Posted by mair on July 1, 2003, at 16:03:52
In reply to feeling like I'm going down , posted by yesac on July 1, 2003, at 15:28:58
You've highlighted some of the worst things about depressions - turning small matters in huge concerns, the fear of not knowing where a bad mood is "headed," and the difficulty of seeing that our worst feelings will not be permanent. Mostly, I think I hate the second thing - not knowing how long you're going to feel depressed - always wondering whether the feeling of being depressed is transitory, or whether another major episode is looming.
I always try to continually remind myself that based on prior experience, my feelings won't last. I also try to remind myself that if I am depressed, my feelings about things are being distorted. It's hard to do this because of course I don't feel at all as if I'm distorting things and depressive thoughts have such a permanent feel to them.
When all else fails, I also try to tell myself that my circumstances are different now than they were at the start of other major episodes - I have a therapist who is pretty vigilant when she thinks I'm starting to slip, and I have a pdoc who continually tells me that I do still have meds alternatives. So it's more unlikely now that a major episode is going to creep up on me and settle in for the long haul.
Before you think the worst, talk to your doc about the lamictal. I can't remember if you are in therapy, but if so, be open about what you feel might be happening.
(and of course keep posting here - on at least one occasion I can think of , my PSB buddies recognized I was heading downwards before I did.)
Mair
poster:mair
thread:238513
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030626/msgs/238525.html