Depression, Anxiety

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Of course they would. Above described is a (albeit brief) description of the medicinal effect of anti depressant medication on the mood. The medical model is to apply a bandage. Meds are not a long term solution and mess with the bodies chemicals to treat the symptom, not the problem.

We are talking about mental illness; the psych, not strictly medical. I work from a social work model which incorporates knowledge from psychology and sociology; social sciences. A combination of therapy + meds are recommended. Meds are recommended to assist in the short term to stabilise moods and allow people to function, but then to be weened off slowly as the problem is treated.

That is exactly what I was told by my GP and in extension by the Psychologist.

The GP told me it was only a short term fix and then proceeded to convince their resident Psych to see me before he left for his other practicing suite.
The Psych took one look at me and was more than convinced.

During our discussions he made it quite clear that therapy alone was not going to work, I would need medication to assist.

I have serious anger issues and a level of social anxiety as a result of family problems in my younger years, which really hinders my day to day life.

The best way to describe how that pill felt was like driving out of fog, all of sudden everything became clear and I could put stuff in to perspective.
I didn't feel high or anything, just stuff didn't bother me that normally would.

I went to bowls on Saturday and had a ball, a fair bit of banter and **** talk spilled from all involved and we got smacked by a very good outfit but whereas I'd normally be annoyed, not in a bad sportsmanship sense but dirty with myself for not making the difference , I just shrugged it off and grabbed a tomato juice from the bar and moved on.

Don't hide from it, take it on and help yourselves.

I couldn't see much hope and although I've always said suicide wasn't an option for me, I feel inside I was close last week which scared me into getting help.
Im far from sorted, in fact I think it will be a long slow road as my issues are well ingrained, but I can finally see daylight at the end of the tunnel.

[superyob]

Never have I been struck down by these afflictions. I put that down to never having left the 70s and engaging with the confused values of later decades...

True story!

Actually, the prospect of running out of beer makes me feel a little anxious...

[mmhmm]

Originally Posted by superyob

Never have I been struck down by these afflictions. I put that down to never having left the 70s and engaging with the confused values of later decades...

True story!

Actually, the prospect of running out of beer makes me feel a little anxious...

Not to sound wierd, but tell us more about your lifestyle?

I know that facebook creates lots of acceptable levels of anxiety, advertising also about the materialism you should own and when you don't people become depressed or suffer anxiety.
we have lots of pressures in our job, including owning a home, cars , fashion, women or men whichever you float.

Im about to hit my 30's so i'd like to hear from the fellas older, what can we ( I ) do to live a more traditional way of life where it wasn't weird to say " hello " and how are you " face to face and now how people are generally talking through their phones.


To help with levels of anxiety or feeling rushed, You have to do breathing exercises, 4 seconds slowly in, 4 seconds out.
if your mind rushes with thoughts , claim it as a though and tell yourself its not useful and its bs.
social networking aggravates this.
I learnt this with some policing and military guys who had to stay focused in the U.S

anybody else that can chime in on a more traditional approach go for it.

[superyob]

Originally Posted by mmhmm

Not to sound wierd, but tell us more about your lifestyle?

I know that facebook creates lots of acceptable levels of anxiety, advertising also about the materialism you should own and when you don't people become depressed or suffer anxiety.we have lots of pressures in our job, including owning a home, cars , fashion, women or men whichever you float.

Im about to hit my 30's so i'd like to hear from the fellas older, what can we ( I ) do to live a more traditional way of life where it wasn't weird to say " hello " and how are you " face to face and now how people are generally talking through their phones.


To help with levels of anxiety or feeling rushed, You have to do breathing exercises, 4 seconds slowly in, 4 seconds out.
if your mind rushes with thoughts , claim it as a though and tell yourself its not useful and its bs.
social networking aggravates this.
I learnt this with some policing and military guys who had to stay focused in the U.S

anybody else that can chime in on a more traditional approach go for it.

I don't think I can give a direct answer for this mmhmm, but I am a deeply conservative family man who utterly rejects the values, processes and beliefs of a post modern twenty first century, including that in bold...

For such an increasingly 'educated' society, I sense there is a disproportionate number of people who are very unhappy. The more we are told lies like we can do whatever we want, be whoever we want and put self first, the more anxiety and depression will afflict the lives of those who subscribe to that false idol.

Not sure if that helps but that's my take on things...

[TheSneakiness]

Originally Posted by superyob

For such an increasingly 'educated' society, I sense there is a disproportionate number of people who are very unhappy. The more we are told lies like we can do whatever we want, be whoever we want and put self first, the more anxiety and depression will afflict the lives of those who subscribe to that false idol.

Not sure if that helps but that's my take on things...

Can someone explain this to my missus?

She is still of the mindset she can do what she wants when she wants with no consequences.

I try to tell her as soon as she became a mother that whole side of life disappeared and she has a responsibility to be a mother first, wife second and everything else a distant last.

The same response - I can do what I want and no-one controls me.

Ah yes they do, it's called your child.

[Grega]

its good to see people openly talking about this stuff. my parents are english and i am the anti christ because mental health issues don't exist. sorry for the generalisation there, i know some poms are nothing like that, but, thats the way they roll.

avoid facebook where possible. if you use it ; use it for good ; like xk,xl,xm,xp falcons australia. get rid of people off it and avoid it. social conditioning.

1 in 5 people suffer from mental illness. i am one of those 1. so much so i just returned home from my councilor ironically, and noticed this post.

medications are there for a purpose. they help with symptoms. they do not fix the root cause. visiting a psych will help bring the root cause to the surface to talk thru. the meds will help you deal with the symptoms. i saw my psych two thursdays ago and i was extremely low on the friday. she hit a nerve with me.

to start with if you have these issues ; beyondblue is a good first port of call - otherwise your GP is a good starting point for a referral. do not get to your wits end and end up in the psych ward (experience talking) because life gets on top of you. **** goes on in life which ****s with (my) head which i cannot even comprehend these days, can't figure it out on my own. like they say a problem shared is a problem halved - talk to close people you know you can trust - and go from there.

i hope this helps the OP and all the best in your journey. need to talk - get on here and start talking. otherwise PMs are good.

remember the stats. 1 in 5 people suffer from mental health issues. by the way - 2 in 5 suffer from depression and/or anxiety. this is as a result of society failing - and not you individually!

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by Grega

its good to see people openly talking about this stuff. my parents are english and i am the anti christ because mental health issues don't exist. sorry for the generalisation there, i know some poms are nothing like that, but, thats the way they roll.

Unfortunately many of our parents came from a time when mental health issues would stigmatize the whole family. Of course today the amount of help available is huge, talking about it is normal, its the first step to getting better.
My sister wasn't coping some time ago, I suggested she see the doc like I had, she didn't want to do that, she was fearful of being put on drugs.
I had to gently remind her that treatment was her choice, and the doc would discuss all possible options.

We learn about ourselves and our bodies all the time, some blokes can run a marathon or play rough footy for a full game and know their limits, but what about mental limits??
I know that after 14 days straight on caffeine, I start to yell, and that effects my family (and other drivers).
I know that small twinge of chest pain is anxiety starting to rear its ugly head.
I know by the end of a busy week my mind can be shot, leaving me incapable of coherent banter.
I know in my darkest times, reading a fiction novel is the start of my body relaxing and getting back on track.
We all have these foibles, all I can say to the op that knowledge is power. Knowing how YOU react to certain situations means you can better manage yourself in future.

[Grega]

something else i forget to mention. stay present. easier said than done.

1. look for the color green. and keep finding it. trees, grass, cars, people whatever. will amuse you no end and keep you present.
2. smell. what can you smell. notice different smells as you move around
3. touch. what does stuff feel like.
4. taste. eat a malteser. not condoning chocolate (much) but - the taste, let it dissolve etc - see how that feels.

use your senses to stay present is what this is about.

oh and by the way. pink elephant. now tell me you didn't see it in your minds eye ;)

[a-total-tool]

You need to be very careful, if you are ever described anti-depressants. In a lot of cases, you will feel worse before you feel better. I was prescribed medication and it got scary for me - as a result, I no longer take them.

Find someone to talk to. If you don't have anyone close enough that you can trust not to judge with your problems, look for a phychologist. In my case, there are certain things (events/people) that trigger my lows. Over time, I have learned to deal with these triggers.

Things that have helped me:
*Exercise, I am still a fat ****** - but I feel better when I am out and about. I don't sit at home dwelling on things
*Go for a cruise - gets me out of the house, which is a good distraction.
*Try to socialise. I Don't have many friends.. but I feel that I am close to the few that I do have.

[Uncle Niceguy]

Ahh depression, story of my life first round of it l got better and proceeded to get the hell out of home, by moving to W.A after coming back home (for the first time in about 10 months) l stayed (kid you not) for all of 2 weeks then l went to sydney to take care of my Grandad after he passed away l went back into depression big time, moved back home got my life turned around with great help from my parents and psychologist (this time around was medication free and extremely difficult) and then a couple months later l started setting realistic goals with my Dad prodding me into it, and since November 2013 l learnt to never quit. An example of this is me getting a decent education (associate degree in civil engineering) that l first attempted last year and am currently doing (all over again) this year, but before all this l needed a job. to get that l needed to be as employable as possible so l lost a crap load of weight (circa 40kg) and got a weekend job as a support worker.

if there is any advice l can give is don't run away from your issues and start getting fit, getting fit improves brain power that is fact. It will also give your self-esteem the boost it needs and after each workout you feel a million bucks!

[XR5]

I spent ten years in the NSW cops working Southwest Sydney and due to the things I saw, did and had to endure day in and day out I was discharged in 2011 with chronic post traumatic stress disorder, chronic major depressive disorder and all the anxiety and fear of public places and large groups that come with those. It all stemmed from an incident in 2007 involving some shots fired, colleagues injured etc. that was just the last straw though. It triggered everything I have been involved in over the years like fatals, bad pursuits, suicides, shootings, murders and basically seeing exactly what humans are capable of doing to one another.

My symptoms basically became quick to violence, no patience, fear of public places, always looking for risks, sit with back to wall, easily startled by loud noises especially from behind, feel worthless, low self esteem, paranoid of being watched and can't take enjoyment out of anything.

My paranoia of being spoken to or fear in public was to the extent that, even though I already had the majority of them before the incident, I have two sleeves worth of tattoos, grew a great big bikie beard and basically made myself as unapproachable looking as you could. It acted like and still does act like a protection mechanism.

I managed it quite well for a few years with anti depressants but last year had a major relapse. My aggression was sky high and would not come down for days. It got so bad that I had to be hospitalised for three weeks at St John Of God Hospital in Sydney and do their PTSD course while my meds were changed. Things have gotten a lot better now but I still take anti depressants and mood stabilisers in order to keep things at bay and have come to terms with the fact that I probably will take these meds for the rest of my life.

After dealing with this for the last eight years I have a great psychiatrist, have meds that are working and I understand what they do in things like the mood stabilisers won't stop me getting angry but will give me time to realise stuff like, hang on I need to disengage from this situation before I lose the plot and get aggressive or violent etc. I have also had to come to terms with the fact that I am probably about as better as I am ever going to get but have adapted my life to suit this. Yep, I am not a social butterfly and am quiet in a group but that is ok with me. I have triggers like a news story, seeing a Police Car, the colour red (blood) and God knows how many others that trigger flashbacks, panic attacks, anxiety etc. I can only really do one thing at a time. Give me two tasks to do and I panic about getting them done and I have small things happen that can trigger me into tears or major depressive days but I know who I am and I know what I have. That doesn't mean that I like the me I am now or that I am not angry about it and feel like pieces of me have stolen but I realise that what I have left of the old me is what I have and is better than nothing.

My advice to anyone, don't try to hide it. That only makes it worse. Don't be ashamed of it. It has been around for years. We are lucky to live in a time where it has been recognised. Don't be afraid to ask for help. More people are aware of these issues now than any other time in our history and the most important thing is that due to all our symptoms I think we often feel like we are the only ones going through these things. We are not alone. There are heaps of people out there that are exactly like us. When I was in hospital everyone in my PTSD ward had the same feelings and symptoms and I truly felt more at ease and at peace in there than I had in years.

Basically, as now I think my rant has gone off the rails and is starting to not make sense, is that if you know something is not right get help, don't be afraid, don't be scared. It shows you have more guts and courage by asking for help than it does trying to hide the symptoms and soldier on.

Cheers guys. Sorry for long winded post.

[Maka]

A couple of link's about resilience & wellbeing -

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-proc...e/art-20046311

http://www.responseability.org/__dat...-Wellbeing.pdf

cheer's, Maka

[Sam_Boss260]

So a question.....

How do you distinguish anxiety / depression with just everyday stress and "life stuff"?? At what point does one cross over? Is there a tipping point?

[superyob]

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

So a question.....

How do you distinguish anxiety / depression with just everyday stress and "life stuff"?? At what point does one cross over? Is there a tipping point?

I suppose the difference is that when a stressful problem occurs, the stress dissipates the second the problem is solved and I can return to being a happy and contented superyob...

[HULK_I6T]

Plenty people get stressed about nothing.

I have a very legitimate reason to be depressed. Im not on any medication, i still have some dark days but you need to find reasons to live, not reasons to stop living.

Put things into perspective, are your problems serious when compared to other people? Even if they are, think of reasons to live, not reasons why you cannot.

[MAGPIE]

I'd be stealing the dog no if's but's or maybe's.

[kaniSS]

Been living with depression for 5-6 years now. For some strange reason I felt it come on after the birth of my kids, which is funny because from what I read women tend to get more depressed after the birth of kids rather than men.

Been to a few Drs who follow the typical procedure, give you a chart to fill out, and send to to a shrink, who may or may not be able to help you. I am also on meds at the moment which are called Valdoxan. This seems to be helping but I have my odd occasion where I feel down.

To cut a long story short, I finally decided to really think about what makes me feel like this and pinned it down to my suffocating job, my daily repetitive routine (grind), not being able to have more free time for myself anymore and generally feeling trapped in this slave like life.

I tell you when I hit the 2-3week Christmas new years break (from life) I feel amazing and no signs of depression what so ever. I enjoy the time with my kids and my family.

So to anyone who also has this, just take a moment and think about why and what are the causes to make you feel like this but above all see your DR.

[raised by monkeys]

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

So a question.....

How do you distinguish anxiety / depression with just everyday stress and "life stuff"?? At what point does one cross over? Is there a tipping point?

Diagnosis isnt something a GP should do, but psychs. Often there is a bit of exploration required for an official diagnosis. However, for example, description of traits (i.e long onset of low mood) through discussion will assist your GP to help identify appropriate treatment. If you look up DSM vii will offer descriptions of MH disorders as described the american psychological association, used by most clinicians.

But generally, the distinction or crossover between everyday stuff and a diagnosis is basically the inability to function or to achieve day to day living due to said disorder. Hope this makes sense.

[Sparksy]

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

So a question.....

How do you distinguish anxiety / depression with just everyday stress and "life stuff"?? At what point does one cross over? Is there a tipping point?

Great Question!
I believe there is no cross over or tipping point.
It's a slow process that takes years, you don't even realise it's happening cause your not thinking about it.
If anyone is asking the above question your already on the right track!
Everyone is different so no one fix fits all.
Anti depressant drugs are not an answer, use only as a circuit breaker for a short time, maybe a week or so.
Talk to friends and family, you'll find out that everyone else is just as screwed up as I am!

[Sam_Boss260]

Originally Posted by Sparksy

Great Question!
I believe there is no cross over or tipping point.
It's a slow process that takes years, you don't even realise it's happening cause your not thinking about it.
If anyone is asking the above question your already on the right track!
Everyone is different so no one fix fits all.
Anti depressant drugs are not an answer, use only as a circuit breaker for a short time, maybe a week or so.
Talk to friends and family, you'll find out that everyone else is just as screwed up as I am!

Cheers.

Seems that there is so much more stress these days, and it feels like it only gets more and more. I try to have some releases, motorbike riding, projects etc but sometimes you feel like you are going to explode, but then come back and feel normal later. I guess from what I have read here, is that it is the not coming back to normal which could be the tipping point.

[au350hp]

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

So a question.....

How do you distinguish anxiety / depression with just everyday stress and "life stuff"?? At what point does one cross over? Is there a tipping point?

When your thoughts, behaviour or actions start affecting you or others negatively. By tipping point, do you mean breaking point? If anybody has any doubts, get some help and be honest with yourself. Most behaviour is learnt or copied of somebody else. It is easier than you would think to correct attitudes towards people and their actions. When things are put into perspective, rarely are they as big as first thought, more commonly there is little needed for concern.

[iCat]

I asked this question knowing there were similar threads on here. But I find, and this thread has proven, that the more you ask a question, word it slightly differently, more solutions are forthcoming. There are some brilliant snippets on people's individual coping mechanisms, and some brilliant and unique suggestions. Thankyou to those who contributed - i'm sure you have all helped more than just the OP

[ea_boss_05]

http://www.bioprospect.com/

[Sparksy]

Yeah, seems stress breeds stress. The opposite works too and being around happy people makes you happy.
Sleep is another free kick as fast as I'm concerned, getting good sleep seems to make me think better and stress less.

[zilo]

There are some very brave people posting in this thread.
I hope all manage to beat this affliction.

thanks for sharing with us.

[revcore]

I've been on anti depressants for around 20 years because I was unhappy and angry but upon meeting my girlfriend a little under 12 months ago life was excellent so a month ago I decided to go off my medication.
Needless to say it was a very bad idea that almost cost me my relationship. My poor girlfriend had to put up with my terrible behaviour. Anyway, Today I went to the doctors and got a new prescription for anti depressants again. It will take a couple of days before a change is seen but sooner the better as I am ashamed of my behavior. My girlfriend has been to hell and back and she didn't deserve that. Now I'm back on my medication the happy me will be back again.

[cram_it_frog]

for people who do not take anti depression med s a big thing many do not know or understand is side effects


they are some time worse than the illness

in my case they have started to use anti epileptic drugs in pain control

but a very rare amount of people like me actually have epileptic fits when taking this type of drug

and the worst part is every one is different so doctors find it hard to say it is the drugs that make you sick

the basic thing is what does this drug do and many work on different parts of the brain


scarey thought

[LTDHO]

I avoided taking any form of anti-depressant. To me the addiction was to oblious and I didn't want to be dependent and stuck in the vicious circle.

The only way to combat it IMO was to seek ways to keep my mine busy, it doesn't always work and it's not easy when your mind wonders.

[GT0132]

Bent 8…what is the name of the meds you are on?

When reading this thread, and many other things about this topic over the years, I can relate to a lot of the situations some people find themselves in and sometimes wonder if I too need help.

Mood swings. Doesn't take a much to set me off .
Have become aggressive in my behaviour
Mostly always have little or no patience
Worry about my kids or partner dying (although they are all in exceptionally good health)
Always do things in a hurry and panic when I'm late, or could be late, for something
Tend to take things personally when I'm normally pretty laid back
Worry that I won't be liked when I meet, or are introduced to, strangers
Avoiding social gatherings (not totally but if I can easily get out of a social event I will) .
Not getting quality sleep and always feeling tired.
Seem to never feel satisfied and the activities that most people enjoy (i.e like overseas holidays, seeing a concert of a favourite band) I wonder what the big deal is and don't get excited at all.

Background. 52 year old, twice married, twice divorced, now getting married again. Senior executive, comfortable life style , doing Ok financially, have 2 boys late teens. I'm in good heath and no real problems outside the ordinary things that folks go through.

Downside: Parents split when I was 8, my only sibling committed suicide when he was 21, knew 2 people killed at Port Arthur in 1996.

[LTDHO]

Originally Posted by GT0132

Mood swings. Doesn't take a much to set me off .
Have become aggressive in my behaviour
Mostly always have little or no patience
Worry about my kids or partner dying (although they are all in exceptionally good health)
Always do things in a hurry and panic when I'm late, or could be late, for something
Tend to take things personally when I'm normally pretty laid back
Worry that I won't be liked when I meet, or are introduced to, strangers
Avoiding social gatherings (not totally but if I can easily get out of a social event I will) .
Not getting quality sleep and always feeling tired.
Seem to never feel satisfied and the activities that most people enjoy (i.e like overseas holidays, seeing a concert of a favourite band) I wonder what the big deal is and don't get excited at all.

If this is Depression, Anxiety or similar. Then welcome me to the club.
I thought it was just another variant of normal.