) and could increase to $150 if my dose increases. Pristiq is $36ish a month...just not sure if it's worth the change?

 

[WCFaithful]

As hard as it is to do when you are feeling down, sometimes you have to talk to someone.

If like me you find it difficult to talk to those close to you about what is happening maybe try and arrange an appointment with a psychologist. Only recently have I started talking to a psychologist and it has really helped.

yep I agree. Talking about things certainly helps and it can especially help those who don't even know themselves why they are feeling down. I found that once I started talking it was pretty easy (apart from constantly breaking down in tears and trying to pull myself together of course) but even allowing the floodgates to open was relief to an extent. One thing I will say though is that I spoke to several different counsellors before I found one that I felt understood me so don't think the first person you talk to is going to solve all your problems, it doesn't work like that. It may take a bit of time until you find a counsellor you really feel is of benefit to you personally.

For a lot of years I didn't talk to anyone about my inner demons and that was probably a mistake. People who feel depressed should never think that seeking professional help is a sign of weakness if anything for those that are feeling depressed actually taking that plunge and finding help for themselves is a sign of strength as we all know how hard it is.