dealing with depression without medication
- Thread starter BassetLover**
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ohhhhhhh my mama knows if i come in crying..and mad as heck and sit down at the piano and play until all my ducks are in a line..she knows something bad has happened..and lets me work it out of my system..somehow it pulls me all together and i can almost breathe when i am done..Once I was so mad at Jim i was boiling and i don't know how..but he found me at Hodge Park...a very large acreage away from everything..he said he knew i headed for open space when i am mad..he is the only one that figured that out!
Walking or jogging will definitely help with your depression. If you are 100% certain it isn't something physical then try these and they will help. I went through some depression and mood swings awhile back and I did try Celexa, which is a serotonin releaser and it worked a miracle in my life. My doctor said that I had a physical deficit of serotonin and that's why she suggested Celexa. I'm glad she did...I feel great now and much more optimistic and normal, so to say. Good luck.
smkie,
I have to do the same as you. I battle chronic anxiety. (To anyone who doesn't know exactly what this is: Think of when you are extremely worried about something, or just really scared, and multipy that by about 25.) I have my entire life but did not figure this out until age 16. I get through a lot of it with poetry and animals. My dogs and my very special Princess Oreo get me through things that I just don't know I could get through without them. Anxiety attacks come on at unpredictable times. I have been on Zoloft for two years. It helps with anxiety, but does NOT wipe it out. I am trying to detoxify my body of the Zoloft, but it seems as though my body is rejecting this detox. I have been having a severe anxiety attack for most of today. So, I am guessing on Monday, I will ask to be put back on it.
But you are right. Depression is suddenly so common, it's as if doctors are too lazy to look through to find the root of the real problem. Anyway, please
I have to do the same as you. I battle chronic anxiety. (To anyone who doesn't know exactly what this is: Think of when you are extremely worried about something, or just really scared, and multipy that by about 25.) I have my entire life but did not figure this out until age 16. I get through a lot of it with poetry and animals. My dogs and my very special Princess Oreo get me through things that I just don't know I could get through without them. Anxiety attacks come on at unpredictable times. I have been on Zoloft for two years. It helps with anxiety, but does NOT wipe it out. I am trying to detoxify my body of the Zoloft, but it seems as though my body is rejecting this detox. I have been having a severe anxiety attack for most of today. So, I am guessing on Monday, I will ask to be put back on it.
But you are right. Depression is suddenly so common, it's as if doctors are too lazy to look through to find the root of the real problem. Anyway, please
My daughter's best friend Cabby is going thru anxiety attacks..she is in college and this is making things very ruff for her..she doen'st want her Mother to know and i wish she would not feel it is something she cannot talk about..the one single good thing i can say about society today is that we know more and can be better at problem solving without judging..talking is a good thing there! I think zoloft is a very dangerous drug..One of the boys was taking it and abrubtly stopped..they have him so hopped up on antidepressant to fight the depression of meth abuse i am severely worried about him..he is driving us all crazy and people are starting to avoid him because of his altered behavior and i am afraid that is going to drive him either to suicide..or back to the meth..He needs a real Mother and a real Family. He is out there basically alone.
i just spoke to him on the phone a few minutes ago. Zoloft is dangerous..but it helped me not at all.
what worries me about the docs of today is that they perscribe antid's before they even do blood work..fatigue can be the first symptom of everything from Cancer to lupus...they waited too long to figure out my tmj..the joints on both sides of my jaw were stage 3 with bone splinters when they did find out..i eventually had the big bad surgery that took both out. I wonder if they had looked for more causes of my severe migraines they could have detected it sooner and spared me all of this! That is why when my good doc retired i felt abandoned and thrown to the wolves..haven't found a good one yet..just pass the buckers.
i just spoke to him on the phone a few minutes ago. Zoloft is dangerous..but it helped me not at all.
what worries me about the docs of today is that they perscribe antid's before they even do blood work..fatigue can be the first symptom of everything from Cancer to lupus...they waited too long to figure out my tmj..the joints on both sides of my jaw were stage 3 with bone splinters when they did find out..i eventually had the big bad surgery that took both out. I wonder if they had looked for more causes of my severe migraines they could have detected it sooner and spared me all of this! That is why when my good doc retired i felt abandoned and thrown to the wolves..haven't found a good one yet..just pass the buckers.
i went to the doctor a couple of months ago and explained it all, that is t i tried to through the tears and i never cry in front of poeple. he took all sorts of blood tests etc to rule of physical things and they all came back clear, to which he decides that im not depressed but just need a career change!!
somedays im happy and its all fine but other days i hate myself, i cant look in a mirror without wanting to damage the person looking back and its not good.
somedays i want to be able to just dissapear from it all and others i feel like im gonna explode if things keep on.
i love my parents and they did good by me and my brothers but there was never any love shown, no cuddles no i love you's and i dunno i feel bad about it. i wanted to do the best for ellie and i constantly feel like im failing. i cant provide for her we struggle to keep the fridge stocked up never mind buying her the things she wants, the stupid inlaws make it worse by constantly buying her expensive things.
even the dogs should have better i feel useless in life. and no one will help
somedays im happy and its all fine but other days i hate myself, i cant look in a mirror without wanting to damage the person looking back and its not good.
somedays i want to be able to just dissapear from it all and others i feel like im gonna explode if things keep on.
i love my parents and they did good by me and my brothers but there was never any love shown, no cuddles no i love you's and i dunno i feel bad about it. i wanted to do the best for ellie and i constantly feel like im failing. i cant provide for her we struggle to keep the fridge stocked up never mind buying her the things she wants, the stupid inlaws make it worse by constantly buying her expensive things.
even the dogs should have better i feel useless in life. and no one will help
Don't feel like you're failing Ellie. Buying her things isn't the answer. Giving her all the love you have in your heart is the best thing you can give your little girl. I didn't have expensive things growing up, but my mom was always there for me and was my best friend who I miss so very much. Ellie may want many things, but teaching her to have fun with simple things and enjoying family will mean a lot to her one day. You're trying to be the best mother you can be for her and that's all she can ask. Please don't be so hard on yourself.
I agree with Barb...buying things isn't even important. Yep, gotta have food and such......but family isn't about anything to do with money, so don't bend to any pressures from anyone, and LET the inlaws spend theirs...they love to do it, and you shouldn't fret about it. Course, I don't know your inlaws...but maybe they think they are helping. Wowza...don't know how you'd have a downer feeling looking in the mirror...you are beautiful. I think ups and downs are a part of living. Sometimes you have to really stop and let the good times soak into your entire being, they can be fleeting. I also think it's perfectly normal to have times as a young parent where you worry, or doubt yourself.....like Barb also said....don't be so hard on yourself. Maybe you need a little more time just for yourself to release stress.....just get that worked in to your schedule like you would anything else. Also....more important.....have special time with your hubby to be romantic...that bond really is the glue that holds the family together. AND...keeps you smiling. 
BassetLover, what you've described is a true depressed state of mind, whether it's chemically based or psychologically based. It also sounds like you've got your plate full. I've been where you are and it's a dark tunnel of despair and it can be a struggle to get back to the surface.
It's normal to be depressed sometimes, to have the blues every now and again, but when it gets as oppressive as you describe you need someone who will not only throw you a rope, but someone who will hold it and help pull on it while you make your climb out. I think you've made a good start, realizing that this probably has something to do with the way you were raised - children need to be cherished and they need to be held and reassured with words and touch. When you don't get this growing up, you yearn for it, but there is always a gnawing fear that you don't deserve love, will never have love, won't be able to give love.
Just look at all the changes that are rushing toward you right now! You're getting married! You have a young child who is changing every single minute of every day! Those are two things that have to be letting those fears get a good hold of you now. They're both directly connected to loving and being loved - and you sound as though you're practically petrified with anxiety. You're surrounded with those who love you - your fiance, your child, your dogs - and the fear of failing them, or being unworthy, or even losing their love can be paralyzing.
Pop me an e-mail if you'd like. [hugs]
It's normal to be depressed sometimes, to have the blues every now and again, but when it gets as oppressive as you describe you need someone who will not only throw you a rope, but someone who will hold it and help pull on it while you make your climb out. I think you've made a good start, realizing that this probably has something to do with the way you were raised - children need to be cherished and they need to be held and reassured with words and touch. When you don't get this growing up, you yearn for it, but there is always a gnawing fear that you don't deserve love, will never have love, won't be able to give love.
Just look at all the changes that are rushing toward you right now! You're getting married! You have a young child who is changing every single minute of every day! Those are two things that have to be letting those fears get a good hold of you now. They're both directly connected to loving and being loved - and you sound as though you're practically petrified with anxiety. You're surrounded with those who love you - your fiance, your child, your dogs - and the fear of failing them, or being unworthy, or even losing their love can be paralyzing.
Pop me an e-mail if you'd like. [hugs]
I think I should say that I wasn't making light of what may be serious depression. I think there is a very fine line between extreme anxiety and being totally overwhelmed...and true depression. I think I read the post wrong....I thought you were just very overwhelmed and wanted ideas to help that didn't involve medication. That's why I was thinking you needed more 'you' time, or such. IF you are really serious about not being able to cope...please see another doctor and do take medication. I'm trying to say that I didn't mean to sound so casual about it......hope you feel better very, very soon. (((hugs)))
thanks to all. my doctor has officialy writen on my files that i am not depressed so i think ill find it hard to convince another doc.
even though i was sitting in his office barely able to speak through the sobs, i told him everything i put my heart and soul into what i was telling him and he wrote me off
even though i was sitting in his office barely able to speak through the sobs, i told him everything i put my heart and soul into what i was telling him and he wrote me off
That's HIS failing! You know when something is not right with yourself. If possible, you might consider another doctor, maybe a woman. And if you have coverage, a better, more compassionate, more perceptive doctor could refer you to a therapist you could work with instead of going the drug route. I think you're wise to want to avoid most of the anti-depressives. Unless you've got true chemcal depression they only treat the symptoms; therapy can get you to the root of the problem so you can deal with it.
Is there a well woman clinic at you surgery? When my mum had a nervous breakdown she went to the well woman clinic and she said it was really helpful. It was lots of women with simular problems (depression) that talk about them a couple of times a week (kind of like group therapy). Also the group gives you support from people in your area, that you can pop round to see or ring when things get on top of you.
They also have a really good support system for the family, My dad met up with other husbands in the same situation and it helps put things into perspective!
Sending virtual hugs (from Louise) and virtual licks from Gus!
They also have a really good support system for the family, My dad met up with other husbands in the same situation and it helps put things into perspective!
Sending virtual hugs (from Louise) and virtual licks from Gus!
pop up advertising zoloft..just now..isn't that a hoot..my stepdaughter who lived with me when her youngest was 18 months..went on to marry and have 9 children..a awesome house of no clutter..i kid you not.;home schooled the twins for their early grades..she told me once..it got so much easier when i just let it all go and stopped worrying..i just do what is in front of me and that is it. Why is it written in our dna that we have to be perfect in ourselves, as a parent, as a homekeeper, as a community member, that when we go to bed we cant be satisfied with our efforts, only awares of or failings! I can add my art child that gets neglected on a daily basis..if i don't do something in that direction daily i feel extreme guilt..that i am not living up to my potential as an artist on top of mother, daughter, taxi, homekeeper, book keeper, grounds keeper, and i don't have a keeper for me! I just finished a book called Amy and Isabelle..by elizabeth Strout..moderate novel, but an interesting relative part..you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time..i have sobbed in front of docs too..doc you got to make me well, i am going to lose my JOB..what will we DO!
I didn't get well, i did lose the job, then my home, and it has been a long climb back up and i am still working on it..one bite at a time to eat an elephant is pretty accurate..go softly into the world..what is the poem? Compare yourself not to others for their will always be greater and lesser than yourself..i know someone knows what i am talking about..i use to recite it to my kids all the time. Books are my salvation sometimes..i read alot thanks to the fact my gradeschool taught speed reading (they did metric math thinking we would switch so they really screwed me up there) but the reading helps me keep things in perspective..when you have a health issue..no one can really know how you feel..it is impossible for them to see your pain unless you wear it on the outside..so they forget that it is harder for you than it is for them. I tell my family "I am not 100 percent today.." and it just doesn't registar. Mom can you..starts almost at the end of my sentence..hugs my love...one bite at a time for the elephant of life!
I didn't get well, i did lose the job, then my home, and it has been a long climb back up and i am still working on it..one bite at a time to eat an elephant is pretty accurate..go softly into the world..what is the poem? Compare yourself not to others for their will always be greater and lesser than yourself..i know someone knows what i am talking about..i use to recite it to my kids all the time. Books are my salvation sometimes..i read alot thanks to the fact my gradeschool taught speed reading (they did metric math thinking we would switch so they really screwed me up there) but the reading helps me keep things in perspective..when you have a health issue..no one can really know how you feel..it is impossible for them to see your pain unless you wear it on the outside..so they forget that it is harder for you than it is for them. I tell my family "I am not 100 percent today.." and it just doesn't registar. Mom can you..starts almost at the end of my sentence..hugs my love...one bite at a time for the elephant of life!