Author Topic: Taking the Rough with the Smooth  (Read 2285 times)

newtodepression

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Taking the Rough with the Smooth
« on: March 31, 2011, 09:43:55 PM »
*stands*   "Hi my names Chris, I have depression and a few questions to ask you..."    *sits*

So like many if not all of you guys I've got the D word, the D-bomb, the depression.
I'm currently having a few good days so I thought why not write something down, just get typing!

I've been on meds now for a month and a half and I think they're just starting to kick in, I've picked up my guitar again for the first time WooHoo.

I appreciate how each good day is a good one and I bare it in mind, but I'm always scared that I'm almost using up my happiness and that I'm about to come back down. I spose its like using ur cell phone when there's only so much battery, you know it's going to run out soon but it's just waiting for that moment.

Q1: Does anyone else get that???

I don't know about anyone else but when I'm having a bad day, people saying "think positively" is a crock of BS, it never helps me as I can't, I don't have the ability in the bad days to do it...
But BEFORE this turns into a moaning post I'll ask you guys some more questions...

Q2: Do you find exercise helps? Are you capable of doing it when in the bad times?

Q3: Do you find eating healthily helps with your moods?

Q4: Does anyone else in your family have it that you know of???

I just thought that it would be interesting to know other D sufferers thoughts on it!

So, let me know guys, give me your thoughts! get em out there!!!!

Cheeeeeeers  ;)

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Re: Taking the Rough with the Smooth
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2011, 10:10:20 PM »
Hi Chris,

Welcome!

The think positively thing is a tricky one. When you are really down, it's very hard and it does sound like a load of bull but I find I have to force myself to, not so much think positive, more like, ignore the negative thoughts. It's really hard and I still end up down but then I lift again. My depression is like riding  waves, there are good weeks but I know they won't last. Then there are bad weeks BUT I have to remember that they won't last either.
The ignoring the negative thoughts and dismissing them is something I must practice all the time otherwise I lose the knack!!

Right in answer to your questions...

1. See above!

2. Exercise. Definitely, I exercise loads, I've run / cycled every day this week at lunch time. The fitter I am, the better I feel. Healthy body, healthy mind etc... if you don't believe that, well, look at it this way, it's something to feel good about if you're in good shape.

3. Hmmmm... the jury is out, but definitely extreme poor diet doesn't help me. I love fatty foods, chips etc.. but the more I gorge myself, I feel like I'm feeding the demons inside me. I can't sleep if I eat too late etc... can't work out properly with a gut full of fatty food. But I have noticed that my mood drops if I don't eat enough either. So I thought my blood sugar might be a bit low. I've started taking sugar in my coffee again, and that picks me up a little. Alcohol. I probably drink too much at home with the wife. Between us we can polish off a bottle of red on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday night... But the next day I ALWAYS feel really low (and I normally don't sleep so well. So I guess for me the trick is all things in moderation, but I don't cut out all my treats!

4. No not in my family, but I think my Dad might have had tendancies, but he would never admit it and it's never been discussed.

5. Other stuff that helps me.... you play the guitar. Me too. Express yourself creatively. It's really important to make a little time available for you. I play the guitar, the piano, I draw and paint too. It's really nice to connect with what makes you tick if you get my drift. Be true to yourself, if you're a musician, don't sit and watch telly, pick up your guitar and play! Keep your brain busy... plus it gives you stuff to feel good about.

6. Additional note on exercise.... if I don't - I get grumpy... if I'm really down I often can't motivate myself either and it becomes a circle, I feel down because I didn't bother... which makes it harder to go next time..

Anyway, welcome to the club. Final bit of advice... no matter how down you feel, you MUST never give up. Always pick yourself back up.

Cheers,

G

bel

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Re: Taking the Rough with the Smooth
« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2011, 01:06:20 PM »
Hi Chris,

Positive thinking.....yes it is very hard. I can't improve on what guitarman says! The thing about using up your happiness is a good point. Actually I don't think there is a limited amount of happiness available, but I think it is important to realise that not being depressed does not mean you'll be happy all the time either. Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes just ok, and sometimes I feel totally blah. I've learned to just accept that that's how it is and just keep on keeping on.

Exercise: another yes vote here, even if it's only going for a walk.

Diet: I think there are two aspects to this, (1) you need to keep your body healthy, depression is a debilitating experience, (2) giving yourself a healthy diet is a way of looking after yourself and believing that you deserve to have good food and to be healthy. I've found that a healthy diet with the odd treat works for me.

Family history: both my parents had depression at one time or another, so maybe mine was a learned response. An interesting question.

All the best, bel


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Re: Taking the Rough with the Smooth
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2011, 02:04:06 PM »
Hi Chris, Bel,

Something Bel said just prompted me to remember something that I would do well to remember.

People who are NOT depressed, are not always happy. They have 5h1t days too! Sometimes, I would do well to ask myself, am I sad today because I am depressed or am I just having a 5h1t day?? It's easier to talk yourself down than it is up.

Later folks.

G

newtodepression

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Re: Taking the Rough with the Smooth
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2011, 08:33:09 PM »
cheers G and Bel.

I was actually just thinking that today... it can be difficult to see which is which but I'm getting used to it now!

I went to a gig at the weekend which I used to love to do, and although for a lot of it I was numb I was with some great friends and just knowing that plus making the effort to get out was a good step forward!

I've found out lately that Depression has been in my family before.

Also, Bel, I like the idea of feeling like I deserve healthy food. It's a different way to look at it, a more positive way!
 ;D

newtodepression

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Re: Taking the Rough with the Smooth
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2011, 09:01:02 PM »
more questions...

So not feeling too bad today, in fact i'm feeling good. No numbness and no isolated feelings or any feelings of guilt.
but I do have a question to ask everyone,

With you experience of suffering from depression, does anybody else suffer from lack of concentration?
I've been trying to do some research for a project but my attention span today (and very often) is absolutely crap.
So i was just wondering if this is part of the depression or just me being me for a while?

Cheers guys :)

junior

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Re: Taking the Rough with the Smooth
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2011, 11:22:32 PM »
Having no concentration is part of depression, you can get this back by keeping youre mind busy with things you enjoy but it does take some time.
Junior