I need some help with something..

[MidnightSun]

This is kinda hard for me..cuz i dont know exactly how to word it, and I am not one to talk about this with people i am not very close to. But i feel that I need some advice outside from my usual circle of people. I am very depressed....and I can't seem to make myself feel better. Today at my grandma's..i almost cried opening presents. I think because it reminds me of things that have happened in the past years with other family..but still. After almost 5 years, i should be getting past it shouldn't I? I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions on things to do to help re-occuring depression?

[Xander67]

writing helps
I know exactly what you are going through,
if you need to talk we are all here...

I am sorta battleing with a few symptoms meself,
not sleeping right,
irratable
mood swings
not interested in things as much,

I tried meditation, and things that psychologists reccomended,
but you know what, sometimes things are beyond my control..
yeah spells are great,
but in my case, a chemical imbalance may be my root cause and so a propper diet and possibly medication may be the answer for me,

lets face it, these are very depressing times..
I have been reading up on some of the symptoms of depression,

its nothing to play around with,
my advice is,
think it over
talk to your parents and by all means go to a doctor,
when these symptoms pop up, they do becuase something could be wrong..

Hope everything works out, and be sure to check the healthy pagan threads for more info ...

[Hedwig]

I have been treated for depression for the last 10 years. I have done pills, therapy, inpatient stays, herbal treatments, meditation, aromatherapy and just about everything else you can think of. I'm especially bad in the winter so, I too am experiencing some symptoms right now. What I found is that I couldn't fix anything until I knew what was wrong. The last psychologist helped me with that. After I figured out where my problems where (both physically and mentally), I have been able to balance myself out by working through my emotions and learning to accept and undersand ALL of them.

I know this is weird, but last year, after reading an article in a magazine, I started light therapy. I got several of those cheap shop lights and bought the full spectrum bulbs for them. They are the ones that are supposed to be closest to actual sunlight. It has really, really helped. It may not work for everyone but it did for me.

I think that the treatment for depression has to be patient specific. Only you know what will make you feel better even if you aren't fully aware of it. All I can really say is that if you need someone to listen or to bounce ideas off of, feel free to email me.

[MammaStar]

By all means, post here, email one or a bunch of us. Talk. Talk. Talk. I'll talk your ear off, if you want me too. ;)

I know what you mean, I've experienced some myself, however, not to the extent as Xander & Hedwig. They probably can empathize a little better.

I think December is tough for lot's of folks. Holiday pressure, which really got to me, on top of a disappointing event recently. Things add up. It's hard especially when everyone thinks you must be happy this time of year, when all you want to do is curl up & cry.

Please feel free to PM or e-mail me if you want to scream, laugh, cry, or just chat.

And please, follow the advice of Xander & Hedwig & visit with a professional as well.

Blessings to you. :heartthro :heartthro

[Radocs]

They've got me on pills for depression but lately they haven't worked so well. Guess I'll have to either look into a different brand or get my dosage upped.. again..

One thing I can say is that going to a therapist didn't help me at all. I know that has helped some people though...

[Haedis]

hedwig was right. The lack of sunlight in the winter really increases depression. The only advice I really have is to try to get outside on sunny days. Remember that life is cyclical so things WILL get better! Good luck to you. :D

[Adam Of Avalon]

This is what I do:
Go to a private area and play a song you know well very loud. Sing along equally as loud. Always works for me.

[MidnightSun]

Thanks a lot for all of the advice. I am seriously considering going to a professional, but my parents say "there is nothing to be that upset about." My sisters are being a big help..they have decided that from now on...we are going to do meditation cirlces together. I just got some of those nature sounds alarm clocks/boxes..i think those will help with that. Thanks again.

Blessed Be,
MidnightSun

[Xander67]

re "theres nothing to be that upset about"

sometimes, depression comes in many forms, I hate the term depression actually because it hints of being saD or upset,

depression, has alot of symptoms, its not really a matter of being upset or not,
loss of appitite, sleeplessness or wanting to get sleep all the time are some of the symptoms,

you can be happy and still be depressed,
if you go to msn.com in the health section there are some neat articles and "quizes" that ask if you have some of the wymptoms, mabey you may want to read them with your parents...

hope that helps

[Faery-Wings]

I don't think I can add anything more to what Xander and Hedwig said. Having had a few serious bouts of depression as well as seasonal depression, I know how you feel. I thought I was going to have the holiday season under control, but I guess I didn't too much and I wasn't truly myself either.

If you need to talk, feel free to pm me. :)

And a cyber smack on the head to all those people who say there is nothing to be upset about. I HATE that!!!! (try telling that to a suicidal mom of a newborn, ha ha.)

take care!

Chris

[Flaire-FireStar]

I think Xander & Hedwig pretty much summed up what to do..
I was on prozac for 3 days - I quit after I started throwing up (more than I already do!).. I'm still working on my depression, according to some people, I've had it for a long time (as in... I've never been happy).. To tell the truth, I don't feel a wide range of emotions, and that's part of my problem.. I'm going to see a psychiatrist next month to help me out..


(Yes, I do seem giddy & happy-go-lucky here..But that's my "online persona". I'm nothing like this IRL)

[AradiaSupernova]

hey Midnight Sun


Just so everyone knows, Midnight Sun is my irl twin sister, so... :)


The only advice I can give is what I've been telling you lately...its time we worked through all this stuff you've got on your back burners smoking. We all need to. Its been a very depressing last 5 years for our family...we all need to find a way to rid this tension and negativity around us. I know its affecting you worse than its affecting anyone else..but we'll get through it Midnight:) see ya later :) I love you sis! :)

[MidnightSun]

Flaire, I can totally relate. I do the same exact thing, I am nice and happy online. But I am never truly happy irl. I am gonna ask my mom to schedule me an appointment with a councelor after the first of the year. As for you, Aradia, sis, thanks for the advice..lol :):) Love ya too :)

[Xander67]

Trying to get an appointment is another matter

most of the dr's in my area are booked untill feb,
but i was lucky enough to get an appt for the middle of Jan
its the best i could do :)

[Siren]

I am pretty sure that i am depressed....i wouldn't doubt it...last year i was suicidal....which really sucked....

but, the worse part of that was that no one i know (or knew) recognized the symptoms....and i ignored them...i am lucky to have not attempted suicide...cause i managed to make it through...

but now i am getting it again...i think i need to go to a doctor...but i am afraid...why? i dunno.....i mean, i am going through school to be a social service worker...lol....so i know enough to know there is nothing wrong with depression.....i just don't want to end up on pills all the time....that scares me....

but i am starting to think that i should....

bb

siren

[Xander67]

from what I have been reading

sometimes pppl need medication due to a chemical imablance in the brain cells...no more shame in that than to have a vitamin deficiancy it is totally natural....

it is when we refuse to seek to get well that is unhealthy..

i had my issues for not going too, (if i would have gone back last year in the hieght of my paranoia, id prolly be in a rubber room LOL)

but thanks to friends who helps me see it was all my imagination causeing my paranoia.... i know there is nothing to fear


here comes the spoiler:
I have to admit i was kinda dissapointed to find out the mother ship was not commming back for me in 2012 :( made me feel real un special......but now I know im not crazy just need a bit of brain medicine to help me see things in a healthy way :)

[Flaire-FireStar]

Originally posted by Xander67
Trying to get an appointment is another matter

most of the dr's in my area are booked untill feb,
but i was lucky enough to get an appt for the middle of Jan
its the best i could do :)


:) Maybe I got lucky, but the one that I'm supposed to go to gets to contact me, cuz my fam dr. referred me there.. Sure beats waiting like a million years for an appointment though. ;)

[Xander67]

yeah i know but 2 weeks isnt that far off
LOL

IMPATIENCE is one of the symptoms too LOL

[Flaire-FireStar]

Yeah, but when'd ya book it? :p :)

[Xander67]

ok, ya got me

Procrastonating is another symptom

I called and made the appt *ducks * Y-yesterday
(puts my head down):(

[Flaire-FireStar]

That's not bad, actually... (hehe.. not like the dentist or anything)
:D

Hopefully mine's not that terrible.. I mean the whole 45 min drive to get there, it better be soon.... :D

[Xander67]

ut oh, do I detect a hint of restlessness? (impatientce)
you may want to lay off the marmite for a few days LOL

[Flaire-FireStar]

Awwe.. But I wanna eat it.... *pout* :p

[Xander67]

well then have a cookie IM sure there are some left from the xmas batch you baked :)

[Flaire-FireStar]

:2G::2G: Keep an eye out for Flar while I get to my cookie stash... :2G: He's out to get my cookies.... :2G:


:D

[Xander67]

OK I will stand guard
:apirate: :apirate: :evilway: :apirate: :apirate:

[Xander67]

hey easy on them cookies LOL does can i have one for the guards :)

[Flaire-FireStar]

Be my guest... Just don't give away my hiding place. :D

*scarfs down some cookies* :)

[Xander67]

Silly Scouts Honnor:D

[Xander67]

wait that was wrong, LOL i cant stop laughing about that one

[Flaire-FireStar]

:rotfl:

[Xander67]

I am soo sorry I lost my head for a moment what is even worse was that I put it in this thread.......

im gonna go paractice my knot tieing

[Xander67]

Originally posted by Flaire
:rotfl:

now there is a Kodak Moment

[Flaire-FireStar]

It gave me my laugh for the day! :D :lol:

[Xander67]

I'm still laughing

OMG its horrible

Im lauging at myself for slipping like that, and it is makeing me feel better :) if but for a moment

[Flaire-FireStar]

Awwe.... *hugz*


You could always delete it. :D

[Xander67]

that woudl really confuse things now wouldnt it?:eek: :D

[Flaire-FireStar]

Just maybe..... :lol: :D


Holy cow am I throwing the hugs out today... I think I'm up to 3 now. :)

[Xander67]

*aw*
*hugs back*

its ok, we all understand:D

[Flaire-FireStar]

:D I'm a huggable person today....

Free hugs... just for today, then I'll quit hugging for another couple of weeks..or months.. or however long it was before. :D

[Xander67]

:rolleyes:

[Flaire-FireStar]

<---------- *doesn't like to be considered huggable*


:p

[Xander67]

well arent we an Ipissumus today!:p

[Flaire-FireStar]

.......mmmmmaaaaayybe... :D

[Xander67]

Like I said :o 2 doors down and 2 the left ;) 8O

but seriously, Yes folks you heard it, Seriously
um, oh yeah , I wont tell where you hid the cookies

[Flaire-FireStar]

:eek: What cookies?? I don't have any cookies...:2G: :D 8O :loveduv:

[Xander67]

;) oh yeah right , right... K

[Flaire-FireStar]

*swallows a mouthful of cookie* True! :)

[Xander67]

:eek:

[Flaire-FireStar]

:loveduv: What? :loveduv:

[Xander67]

:) good nite;) :rolleyes:

[moonsnstarsgrl]

I know what being depressed is. Hedwig mentioned light for seasonal depression and that was great advise. As for depression in general, I myself have been suffering from this for years on and off. Til' this day I still cry and won't even want to go outside for days at a time. I've gone to see a phyciatrist once but for some reason felt shame, like I didn't want to expose what I was afraid of facing up to.
I never did go back but I saw my regular doctor who put me on meds. They helped for about 9 months but still like you've been advised by a very smart person on this board that until you figure out what's wrong you'll never feel better about yourself to get rid of the depression. Continue to write, I myself find that a great help. Always feel free to confide in others who you feel support you and you'll know you're not alone and this goes for anyone here who also needs this support.
Sorry for the ongoing post but this really touched home with me.

[flar7]

it was very well done. :)



:boing::smooch: vote orange! its orange-a-rific!

[Garnet]

I feel for you, sweetie.
I've been fighting "hibernation syndrome' (aka seasonal affective disorder) for as long as I can remember.
As the days get shorter, I get "bluer": irritable (OK, bitchy), with patches of crying. If I'm not asleep, I'm tired. Nothing makes me happy. The housecleaning goes to hell and I spend most of my time eating myself into a stupor. I hate Hannukah/Christmas/Yule...how on earth can anyone be happy when the weather sucks and the days are so short?
In the winter, my only fantasy is getting into bed, setting the alarm clock for April, and pulling the covers over my head. Screw the planet & every one on it.
Go away, or at least bundle up & get out if the sun is shining. Do something new/different/unusual. Paint a picture. Study Gaelic.
Do volunteer work (it helps to realize that there's always someone who's in worse shape than you).
The light therapy already suggested does help, but the equipment can be costly. I like the natural remedy St. John's Wort (I'm not keen on doctors & drugs), and that old standby chocolate. I also take at least part of my vacation in the winter. Even if I can't afford to go away, it helps me just to spend a few days in my jammies with a good book or some stupid T.V. that I normally wouldn't admit to. And evey once in a while, I peek out the window at some poor soul wading through knee-deep snow, think 'You have to go out in this drek. I don't!' then I have a good laugh and another piece of chocolate.