Black Dog of Depression - can we help each other?

baileywoos

LameWolf wrote: »

Hello Friends

It's silly o'clock as I type this, but I've been lying in bed unable to sleep, and it occurs to me that there's not a Depression thread yet.

I think those of us who suffer this can help each other. I'd like to think so, anyway; I do know that, as a MoneySaving forum, it is relevant for those of us who go a bit OTT with the spending when the Black Dog has us. I know I do - I spend far and away too much on alcohol.

Depression is as much a disability as the physical stuff (of which I do have some also, I have lupus) but it is so sad that it is seen as something you can "pull yourself together" from. Etc, etc. If you've read this far, you know that it doesn't work that way.

OK, to get to the point..... I have had severe depression from very early in life (diagnosed at the age of 12, I have been on various anti-d's for the last 37 years) and I'd like to offer a "paw" of friendship to others in the jaws of the Black Dog.

I can't, obviously, wave a magic wand and solve all your problems, but I do think that we can perhaps share coping strategies, and maybe provide some mutual support.

What a great idea.
I too suffer from the Black Dog. He's not gnashing at the moment but he sure isn't securely in his kennel either.
I have both Fibro and Narcolepsy too and I think they all go hand in hand, having said that I wouldn't like to think that that has in any way made me 'accepting' and therefore blase of the illness.

There isn't much in the way of help up here in the Scottish Highlands but I did find the book "Taming the Black Dog" extremely helpful and I encourage any sufferer to read it.
I think Cognitive Therapy may be the better way to go and I do try to stop myself thinking such negative thoughts but it's extremely difficult.
Death is a major theme in my brain every single day, but not in the way of suicide. I worry constantly about my husband and kids and have so many thoughts of "what if this happens" it's ridiculous.
It's made me quite reclusive actually, I feel safer at home.

I wasn't diagnosed at an early age but I can see now that I was susceptible and have actually lived with it for many years.

How sad that we sufferers have to try to figure it out for ourselves, there is so little help available.

black_paw

very true baileywoos , think everyone has found out more about things on the web , and of cause this brill site . i have learned so much here with so many people giving help /advice and links to sites..to read up on....

Hawthorn

baileywoos wrote: »

I think Cognitive Therapy may be the better way to go and I do try to stop myself thinking such negative thoughts but it's extremely difficult.
.

I have been hospitalised, several times with depression - the most recent being november last year.

I am currently doing CBT, and though it is VERY hard work, and something you really have to be ready for and willing, it is very effective.
It's also worth contacting mind. They are running a self esteem/confidence course in my area at the moment, free of charge, and it's been the most wonderful help.
So yeah, after being ill for many, many years, CBT seems to be the light at the end of my tunnel. It's nothing to be afraid of.....you don't even have to rehash past stuff (as in traditional counselling methods). It's just empowering, truly.

Magenta

Trying to explain the Black Dog to people who have never experianced it....hopeless isn't it.
At least it is now 'recognised' as an illness.

I went to do Cognitive Therapy many many years ago, at one point the 'therapist' said to me that the best thing was to go and sit on a bench in the park in the sun and everything would be better!!!.....:eek: :eek:

TaBunny

Hey guys the builders are still here, sigh, I think I told you they found dry rot, well they've finished all that and have re plastered but now say they have to dig up the concrete kitchen floor because of some vent they have to put in. This really has been a test of my sanity but I'm still here. Hugs to all.

cootambear

Hawthorn wrote: »

I have been hospitalised, several times with depression - the most recent being november last year.

I am currently doing CBT, and though it is VERY hard work, and something you really have to be ready for and willing, it is very effective.
It's also worth contacting mind. They are running a self esteem/confidence course in my area at the moment, free of charge, and it's been the most wonderful help.
So yeah, after being ill for many, many years, CBT seems to be the light at the end of my tunnel. It's nothing to be afraid of.....you don't even have to rehash past stuff (as in traditional counselling methods). It's just empowering, truly.

where do you get your cbt from?

Hawthorn

Do you have a CPN? She was able to refer me to it. Otherwise, maybe your doctor would know?

Hawthorn

Magenta wrote: »

I went to do Cognitive Therapy many many years ago, at one point the 'therapist' said to me that the best thing was to go and sit on a bench in the park in the sun and everything would be better!!!.....:eek: :eek:

Sounds like my dad that! I'm pleased to report things have improved since then

LameWolf

baileywoos wrote: »

Death is a major theme in my brain every single day, but not in the way of suicide. I worry constantly about my husband and kids and have so many thoughts of "what if this happens" it's ridiculous.
It's made me quite reclusive actually, I feel safer at home.

This struck a chord with me - every morning when my husband goes to work, I sit with my heart in my mouth til he texts me to say that he's arrived safely.

LameWolf

TaBunny wrote: »

Hey guys the builders are still here, sigh, I think I told you they found dry rot, well they've finished all that and have re plastered but now say they have to dig up the concrete kitchen floor because of some vent they have to put in. This really has been a test of my sanity but I'm still here. Hugs to all.

You've got this far, TaBunny, hang in there just a while longer. (((HUG)))