Depression Support Thread

Tiff_2

Hi n71!:hello:
How are you hun? Let's have a look here .....

n71 wrote:

Hi all - i'm new to this thread and just wanted some advice from you wonderful people.
I've been taking citalopram for 13 months now, after a breakdown February 2007.
Looking back, i'd probably been depressed since the birth of my first child, DS, 11 years ago. It was a difficult birth, and we soon found out son has severe learning disabilities along with autism.
I remember lying during the post natal depression questionnaire - i didnt want anyone to think I wasn't the perfect mum!!!
Obviously I never felt happy, then my second baby was born (DD). Before she was one, i split up with their dad - a very messy and long drawn out break up. I took about 5 years for him to stop being crazy/stalkerish.

I'm sorry you had such a difficult time with your first delivery angel and the break up of your relationship. It's not always the 'Homes and Gardens' picture that we expect. 'Perfect' should be taken out of the mental dictionary! It does sound as though you may have had post-natal depression though only your dr can confirm that.
Are you getting all the support available for DS and yourselves? Just in case, I popped down to the Tiff archives, (you should see the size of the dust bunnies down there guys!) and found some links which may help. I've not had any dealings with them so as with everything else, use your own judgement n71.
These two links are for the National Autism Society...

http://www.nas.org.uk/

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=131

These two links are for support and information...

http://www.cafamily.org.uk/Direct/l21.html

http://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/

And of course, both Mencap and Gateway Clubs are another great resource. If you google hunnie, you'll find lots of support groups around the country. Sorry if you've already got these links.

n71 wrote:

Anyway, last Feb (07), everything built up, and built up, then i exploded with my now (wonderful understanding) partner getting the brunt of it - after that, i went to the doctor and confessed all. He signed me off work to take some me time, and prescribed Citalopram 10mg, increasing it to 20mg after not feeling better after a couple of months.
For most of the year, i've felt great. I'm much happier and people have commented i'm chattier, and look better.
But now, its the week before that time of the month, and I feel crap. I hate everyone, feel like i'm an unpaid slave at home, and haven't spoken to OH for 3 days without telling him why - in fact, i don't know why!!
I've noticed this monthly madness has been creeping back over the last 3ish months. Has anyone else experienced this?
Does you body/mind get used to the Citalopram and the effects wear off eventually?
How do other people cope/deal with the monthly madness? Thanks for listening.

Well done you for seeking help! It can be really hard to pin down what's caused the mood change in this last 3 months angel. Again, please go to your dr and discuss this with them. Is it just the week before when you feel like this? Are you all right for the other 3 weeks?
It may be a bad case of PMS, or depression or sometimes even just the way too much stress and life can make us feel. The only one who can really help you find the answer, is your dr angel.
Medications affect everyone differently and each of our situations is unique. I'm not a professional hun and we can't comment on the meds really, except to say that you do hear of some people getting used to meds and having to re-evaluate the situation. But with you mentioning your 'monthly madness', it hints at being possibly a gynae issue, hunnie. You seem to be identifying a pattern so go see that doc.
How do I cope with it? I'll let you know when I do. Get a cat - they're wonderfully theraputic! I don't know what the men do to manage!
Just kidding hun - I know it's an awful situation.
I think that identifying the pattern is a big help because you'll be able to talk yourself in to trying to calm things down with practice. And, as boring as it sounds, some proper relaxation and some 'you' time set aside may help. Also don't plan anything stressful (like talking to OHs!) for around that time and keep your workload as light as you can. Explain to OH what's happening if you haven't already - he may be thinking all kinds of things and it's important to keep communicating. You've got a lot to deal with and should feel proud of how well you do manage sweetheart.
I hope this helped a little hunnie - keep us posted.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

Tiff_2

Hi ilgd!:hello:
Hey lady - how are you, hun?
Oh - right - you're about to tell me... ...

ilgd wrote:

...feel exactly same lately. since xmas have had really bad health and thats a huge reminder that im getting old...used to shake off illness pretty quik but had bad coughs since xmas off and on...and now waking every morning with sore neck whick makes my back ache like a hot knife pushing in. havent changed sleep pattern and have mem foam matt topper and pillow, so all the same. am getting very stressed about our hol soon as its me who does all packing, ironing, shopping, worrying,and i think it may be im subconciously worrying about it all. tbh, i would like to stay at home on my own but dont tell dh:)

You know what the problem is, don't you hun? It's that w-a-g-g-y thing you've got!
And no, for our new friends, I'm not talking about her DH!
Please go and see the vet about your neck and back hunnie - it may be that a bit of manipulation could work wonders (DOWN GILLY, DOWN!). Everything's so much harder when you can't get a decent rest. Sorry you're dreading the holiday angel - how can it be so hard to relax on holiday?! And then you get home with two weeks worth of the family's dirty laundry to look forward to, as well!_pale_ Tell DH you've got a headache that will last for 2 weeks - or for however long the holiday is - and pop over to Tiff Towers and we'll all get together for the day!:dance:

Hmmm...feeling a Tiffy thought coming on (they're a bit like hot flushes so I'm told - I'll let you know as soon as I've had one!)...
!!!
We should all try to meet up in [strike]sazzy's place[/strike],:silenced:, erm, I mean London later in the summer - say September time? What do you think guys?
I can see it now...

''THE MSE DEPRESSION THREAD'S ANNUAL GLEE CLUB OUTING!''

We musn't enjoy ourselves though and everyone has to find something to complain about! And of course, us agoraphobics will have to be caught and darted first.

Sorry ilgd - I digressed quite a bit there...

ilgd wrote:

...i wasnt there last nite but cant get on as much when dh is around as he thinks im an hypochonriac to say the least so dont think he grasps depression and stuff...bit old skool about it so we tend to agree to differ...if i had a broken leg and he could see the pot then he would believe but when there are no signs like that he doesnt understand at all..... he always thought i was mad anyway so:)......we put up with each other. ttfn. good day to all. love ilgd xx

It's not right that you decide to stay away from the computer because it means a quiter life for you with DH, hun. Doesn't he know that even hypochondria is an illness?! I know you've probably already directed his attention to the MIND site, for an insight into mental ill health and ideas for people living with someone in that situation. Hang on...

*sound of paws running back down into the Tiff archives......sound of paws running back from the Tiff archives*

Links for anyone who this may help...
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Factsheets/Public+attitudes/

and while keeping hold of some common sense, this makes interesting reading, even though it's a year 2000 report...
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Factsheets/Statistics/Statistics+1.htm

It is hard for our loved ones to understand and it's just as hard for us to explain it too. And don't forget guys, there are some really kind people about too.
As for your DH ilgd, my advice would be to get a cat! I know you love him really.
Hope you're feeling better sweetie. Take care.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

Sazbo

Tiff wrote: »

We should all try to meet up in [strike]sazzy's place[/strike],:silenced:, erm, I mean London later in the summer - say September time? What do you think guys?
I can see it now...

''THE MSE DEPRESSION THREAD'S ANNUAL GLEE CLUB OUTING!''
:j :j :j

We musn't enjoy ourselves though and everyone has to find something to complain about! And of course, us agoraphobics will have to be caught and darted first.

Yep I'm up for that, deffo! Brilliant idea tiffy hun :beer: :j :T Effelbomber and gazbag are in charge of the entertainments;) But i'm afraid there's one of those big yellow and black bio-hazard signs on my front door, so you can't come here:o:D Ask gilly badge - he's the resident health and safety geezer:D:D

I've got the the tranquiliser darts at the ready! :rotfl:

love ya hun
Sxxxxxxxxx

Tiff_2

Hi guys!:hello:
Don't ask me how, I don't even read newspapers, but I came across this item and thought it may raise a smile or two...

The_Times_Online wrote:

From 'The Times' By Alan Hamilton. August 4, 2005


''Don't badger me tonight, darling, it's a full moon.''
''LIKE so many of their human sisters, lady badgers prefer to conduct their intimacies with the lights out. New research published today suggests that Britain’s largest terrestrial carnivore breeds successfully only when the moon is in its darkest monthly phase. Down on the sett, it is the equivalent of closing the curtains and switching off the bedside lamp.


Writing in the new edition of BBC Wildlife magazine, Dr David Dixon, a marine biologist, reports his findings from a three-year Peeping Tom survey of badger colonies near Plymouth. The girls prefer it in the dark, but the boys are always trying it on.

During a new moon, when the night is at its darkest, Dr Dixon observed that female badgers were “tolerant or indifferent” to the advances of males, while during the bright glow of a full moon they became postively hostile. Most matings occurred during the last and first phases of the moon, when it is at its least illuminating.
Badger mating is an act which, on average, lasts a good 90 minutes. It might even, for the participants, be an excellent 90 minutes.''

I couldn't stop laughing at that final sentence!

You can find the rest of the item here...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article551272.ece


Sorry for picking on you today, gilly hun - sazzy's demanded a day off! We all know you're a wonderful brockie-badger!
Take care hunnie.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

Tiff_2

Hi guys!:hello:

Reasons You Should Get A Cat ~
#275

Thicky w-a-g-g-y!

Not the brightest of animals, are they?

Much Love,
Tiff xxx

santashelper_2

Sazbo wrote: »

No problem at all xx How are you today hun? When's your next session with relate?

I'm not too bad... been busying myself with breadmaking today... anything's preferable to thinking too much!:o

Hiya Shaz :hello: glad you had a good day with the boys. Karting sounds fun! I'd love to try it, but knowing my luck i'd get 10 points on my licence:rolleyes::D

Uh-oh... red alert, Sazzy's radar's going off - there's a Tiff on the loose! :eek: *sazzy turns out lights and draws curtains* Only kidding my darling tiffy hun! :kisses3: I know you got a lot on your kitty plate the next few days - I'll be in touch ok? Take care sweetheart xxx

Much love and kisses to you all. Hope you enjoy what's left of the weekend.

Sazzyxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Sazbo

Feel a bit low today just stuck in a rut feeling, next meeting is tomorrow evening hoping we can make more progress.

Hello Tiff good to see your still keeping everyone smiling

Sazbo

santashelper wrote: »

Hi Sazbo

Feel a bit low today just stuck in a rut feeling, next meeting is tomorrow evening hoping we can make more progress.

Hello Tiff good to see your still keeping everyone smiling

I know exactly how you feel... one step forward and two steps back kinda thing...

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow night santas hun xx Let us know how you get on.

And please don't encourage tiffy - we'll all suffer for it;):D

Well, you've all got one tired-out sazzy on your hands...:o Reckon I'd better call it a day soon... work tomorrow

Much love to you all and sweet dreams my lovlies :wave:

Sazzy xxxxxxx

wannabe_sybil

I can't believe how nice everyone is on here.

Had a tough weekend. OH in foul mood, so spent it all looking after him. I am running on empty (again) and I really want a little brother or sister for bear, but don't think I can carry on much longer without antidepressants.

I just wish I had someone I could lean on. It seems to be a recurring theme on this thread.

Just bobbed in to say, 'hi' anyway, so have to go and look after bear.

Tulip

:hello: Everyone,

Morning! I am off today to the pub for lunch and then Karioke It will be nice to see my friends

I hope you all have a lovely day

*hugs* to those that need one


love and light,

Katie xxx

santashelper_2

wannabe_sybil wrote: »

I can't believe how nice everyone is on here.

Had a tough weekend. OH in foul mood, so spent it all looking after him. I am running on empty (again) and I really want a little brother or sister for bear, but don't think I can carry on much longer without antidepressants.

I just wish I had someone I could lean on. It seems to be a recurring theme on this thread.

Just bobbed in to say, 'hi' anyway, so have to go and look after bear.

hi wannabe sybil

can you make some time to treat yourself it doesent need to be anything expensive maybe some time to read a book or a nice bubble bath sometimes we can spend a lot of time putting other peoples needs before our own and need to give ourselves sometime hope this helps