depression

Tiff_2

Hi Dora the Explorer,
CBT is very much in demand because it can be very effective. It is quite widely available - it depends on the person and their problem. Also, as with any other area in our wonderful NHS, it is understaffed.
I would suggest that anyone who is curious about it, should say to their psychiatrist/psychologist that 'I've heard about CBT. What's your opinion on it and do you think it might help me?' Can't hurt and has really helped me. Just a cautionary note, as with any illness, there's no quick cure but CBT puts you very much in control of managing your illnesses I've found.
Best wishes Dora and thanks for your help.

Tiff_2

Miroslav wrote:

I've reached the moment where I have snapped and really can't be bothered anymore. I've tried being nice and helping people in life, but everyone seems to take take take in the real world and give nothing back.

Thanks to all for their advice over the past few days/weeks/months and hope everything works out for you all, you all deserve happiness and success in everything that you do.

Miroslav :wave:

Miroslav- if you are reading this please know that I mean it very sincerely, both to yourself and to others in our little clan.

Hun, your post was a little alarming so the first thing I hope you can do is to post and let us know you're all right. You sounded really low in your post so something has acted as your trigger - maybe the young lady you've talked about? It doesn't matter what it was angel.

One thing our group has in common is pain, and it comes in varying amounts and at various times, and what's been miraculous is that when we're down, there's always someone here before very long to listen and to help put a different perspective on things. Coming on here has shown me that good people exist and want to step in. Bad experiences stay foremost in our minds and cloud the good things - hence the saying 'bad news travels fast'.

We've all cared and we've all been hurt - that is life and the same for everyone - and some of us have been hurt more than most. Pain is pain. Life is bittersweet angel. But what actually saves us and makes us better people IS the caring. We can't seem to help it. We've survived, somehow, and there must be a reason for that, even if it's just to give others hope or maybe because your life still has something wonderful along the way. I know you have been through a heartbreaking time angel and we all feel for you.

If you don't think that tough old Tiff here hasn't got a heart that's broken and a soul that's in so much pain, you'd be wrong. If you only knew how much I cry when I'm alone, how I think that no-one in the world could possibly reach me or help me and that it's just too hard to keep on fighting. You're not alone Miroslav. And whether it's through posts here or some other way, the pain eases - NOTHING, even pain, stays exactly the same.

Please anyone considering doing anything harmful , for want of a better word, please get in touch with your GP or CPN if you can.
Come on here and spill your guts like I did and you cry and let it out.
The replies of warmth and kindness you will receive will ease the pain. It helps us too, to know that other people feel the same way. That's why I post - I'm amazed that people can understand what I've been through and THAT is what gives me hope.

In 24 -48 hours of asking for help, there's a 99% chance that the response you get will help you feel better and change your mind and you wait maybe 24hours before you do whatever you were thinking of doing. When you're deeply in a low, grab a pen and write "I've been here before and I always get to leave. Sit it out."

We are all on this thread for a hundred awful reasons that should never have been. You are all so wonderful and precious pieces of life and you all make a difference.
Everyone please, don't imply that you're going to do something drastic because that is just another piece of terrible pain we would have to bear. Please, give each other the chance to help or make a difference.

This has all sounded like a rant but it's straight from the heart. I'm so sorry if I'm not making sense or if I've said the wrong thing. I just don't want to contribute to giving anyone, here especially, anymore pain - we've all got enough of that.

Miroslav hun, I hope you are okay. Please post and let us know. I'm sitting here in the ether, so's to speak, worrying about this and I have no way of knowing what's happened. And I won't be the only one either.

Sorry everyone.
Much love to everyone, Tiff x

Tiff_2

Hey Rosie - I wouldn't leave you hun, or anyone here - you're not that lucky guys! Besides we keep each other going.
Posting more tomorrow. Much Love xxx

MegS

I've just found this thread so apologies for the late arrival. I was diagnosed with depression (and anxiety) last year, basically taking too much on myself as I was always brought up to just get on wth things and 'stop being so stupid'. My doctor was fantastic (she said my chakra was out of alignment), understood when I said I didn't want to go on tablets and suggested St John's Wort. It was a huge shock to be crying all the time as I don't cry other than at sad movies or books. My husband was away and I had to deal with everyday life as I have a son. The Navy were no help whatsoever and despite the fact he wasn't doing anything at sea (just waiting for the Trafalgar celebrations) they refused to let im home unless I was about to kill myself. My doctor spoke to them twice and told them I needed someone at home to look after DS so I could get myself better but they still refused. How they could leave a (then) 5 year old boy to deal with his mother in that state I will never know. I went to a counsellor (which I had to pay for as there is an 8 month waiting list for the NHS) but she tended to focus on my childhood as the reason behind my depression and not being able to discuss my feelings or feel it was 'right' to be angry or upset. Didn't think it really helped much as my mother is dead so its not as if I can discuss with her why I was brought up like that. I felt I needed something like a life coach to help me look to the future. My doctor also suggested CBT but the nearest is Southampton and my husband is away until Christmas (when he gets off the ship hurrah) and I don't drive. I was lucky in that I only suffer mildly, I've really had to fight not to let it bring me down too often, I also take the St John's Wort when I feel things getting on top of me. I seem to have this in-built survivor system so I guess my childhood did ingrain some good. I really feel for you guys who have it far worse than me.

bettyboop61

Morning all, Welcome megs, Tiff, Rose, Flis, Slayerx, Mrs A and everyone else. How is everyone?

Miroslav, I am extremely worried about your last message, if you are feeling so low and desperate, please take a look at maytree@maytree.org.uk I don't know if I got that right but if you google maytree its the first one on the list, it may offer the respite that your looking for. Please take a look at it.

Huggssss to you alll
Betty

Dora_the_Explorer_5

Tiff wrote:

Hi Dora the Explorer,
CBT is very much in demand because it can be very effective. It is quite widely available - it depends on the person and their problem. Also, as with any other area in our wonderful NHS, it is understaffed.
I would suggest that anyone who is curious about it, should say to their psychiatrist/psychologist that 'I've heard about CBT. What's your opinion on it and do you think it might help me?' Can't hurt and has really helped me. Just a cautionary note, as with any illness, there's no quick cure but CBT puts you very much in control of managing your illnesses I've found.
Best wishes Dora and thanks for your help.

NICE guidance for depression is that it should be used alongside or in place of medication. Anyone being treated in primary care or by a mental health professional can ask to be assessed for CBT.
The fact that online DIY CBT programs are now being made available by the voluntary sector, with the support of the NHS, indicates there is a great unmet need which will take years to resolve, if ever.
People who feel that CBT might be for them can try it on their PC in the comfort and safety of their own homes, if they are committed to improving things and beleive that recovery is something they should aim for and take responsibility for.

I'm taking a realistic view of things here. The spend on mental health is currently a disgrace for people with serious and severe mental health problems, and far worse for those with mild to moderate depression. That could and should change, but it will take a great many years before the situation improves to what it should be.

Tiff_2

Dora_the_Explorer wrote:

NICE guidance for depression is that it should be used alongside or in place of medication. Anyone being treated in primary care or by a mental health professional can ask to be assessed for CBT.
The fact that online DIY CBT programs are now being made available by the voluntary sector, with the support of the NHS, indicates there is a great unmet need which will take years to resolve, if ever.
People who feel that CBT might be for them can try it on their PC in the comfort and safety of their own homes, if they are committed to improving things and beleive that recovery is something they should aim for and take responsibility for.

I'm taking a realistic view of things here. The spend on mental health is currently a disgrace for people with serious and severe mental health problems, and far worse for those with mild to moderate depression. That could and should change, but it will take a great many years before the situation improves to what it should be.

Hi Dora, Hi Rose, Bettyboop, flis, miroslav, feeling good, slayerx. natty, and everyone else too.
I totally agree that the expenditure for mental ill health treatment is way less than it should be. I also think if people are well enough to try CBT online or through books or any media, well that's fantastic too. I think you have posted some really helpful things Dora. I did have another thought about a couple of things you mentioned in your post Dora.

You said that people, quote "...can try it on their PC in the comfort and safety of their own homes, if they are committed to improving things and beleive that recovery is something they should aim for and take responsibility for." unquote.

Mental ill health is an individual illness although some share common factors. I've seen that what works for one person does not necessarily work for another. I am currently using both CBT and medication and I cannot speak highly enough about CBT, but I don't think the CBT would be working if it wasn't for the medication too. I think people should ask their own drs about it first(as you said, self-referral), before they put it into use alongside any other treatments they are currently having.

Some people need guiding through something like CBT. If they approach it in the wrong way, or don't understand it thoroughly, it can lead to a negative experience, and an 'been there, tried that, no good for me' situation if they're offered it later by their health care professionals. I fully support anyone that can try to help themselves but I believe we all have to find our own right way.
If being realistic cured depression immediately, there'd be a lot of unemployed psychiatrists. Please ask your professionals what CBT is about first. It's not necessarily about taking responsibility, it's about being ready to take the first steps for it. There are not many professionals that would want you flying solo on experimenting with any treatments without checking your care plan with them first.

Although it is always best to have a realistic approach where possible, some people may not be ready for it. People should not be pushed into 'being realistic' and some of us are too ill to be able to deal with that. A lot of us don't understand why we feel the way we do, because it doesn't matter how clever or experienced you are, when mental ill health hits, it makes no friends. Some of us have things in our experience to contend with and we need to be careful about giving them or anyone, "The Answer". We may not be able to cure our problem but may have to learn to manage it. Being realistic to someone with bad depression, is the same experience as being told to get a grip, to move on.

I thank God that there are these CPNs, Psychiatrists, Support Workers, GP's etc. out there in the N.H.S. and yes, as with everything else, there aren't enough of them. Being optimistic, even with the scenario you gave, we have come a long way with Mental Health Services compared to years ago. Thank God too for organizations like MIND. For all there is that's wrong, there are people working to change it and they are making a difference. And no, it can't be done quickly enough but things are changing, or people like me wouldn't be sitting here voicing my opinion - you'd find me in a little cell somewhere, medicated to the eyeballs! (Rose thinks I should be anyway! :rotfl: )

I've probably made no sense whatsoever :rolleyes: and I only intend this post to be positive. I know all the faults and where they lie and they are a disgrace. But we are who we are, we have this illness involuntarily and when it's our time, the right answer for each of us will come along. One size doesn't fit all - don't say a word Rose!!!

Talk to you all later folks - be kind to each other. Much love. Tiff.
Hope you'll post again soon Miroslav

natural

Try to add natural nutrients from foods. Natural superfoods contain high amounts of nutrients which help to regulate the nervous system, etc.

This page www.nutri-info.com contains information on Natural foods and therapies.

jellycat40

Where is Miroslav? - Post hunny we love you.

Miroslav, I have been where I think you are now and it is a very bad place. Pick up the phone and call someone. Anyone you trust. Just talk to someone. Even if you don't tell them how you are feeling you will revalidate yourself. You will know that you exsist.

I will pm you with my home number and you can call me if you want. Just don't do anything daft.

Love Louise

jellycat40

An update on where I am. I have now been given 150mg of Venaflaxin? at bedtime and some Zopiclone to help with sleeplessness.

I have an appointment with a psyiotherapist on Thursday and an appointement for me and family to do family work on the following Thursday.
The psyio is going to teach me some breathing techniques to get me through panics and lows. The family team are going to help me and my family cope with my illness. I also have reflective therapy in a group on Friday mornings. I pay for this but not much, it is run by a womens charity and you go for years and years until everything is sorted.

I feel lousy though at the mo. I had felt good for the last 2 days but today I have crashed.

How are you Mrs A, glad that the meds are doing their job, but remember you have to rest as well as clean etc.

Tiff lovely to see you helping everyone but remember to help yourself too.

Love to all

Louise