Black Dog of Depression - can we help each other?

black_paw

stebiz wrote: »

I suffer from depression and have for a few years. I am self employed and have never claimed benefits (not that it makes any difference). On days when I get depressed, and my medication doesn't work, I can't work and get paid nothing.

I'm a 6ft 1" Scouser who would love to meet you, so you can tell me how weak minded I am. Please name the time and place.

Stebiz

well said :T, can i come too ? hide behind you ?

Bethankim

Hi,

I haven't posted here before..but that comment made me spit feathers - what is depression indeed...

I have had 3 major bouts of depression in my adult life and slowly but surely crawling out of this one, 18 months down the line after i lost all reason at one stage, the crawling fear of being lost inside my own head...

of course the person who made that comment (wish i could work out the quote thingy ) will read responses and dismiss it all as whinging and people justifying why the bleed the system. you cant change a closed mind.

What i have learnt,

I will always be susceptible to depression, i have more coping strategies than i did and understand what my triggers are and am actively working to leading a life where i can function and live with in my own limits.

Be honest both with my self, my GP, my friends and family - I am going to college for 2 reasons one to retrain after my 10 year career is no longer an option and because it is something i really want to do. I have been honest on my forms and will accept the support offered to do the course.

sorry long post waffle..

When i have bad days, i accept i can do nothing and fighting it will not help me, i can cope though and the panic will subside the fear will ebb and as long as i use my keep me safe list then i will get through. I have 6 people on my safe list if i text on a bad day they will be there. They want to be on my list and in fact have made me have one

Depression is real, the vast majority do not claim benefits - i didnt for all my adult life until the i walked out of work, and drove my car.and never intended to return. when a psychiatrist, gp, therapist all agreed i was depressed, suicidal, etc...of course all thise people could be worng and i faked it all..but who would fake it

I lost my job, my house, my car, my income, went bankrupt and almost lost my life..
so please if your reading this dont make sweeping statement s before you stop and tihnk...

what would i do if life became os overwhelming i could no longer cope..if you can t answer that question..then at least try...

black_paw

bethankim so very well put, your story is nearly a mirror image to my brother's , who spent 5 months unable to leave his bed and was so nearly hospitalized, due to psychiatrist, gp, therapist all agreed he was extremely depressed, suicidal, managed to help him ..with in two years when it started he and wife where made redundant , bank pulled loan on new business, had 3 kids, lost house wife broke leg had two operations , had the babies and her to try to look after , did,t claim a thing until lost house, i think he did very well, to even move house and is a lot better at time now, but has days still when he takes to the bed

crazy_girl

stebiz wrote: »

I suffer from depression and have for a few years. I am self employed and have never claimed benefits (not that it makes any difference). On days when I get depressed, and my medication doesn't work, I can't work and get paid nothing.

I'm a 6ft 1" Scouser who would love to meet you, so you can tell me how weak minded I am. Please name the time and place.

Stebiz

same here, i do get DLA which helps when i cant work and dont earn, but i do work part time for myself too

LameWolf

Hello all.

I've just caught up with the thread, and I have to say it saddens me that someone feels the need to post such a negative, unhelpful and frankly offensive comment (you all know the one I'm talking about).

For what it's worth, I've been on anti-depressants of one sort and another for 37 years, and attempted suicide 5 times; but I never claimed any benefits until such time as I became physically unable to work due to an extremely unpleasant and totally debilitating auto-immune illness (Or maybe that's all in my mind too??:mad::mad::mad:)

Bethankim you a so right about coping strategies. On a bad day depression-wise, all I can do is tell myself "this too shall pass" and wait. I've made my husband a promise that I won't try again to take my own life, at least while he's still alive, and I hope to be able to keep that promise.

I personally regard it as the brain chemistry is out of kilter, just as, for instance, with digestive problems, the stomach chemistry isn't right iyswim.

To all of you who come here to support and be supported, take heart; unfortunately there are some very stupid individuals around - we can't let them get us down.

black_paw

LameWolf wrote: »

Hello all.

I've just caught up with the thread, and I have to say it saddens me that someone feels the need to post such a negative, unhelpful and frankly offensive comment (you all know the one I'm talking about).

For what it's worth, I've been on anti-depressants of one sort and another for 37 years, and attempted suicide 5 times; but I never claimed any benefits until such time as I became physically unable to work due to an extremely unpleasant and totally debilitating auto-immune illness (Or maybe that's all in my mind too??:mad::mad::mad:)

Bethankim you a so right about coping strategies. On a bad day depression-wise, all I can do is tell myself "this too shall pass" and wait. I've made my husband a promise that I won't try again to take my own life, at least while he's still alive, and I hope to be able to keep that promise.

I personally regard it as the brain chemistry is out of kilter, just as, for instance, with digestive problems, the stomach chemistry isn't right iyswim.

To all of you who come here to support and be supported, take heart; unfortunately there are some very stupid individuals around - we can't let them get us down.

very well said :T

crazy_girl

im having a really crap day today, i only got out of bed at 2, i just lay there, no telly, no books, just lying there. ive got dressed now but im just a useless lump lying on the sofa

crazy_girl

geesh im so whiney

LameWolf

You've managed to post, though, Crazy Girl, so chalk that up as an achievement.:o

crazy_girl

my fiance lost it with me before and said im mopey and a killjoy