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WizardofOwls 
Posted: 29-Jan-2011, 01:28 AM
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I was just wondering how many others, besides myself, suffer with depression? I was diagnosed just before my separation from my ex-wife 5 years ago, and since then I have really suffered with it. I am taking Cymbalta to deal with it, but there are days when it seems the Cymbalta might as well be sugar pills for all the good they do me. I go through periods - weeks at a time actually - when I feel completley worthless, when I feel that I have nothing to say that nobody wants to hear - and if I tried it would just come out sounding as though I were whining.

I am alone in this? Or are there others here who suffer? Let's talk about it...


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Dogshirt 
Posted: 29-Jan-2011, 08:08 AM
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Hi Wiz! Good to see you're still around.
I can't talk now, we're headed to the dogsled races. But I will get back to you
about this.
Take care.

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flora 
Posted: 29-Jan-2011, 07:20 PM
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Hello Wizard,

I tried replying a moment ago, but I am traveling and I lost my connection.

Sorry you are feeling so low.. I know someone on cymbalta and it helps with the low feelings but there are no high feelings. Perhaps you could check with the doc and see if a different prescription or maybe a new combination might be in order?

Most of all remember that every person is unique and special and you are appreciated and I look forward to your comments and opinions. Sometimes when words don't easily come, a genuine smile or nod to others will lift them up as well as yourself. Most importantly don't block yourself from others, keep communicating.

Flora


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"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
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Rindy 
Posted: 29-Jan-2011, 08:27 PM
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Hi Wizard. I am sorry your still suffering from this. Know you not alone. I agree with flora may be your body has become used to the pill and they need to up your meds, or change them. Some of those can make it worse. Just know your needed in this world, sometimes we can't see this and feel there is no way out. I remember when you were really depressed before and you seemed to do alright. I hope nothing major has happened in your life to cause this again. In Special Interests under Health I think we have a depression thread if you want to use it or here is fine too. This time of the year-people get so depressed and don't know why. Ah just give you big hugs guy, your still very much a part of this forum and I am glad to see you posting but I wish it was happy. Now get some of that hot cocoa sit back relax and know we love you!

This was going around fb today.

Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you have been trying to be strong for too long.
Put this on your status if you know someone who has or has had depression. Will you do it and leave it on your status for at least one hour? It's mental health week and 1 in 3 people suffer at some point in their lives. Show your support!
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maddogmikk 
Posted: 30-Jan-2011, 12:48 AM
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Hey wizard. I know were your coming from. Meds don't always help. I'm Bipolar-schizophrenic - with homicidal tendinitises. They doctors put me on meds and they helped for a little bet but after a awhile they made it worse. I spoke to me doc and found out that i am ok if i do not get to stressed out. When that happens it turns from bad to worst. Anywho after trying med after med raising lowing we found out that i was good off the meds. I'm not saying stop your meds what i am saying is try different things. Meds can make things worse. Meds are a added thing to are bodies so they can screw a lot up. So talk to your Doc and try things out. You never know. And know that you have friends here to help you if you need it.
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ElspethII 
Posted: 04-Feb-2011, 08:32 AM
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Hey WOL.... Been a while.

Sorry to hear you're still struggling. Yeah, I've known that dark beast myself and it just really sucks some days.

When you can, be proactive. Get exercise. Get SUNLIGHT! Lots of luck sometimes on that one, but check into different types of artificial lighting that simulates sunlight. Anything to naturally raise your serotonin levels. Eat well. Take care of yourself even when you don't feel like you can.

Definitely talk to your prescribing physician if your meds don't seem to be working. There are all kinds of meds out there. Science does not yet understand the brain chemistry that causes depression, so meds are trial and error. If what you have isn't working, talk to the doc.

One the worst features of depression is the guilt about being depressed. It is a symptom. Don't blame yourself. It is a chemical imbalance.

Be proud of yourself for every day you fight against the current and even get out of bed. I know how hard that can be sometimes.

And, if you haven't already done this, get information to really understand depression. Have you had your thyroid levels checked? Hypothyroidism can cause depressive symptoms. Make sure you have had a complete physical. Mind and body are intertwined.

And, get into counseling. And, get a good one. I'm sorry to say that there are a lot of less than empathetic people out there working in the counseling field. The fit between the client and counselor is key.

If you want to talk more specifically, send me a message.
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wildBonnie 
Posted: 06-Feb-2011, 03:33 AM
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I have suffered from depression- I have borderline schizophrenia (for those of you unfamiliar with the condition, that does not mean I have a split personality) and have had bouts of terrible depression.
Oddly I actually started to get better when I became aware of my condition. Becomeing aware of the fact that you feel depressed allows you to locate it and be objective, you can say; ok, i feel terrible, but IT WILL PASS and then I will feel better.
It's often difficult to see, but life is all swings and roundabouts, things always pick up.
Also, I strongly agree with Elspeth's advice; when you have realised it, take steps to counteract it, they're often difficult, but they're worth it. Change your rythm, sit in a different chair, go somewhere different, and get fresh air!

Depression is not an easy thing to get through, but you can get through it.
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WizardofOwls 
Posted: 06-Feb-2011, 07:51 PM
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Thanks for all of the great advice, everyone. I will try some of what you have said, but I'm not sure how much good it will do. I know the ultimate source of my depression, and there is nothing I can do about it, so I dont think my depression is going away any time soon. See, my problem is that I am HIV+. I have known for about a year now, and have been unable to shake the depression since then. It eases up at times for a little while, but it is always there. I dont know that my depression will ever go away... sad.gif
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haynes9 
Posted: 07-Feb-2011, 08:56 AM
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Hey old friend! I am so sorry to hear about your situation. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Friends don't forget each other during a time of need.

Sometimes depression can be dealt with when the future can be focused on instead of the present. You and I have discussed issues of faith n the past. I know we have a God Who knows the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:14a). He encourages me to cast all my care upon Him (I Peter 5:7). The word "casting" in the verse is, of course, an action verb. It is something we do on purpose. My problem is that often times when I cast my cares to him, I run over and take them back! My present may not be all I thought it would, but my future is glorious! I have a home with the King and I will see Him someday. I actually preached some on this subject in our Sunday night service. The Scripture in I John 3:2 has been a help to me and all who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior.

I'm not trying to be over simplistic, Wiz, but I would definitely cry out to God. He loves us with an unconditional love. When all around do not understand or care, He stands ready to help in a time of need.

Those who know me well on these forums know that I am a preacher. I'm not trying to give a theology lesson here. Looking at things from a spiritual dimension is part of the fabric of who I am. I know you already know this, Wiz. I just wanted to say this for others who might take a look at this post.

Take care and feel free to express your thoughts. Trust you will have better days ahead. Lord bless you. Mark



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The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him - Nahum 1:7 (KJV)
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Dogshirt 
Posted: 07-Feb-2011, 03:13 PM
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Hey Wiz,
I'll try this a second time. I just typed out a fairly long response, then hit something and deleted the whole thing! GRRRRR!

I am not a Dr., so the medical part is as I understand it. I may be wrong.
Clinical depression is generally caused by an imbalance of chemicals and are usually treated with drugs and or chemicals to restore the balance.
Depression due to problems and situations is different and may not respond to drug therapy.
The best way to overcome this form of depression is to talk with friends and family, to receive support from them, and with their help, get back to living our live the best we can.
I am in NO WAY minimalizing your problem, far from it. This is a very serious
situation, no doubt. But if one stands 6 inches from a tapestry or mosaic, all we see is a few threads or tiles. It is only when we step back that the beautiful patterns or pictures become clear.
So, know that you are not alone in this and seek out friends and family, accept
the help and support they offer, and hopefully you can see past this and get back to living your life. No, this will not go away, but live your life to the best of your ability.
I personally do not suffer from depression( I DO get bummed from time to time),
but my Daughter-in-law does. I found this article on foods (MMMMM FOOOD!)
that may help fight depression.

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/food...omote-happiness

I don't think I've covered EVERYTHING I typed earlier, but this is the most of it.
Know that we are hear and willing to listen and help as we can, let's see if WE can beat the depression.

Ed


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Rindy 
Posted: 07-Feb-2011, 07:26 PM
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Hi Wizard. I've been trying to grasp the idea of what you've told us and what to say. First your my friend you have been from day one and always will continue to be. You have a lot to deal with and I think what your feeling is normal.

You must live each day to the fullest and know your not alone. May be you could help those who could use your knowledge that you've gained by this. I feel very helpless at the moment but I want you to know that I am here for you. I hope I made sense. Keep us posted on what's going on please. ((Hugs))
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kylebru1 
Posted: 08-Mar-2011, 09:30 PM
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im sorry for what your going through, i suffer from some depression and a bit of anxiety. its gotten better but something that has helped me is religion ive found my way back to it. i told myself i wouldnt get on meds just bc i saw some of my friends become dependent on it and that scared me....i really hope you find your way and will send some prayers your way if thats ok
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tjbren 
Posted: 31-Dec-2011, 11:09 AM
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I wish I had been here when you first posted your note. But it seems as if you've gotten some good feedback from the people here.

Magnifying what one person stated, there is a difference between clinical depression and being very unhappy. I have suffered from clinical depression for decades. My life situation made sure the depression was fortified with profound sadness.

During the 1980s, I was an AIDS buddy when men with HIV and AIDS were being tossed out on the street. They were losing their jobs and living places, and at first, hospitals were even refusing to treat them when sick.

My best friend was one of the first in my state to succumb to AIDS complications. Because of him, I became a crusader of sorts. I was buying food and clothes for men that were forced to live in abandoned buildings because they were shunned.

I held many a man in my arms while he exhaled his last breath. Thank God that those days are over!!! My sadness may be gone, but the clinical depression required years of drug trials and decades of mentally slogging through knee-deep mud.

Exercise cannot be over emphasized, it is paramount to everyone's life, not just those of us that suffer from depression. Learning to live well with depression means re-learning how to think. Let me explain.

What we focus on counts. What we do and how we do it, makes a difference. I had to learn to focus on the light, not the darkness. I had to learn to invent reasons for waking up in the morning. I had to adjust the way I perceived the world. I had to change my life - in a big way.

My rock bottom came in 1980 when I spent a week in a coma after a suicide attempt. Some of my gay friends had already died of AIDS, and I could no longer stoically attend funerals while remaining in the closet. I came out to my family, friends, and co-workers.

Once I had that massive weight of my shoulders, I started refocusing on what was good and fun. I even changed the way I would do the thinking in my head. You know how when we think, we'll say to ourself something like; "I don't think that was..."

I changed the way I thought so that I would never use a negation or negative word. "I don't think..." became; "I think that..."

I wish became I will... 'I shouldn't have', became; 'What I will do next time is...'

No negative words, no negative thoughts, no negative verbalization. I never critizied anything. Not that I didn't give my opinion, I just did it in a way that did not use negative words. (The science of that is called neurolinguistic programming.)

It's damn tough at first. We're taught to find fault with all things, especially ourselves. But changing the language in your head, changes our focus - and THAT changes everything else.

I finally quit taking medication for depression. But changing the way you think is simply learning a new language - and learning a new language just takes time. There is no shortcut, it just takes time, patience, and LOTS of practice.

Hopefully, life is good again for you!
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jmparrish 
Posted: 20-Feb-2012, 10:21 PM
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Hi, Wizard! I've looked in this section of the forums before, but I only just saw your post today. I think it is very brave of you to open and start a conversation like this. I know it couldn't have been easy.

Depression has been a part of my life in many ways. Many people on both sides of the family have somore sort of depression, and I think I may have it. It is very hard, and it feels very hopeless. I have anxiety as well, and it is at its worst when I am tired (as a double major art/speech path. student, this is very frequent!) My best friend also has depression and anxiety, and it is something that we have both been dealing with since we were in high school. I can't count the number of times when she was having a anxiety attack after rehearsal or the days when we would just drift around school with no motivation or life. I hid my symptoms very differently than she did; even now, most of the people I know do not know what I deal with.

For me, my faith has been my rock. When I went away to university, it was all I had for the first semester. I was doing dangerous things to try to feel something, as I had grown numb to guilt and felt I was not going to do anything worthwhile in my life. The turning point came on what was both the worst and most influential night of my life. Long story aside, I came very close to losing my life in many ways. As I was driving back to campus (which was more than 3 hours fomr where I was), I cried and I prayed the entire time.

I would not have made it safely if I had been alone. Since then, I became involved in various activities and groups in my community, including the Catholic student parish that serves my university. I have met beautiful people there, and my relationshop with God has grown stronger each passing day. God was with me, and He is with you, too. I don't know what your spiritual life or theology is like, but I think we are all similar in the repect that we are connected to others on a level that transcends anything physical, social, cultural, etc. We all want to be happy, and we want to make others happy. Love does just that.

When life gets bleak and I feel exhausted, I go outside and I walk, run, or dance. I agree with the others who have posted that being active is incredibly important. Art is something powerful for me as well. When I feel my anxiety building, or when I feel that 'depressed' tired (it seems to be different from other tiredness), then I draw or I paint. They aren't pieces to be hung in the Lourve, as that is not the point. If you have any interest in art, or think it would be helpful to have a form of expression like it, I would highly recommend pursuing art therapy.

Sorry this is so long! I have a tendency to ramble. Keep smiling and do your best, and things will work out. They always do wink.gif
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mdeanm 
Posted: 26-Feb-2012, 12:50 PM
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Sorry to hear about your depression, and I add my voice that you are not alone in being affected with depression. Some questions though, are you in therapy? have some person(s) who is available for support when you need extra?

Just remember medication is one way of managing your symptoms but do meet with a psychiatrist to review how you are feeling and what can be done.

Good luck,
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