Depression

[goldustsongbird]

Anyone dealing with it right now? Because… I am! (she says enthusiastically )

Just curious. It’s been hitting me hard lately; there’s something about October and November that just ****s me right up. Everything affects me more than usual, even the stupidest and most insignificant of things. I get easily jealous, and that’s the worst part. I'm a terrible person. Blahblahblah. I’m not even sure why I’m telling everyone this. Mostly to get it off my chest, I guess.

So, am I as alone as I think I am?

[eclipse]

Naah...you are not alone at all. Every year at this time I go through a hard time as well, I live in New England in the mountains...so the weather really affects me. With the changing light and the falling leaves..it is pretty easy to understand why (intellectually), this time of yaer would bring you rather down...Sorry, I didn't look to see where you are.
After years of dealing with this pain I went to the Dr. and went onto some anti-depressive/anxiety medice. Maybe it is not for everyone...but it has helped me..In a MAJOR way. I am still overly sensitive, nostalgic, emotional...but I can handle it and not feel as overwhelmed.

Some tips from me- don't know if they will help, but they can't hurt.
Light some white candles, listen to happier music (listening to sad stuff just makes you sadder...turn off the TV!. Get dressed up- make up and all even if you are just sitting on the couch. Read a book, scary ones are good-none of that self help crap- Try and go for a walk and just try to feel less "heavy",
try to be a little lighter in all you do. See the silliness of crying over a commercial. I know it is really, really hard but try...and if all else fails, go for help-don't let it get out of your control and overwhelm you- OK?

best wishes on getting through this "Fall" (You know, they call it that for a reason!)
hugs,
~~eclipse~~

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by eclipse

Naah...you are not alone at all. Every year at this time I go through a hard time as well, I live in New England in the mountains...so the weather really affects me. With the changing light and the falling leaves..it is pretty easy to understand why (intellectually), this time of yaer would bring you rather down...Sorry, I didn't look to see where you are.
After years of dealing with this pain I went to the Dr. and went onto some anti-depressive/anxiety medice. Maybe it is not for everyone...but it has helped me..In a MAJOR way. I am still overly sensitive, nostalgic, emotional...but I can handle it and not feel as overwhelmed.

Some tips from me- don't know if they will help, but they can't hurt.
Light some white candles, listen to happier music (listening to sad stuff just makes you sadder...turn off the TV!. Get dressed up- make up and all even if you are just sitting on the couch. Read a book, scary ones are good-none of that self help crap- Try and go for a walk and just try to feel less "heavy",
try to be a little lighter in all you do. See the silliness of crying over a commercial. I know it is really, really hard but try...and if all else fails, go for help-don't let it get out of your control and overwhelm you- OK?

best wishes on getting through this "Fall" (You know, they call it that for a reason!)
hugs,
~~eclipse~~

eclipse, I think you gave some really good tips, and in a sensitive thoughtful manner

goldustsongbird, I hope things pick up for you (if fall gets you down, what does winter do?) and no, you are not alone. I think eclipse had some really great ideas about the candles and music, I would add possibly some incense or fragrance diffuser of some sort. I dont know about you but certain smells are always a pick me up for me. Maybe you could try embracing the season? decorate your home, buy new tablecloth or a wreath for your door? I like collecting the pretty leaves at this time of year and using them in my decorating. Bake some cookies or pies (then the house REALLY smells good!)
maybe you could get a pet (if you dont already have one)?

Im not sure if I helped or not, but I meant well....Good Luck

[eclipse]

Thakns Irish....
I know what it is like to be there, so if I can help at all...I am more than happy to....
Have a marvelous Friday!
and Happy Haunting to all...see witch over the moon

[Für Elise]

I dont meant to offend anyone but juding by the descriptions provided I don't think clinical depression is feeling down because of lousy weather or just gerneral feeling lousy. it still could be what your suffering from cause I don't know the extent I only know the things written here. I've had periods of serious depression where life has completely fallen apart and I've chosen suicide and ended up in hospital care. if I'm wrong and the depression is quite serious I dont think things like candles and happy music and fragrances are what you need.you need to tell a doctor how bad things are and recieve the attention you need. but if you're just feeling down then those things other said might help I don't really know .but in that case the word depression is not the right one. I don't want to offend but I see it misused all the time.

[sara1998]

I have been through both types of this depression - the seasonal and the totally off the wall mental, and if you are totally off the wall mentally depressed, then yes, please go to a doctor. There isn't much you can do for yourself. I hated the antidepressants, they made me lazy and tired, but they did help my mental state. If you're going through a seasonal depression (weather really does change moods) then I think eclipse was right on the money. Try to embrace it. Get bundled up and go for a walk and try to enjoy the colors! Do something kind for someone. Write a letter to, whoever, and get your feelings off your chest. I usually go through a seasonal depression in fall, and as a result of it, I took today off work, so I can sit and do something for me today. I'm not sure what that's going to be yet. I hope you come through this. It's no fun being depressed.

[irishgrl]

I want to clarify that based on goldustsongbird's original post, I didnt get the impression she was talking about true clinical depression but rather something along the lines of "seasonal affective disorder" which IS about the changing of the seasons. apparently the theory is that there is some quality of the sun that is lacking at certain times of the year (ya think?) and people who suffer from SAD need "light therapy" to simulate the benefits of sunlight. Maybe goldustsongbird is extremely sensitive to sunlight (or lack thereof)??

anyway, I just want to state that I was NOT making light of actual clinical depression, but rather taking her original post at face value.

[Für Elise]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

I want to clarify that based on goldustsongbird's original post, I didnt get the impression she was talking about true clinical depression but rather something along the lines of "seasonal affective disorder" which IS about the changing of the seasons. apparently the theory is that there is some quality of the sun that is lacking at certain times of the year (ya think?) and people who suffer from SAD need "light therapy" to simulate the benefits of sunlight. Maybe goldustsongbird is extremely sensitive to sunlight (or lack thereof)??

anyway, I just want to state that I was NOT making light of actual clinical depression, but rather taking her original post at face value.

no thats fine. she did seem to be talking about what you described. she just used the word depression which refers to clincal depression and so I was directing the query about which one it was to her.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by Für Elise

no thats fine. she did seem to be talking about what you described. she just used the word depression which refers to clincal depression and so I was directing the query about which one it was to her.

Understood. and its a valid point.

[Rickypt]

Lisa,

Please check in and let us know how you are doing. I read your post as a little more serious than the seasonal blahs and I am worried.

I get my seasonal blues in the summer for some reason. Something about feeling like I have to be outside and cheery all the time, when most of my hobbies are indoor activities. I'm usually in much better spirits in the fall and winter because I can go to my movies or museums and not feel guilty like I should be at a beach or something.

I've also had clinical depression, and that is much different.

Anyway, tell us a little more about what's going on.

[DrummerDeanna]

Lisa--

I have been there, my friend. Depression is a terrible animal. And while lighting candles, listening to happy music, more light etc may work for some, if you're truly depressed who the hell takes the effort to do those things??

If you can do those things and they help then by all means do them.

The jealous thing...I get that too - and I get really bad anger problems - that on top of depression.

Does this happen every year? How do you get through it other years?

A talk with your doctor may not be a bad idea...

Please continue to talk to us - and vent as needed.

[skcin]

Originally Posted by sara1998

I took today off work, so I can sit and do something for me today. I'm not sure what that's going to be yet.

Bitch, please. You know you're going to sit here on The Ledge all damn day with us. As usual, I attempt humor to lighten up a heavy situation.

It sounds similar to SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder. It may seem a bit early in the year, but if your weather's been anything like ours (crappy with little to no sun for at least the last 6 weeks) then it could be happening. I don't mean to try & diagnose you, but it's a thought. Here's a link for more info:

http://www.seasonalaffectivedisorder.com/sad1.html

I think Eclipse & Irish gave some great advice as long as your symptoms are mild. But please, if you literally can't get out of bed, or you're not eating, or if you want to hurt yourself or others (I don't think felling like you want to hurt a Ledgie really counts, though ) call your doctor ASAP.

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by goldustsongbird

Anyone dealing with it right now? Because… I am! (she says enthusiastically )

Just curious. It’s been hitting me hard lately; there’s something about October and November that just ****s me right up. Everything affects me more than usual, even the stupidest and most insignificant of things. I get easily jealous, and that’s the worst part. I'm a terrible person. Blahblahblah. I’m not even sure why I’m telling everyone this. Mostly to get it off my chest, I guess.

So, am I as alone as I think I am?

of course you're not alone, hon. you know what i've been through, and several others here have shared their experiences. it'll get better as long as you take care of yourself. unfortunately, that can be hard to do when you feel like ****, right? i agree with ryan in that what you described does sound more severe than seasonal stuff - have you told your doc? email me plz! sorry i couldn't talk last night ... i didn't get home from work until almost midnight and was pretty much comatose . hopefully we can talk tonight.

[hayley]

On the subject of clinical depression, Dooce just posted a link to an excellent column by a writer on the Times-Picayune staff about battling with the disease. I thought it was a great piece and wanted to share it.

I have problems with the seasonal blah blah. Can't help it. Currently trying to figure out that the best way to deal with it isn't to get stoned and eat Italian beef sandwiches every night for dinner just to try and make the night end.

[carrie721]

has anyone here tried light therapy? y'know, with the light boxes that are supposed to simulate sunlight? just wondering if anyone has had success with one of those.