Although it's ancillary this is important. Also, it's crazy how good of an effect drinking lots of water has on you. We hear that all the time but I was well into middle age before I started practicing it, wish I had started the habit sooner.Eating the right food will help you manage your depression, and indulging in the wrong food have the opposite effect.
Not sure what you have tried so far, but if you haven't already, maybe think about trying CBT?Just when you think you are in the clear
it sneaks up on you without any warning.
My diet sucksAlthough it's ancillary this is important. Also, it's crazy how good of an effect drinking lots of water has on you. We hear that all the time but I was well into middle age before I started practicing it, wish I had started the habit sooner.
But of primary importance is getting treatment.
Exactly me not too many years ago. I was amazed how much it impacted me.My diet sucks
I know i don't drink much water but never considered the effects.
That's a half gallon.Exactly me not too many years ago. I was amazed how much it impacted me.
Water helps in a number of ways to optimize body functions. Think about it - our bodies are 60% water and blood is 90% water. When we get more oxygen into our bodies at a cellular level, you'll feel way more energetic.
Drinking enough water helps to regulate body temperature and provides essential lubrication for every joint. It enables the body to get rid of waste products and toxins.
There's like a dozen different things that just work better when you drink a lot of water. Here in the states we often hear 8 ounce glasses 8 times a day (1 gallon per day), but opinions vary.
But def try drinking more than you are used to, and make a conscientious effort to keep the new habit up for 3-4 weeks. You'll be hooked for life.
But why? This is something I don't understand much--and please know thats not a dig at all. I get it but I don't get it. My wife goes through this sometimes and I try to tell her to not be depressed, like that does any good at all.Just when you think you are in the clear
it sneaks up on you without any warning.
I've been reading a lot about gut bacteria and it's relation to depression. I'm convinced sugar is the devil and responsible for a lot of mood swings. I find I feel better when I'm eating clean. Stay away from bread, sweets and fried foods if you can.Buck Bradcanon said:What are the right foods to eat? I'm assuming just means eating healthy, fruits..vegetables..lots of water, but if different I'll take a link!
It isn’t necessarily due to a trigger - when it is, it’s called reactive depression or an adjustment disorder. But that’s not how most depression works.supermike80 said:But why? This is something I don't understand much--and please know thats not a dig at all. I get it but I don't get it. My wife goes through this sometimes and I try to tell her to not be depressed, like that does any good at all.
Is it your work? Home? Something else? What do you think causes it? How do you make it stop?
Perfect. Many thanks GB.I've been reading a lot about gut bacteria and it's relation to depression. I'm convinced sugar is the devil and responsible for a lot of mood swings. I find I feel better when I'm eating clean. Stay away from bread, sweets and fried foods if you can.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/02/evidence-mounts-gut-bacteria-can-influence-mood-prevent-depression
You can find lots of ideas for foods and diets that will help your gut online. I did a gut cleanse and definitely felt better.
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/best-foods-for-gut-health/
I've battled depression my entire life. It never goes away completely. It just hides enough to let you seem normal for long periods of time. About 3 months ago it hit me hard. Like, really hard. I went and talked with a therapist. That helps me. It's almost like just saying the words out loud get the bad out. After 3 weeks, I was back to as normal as I usually am.Just when you think you are in the clear
it sneaks up on you without any warning.
Right. All that makes sense, even if I don't get it. I wouldn;t think telling my wife to just get over it would work.....It isn’t necessarily due to a trigger - when it is, it’s called reactive depression or an adjustment disorder. But that’s not how most depression works.
One of my ex-GF described it as a cloud which hung over her. She couldn’t explain why it was there or how long it would remain, but it just added darkness to her day. She couldn’t even think of things in a positive manner, as her neurotransmitters were derailing any good thoughts. It didn’t matter that superficially everything seemed to be going well.
Telling someone not to depressed is not likely to help. Emotions are not rational or easily controlled. Agree with others that taking care of oneself by eating well and exercising are important, as is keeping socially engaged, avoiding substance/alcohol use and seeking a therapist before things get too bad.
Thanks mate. I was put on a new ADD meds and the side effects make me throw up. I can hardly function without them though.I've battled depression my entire life. It never goes away completely. It just hides enough to let you seem normal for long periods of time. About 3 months ago it hit me hard. Like, really hard. I went and talked with a therapist. That helps me. It's almost like just saying the words out loud get the bad out. After 3 weeks, I was back to as normal as I usually am.
No one understands depression like someone who suffers from it. And that's not a slight against those trying to help you. It's just a pain you can't describe. If you ever need to vent, GB, shoot me a PM. Hopefully you get through this rough patch quickly.
I take Ritalin LA 40mg. Just like you, without them I'm useless.Thanks mate. I was put on a new ADD meds and the side effects make me throw up. I can hardly function without them though.
For me, there is usually a stressor that triggers it, but the only way to make it stop is some kind of break in the cycle.But why? This is something I don't understand much--and please know thats not a dig at all. I get it but I don't get it. My wife goes through this sometimes and I try to tell her to not be depressed, like that does any good at all.
Is it your work? Home? Something else? What do you think causes it? How do you make it stop?
I've found that people who don't suffer from depression don't and can't fully understand the physical manifestations of depression. Specifically, how much it saps your energy and that there are full days where it feels like an almost insurmountable burden to get physically going.For me, there is usually a stressor that triggers it, but the only way to make it stop is some kind of break in the cycle.
Since stress seems to be omnipresent, it is hard to determine the exact starting point, but it can start to have a snowball effect: initial depression leads to poor activity levels which lead to poor habits which lead to low achievement which leads to more stress which leads to more depression. If something doesn't break that cycle, it can spiral really quick.
I usually need to have like a half day where I sleep more and workout or just a full day off (usually like a Saturday or Sunday). Sometimes just a good evening of relaxation with some exercise and something fun and then a good nights sleep can pull me out.
The problem is, those neuropathways are so entrenched that it doesn't take much to fall back into the ruts.
Good point, the physical part is just strange. I have like zero energy and all I want to do is sleep or watch TV.Gary Coal Man said:I've found that people who don't suffer from depression don't and can't fully understand the physical manifestations of depression. Specifically, how much it saps your energy and that there are full days where it feels like an almost insurmountable burden to get physically going.
And then that lethargy often compounds the depression because you feel like you're not getting necessary stuff accomplished, you're a loser as result, and you become even more depressed. Can be such a devastating cycle.
I always hate when people say "Why don't you get up and do something? That might help your depression." But like you said, that depression is exhausting.Gary Coal Man said:I've found that people who don't suffer from depression don't and can't fully understand the physical manifestations of depression. Specifically, how much it saps your energy and that there are full days where it feels like an almost insurmountable burden to get physically going.
And then that lethargy often compounds the depression because you feel like you're not getting necessary stuff accomplished, you're a loser as result, and you become even more depressed. Can be such a devastating cycle.
Honestly many factors. I actually almost started this thread multiple times as people in my family and some friends have dealt with this. As have I to varying degrees.But why? This is something I don't understand much--and please know thats not a dig at all. I get it but I don't get it. My wife goes through this sometimes and I try to tell her to not be depressed, like that does any good at all.
Is it your work? Home? Something else? What do you think causes it? How do you make it stop?
For me, I experience depression as a lack of joy in anything coupled with a hopelessness that it will ever get better.There are a lot of very accurate descriptions of depression here. I have found that not everyone experiences it the same; or for the same reasons.
You are doing the right thing by taking it seriously.My son (just finished freshman year of college) is struggling with this. I'm mostly lost in what to say or do. 2nd semester grades were horrible (worst grades ever) and he led us to believe everything was fine when we talked to him throughout the semester. We didn't know the truth until he moved home and we got the grades. We're scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist and I hope we can at least learn how to manage it sooner rather than later. I feel kind of helpless so I can only imagine how bad he is feeling...
No for my son. In fact, my son is very introverted and has a difficult time making friends (guys or girls) and I wonder if that has played at least a small part in this.Nipsey said:Curious if @PlayaHata's son or @Man of Constant Sorrow went though a big break-up just before they hit that rough patch?
Thanks. This sounds similar to my son minus the partying. Apparently he spent a good part of the semester in his room, not going to classes, not talking to anyone. And his second semester WAS essentially a fail - he'll have retake 3 of 5 classes. I'm just going to try to emphasize to him that he needs to be completely honest with the psychiatrist as to what he is struggling with so that he can get the right kind of help, whatever it ends up being.Man of Constant Sorrow said:You are doing the right thing by taking it seriously.
I had my 1st episode during my freshman year at college - away from home. I managed to do ok the first semester, but the 2nd would have been a fail if not for a doctor's note. Even though I got the note, I was never treated. They attributed it to an acute panic episode - nothing to worry about.
At the time, I had no clue what was going on. I just thought I had partied too much. It was not until years later, that a pattern began to become clear. At that point, I could trace things back to even grade school.
By tackling this head on - right now - you are giving your son and your family an amazing head start. Just be prepared for some denial - from lots of sides. It can take a while to see things clearly after such an episode.
PM me if you want. I don't mind sharing if it could help.
EDIT: By "denial", I don't mean lying. I mean unable to clearly see.
Wow - in regards to me, you hit the note.Nipsey said:Curious if @PlayaHata's son or @Man of Constant Sorrow went though a big break-up just before they hit that rough patch?
Since I am bipolar, I fluctuated between extreme isolation and extreme socialization - so - I can only partly understand from personal experience.Thanks. This sounds similar to my son minus the partying. Apparently he spent a good part of the semester in his room, not going to classes, not talking to anyone. And his second semester WAS essentially a fail - he'll have retake 3 of 5 classes. I'm just going to try to emphasize to him that he needs to be completely honest with the psychiatrist as to what he is struggling with so that he can get the right kind of help, whatever it ends up being.
I think it's pretty common. I have a friend and a family member whose illnesses were triggered by a breakup/divorce.How did you guess, Nipsey?
I've been through many therapists and only see a psychiatrist now. How would a move affect your immediate family? How old are you? How much money would you need to make per month to stay put or to move to each location (don't worry about monthly retirement savings in this number)?I've got a kind of convoluted problem and am hoping I can get an answer either from a health professional on this board -or- at least some opinions from anyone that has experience with the following.
Background: I suffer from depression -- perhaps it is not as severe as some of the posters or relatives that have previously posted but still significant. I know what the problem is and am getting help for it, typically with a therapist but I will also be seeing a psychiatrist that my therapist is affiliated with in the very near future. My issue is that I feel like I'm stuck in a rut where I'm totally isolated and don't know how to get out of my situation. I've worked for many years in a very specialized field which doesn't give me satisfaction any longer -- I'm too old to change fields and I no longer care about the area that I live in at all (because of many things including significant loneliness). Add in alcoholism which makes the depression worse. There are 2 options I'm considering but am not sure the best way to achieve either: (1) move back to where I grew up where I have family and friends that I care about <-- problem being that there aren't jobs anywhere close which would necessitate my specialization. (2) my company has a division down south where I know the sunshine would do me mental good <-- problem being that I would still feel isolated since I won't know anyone there.
There is a possibility that I could (1) stay at the same job, move back home, and simply telecommute but this would necessitate an OK from HR which I would doubt would like to set this precedent with an employee, and (2) ask for a transfer down south where I could at least get a new start and sunshine. Background over.
_______________________
Questions regarding my upcoming visit with the psychiatrist:
(1) If a psychiatrist were to give a written recommendation that I move (home or south) would this be something that, having shown my company the recommendation, could make it much more likely for a favorable result for either of the above two options?
(2) Would a psychiatrist even consider making that kind of a recommendation?
(3) If both of the above are 'yes', how would I even ask/get the psychiatrist to make that kind of recommendation without the psychiatrist feeling like I'm "using him" and possibly making it less likely for me to get that kind of recommendation? It is true that my brother will be remotely taking part via telecon, and he can state my depression stems from isolation and thinks I need to move but the question remains: would a psychiatrist even make that kind of recommendation?
Any thoughts? TIA