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Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: possum on 2008-04-06 8:11 PM
Here it is folks.
the new location of the thread formerly called Anyone Battling Depression? :
Mike just said that when it starts to get super long, it is hard on the server, so maybe we can revisit if necessary.
Let's use this to support one another, and keep tabs on each other if someone suddenly goes AWOL. We all know that checking out on hobbies, activities, friends etc is a sign of trouble.
Another thing we can do is "friend" each other in our own blogs, or add links to one another's blogs in our goals section..
Way to come on out, my fellow Moodies!
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RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: chrisrunzs26 on 2008-04-06 8:20 PM
Thanks everyone for all the positive input. I was so amazed a few months ago when in my log, I came out about my Depression and everyone was so supportive. I am one of the lucky ones to have a really supportive family and friends. But it doens help to have yall' here also.
Blessings to all,
Chris
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Pain is temporary...but your finishing time posted on the internet....is forever. :) -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: Bikergerb on 2008-04-06 8:57 PM
Possum - thanks for moving the thread and the great ideas on "friending" each other. It was very interesting to me how on my first bad day in quite some time this thread popped up. I made it to the pool for 2000 yds. Nice job BT!
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In the warriors code - there's no surrender,
Though his body says stop - his spirit cries - never!
Deep in our soul a quiet ember,
Knows it's you against you, it's the
Paradox that drives us on -
It's a battle of wills, in the heat of attack,
It's the passion that kills -
The victory is yours alone.
Burning Hearts - Survivor -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: katzchen55 on 2008-04-06 9:29 PM
Sweet! This is awesome! I think this is going to be such a valuable support for us - all of us! I had an idea - maybe a bit premature, but I'll throw it out there anyway - is anyone interested in forming smaller groups, kinda like the BT mentoring, where we can really get to know each other, watch each other's blogs, do inspireds, etc.? Or maybe it would be better to just leave is as a free for all for now and see where things go.... just some thoughts to ponder!
To Anthony's wife - I'm in Austin, and I'd be happy to refer you to my therapist, and get you in touch with some resources that can help you. PM me and I'll get you the details.
Love to all of you, and thanks for sharing the journey!
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Kat >:-)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
"Are you hungry? 'Cause you're gonna eat my bubbles!!!" - Marlin, Finding Nemo -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: possum on 2008-04-06 9:47 PM
Mike is actually working on this, I think. A kind of Groups application, for all kinds of subgroups. I guess since BT has gotten so huge it is a nice way to find kindred spirits, on the other hand it could serve only to segregate us all further, and keep people from "corss pollinating" or finding what they need. I dunno. I am content to go with this for awhile until Mike suggests otherwise.
I also think that, by speaking out about this, we are, in a sense educating others. But what do I know. I don't even train anymore, lol! BT is a social outlet for me now!
katzchen55 - 2008-04-06 9:29 PMSweet! This is awesome! I think this is going to be such a valuable support for us - all of us! I had an idea - maybe a bit premature, but I'll throw it out there anyway - is anyone interested in forming smaller groups, kinda like the BT mentoring, where we can really get to know each other, watch each other's blogs, do inspireds, etc.? Or maybe it would be better to just leave is as a free for all for now and see where things go.... just some thoughts to ponder!
To Anthony's wife - I'm in Austin, and I'd be happy to refer you to my therapist, and get you in touch with some resources that can help you. PM me and I'll get you the details.
Love to all of you, and thanks for sharing the journey!
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RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: 88Wally on 2008-04-06 10:34 PM
Hi All,
I wanted to share my story and hopefully inspire some of you to pursue a drug free treatment of your depression and/or anxiety.
In the summer of the 2005, my body basically shut down physically. I had no idea what was happening to me and and although I did not have suicidal thoughts...I wished that something like an automobile accident would just wipe me out and put me in hospital so someone else could take care of me. I honestly have no recollection of how I ended up at counseling but I was diagnosed with clinical depression. It was strongly recommended I take some time off work so after consulting with my Doctor...I took a three month leave.
I wasn't really excited about taking drugs but I did anyway to satisfy disability insurance requirements. I also did online research, continued counciling and went to see a well respected chiropractor. One thing that everyone agrees is that exercise works but I want to mention one thing...it has to be VIGOROUS exercise to have the most benefits. Probably the most important thing I learned is that if you are depressed...you have poor thinking styles. The good news is that these can be changed. The best resources for me were a book and a website. The book was "The Feeling Good Handbook" by David Burns (He also has a new one for anxiety). The website is...
http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/Treating_Depression/alt_treat.... ....interesting stuff.
The end result was I was able to return to work two weeks early and quickly tapered off the drugs while feeling better all the time. I made it more than two years with nothing more than some "blue" days then had a less severe depressive episode that I am just working out of.
Beating depression is very similar to running your first triathlon. You need a plan a lots of new information. You put in a base (learn some new info) and day by day you get in better shape (learn new thinking patterns). Just like training...some days will be better than others but if you can continue to move forward and even get a little bit better on most days...you can beat depression and live depression free...I'm living proof.
If you ever want to chat about it...please send me a message.
Cheers
Wally -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: phillybarb on 2008-04-07 7:13 AM
88Wally - 2008-04-06 10:34 PM
Hi All,
I wanted to share my story and hopefully inspire some of you to pursue a drug free treatment of your depression and/or anxiety.
Wally
While I have also learned how to deal with my illness drug-free (I have come off my medications by using acupuncture along with therapy/exercise/meditation), I would encourage those who are in a severe depression to look at all options, including medications. While studies show that for mild to moderate depression therapy/exercise work just as well as medications, the studies also show that for severe depression, medications tend to work better. So, while drug-free may be the way to go for some of us, medications may be the way to go for others. Everyone reacts differently.
Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories. -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: katzchen55 on 2008-04-07 9:22 AM
phillybarb - 2008-04-07 7:13 AM88Wally - 2008-04-06 10:34 PM Hi All, I wanted to share my story and hopefully inspire some of you to pursue a drug free treatment of your depression and/or anxiety. WallyWhile I have also learned how to deal with my illness drug-free (I have come off my medications by using acupuncture along with therapy/exercise/meditation), I would encourage those who are in a severe depression to look at all options, including medications. While studies show that for mild to moderate depression therapy/exercise work just as well as medications, the studies also show that for severe depression, medications tend to work better. So, while drug-free may be the way to go for some of us, medications may be the way to go for others. Everyone reacts differently. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories.Agreed. IMHO medications can provide the stability the brain chemistry needs to think properly and deal with whatever issues surface in the depressive episode. While medications are rarely a cure on their own, they can certainly keep the boat from rocking while the underlying issues are dealt with! Everyone is different, and everyone should get the advice of licensed professionals they trust before making decisions one way or another.
I think that one of the most important things us depressives can do is learn to slow down and really look at the way we think and what we think about ourselves and the world we live in. I've discovered that there are a lot of false assumptions that I've internalized over the years from my childhood and other experiences that I never really examined to see if they are true. So, when I'm thinking that I have to do everything perfectly, for example, if I slow down and really think about that, I'll realize that no, I don't have to be perfect and no one is so I can give myself a break. My Christian faith plays a really big role in that for me, but I think anyone regardless of faith can identify false thought patterns that can get them into trouble if we can just get the brain thinking rationally and not just reacting out of habit or emotion.
Did that make sense?
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Kat >:-)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
"Are you hungry? 'Cause you're gonna eat my bubbles!!!" - Marlin, Finding Nemo -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: Bikergerb on 2008-04-07 9:49 AM
I think you are right on the money Kat. I have had to work hard at rethink many things through. It is kind of funny now when my mom plays the guilt game I am so disengaged. My sister asks me all time "How do you do that?"
My faith has played a big role in my recovery. Most women would have left long ago but my wife also has a strong faith and even though she didn't (and doesn't totally) understand she never gave up the ship. She is a big part of my support system.
Also having good Christians friends has helped me down a more stable path. Yesterday was a good example. I had two of my buddies check in on me when I didn't show up to church. Fortunately it seems to have been a short episode. I can run but I can't hide and that is good.
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In the warriors code - there's no surrender,
Though his body says stop - his spirit cries - never!
Deep in our soul a quiet ember,
Knows it's you against you, it's the
Paradox that drives us on -
It's a battle of wills, in the heat of attack,
It's the passion that kills -
The victory is yours alone.
Burning Hearts - Survivor -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: possum on 2008-04-07 9:52 AM
my therapist called this "cognitive distortions" and the way to work through them was to recognize it when it was happening, write it down, and then label which of the distortions it was. Then we went over my list each week. Haven;t done this in years, but I bet it would help me from time to time still:
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RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: marina on 2008-04-07 10:45 AM
possum - 2008-04-07 9:52 AMmy therapist called this "cognitive distortions" and the way to work through them was to recognize it when it was happening, write it down, and then label which of the distortions it was. Then we went over my list each week. Haven;t done this in years, but I bet it would help me from time to time still:
Also note that it's important to get a counsellor who is well versed in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (the Burns book is all CBT ). CBT helps address actions, symptoms, and emotions that come as a result of thoughts/beliefs. I went through a number of workshops that spelled it all out. It's important to stay in the present and address what is inhibiting us right now. I had the misfortune of seeing my first therapist ever who was all about regression therapy and inner child stuff...none of it helped me in my everyday life and made me worse because I started to dwell on the past even more.
Anyway, great idea of a thread! Especially for the check-ins because when I start avoiding or isolating, I'm headed for trouble if I don't change something quickly.
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RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: ChicagoMan65 on 2008-04-07 11:19 AM
Hi folks....I started seeing a psych doc in January/February and have been on meds since that time. I am feeling a lot better than I was, but I dont know yet really if its just the meds or what. I am new to this depression sort of stuff, so I am still trying to sort things out a bit.
I still get in mood funks, motivation funks, etc. Am in one now--no real motivation at work--but they arent as bad as they were and I can come out easier.
My thereapy is all about tasks--setting goals, trying to complete things, manageable things. I dont know how enamored I am with it all yet. Seems pretty simplistic, but I am going with the flow. -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: A Little Madness on 2008-04-07 12:14 PM
I'm using Feeling Good and When Panic Attacks by Burns. It's helped alot. I find myself questioning my thoughts quite often now. I think the problems are part chemical, part environment and part just bad habits.
Following a training plan is going to help me alot too I think--setting and meeting daily goals, getting exercise, socializing a bit when training with friends.
Mary
Edited by A Little Madness 2008-04-07 12:28 PM
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Mary
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A little Madness in the Spring is wholesome.--Emily Dickinson
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In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing dai -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: anth0424 on 2008-04-07 1:07 PM
katzchen55 - 2008-04-06 9:29 PM
Sweet! This is awesome! I think this is going to be such a valuable support for us - all of us! I had an idea - maybe a bit premature, but I'll throw it out there anyway - is anyone interested in forming smaller groups, kinda like the BT mentoring, where we can really get to know each other, watch each other's blogs, do inspireds, etc.? Or maybe it would be better to just leave is as a free for all for now and see where things go.... just some thoughts to ponder!
To Anthony's wife - I'm in Austin, and I'd be happy to refer you to my therapist, and get you in touch with some resources that can help you. PM me and I'll get you the details.
Love to all of you, and thanks for sharing the journey!
Sent you a PM
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Four root canals is always better than six... -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: BunnyB on 2008-04-07 3:58 PM
I went through a series of EMDR treatments with my therapist since my depression was/is primarily related to PTSD. It was extremely helpful to me in disconnecting from the memories causing the stress/depression.
While I am drug-free now, I definitely agree that medications serve a very important role in dealing with mental health issues. I know they played a very important role for me when I was going through the roughest part of my depression.
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Melissa
Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: gj50 on 2008-04-07 8:11 PM
This thread will help so much!! I think everyone is so great for being able to talk about this and deal with this...
For the longest time.... (probably not that long) but long to me, I felt like it wasn't ok to talk about it..
But anyone deal with medication and not the right one for them... and going through that process and still trying to train...
Training and racing are probably the best thing for me but sometimes I have no energy... any suggestions on that?
Thanks guys
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RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: katzchen55 on 2008-04-07 9:33 PM
gj50 - 2008-04-07 8:11 PMThis thread will help so much!! I think everyone is so great for being able to talk about this and deal with this...
For the longest time.... (probably not that long) but long to me, I felt like it wasn't ok to talk about it..
But anyone deal with medication and not the right one for them... and going through that process and still trying to train...
Training and racing are probably the best thing for me but sometimes I have no energy... any suggestions on that?
Thanks guys
Ah, yes....the joys of finding the right medication. The first one that my dr put me on resulted in me having panic attacks, in addition to not helping my depression. That was discouraging. But I went back to him and he put me on a slightly different class of antidepressants and the difference was night and day. I'm on cymbalta now, and after tweaking my dosage just a little bit in the first couple of months, I've been steady for over a year. That is attributable to both the meds and the year of counseling that I have just completed.
If your meds aren't helping at all within the first week, definitely talk to your dr again. There are a TON of options to choose from, and it may be that you, like me, need a slightly different kind of med or a different dose. Mine made me a bit nauseous for the first 2-3 days, but other than that, no side effects. Hang in there...you'll find the right stuff for you.
As for the training, try to do what you can, but don't beat yourself up if you just can't get to it on a given day. Some days just getting out of bed is a major accomplishment. On those days, you can't expect to run a half-mary or swim 5000m or something like. Cut yourself a little slack and shorten a session if you need to, but try not to skip it altogether if you can. Especially if the weather is nice - nothing like a bit of sunshine to improve your mood. Even if all you do is get a walk around the block, that will make a difference.
One step, and one day at a time. We're with you in this...just keep putting one foot in front of the other....
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Kat >:-)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
"Are you hungry? 'Cause you're gonna eat my bubbles!!!" - Marlin, Finding Nemo -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: mman on 2008-04-07 9:38 PM
gj50 - 2008-04-07 8:11 PMThis thread will help so much!! I think everyone is so great for being able to talk about this and deal with this...
For the longest time.... (probably not that long) but long to me, I felt like it wasn't ok to talk about it..
But anyone deal with medication and not the right one for them... and going through that process and still trying to train...
Training and racing are probably the best thing for me but sometimes I have no energy... any suggestions on that?
Thanks guys
Finding the right med can be difficult. I went through 2 others before ending up on Wellbutrin. The others made me feel like a zombie - I wasn't sad, but I wasn't happy either. Very weird and un-natural. I'd been on Wellbutrin before and insisted we try it. My doc relented, and it worked for a while. Then I had a very bad episode - near mental break down - and we added Cymbalta to the mix. Long answer to say, it may take several trys to get the right drug(s) for you.
yes, there are still days with no motivation. They aren't even bad days - just can't seem to get going. Usually, I try to do something, even if it's just a long walk or a short swim. I have never felt worse for getting out, and sometimes that's about the best argument I can find. And then some days, I just blow it off, have a nice dinner, glass (or more) of wine and go to bed early. Usually, the extra sleep makes the next day better.
Hope that helps,
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Follow my quest from Cancer to Ironman in 11 months. www.gregsquest.wordpress.com -
RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: maggyruth on 2008-04-07 9:47 PM
gj50 - 2008-04-07 8:11 PMThis thread will help so much!! I think everyone is so great for being able to talk about this and deal with this...
For the longest time.... (probably not that long) but long to me, I felt like it wasn't ok to talk about it..
But anyone deal with medication and not the right one for them... and going through that process and still trying to train...
Training and racing are probably the best thing for me but sometimes I have no energy... any suggestions on that?
Thanks guys
I haven't been on medication for years...but figuring that out was not fun. I was on Zoloft for a short while and it worked great...then I had a break through depression...OMG that sucked. Switched me to Lexapro (both of these being SSRIs) and that worked. But then I hated the fact that I couldn't feel ANYTHING. I hated that I felt that anytime I should have a normal reaction I felt like I was hitting a wall. I switched to Wellbutrin XL and felt normal again. Like I said, I haven't been on anything in years, but know that having to try different meds is pretty common when you're looking for the one that works for you. Just make sure not to stop most of them cold-turkey. A lot of anti-depressants (ie, Prozac) have some NASTY withdrawal symptoms...
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Save a bike, ride a triathlete
Athena-Goddess of kick-azz
"Donkeydom isnt some freakin list, its a way of life. You either donkey or you aint." - jszat
My blog: http://sweetteaviolist.wordpress.com
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RE: Depression and Moods- Check in!
BY: Sharkie on 2008-04-08 12:47 AM
I just wanted to say hi to everyone.. I don't know how I've missed these threads before but I've been dealing with depression for a very long time.. I'm not sure how often I'll pop in or contribute but I'll do what I can.. I would feel weird reading this thread and not leaving a note for everyone.
Feel free to say hi via PM anytime.. Sometimes I blog, sometimes I don't, most of the time it seems like another 'chore' that I really don't want to keep up with.
Happy training and good mental health everyone