Three years ago, I was diagnosed and treated for Major Depressive Disorder/Anxiety Disorder. I saw a psychologist every week for a year and took anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication for that same year. I did get better, but have been going through some very stressful life events lately (got a new job, moving, death in the family). I don't have to start my new job for 5 more weeks, so I've had the "luxury" of closing myself off from the world and haven't left my house in three weeks. I stopped answering the phone and checking the mail. I'm afraid that I am relapsing and can't imagine going through another depressive episode. Can I get through this somehow? Will it be as bad as last time? Thanks in advance for your time and thoughtful responses. Hi. You already know what got you out of it last time, so don't wait until it's worse to go get help. See your doc and get back on meds, and into therapy if you can swing it. Five weeks should give the antidepressants time to work before you start your job. Putting it off longer is self-defeating behavior, you know, depression thinking for ya. i hope it all works out good. listening to music and hanging out w/ ppl will help a lot. i might be as bad but who knows. i rele do hope it all comes out good even things like this will make you feel better.
i have also been diagnosed with both depression and anxiety. I have been needing the same feedback from people and failing miserably. Writing is a major outlet for me, along with (i know it's bad) smoking cigarettes.
i spent months on end barely getting out of bed and cannot keep a steady job. Im sorry i cannot be of more help, i just think it is nice for you to know that you-are-not-the-only-one...i thought i was. I hope you feel well soon, i know it is physically draining as well as emotionaly (obviously)
i am praying for you! It is important to take your medication regularly. And minimise your stress. Take a break. I understand the fear of relapse. It is very real. My heart goes out to you. Keep your mind occupied. Do what is right.
What is depression?
Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal, everyday ups and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, social activity and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.
Depression may be caused by negative thoughts, poor circumstances, loss of loved ones, genetic factors, biochemical imbalance in the brain, emptiness in heart, unforgiveness, addictions etc. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder.
Some of the symptoms of depression are...
路 Sadness and/or loss of pleasure in nearly all activities.
路 Pervasive feelings of hopelessness
路 Changes in appetite
路 Changes in sleep patterns
路 Changes in psychomotor activity (includes both mental and physical responsiveness and/or activity).
路 Struggles with feelings of low self worth
路 Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
路 Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
There are some natural mood lifting food and vitamins that you can take with your drugs. They are:
-multivitamin
-Vitamin B complex pills
- Vitamin C
- GABA (you can get this at a pharmacy) it is a natural neurotransmitter in your brain.
- SAMe
- Calcium
- Magnesium
-Evening Primrose oil
- Flax oil
- Omega 3
- St John's Wort
try to have some exercise daily. Go into the sun. Talk with friends. Pray to Jesus, he gives you peace and lifts your mood. These are scientifically proven to work.
- Listen to soothing music on a couch.
- have aromatherapy
- eat healthily, oats, wheats, brown rice, more fish, chicken, lots of vegetables and fruits and other natural food, less oil, no sugar, no deep fried stuff, less red meat
- drink lots of filtered or bottled water
have a pet
- cultivate new hobbies
- do not take alcohol and avoid caffeine
- tackle your problem that is giving you depression. Problem solve with a counselor or friend to reduce the magnitude of the problem.
If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of depression mentioned above please seek help. Don't wait until your level of functioning is severely impaired. Get depression treatment now! One of the biggest reasons people do not seek help is because of the shame they feel concerning the idea of having a mental illness. The reality is that our minds are vulnerable to illness just like our bodies. There is no shame in developing the flu or some other medical condition, so why is there with the mind?
- Every time you catch yourself thinking negatively, think what is the most positive way of expressing your feelings and thoughts.
- Forgive others, release all bitterness and release all grudges, love God and love others
- Do a kind deed each day. Volunteer your service to the elderly, orphans etc
- I know I have said a lot. Take baby step, one step at a time. Give yourself time to get out of depression.
- go for a tour. It may relax your mind and spirit.
- avoid negative news. You may like to stay off the newspaper.
- Control your thought process. Don't let your thoughts stray. Once you think negatively, catch yourself and replace with a happy thought
- think of the happy times you had with your loved ones in the past.
- count your blessings one by one. You still have possessions and loved ones who care for you.
- Think positively.
You may want to see a psychiatrist and counsellor to work out your problem. Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may help. Some of the therapy approaches used to treat depression are cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, psychodynamic, and group therapy.
A counselor can help a person gain perspective about their illness, resolve problems that may be contributing to the depression and assist the person in developing coping skills to manage the symptoms of depression.
However, in addition to counseling, medication may also be a treatment option. You can discuss this with your counselor, who can then refer you to a psychiatrist to prescribe and manage the necessary medication. Medication can have a significant effect on lessening the symptoms of depression.
Here are some more advice from a website, written by a doctor:
路 Do not set difficult goals for yourself or take on a great deal of responsibility.
路 Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can when you can.
路 Do not expect too much from yourself too soon, as this will only increase feelings of failure.
路 Try to be with other people, which is usually better than being alone.
路 Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
路 You might try exercising mildly, going to a movie or a ball game, or participating in religious or social activities.
路 Don't rush or overdo it. Don't get upset if your mood is not greatly improved right away. Feeling better takes time.
路 Do not make major life decisions, such as changing jobs or getting married or divorced without consulting others who know you well. These people often can have a more objective view of your situation. In any case, it is advisable to postpone important decisions until your depression has lifted.
路 Do not expect to "snap out" of your depression. People rarely do. Help yourself as much as you can, and do not blame yourself for not being up to par.
路 Remember, do not accept your negative thinking. It is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
***** Prayer does help. Claim healing from Jesus. He loves you. Read the Bible, start at book of John. Take note of John 3:16, Acts 2:38. It is God's love message to you. I have wonderful moments of prayer, and God gives me peace and joy. It is not a waste of time to pray and think about God. It is uplifting, and even scientists acknowledge the power of prayer. ***********
Attend a United Pentecostal Church nearby your home. (www.upci.org)
There are brothers and sisters who care and be friends with you.
For anxiety, try deep breathing from your diaphragm and progressive muscle relaxation. You can buy books on how to overcome depression and anxiety.
You may like to join a support group on depression. Sharing with others do help to some extent.
It takes time to lift out of anxiety and depression. First thing is that you desire to get out of them. Next is the tenacity and perseverance to make changes to your life.
I've been through depression and anxiety, so I understand.
God bless you richly.
There is so much Christian help for depression as well as for those suffering from other emotional and mental struggles. Even the scientific research is clearly showing that there are many remedies for the treatment of depression: healthy and supportive relationships, exercise, cognitive therapy, as well as medications are all very effective means of treating depression. But, at the same time, most of these solutions require the individual struggling to reach out and ask for help.
There is Christian help for depression and other issues you may be struggling with. So please, if you find yourself feeling alone in your condition please take a step of faith. First pray, admitting your need before God and then ask Him to direct your steps to those who can help. Then, be willing to reach out to a pastor, a counselor or a friend or a Christian psychiatrist today. Your help is as close as your asking.
Sources :
http://www.medicinenet.com/depression |
