May I babble for a moment?

[DavidMn]

I needed to get this off my chest. I hope I make sense. I've been dealing with depression relating to having some childhood problems, and it's really effecting the way I live. When I was younger I spent alot of time shuttling to Special ed schools because of my ADD. It was pretty bad, I took all sorts of meds back then. As a result I had very few friends growing up because I was always going to school away from where I lived. This is one of the reasons Fleetwood Mac and Stevie mean so much to me. It's also been really hard because I've up until eariler this year, I lived at home. I always paid rent to my mother and Stepdad, but I grew up in a comfort zone, and I hated the idea of getting out of it. It's been reall hard for me to figure out what the real world means because of this. Not an excuse, that's just the way it is. I have absolutely no idea about money, and the only thing that's sustained me the last few years besides work, is the fact that I've been able to enjoy Stevie and Fleetwood Mac to the extent that I have. Unfortunately, this has led to some irresponsible decisions with regards to concerts and the like. I just wish I could get rid of the constant up and down feelings that I have. For example, I felt great when I was out on the road seeing Stevie, but now the Chickens are coming home to roost as they say. I want to make it clear I'm not blaming anyone for what's happened to me, I'm sure people have it alot worse, but I just wish I could be on mroe of an even keel. Sometimes I feel llike I'm the only person in the world that deals with this, and I dont want to wind up in the psyche ward after a suicide attempt like I did last year. If anyone else has dealt with these things, I would appriciate shairing if you feel likt it. Thank you, and I'm sorry if I shared too much information. It's just that I'm really tired of living like this, and I want to become a better person, and I figured this might be a good place to start :angel:

[MoonChilde]

I needed to get this off my chest. I hope I make sense. I've been dealing with depression relating to having some childhood problems, and it's really effecting the way I live. When I was younger I spent alot of time shuttling to Special ed schools because of my ADD. It was pretty bad, I took all sorts of meds back then. As a result I had very few friends growing up because I was always going to school away from where I lived. This is one of the reasons Fleetwood Mac and Stevie mean so much to me. It's also been really hard because I've up until eariler this year, I lived at home. I always paid rent to my mother and Stepdad, but I grew up in a comfort zone, and I hated the idea of getting out of it. It's been reall hard for me to figure out what the real world means because of this. Not an excuse, that's just the way it is. I have absolutely no idea about money, and the only thing that's sustained me the last few years besides work, is the fact that I've been able to enjoy Stevie and Fleetwood Mac to the extent that I have. Unfortunately, this has led to some irresponsible decisions with regards to concerts and the like. I just wish I could get rid of the constant up and down feelings that I have. For example, I felt great when I was out on the road seeing Stevie, but now the Chickens are coming home to roost as they say. I want to make it clear I'm not blaming anyone for what's happened to me, I'm sure people have it alot worse, but I just wish I could be on mroe of an even keel. Sometimes I feel llike I'm the only person in the world that deals with this, and I dont want to wind up in the psyche ward after a suicide attempt like I did last year. If anyone else has dealt with these things, I would appriciate shairing if you feel likt it. Thank you, and I'm sorry if I shared too much information. It's just that I'm really tired of living like this, and I want to become a better person, and I figured this might be a good place to start :angel:
Dear David..
First off let me say I am sorry you feeling this way..and to let you know you are not alone. Sometimes I feel like I am on a roller coaster ride of emotions..I guess its all part of this thing called life.but sometimes I have to fight very hard not to sink into the pit of depression that so many face.
I too had lots of ups and downs in childhood..well more downs than ups really..I lost my parents when I was 12 and my life went into a tail spin for years after.and I still deal with things that are a by product of all the events afterward.My philosphy is to say to myself this too shall pass and whatever I have gone through has only helped to make me a stronger person.
You sound like a very kind person and perhaps you could use some of your insights and troubles in your life in a positive way..Maybe you could help others who face depression or isolation, or just need someone to share with..By doing something positive (Karma) you also reap the rewards.Find something that makes your heart smile.(besides something that takes alot of money or planning etc) painting ,drawing , writing, etc etc....

I am a big believer in letting go of the past and living in the moment.you can not change the past and since none of us know what tomorrow will bring ,i try to concentrate on the here and now.Not sure if I have been any help to you as i have a diffuclt time expressing exactly what I am trying to convey..but just know that you are not alone and I wish you peace..

[DavidMn]

Dear David..
First off let me say I am sorry you feeling this way..and to let you know you are not alone. Sometimes I feel like I am on a roller coaster ride of emotions..I guess its all part of this thing called life.but sometimes I have to fight very hard not to sink into the pit of depression that so many face.
I too had lots of ups and downs in childhood..well more downs than ups really..I lost my parents when I was 12 and my life went into a tail spin for years after.and I still deal with things that are a by product of all the events afterward.My philosphy is to say to myself this too shall pass and whatever I have gone through has only helped to make me a stronger person.
You sound like a very kind person and perhaps you could use some of your insights and troubles in your life in a positive way..Maybe you could help others who face depression or isolation, or just need someone to share with..By doing something positive (Karma) you also reap the rewards.Find something that makes your heart smile.(besides something that takes alot of money or planning etc) painting ,drawing , writing, etc etc....

I am a big believer in letting go of the past and living in the moment.you can not change the past and since none of us know what tomorrow will bring ,i try to concentrate on the here and now.Not sure if I have been any help to you as i have a diffuclt time expressing exactly what I am trying to convey..but just know that you are not alone and I wish you peace..
Wow, thsnk you so much for the kind words, it's very touching. I hoped my honesty wouldnt offend anyone. It's really hard for me to let go of the past for some reason, but I know I need to do it, or else It wont be good. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring enough to respond. :angel:

[DavidMn]

Believe me, when the day comes that I'm free from this hell, it will be the best day of my life. Thank god for Stevie :)

[HomerMcvie]

My Mom was from the tough love school. If I'd tell her I was depressed, she'd just say, "get over it!". Now, I do think there's something to this:
I've never taken a med for anything other than a headache, although I have a few friends that do take mood altering meds. I think everyone, within their own self, has to find a way to make peace with what they are given to work with. In other words, just make the BEST of every day you are given. You can wake up and be negative about everything, or find a positive light that shines on everything you do(and "I" don't mean religion- at least not for me! :rolleyes: - but if that works for you.....okay).
I know it's easy to type the words, but I think we HAVE a choice in how we approach the world. Don't dwell on the negative. :)

[DavidMn]

My Mom was from the tough love school. If I'd tell her I was depressed, she'd just say, "get over it!". Now, I do think there's something to this:
I've never taken a med for anything other than a headache, although I have a few friends that do take mood altering meds. I think everyone, within their own self, has to find a way to make peace with what they are given to work with. In other words, just make the BEST of every day you are given. You can wake up and be negative about everything, or find a positive light that shines on everything you do(and "I" don't mean religion- at least not for me! :rolleyes: - but if that works for you.....okay).
I know it's easy to type the words, but I think we HAVE a choice in how we approach the world. Don't dwell on the negative. :)
I appriciate the sincereity. Thank you, I'm working on it believe me. :thumbsup:

[gldstwmn]

I appriciate the sincereity. Thank you, I'm working on it believe me. :thumbsup:

What Homer said is very true. But don't let it go too far, dear. You are not alone, none of us are. If the situation persists, you might want to talk to your doctor about what your options are.
Be well. :angel:

[lbelle1214]

I needed to get this off my chest. I hope I make sense. I've been dealing with depression relating to having some childhood problems, and it's really effecting the way I live. When I was younger I spent alot of time shuttling to Special ed schools because of my ADD. It was pretty bad, I took all sorts of meds back then. As a result I had very few friends growing up because I was always going to school away from where I lived. This is one of the reasons Fleetwood Mac and Stevie mean so much to me. It's also been really hard because I've up until eariler this year, I lived at home. I always paid rent to my mother and Stepdad, but I grew up in a comfort zone, and I hated the idea of getting out of it. It's been reall hard for me to figure out what the real world means because of this. Not an excuse, that's just the way it is. I have absolutely no idea about money, and the only thing that's sustained me the last few years besides work, is the fact that I've been able to enjoy Stevie and Fleetwood Mac to the extent that I have. Unfortunately, this has led to some irresponsible decisions with regards to concerts and the like. I just wish I could get rid of the constant up and down feelings that I have. For example, I felt great when I was out on the road seeing Stevie, but now the Chickens are coming home to roost as they say. I want to make it clear I'm not blaming anyone for what's happened to me, I'm sure people have it alot worse, but I just wish I could be on mroe of an even keel. Sometimes I feel llike I'm the only person in the world that deals with this, and I dont want to wind up in the psyche ward after a suicide attempt like I did last year. If anyone else has dealt with these things, I would appriciate shairing if you feel likt it. Thank you, and I'm sorry if I shared too much information. It's just that I'm really tired of living like this, and I want to become a better person, and I figured this might be a good place to start :angel:

More people share this problem than you know....most are just afraid to share. My life is, has been, and probably always will be...an open book. I've dealt with major depressive episodes since I was 16. Valium does not work...they thought it did back then...30 yrs ago. Attempted suicide once, and it has definitely crossed my mind many times since. You are not alone. In 2000, I voluntarily admitted to a psych hospital after a major event in my life. During those four days I learned a lot about myself...and suprisingly enough...to laugh again. However, I was placed on antidepressants, which only dulled any emotion that I had...if I wanted to cry, I couldn't. If I wanted to sing, it was like 'what's the use'. I recently got off all medications in January. They made me so numb, so useless, so fat, so without a personality that I couldn't stand myself anymore. Now I laugh until I cry...I can feel again! Yes, there is still pain. But you must learn how to cope, how to fight for your own life...and most of all, how to love you, in spite of yourself. I used to worry about everything...what people thought about me...how I kept my house...NEVER AGAIN! You are the only person who has to live with YOU, if that makes sense. Let your conscience be your guide...if you spent a little too much $$ on concerts...didn't we all? I depleted my savings, everything! Sacrified so much just to be there. But that is what made ME happy at the moment, my husband understood, and it didn't hurt anybody! The memories of the last few months I will cherish for the rest of my life! You only go around once (we think!)...be kind to others...find happiness in yourself, or nobody else will...take every opportunity to laugh and to love and to reach out to those who need much, but ask little. And if you ever need to vent or to talk, I'm willing to listen...as I'm sure many here will... :xoxo: :angel:

[lbelle1214]

I've never had a single thing wrong with me nor had anything go wrong for me. I'm so happy.

YOU are just special! :xoxo: Sorry, maybe I don't know you well enough for that :o

[GypsyNomad]

I needed to get this off my chest. I hope I make sense. I've been dealing with depression relating to having some childhood problems, and it's really effecting the way I live. When I was younger I spent alot of time shuttling to Special ed schools because of my ADD. It was pretty bad, I took all sorts of meds back then. As a result I had very few friends growing up because I was always going to school away from where I lived. This is one of the reasons Fleetwood Mac and Stevie mean so much to me. It's also been really hard because I've up until eariler this year, I lived at home. I always paid rent to my mother and Stepdad, but I grew up in a comfort zone, and I hated the idea of getting out of it. It's been reall hard for me to figure out what the real world means because of this. Not an excuse, that's just the way it is. I have absolutely no idea about money, and the only thing that's sustained me the last few years besides work, is the fact that I've been able to enjoy Stevie and Fleetwood Mac to the extent that I have. Unfortunately, this has led to some irresponsible decisions with regards to concerts and the like. I just wish I could get rid of the constant up and down feelings that I have. For example, I felt great when I was out on the road seeing Stevie, but now the Chickens are coming home to roost as they say. I want to make it clear I'm not blaming anyone for what's happened to me, I'm sure people have it alot worse, but I just wish I could be on mroe of an even keel. Sometimes I feel llike I'm the only person in the world that deals with this, and I dont want to wind up in the psyche ward after a suicide attempt like I did last year. If anyone else has dealt with these things, I would appriciate shairing if you feel likt it. Thank you, and I'm sorry if I shared too much information. It's just that I'm really tired of living like this, and I want to become a better person, and I figured this might be a good place to start :angel:

Dear David,
I couldn't believe it when i read your post because i've feeling the same way lately. You're not alone though, i had a pretty rocky childhood as well. I'm not really one to share too much personal info, but i believe venting every now & then helps. ~I didn't have much luck w/ friends growing up either, we moved alot, so i was always the new kid. This all started around age 10 & got worse as i got older. Beisides my father being the "mother-of-all-assholes" & never paying a dime in child support, i was mentally & verbally abused by family members, aunts & believe it or not my own grandmother tortured me & my sister all the time :distress: It aint easy being told your "nothing" or "worthless" on a daily basis. I was a nightmare in highschool because of the way i was treated... no one wanted to deal with me, they were afraid the bomb would go off, so to speak. College life has been pretty good to me, except for the "friends" part. My school is very competitive, i got an A in my one class, & my "friends" were like, "Well, your her favorite...." & then they purposely left every day w/o me for our lunch break, so i always ate alone. The same crap we put up w/ in highschool never seems to go away :(

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with things right now. You're a better person for just opening up a little. Life is scary, i never know what i'm doing, but i do know what i want for myself (if that makes any sense) So you have to figure out what you want, whats going to make you happy & whole again. In time, things will come into full circle, but you have to be positive about it & never give up, no matter what others say. If your bummed & ever want to talk, i'm here :angel: ~Carei

[Moony]

My Mom was from the tough love school. If I'd tell her I was depressed, she'd just say, "get over it!". Now, I do think there's something to this:
I've never taken a med for anything other than a headache, although I have a few friends that do take mood altering meds. I think everyone, within their own self, has to find a way to make peace with what they are given to work with. In other words, just make the BEST of every day you are given. You can wake up and be negative about everything, or find a positive light that shines on everything you do(and "I" don't mean religion- at least not for me! :rolleyes: - but if that works for you.....okay).
I know it's easy to type the words, but I think we HAVE a choice in how we approach the world. Don't dwell on the negative. :)
But Homer, some people get so depressed that they cannot function correctly. Telling them to "get over it," employing the tough love, will not help at all. I think, for the most part, you're right about everyone having a choice. But there are cases where the person doesn't have that, and can't control their emotions, thoughts, etc.

[Moony]

That's ok, I'll take it anyway, thankyou. I am special, but maybe not for my previous post. More special in the sense that few who exist in my life have been quite as worthy of a bed in the mental hospital as I have, basically from birth to present.
You're special (special!) So special (special!) You've gotta have some of his, attention...baby...

whoops, sorry

[HomerMcvie]

But Homer, some people get so depressed that they cannot function correctly. Telling them to "get over it," employing the tough love, will not help at all. I think, for the most part, you're right about everyone having a choice. But there are cases where the person doesn't have that, and can't control their emotions, thoughts, etc.
I didn't say "get over it" would help. I SAID, that's what "I" was told, and that it worked for me.
I don't pretend to understand deep depression. But, everyone's life, isn't always a bowl of cherries. Sometimes, it's a bowl of lemons.

I make lemonade, quite often. I like lemonade. :wavey:

[HomerMcvie]

I think that's a good philosophy for some but also not realistic for others and ignorant to their situation to say to not dwell on the negative (not to imply that you personally are ignorant).
I went to a dinner, about 5 years ago, of my closest high school friends(all but one of which, I hadn't seen for several years). We were always the artsy- fartsy, somewhat snobby, heavy-partying group. I think, of twelve or thirteen of us, that three of us were the only ones NOT on meds for depression!!! I was dumbfounded! As I said in my previous post, I'm most certainly not claiming to understand deep depression, but I feel that sometimes claiming such, is just, maybe, a cop-out.
Is it that hard to find positivity? I guess so, but not for me.... :xoxo:

[HomerMcvie]

Sometimes it's a bowl of funnel web spiders.

:wavey: I make blisters every day. I like blisters.
I only make blisters when I go too fast..............nevermind. :lol: :lol: :sorry:

[Moony]

As I said in my previous post, I'm most certainly not claiming to understand deep depression, but I feel that sometimes claiming such, is just, maybe, a cop-out.
Is it that hard to find positivity? I guess so, but not for me.... :xoxo:
Well, good for you, Homer. I'm glad you never felt you had to, ah, "cop-out."

[HomerMcvie]

Well, good for you, Homer. I'm glad you never felt you had to, ah, "cop-out."
I've said that I don't understand deep depression. I'm sorry if that possibly offends you. Best wishes to you. :xoxo:

[Moony]

I've said that I don't understand deep depression. I'm sorry if that possibly offends you. Best wishes to you. :xoxo:
You say you don't understand deep depression, but then you make asinine comments about how it is a "cop-out." That's what offends Homer. You can keep your patronizing little kissy smiley to yourself, thanks.

[HomerMcvie]

Wow.
I guess an apology won't do. I've said that I don't understand your plight, and the kissy was meant to let you know that my wishes for you both, were the best, but that wasn't taken well either. Sometimes you reap what you sew.
Goodnight.

[amber]

but I feel that sometimes claiming such, is just, maybe, a cop-out.

..........

[HomerMcvie]

I know you wished us well but it's the classic friendly smiley at the end of an insulting post thing that is sometimes spoken about here, you can't be surprised that we were insulted simply because you tagged it on.
Perhaps we should get rid of the smileys. They're meant to help with words being misconstrued, but clearly, the meaning is lost. At least in this instance, they are.

I'm hoping that when you said "you reap what you sew" that you were referring to your posts here and not depression. I'll take it you were.
I meant it's a two-way street. My good intentions, and depression ignorance, were met with very harsh words. I was simply being honest. That's all.
I've stood up for you on several occasions, Lux. Best of luck to you.

[HomerMcvie]

Are you a weak individual?

[Moony]

I meant it's a two-way street. My good intentions, and depression ignorance, were met with very harsh words. I was simply being honest. That's all.
I've stood up for you on several occasions, Lux. Best of luck to you.
And you were surprised? Claiming that a disease many people suffer from is, essentially, fake, is supposed to generate understanding from those very people you put down? Don't come here telling me depression is a "cop-out" when you know jack **** about it.

Anyway, best of luck to you.

[HomerMcvie]

What's that got to do with anything?
You implied it. And accused me of implying it. I was simply wondering your opinion.

[HomerMcvie]

And you were surprised? Claiming that a disease many people suffer from is, essentially, fake, is supposed to generate understanding from those very people you put down? Don't come here telling me depression is a "cop-out" when you know jack **** about it.
I guess I was assuming I was dealing with people who were on an even keel. I apologize. I was clearly wrong, and again, apologize.

[Moony]

I guess I was assuming I was dealing with people who were on an even keel. I apologize. I was clearly wrong, and again, apologize.
You're a smug bastard.

I'm just being honest. That's all.

[BombaySapphire3]

needed to get this off my chest. I hope I make sense. I've been dealing with depression relating to having some childhood problems, and it's really effecting the way I live. When I was younger I spent alot of time shuttling to Special ed schools because of my ADD. It was pretty bad, I took all sorts of meds back then. I heard a statistic that 70% of adult men do not outgrow alll the symptoms of ADD .I had and have ADHD pretty badly myself and was diagnosed at 7 and put on ritalin.There is a newer drug called Strartera that might work well for adults .I have some revervations about trying it though.

[gldstwmn]

I went to a dinner, about 5 years ago, of my closest high school friends(all but one of which, I hadn't seen for several years). We were always the artsy- fartsy, somewhat snobby, heavy-partying group. I think, of twelve or thirteen of us, that three of us were the only ones NOT on meds for depression!!! I was dumbfounded! As I said in my previous post, I'm most certainly not claiming to understand deep depression, but I feel that sometimes claiming such, is just, maybe, a cop-out.
Is it that hard to find positivity? I guess so, but not for me.... :xoxo:

I've often wondered if the amount and types of drugs "we" took in the 70's is in direct correlation to depression?
I digress.

[gldstwmn]

I guess I was assuming I was dealing with people who were on an even keel.

Oh, come on Homer. That's low. :distress:

[HomerMcvie]

Oh, come on Homer. That's low. :distress:
Did you read all their posts? And my repeated, unaccepted, apologies?
Low perhaps, but I feel it's accurate. And that's my honest opinion. That is all.

[lbelle1214]

I guess I was assuming I was dealing with people who were on an even keel. I apologize. I was clearly wrong, and again, apologize.

Come on now...that's just wrong. If you're sorry, just say so without the strategically placed, implied insult. You know that the people you are speaking with deal with depression and whether or not you have experienced it, or understand it...should just well, leave you without comment. Some of us are honestly trying to help someone...don't turn this into a pissing contest. :distress:

[HomerMcvie]

I've often wondered if the amount and types of drugs "we" took in the 70's is in direct correlation to depression?
I digress.
I don't know. We were mostly drinkers. And the whole gist of my post, that got blown waaaay out of proprotion, was that I found it hard to believe that 80%! of my high school clique NEEDED mood altering meds when they were 30.
80%? C'mon. What's wrong with that?

[amber]

I don't know. We were mostly drinkers. And the whole gist of my post, that got blown waaaay out of proprotion, was that I found it hard to believe that 80%! of my high school clique NEEDED mood altering meds when they were 30.
80%? C'mon. What's wrong with that?
That does seem a high percentage, but in a lot of places that's the norm. :shrug: It's hard to say if they're overprescribed. I suspect they are, a bit, but if they are doing good for the people they are prescribed for, who's to say?
But - I went to my doctor for my knee, and mentioned that I was trying to quit smoking, and that I heard wellbutrin helped. Voila! she wrote a prescription. When I asked her about, you know, is this right for me? What are the other mental effects? She said "I'm not a psychiatrist, I have no idea about that, but it has been proven to help people quit addictions" Hmmm...that was a little too easy, yeah? :shocked:

Anyway, DavidMN, I agree with GDW - Perhaps you can work with your health care professionals to come up with a medication or other tools that work for you. I think many of us have gone through some aspect of the feelings you are experiencing, and I wish you the best in dealing with it. :)

Also, Homie, I thought your initial post was blown out of proportion, as well. It didn't seem to me you were talking about anyone on this board, only that the high percentage of your buddies who took antidepressants led you to think that maybe, sometimes (key words here, people) it might be a cop out. Not that you thought it was a cop out for anyone here. Again, I think the inclusion of "maybe" and "sometimes" more than qualified your statement. It's probably true that there are some people on meds who might not need them. :shrug: As to your later statements, no comment.

P.S. a note about wellbutrin...I have suddenly become much more productive. I've been cleaning and throwing out everything I didn't need. I feel like my emotional energy is not being drained at all, that I can just go about my tasks with little effort. I also felt very focused, in class.
Before, I used to procrastinate more than I should've, because everything seemed "so hard" to me. :p I don't really feel that way now. I think I feel a bit more confident, too. But I had trouble sleeping last night, so I might cut my dosage a bit.
Anyway, I didn't really think I had many problems before, I knew that I was easily emotionally drained, but no big deal. I have to say, though, I do feel better. :shrug: Anyway, it's only been a week, and that's just what is happening to me. Thought I'd share, though.

[SuzeQuze]

I don't know. We were mostly drinkers. And the whole gist of my post, that got blown waaaay out of proprotion, was that I found it hard to believe that 80%! of my high school clique NEEDED mood altering meds when they were 30.
80%? C'mon. What's wrong with that?

Well, there are theories that people who flock to booze are self-medicating for something. I know that was the case for me in high school. I needed something to make me feel better and no one was helping me. Now that your friends are adults it sounds like they've maybe found better ways of coping. Also, sensitive people are attracted to the arts and may be more vulnerable to mental illness.

Some depression is intrinsic. It is not brought on by any life event, you are born with it. Or at least a predisposition to it. Now say you have this predisposition and you grow up in an abusive household? You have depression through no fault of your own. Yes, you can think your way out of mild and even moderate depression sometimes. But the more severe cases require treatment.

People who seek help and go on meds are actually stronger than those who don't. They actually deal with their issues. Might there be some people who abuse the meds and do not help themselves? Yes, and they give others a bad rap. Most people are just trying to get through their lives with some kind of enjoyment of it. Imagine getting pleasure out of nothing.

I know you didn't intend to hurt anyone's feelings but the types of comments that you've made are the types that keep depressed people from talking about it or getting treatment. I mean, imagine telling a diabetic to just will away their problem with blood sugar? Depression is a disease.

[dissention]

I know you didn't intend to hurt anyone's feelings but the types of comments that you've made are the types that keep depressed people from talking about it or getting treatment. I mean, imagine telling a diabetic to just will away their problem with blood sugar? Depression is a disease.

Heck no. I'd tell them to take vitamins and read the works of L. Ron Hubbard. :p :laugh:

[SuzeQuze]

Heck no. I'd tell them to take vitamins and read the works of L. Ron Hubbard. :p :laugh:

Good lord, stay the hell away from depressed people! ;)

[amber]

Great post, Suze. However, I don't think that depression is always a disease. I think there are other health factors that contribute to low serotonin, depression, etc. For instance, we know that exercise creates endorphins and elevates mood. We know that if you don't feed your body properly, that your brain will not have the proper fuel to run at it's best. Sometimes changes in this direction can go a long way towards helping someone feel better.

And for instance we know that low blood sugar contributes to light headedness, fatigue, short temper, decreased memory recall. Isn't that a change in brain chemistry? But you can mostly fix that by eating properly.

I get that you are mostly addressing more serious, long term depression, and chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to that. I agree with you. And I have nothing against meds. :D
I just wanted to point this out, as well. :) Perhaps for the more mildly afflicted.

[gldstwmn]

Did you read all their posts? And my repeated, unaccepted, apologies?
Low perhaps, but I feel it's accurate. And that's my honest opinion. That is all.

Yes dear, I did. I'm just giving you my opinion, that's all.

[gldstwmn]

I don't know. We were mostly drinkers. And the whole gist of my post, that got blown waaaay out of proprotion, was that I found it hard to believe that 80%! of my high school clique NEEDED mood altering meds when they were 30.
80%? C'mon. What's wrong with that?

Nothing. I was trying to get to the heart of the matter, meaning why? Why are so many of us depressed? Has it just been undiagnosed all this time?
There's not a "correct" answer to any of these questions. I'm just trying to have a discusssion about it.
Alcohol is a drug, btw.

[SuzeQuze]

Great post, Suze. However, I don't think that depression is always a disease. I think there are other health factors that contribute to low serotonin, depression, etc. For instance, we know that exercise creates endorphins and elevates mood. We know that if you don't feed your body properly, that your brain will not have the proper fuel to run at it's best. Sometimes changes in this direction can go a long way towards helping someone feel better.
I get that you are mostly addressing more serious, long term depression, and chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to that. I agree with you. And I have nothing against meds. :D
I just wanted to point this out, as well. :) Perhaps for the more mildly afflicted.

Yes, you are correct. But diet and exercise do nothing for severe depression. That isn't to detract from their importance though. I am basically prescribed exercise and if I don't do it I am screwed.

I hope the Wellbutrin helps you quit smoking! Sounds like you've been doing well with that? Congratulations! :xoxo:

[gldstwmn]

I think I feel a bit more confident, too. But I had trouble sleeping last night, so I might cut my dosage a bit.


Are you taking it in the morning? If not, you might want to try it that way. I'm glad you feel better honey. :xoxo:

[gldstwmn]

Heck no. I'd tell them to take vitamins and read the works of L. Ron Hubbard. :p :laugh:

Touche. According to Perez, it's working for Kathleen Turner. :laugh:

[The Tower]

That does seem a high percentage, but in a lot of places that's the norm. :shrug: It's hard to say if they're overprescribed. I suspect they are, a bit, but if they are doing good for the people they are prescribed for, who's to say?
But - I went to my doctor for my knee, and mentioned that I was trying to quit smoking, and that I heard wellbutrin helped. Voila! she wrote a prescription. When I asked her about, you know, is this right for me? What are the other mental effects? She said "I'm not a psychiatrist, I have no idea about that, but it has been proven to help people quit addictions" Hmmm...that was a little too easy, yeah? :shocked:
My own personal experience bears out the suggestion that anti-depressants are over-prescribed and wrongly prescribed. I think the drug companies are promoting the use of anti-depressants to a much wider group of people than actually need them. Just because one feels bad does not a "clinical depression" make. This is not to detract from those that actually have chemical imbalances beyond their control and benefit from the use of these types of medicines.

All of the studies on the effects of anti-depressants that I have read have said that these prescriptions require constant monitoring by a doctor while taking them. My doctor handed me the stuff and that was that. No monitoring- no revisits- no checking for violent behavior- no checking for suicidal thoughts. These are very powerful drugs that can have very disasterous effects on people who probably don't need them.

I am absolutely in favor anti-depressant drug therapy for those who suffer from clinical depression. However, the prescription drug companies constant pushing of these medicines to the public as "happy pills" has contributed to the notion that depression is not a serious disorder and that they can be taken as if they are no more than a Claritin or a vitamin pill.

[SuzeQuze]

Touche. According to Perez, it's working for Kathleen Turner. :laugh:

:lol: Omigosh, what is up with that woman? She is an odd character for sure.

[amber]

Yes, you are correct. But diet and exercise do nothing for severe depression. That isn't to detract from their importance though. I am basically prescribed exercise and if I don't do it I am screwed.

I hope the Wellbutrin helps you quit smoking! Sounds like you've been doing well with that? Congratulations! :xoxo:

ITA.

I would imagine severely depressed people may also have trouble exercising, or eating well, anyway.
I wouldn't say it does nothing, It helps people who don't need meds, too, right? :D It just doesn't help either one with depression... :laugh:

Thank you very much for the well wishes. :xoxo: I haven't quit smoking completely, but I am down dramatically, and feel confident about quitting. But, more importantly, how stoked am I with all the cleaning I've been doing? And the homework? I mean, I clean or organize, almost everything I look at, and trust me, my house needed it. :laugh: Plus, I dance a lot while I'm doing my chores. :p

[SuzeQuze]

ITA.

I would imagine severely depressed people may also have trouble exercising, or eating well, anyway.
I wouldn't say it does nothing, It helps people who don't need meds, too, right? :D It just doesn't help either one with depression... :laugh:

Thank you very much for the well wishes. :xoxo: I haven't quit smoking completely, but I am down dramatically, and feel confident about quitting. But, more importantly, how stoked am I with all the cleaning I've been doing? And the homework? I mean, I clean or organize, almost everything I look at, and trust me, my house needed it. :laugh: Plus, I dance a lot while I'm doing my chores. :p

That's so cute Amber. I've often wondered if you might be mildly depressed without realizing. I am glad you feel good.

And you are right, exercise helps severely depressed people, it just doesn't help them with their depression! Ms Snarky. :lol: It does help with mild depression though.

[amber]

My own personal experience bears out the suggestion that anti-depressants are over-prescribed and wrongly prescribed. I think the drug companies are promoting the use of anti-depressants to a much wider group of people than actually need them. Just because one feels bad does not a "clinical depression" make. This is not to detract from those that actually have chemical imbalances beyond their control and benefit from the use of these types of medicines.

All of the studies on the effects of anti-depressants that I have read have said that these prescriptions require constant monitoring by a doctor while taking them. My doctor handed me the stuff and that was that. No monitoring- no revisits- no checking for violent behavior- no checking for suicidal thoughts. These are very powerful drugs that can have very disasterous effects on people who probably don't need them.

I am absolutely in favor anti-depressant drug therapy for those who suffer from clinical depression. However, the prescription drug companies constant pushing of these medicines to the public as "happy pills" has contributed to the notion that depression is not a serious disorder and that they can be taken as if they are no more than a Claritin or a vitamin pill.


Great post, Towie. I have no doubt about the pharmaceutical industry's culpability when it comes to overprescription. Yeah, I didn't even know that mine required constant doctor monitoring. She patently told me she would not moniter me, in fact. :laugh:

There is a lot of great info here, from all different kinds of people, and I think that is the important part about this discussion. Maybe DavidMn, or anyone else reading this, will recognize themselves through one of our perspectives on depression and medication and various other information we have. It may then inspire them to help themselves, and perhaps educate them on the different avenues and choices they have in regards to getting help. :angel:

[gldstwmn]

:lol: Omigosh, what is up with that woman? She is an odd character for sure.

I think she was losing her battle with the bottle there for a while. She still may be. :shrug:

[amber]

Are you taking it in the morning? If not, you might want to try it that way. I'm glad you feel better honey. :xoxo:
yes, right when I wake up. I switched to two pills a day on friday, which I think is the problem. She said switch to 1 1/2 pills if I feel too "awake", so I'll do that. :shrug:
Thank you for the good wishes. :xoxo:

[amber]

I think she was losing her battle with the bottle there for a while. She still may be. :shrug:
That makes me sad, because I love her. LOVE. Adore. etc. :) Stupid Scientology.

[SuzeQuze]

That makes me sad, because I love her. LOVE. Adore. etc. :) Stupid Scientology.

I like her. I'm not sure about love but I definitely like her. Her character on Friends as Chandler's father was hysterical. Also, Serial Mom? :lol:

[ontheEdgeof17]

Also, Serial Mom? :lol:


Are those Pussy Willows, Dotty? :laugh:

[dissention]

Touche. According to Perez, it's working for Kathleen Turner. :laugh:

I read that! But I don't think she'd run to the clams, honestly. She supposedly kicked her addiction to the bottle and is feeling great about her career after her latest stint on Broadway. She was savaged when she did The Graduate, but now she's getting outright raves.

[dissention]

I like her. I'm not sure about love but I definitely like her. Her character on Friends as Chandler's father was hysterical. Also, Serial Mom? :lol:

"Now, Chip, you know how I HATE the brown word." :lol:

[SuzeQuze]

"Now, Chip, you know how I HATE the brown word." :lol:

Haha, I don't remember any specific quotes, just that I loved that crazy movie!

[Moony]

Heck no. I'd tell them to take vitamins and read the works of L. Ron Hubbard. :p :laugh:
I just did, and it really turned my life around!

[Moony]

I know you didn't intend to hurt anyone's feelings but the types of comments that you've made are the types that keep depressed people from talking about it or getting treatment. I mean, imagine telling a diabetic to just will away their problem with blood sugar? Depression is a disease.
Thank you for understanding, Suze.

[gldstwmn]

I read that! But I don't think she'd run to the clams, honestly. She supposedly kicked her addiction to the bottle and is feeling great about her career after her latest stint on Broadway. She was savaged when she did The Graduate, but now she's getting outright raves.

I'm glad to hear it. I've always considered her looks and voice to be unique.

[DavidMn]

More people share this problem than you know....most are just afraid to share. My life is, has been, and probably always will be...an open book. I've dealt with major depressive episodes since I was 16. Valium does not work...they thought it did back then...30 yrs ago. Attempted suicide once, and it has definitely crossed my mind many times since. You are not alone. In 2000, I voluntarily admitted to a psych hospital after a major event in my life. During those four days I learned a lot about myself...and suprisingly enough...to laugh again. However, I was placed on antidepressants, which only dulled any emotion that I had...if I wanted to cry, I couldn't. If I wanted to sing, it was like 'what's the use'. I recently got off all medications in January. They made me so numb, so useless, so fat, so without a personality that I couldn't stand myself anymore. Now I laugh until I cry...I can feel again! Yes, there is still pain. But you must learn how to cope, how to fight for your own life...and most of all, how to love you, in spite of yourself. I used to worry about everything...what people thought about me...how I kept my house...NEVER AGAIN! You are the only person who has to live with YOU, if that makes sense. Let your conscience be your guide...if you spent a little too much $$ on concerts...didn't we all? I depleted my savings, everything! Sacrified so much just to be there. But that is what made ME happy at the moment, my husband understood, and it didn't hurt anybody! The memories of the last few months I will cherish for the rest of my life! You only go around once (we think!)...be kind to others...find happiness in yourself, or nobody else will...take every opportunity to laugh and to love and to reach out to those who need much, but ask little. And if you ever need to vent or to talk, I'm willing to listen...as I'm sure many here will... :xoxo: :angel:
Thank you so very much. :angel: I'm not one that usually shares these things, but I'm really tired of living like this. It's good to know that others care. My god, if it wasnt for Stevie, I'd be 6 feet under for sure. It's really hard to put that into words for sure.

[DavidMn]

I realize too that I have to take the initiative to solve the problem, and I havent done that yet. So in a way, I'm responsible for the mess I'm in. I'm so thaknful for all the encouraging responses :thumbsup: I guess sometimes it helps to open a vein huh?

[SuzeQuze]

I realize too that I have to take the initiative to solve the problem, and I havent done that yet. So in a way, I'm responsible for the mess I'm in. I'm so thaknful for all the encouraging responses :thumbsup: I guess sometimes it helps to open a vein huh?

Yes, it helps to talk. You know there is evidence that just talking makes people better, it doesn't even matter what happens on the other end? These therapists have quite a racket going on. :laugh: JK Please make a call to get some help today. I nearly lost my brother to suicidal depression earlier this year but by divine intervention someone called him before he could carry out his plan. Thank God. Really. :angel:

[DavidMn]

Yes, it helps to talk. You know there is evidence that just talking makes people better, it doesn't even matter what happens on the other end? These therapists have quite a racket going on. :laugh: JK Please make a call to get some help today. I nearly lost my brother to suicidal depression earlier this year but by divine intervention someone called him before he could carry out his plan. Thank God. Really. :angel:
Divine intervention was what saved me last year too. I had taken like 100 sleeping pills, and my friend happened to come over to my houseand he called the cops. I was almost unconcious when they took me to the hosppital, I remember them telling me that I could have a heart attack or seizure at any moment. I had to take Charcoal at the hospital too. The doctor told me the next say that in about another hour it wouldve been curtanis for yours truly. There but for the grace of god go I :angel: It was weird too because right in the middle of all the great fleetwood mac stuff going on, here I wanted to kill myself. Depression is a terrible thing, I wouldnt wish it on anyone.

[Brad]

Just thought I'd pop in with a little info about what classifies officially as major depressive disorder. I think the criteria are:

Depressed mood or loss of interest, plus at least 4 out of 8 of the following must be present; symptoms are on a more or less daily basis for at least 2 months:

SIG E CAPS

S- changes in sleep; usually difficulty sleeping, but in atypical depression, people can oversleep
I - loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
G - feelings of guilt or worthlessness
E - decreased energy
C - problems concentrating or focusing or doing work
A - changes in appetite; usually decreased but in atypical depression can be increased
P - psychomotor depression - kind of hard for me to explain in words...just like someone who kind of mopes around and doesn't have much facial expression...if that makes any sense at all!
S - suicidal thoughts or attempts

You can also have depressive episodes with just a few of the symptoms or for a shorter time -- still depression, but not considered major depression like the above criteria.

I'm a big proponent of meds for people who are depressed. There's absolutely no shame in asking for help. Depression is an actual disease, a chemical imbalance, and not just "in your head." I like Suze's analogy from earlier...it's like telling a diabetic that they don't need insulin, to just think their high blood sugar away. Unfortunately a lot of people don't understand that and are embarassed to ask for help. They often feel they're weak or weird. But depression affects all types of people -- smart and dumb, rich and poor, black and white, good childhoods and bad childhoods. Do I think meds are overprescribed? Yeah, probably...and if you're on them, you should be seen by your doctor every 1-2 months especially in the beginning. But for people who truly need them, it amazes me how well they actually work...you see them when they're depressed and they're a completely different person in a couple of months.

That's all...I'll go back into lurking now...I've got my licensing exam in a few weeks so I've been studying all this stuff lately, and since it's fresh in my head I thought I'd share it in case anyone was interested.

Brad

[lbelle1214]

Brad, I'm glad you posted that. As a health care professional also, I have more than one opinion on the subject...as a nurse...and also, as a patient. Good point about continuation of therapy q3 mos. I've seen mine every three months since 2000. And when I did go off my meds in Jan, I had his total support. I've been fine...although I still have problems sleeping. Thank God for Ambien. I think that's the best thing ever! (Remind me of this when they decide 20 years from now all the long-term effects it has!)

[Brad]

Brad, I'm glad you posted that. As a health care professional also, I have more than one opinion on the subject...as a nurse...and also, as a patient. Good point about continuation of therapy q3 mos. I've seen mine every three months since 2000. And when I did go off my meds in Jan, I had his total support. I've been fine...although I still have problems sleeping. Thank God for Ambien. I think that's the best thing ever! (Remind me of this when they decide 20 years from now all the long-term effects it has!)

My sister was on Prozac years ago and it made her a completely different person...and in a good way. Her mood was so much better, a lot less bitchy. She's been off for several years now, and I don't think she needs them because she's not depressed...but sometimes I'd still like to slip her one to lighten her mood! :lol:

And yeah, Ambien is awesome! I end up sleeping all day on post-call days and then can't fall asleep at night and run the risk of jacking up my sleep pattern. So I take an Ambien that night and sleep through the night and am good to go...until the next call day!

[SuzeQuze]

....

I'm a big proponent of meds for people who are depressed. There's absolutely no shame in asking for help. Depression is an actual disease, a chemical imbalance, and not just "in your head." I like Suze's analogy from earlier...it's like telling a diabetic that they don't need insulin, to just think their high blood sugar away. Unfortunately a lot of people don't understand that and are embarassed to ask for help. They often feel they're weak or weird. But depression affects all types of people -- smart and dumb, rich and poor, black and white, good childhoods and bad childhoods. Do I think meds are overprescribed? Yeah, probably...and if you're on them, you should be seen by your doctor every 1-2 months especially in the beginning. But for people who truly need them, it amazes me how well they actually work...you see them when they're depressed and they're a completely different person in a couple of months.

That's all...I'll go back into lurking now...I've got my licensing exam in a few weeks so I've been studying all this stuff lately, and since it's fresh in my head I thought I'd share it in case anyone was interested.

Brad

Thanks for your thoughts. :xoxo: After 4 weeks on meds my brother was a different person. It was amazing. :nod:

On Edit: Jinx about the "different person" thing Brad. :shocked: But that is how it is! Actually when I was depressed I met a friend's boyfriend. A couple of years later I saw him again after treatment. He was like, "That was you? You're like a different person."

[Brad]

Thanks for your thoughts. :xoxo: After 4 weeks on meds my brother was a different person. It was amazing. :nod:

On Edit: Jinx about the "different person" thing Brad. :shocked: But that is how it is! Actually when I was depressed I met a friend's boyfriend. A couple of years later I saw him again after treatment. He was like, "That was you? You're like a different person."


You owe me a Coke! How retarded was that game? :lol:

Glad to hear things worked well for you and your brother. That's really great.

And IMO, again just my opinion, there is no reason why someone should have to suffer with depression. There are so many different meds out there with different mechanisms of action that if the first one or two don't work, there will almost always be one that does...and shock therapy (no, it's nothing like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest :D ) works very well for people who fail to respond to meds. And of course there are side effects...there are side effects to taking Advil. That's why it's important to followup with your doctor every couple of months or so. Don't let the likes of Jim Adler (or insert the name of another lawyer commercial) convince you that these are evil. I hate when I tell a patient that they should probaby be on some drug and they're like "I've heard about that on TV...they're supposed to be bad for you" and then refuse to take it. I mean, you're going to trust a lawyer on TV who's out to get your money above your own doctor's opinion who is looking out for your best interest? That amazes me and pisses me off to no end. It's like "well, it's on TV, it must be true." Sorry, me on my soapbox for a second there.

And I failed to mention earlier, but having support is key too. People often feel like crap at the beginning of treatment, and having people who support them (e.g. family, friends, counselor or psychiatrist, THE LEDGE) helps keep them motivated. A lot of the newer drugs take like a month or so to actually kick in, so a lot of times people stop taking them because they don't feel like they're working or they may in fact be feeling worse. Imagine already feeling down on yourself and having people around you that make fun of you for being on meds or telling you to "cheer up." Luckily, I think a lot of the stigma of being on antidepressants is fading whether it's because of education about the subject or that it's more socially acceptable...I don't know. I'm just glad more people are willing to reach out for help before something tragic like suicide occurs.

Brad

[gldstwmn]

And I failed to mention earlier, but having support is key too. People often feel like crap at the beginning of treatment, and having people who support them (e.g. family, friends, counselor or psychiatrist, THE LEDGE) helps keep them motivated. A lot of the newer drugs take like a month or so to actually kick in, so a lot of times people stop taking them because they don't feel like they're working or they may in fact be feeling worse. Imagine already feeling down on yourself and having people around you that make fun of you for being on meds or telling you to "cheer up." Luckily, I think a lot of the stigma of being on antidepressants is fading whether it's because of education about the subject or that it's more socially acceptable...I don't know. I'm just glad more people are willing to reach out for help before something tragic like suicide occurs.

Brad

Please come join us more often. Thank you for your eloquent posts. :)

[Brad]

Please come join us more often. Thank you for your eloquent posts. :)


Ah, thanks for that. :xoxo:

My posting frequency has definitely increased by about ten-fold over the past couple of weeks now that I have an easier schedule. I'm sure I'll be bumping into everyone a lot more often! :thumbsup:

Brad

[amber]

Does anyone remember the episode of Simpsons where BART supposedly had ADD, and they put him on FOCUSIN? :lol:
Yeah, that's kind of how I feel..... :shocked: