WarrensWorld Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Anyone put their hand up, as a sufferer. The Black Dog is chasing me, again. It's OK, it's just I would like to know how others cope. 'Venlafaxine', and trying to keep busy, for me, I think it's working this time........ edit: Fortunately I'm not manic...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Really feel for you Warrensworld. The "Black Dog" can be a real inhibitor. I know a few people who've found "Climbing Out of Depression" a helpful book. It doesn't have to be read cover to cover. The idea is to dip in and ou of the sections you need at that time. It was written by a sufferer, Sue Atkinson. Feathers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I hope you feel chipper soon. I just eat my emotions - then feel guilty and eat some more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Just wanted to wish you the best of luck, must admit that I had to look up the name of the medication. Seems it's quite a new one so hopefully it'll work well for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Do not suffer with depression myself however if you ever need a friendly ear-you can always PM me as sometimes talking about things can be as helpful as taking the medication if not more so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy chickens! Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Sorry to hear that Warren. Haven't got any advice as don't know any, but hope that it helps coming on here and talking and that you get some more practical support too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Hello Warren, just to let you know that someone else is thinking of you & hoping these dark days will soon pass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 waves hand in air I have been chased too 1 in 4 suffer with depression it's much more common than you think it still has a stigma attached with it though I see clients every day from all walks of life affected by it Chin up It does get better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 sorry to hear that, hope you are feeling happier soon! Feel free to talk on here, I always find it a great community, or I am happy for you to pm me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrensWorld Posted July 27, 2009 Author Share Posted July 27, 2009 Many thanks, for the kind replies. I've been so very fortunate in finding Eileen, (anchor). It's just that I lost the 'Black Dog' so many years ago. Now it's come back, and I can't undrstand why!. We live in a wonderful place, in a lovely house, we're solvent and safe. I've a touch of arthritis, no big deal yet. My Doctor Alice, is absolutely a God send, she talks to me, not at me. So why has the beggar started to chase me now.........very Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I hate to say this and forgive me if you are a youn'un, but are you menopausal or perhaps perimenopausal. That plays havoc with your emotions - talk about roller coaster. Up, down, angry, sad, raving bonkers and far out happy - and they seem to be extremes of everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Hi So sorry to hear about the back dog, my Mum suffered from it too and it came on for no good reason at all - she was fine when my Dad died, it hit her several years later. Trying to keep busy seemed to help, but I know how much easier said than done that can be. Seems to be getting a bit less of a stigma slowly with a few high profile people making their experiences public such as Steven Fry (bipolar in his case) Hang on in there, more people will understand than you may think & don't worry if there are days you really can't put on a brave face ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I hate to say this and forgive me if you are a youn'un, but are you menopausal or perhaps perimenopausal. That plays havoc with your emotions - talk about roller coaster. Up, down, angry, sad, raving bonkers and far out happy - and they seem to be extremes of everything. Somehow I don't think the menopause will be the trigger in Colin's case. I hope the medication helps, and works quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I hate to say this and forgive me if you are a youn'un, but are you menopausal or perhaps perimenopausal. That plays havoc with your emotions - talk about roller coaster. Up, down, angry, sad, raving bonkers and far out happy - and they seem to be extremes of everything. Somehow I don't think the menopause will be the trigger in Colin's case. I hope the medication helps, and works quickly. ...unless it's the 'male menopause'? I don't suffer from it personally but 2 close family members have visits from the dog so I understand that it appears from nowhere and with no apparent reason Having a good doctor and your 'anchor' is a very good start - and you always have all of us on here, I hope it soon passes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Palmer Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Hi Colin, Sorry to hear how you are feeling. I have a friend who suffers with severe depression and know how debilitating it can be for someone. My husband used to work in the pharma industry and helped launch one of the major anti depressants, so knew all about it and he was a great help in helping me to understand what my friend was going through. I know having someone non-judgemental to talk to, was a great help to my friend, as she had other issues as well. There are so many people out there who are fellow suffers and it helps to have people who don't think it's all in your head and you should pull yourself out of it. Feel free to talk when you want to. Maybe those chickens and their antics will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Mr Webmuppet suffers from depression and as has been said on here there is no rhyme or reason to it. It just occurs. He has suffered on and off for the last 20 odd years. The doc has him on a maintainance dose of medication at the moment and I have learnt to spot the warning signs really early and get him to the doctors double quick. As others have said keeping busy and plenty of fresh air helps ( in Mr W case disappear to the sailing club at every opportunity ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 No advice I am afraid as I have no personal experience of this. I hope that the dog moves on soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Many thanks, for the kind replies. I've been so very fortunate in finding Eileen, (anchor). It's just that I lost the 'Black Dog' so many years ago. Now it's come back, and I can't undrstand why!. We live in a wonderful place, in a lovely house, we're solvent and safe. I've a touch of arthritis, no big deal yet. My Doctor Alice, is absolutely a God send, she talks to me, not at me. So why has the beggar started to chase me now.........very Isn't that a bit like saying 'why am I feeling so diabetic today?' Depression is something that you cannot control. From a limited experience (brother who sadly got taken by the Black Dog ) I don't think you should feel guilty for suffering when 'he' finds you. My thoughts are with you and I hope that you can give 'him' the slip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I'm a long term sufferer of depression and anxiety. Things you can do are Cognitive behavioural therapy, exercise, good diet, not giving up normal activities. You can do CBT from a book, computer moodgym or can be referred for computer CBT by your GP such as beating the blues where a nurse checks progress weekly or with a therapist-but will be a waiting list unless go private. There are some organisations that help. http://www.nhs.uk/Pathways/depression/Pages/Landing.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Oopsie - I accidentally gave you a sex change! Apologies! Although I think my husband is also at that age, he just thinks he's back in his early 20's! Be careful as to what tablets you are put on, my SIL has been on medication that actually made things much worse. I can't remember the name of it, but it did make the news, having unpleasant side effects. Her tablets were changed pronto after my brother intervened at the docs when he accompanied her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I have always gone to the docs with Mr W for his depression ( I have sometimes had to physically frog march him into the docs). The two docs he has seen over the years have always asked that I go with him. They usually want to know how he has been from my point of view rather than his sometimes 'warped' view. Now LMW is older she usually gives me her opinion on Daddy's state of mind to pass to the docs too.I always like to ask a few questions and to make sure I am doing the right things to help him through it. Hang in there, it is tough but you will come through it. Hugs to Eileen, it's not easy watching a loved one suffer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I think everyone gets "down" at some point or other and not many see it as depression, my friend is suffering at the moment, she thought that we hadnt noticed as we hadnt mentioned it , but we chose to give her time and let her recognise that something wasnt right. dont know if that was the right thing to do (she seemed to think that we didnt care - I told her that we did! ) this is a great place colin, there is always something to read, someone will make you smile, and we all listen if you want to rant. hope things start to look "up" for you soon ((((((hugs)))))) cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrensWorld Posted July 28, 2009 Author Share Posted July 28, 2009 Thank you all for your kind replies. My Gran used to say there's always someone worse off than yourself. So I'm trying to be positive and keep active. Went for a ride on my bike this morning, it was raining but at least the rain was warm......... A big Thank You. to all.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 and a big from cloots! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Hey Colin, just wanted to send some hugs from me too and to Eileen too! OH's family are severely affected by depression - the whole spectrum of different types. His brother is in hospital at the moment, luckily he referred himself before he did anything stupid It is such an openly discussed subject in his family though, which is really refreshing as there is no stigma or judgement attached just support and advice. Some of his family have had such a rough time of things A bike ride in the rain sounds great! I quite like reaching the point of being wet through, when you know that you can't get any wetter so you might as well enjoy it as you can't do anything about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Hi Colin , I'm also a sufferer and on Efexor the other name for venalfaxine (SP) I dont know the cause of my depression or rather I do - my upbringing very strict religuous and just strange. But I poddle along, on minimum dose, hold down part time job, 2 kids and lovely OH and a menagerie of animals. happy mostof time, but get very moody and paranoid sometimes. i wondered if I were Bipolar but shrink didnt seem to think I was. I had CBT - helped a bit, still get paranoid and take life and myself too serous.I keep busy and love being needed - which i thinks stems from childhood. I live in fear of passing it onto my boys. Theres room for all in this world, hope you feel better soon and have a special person to support you, Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...