![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fi on April 7, 2003, at 14:26:33
Hi folks
A couple of days into 3rd episode of depression in as many months. The others have lifted quite fast- feeling a bit better after a few days, and reasonable after 10.
But you know what its like- just at the moment its hard to think about anything except how awful I feel, and I worry about not getting better this time. And about whether I should let myself lie in bed a lot, where I sleep or feel slightly better, or whether I should make myself get up and do more (I am doing a bit)...
So any encouragement would be absolutely great.
Thanks!
Fi
Posted by IsoM on April 7, 2003, at 15:01:08
In reply to Feeling dreadful- help to slog along?, posted by fi on April 7, 2003, at 14:26:33
Fi, my suggestions only. Take what you think applies or might work & ignore the rest.
When I feel crappy, from time to time, I don't fight it. I sleep as much as I want to or need to (hard to tell sometimes), don't push myself, & do anything except maybe light reading, looking through plant & seed catalogues to dream, watch some TV (nothing grim or heavy, mostly nature & animal shows, my favourites). I try to eat good but that tends to fall by the wayside for a couple of days.
Then after 2 or 3 days of 'vegging', I'll wake up & feel a bit better. I take that as a signal to do more but I still don't push myself. I'll clean around the place, try to get whatever needs to get done, & live a more structured & scheduled life. Then after doing this for a while (couple of days to couple of weeks), I'll realise that I do feel better again. I healed myself, so to speak.
Mind you, there's some things that do need doing every day that we can't avoid, work being the worse. That's why I don't push myself with other things. It may be the ADD & depression tied together for me, but while my "moods" don't change a lot, my energy level & 'joie de vie' does. I don't fight it but adjust myself to it. I feel like a piece of loose seaweed that moves in & out with the tides & is pulled by every wave that comes along. Not a bad existance, & often quite happy, but I've accepted that I'll always have ebb & flow in my emotional & mental life. At least, I never get angry or bitchy.
Oh, & I eat lots of chocolate on my low energy, blah or down times. Something wonderfully soothing & healing about chocolate for me. It may be the high magnesium levels but I think it's more than just that. I know it's not the PEA in it as it doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier.
Posted by justyourlaugh on April 7, 2003, at 15:03:03
In reply to Feeling dreadful- help to slog along?, posted by fi on April 7, 2003, at 14:26:33
hi fi..
depression is so selfish ..and the added guilt for being depressed...weighs you down more...
..
ihope you feel better soon..
sometimes i think i need an "upper" so i will get up and get on with things...its passing me by..
..
sorry no advice here,,,unless you want to join me in drinking this case of beer.
peace
jyl
Posted by beardedlady on April 7, 2003, at 18:58:31
In reply to Feeling dreadful- help to slog along?, posted by fi on April 7, 2003, at 14:26:33
What Iso says. Don't just slog along; treat yourself to slogging. Don't deny yourself. Take luxurious baths. Light candles. Be absolutely lazy. Do it until it doesn't feel good anymore.
We all have times like these, but it's important and good that you recognize it lasts a limited time. And maybe you should keep a list of the things that make you feel better this time, so you can look to them the next time. Maybe you'll even feel differently about depression next time around.
Nah. That probably won't happen.
Fi, I'd like to give you better advice and support on this problem. I'm a master at making myself feel better and pampering myself when I'm really down. But I'm still reeling from PBA.
I just wanted to wish you well.
beardy
Posted by noa on April 7, 2003, at 20:51:18
In reply to Feeling dreadful- help to slog along?, posted by fi on April 7, 2003, at 14:26:33
Does the sleep help? If so, indulge.
Be easy on yourself. Depressive episodes do pass, even though they seem like they won't.
And I find that it helps to tell myself "ixne on the conclusions about life, future, etc. while in the throes of depression."
Just do what you need to do to get through each day, taking as good care of yourself as you can.
I know, it is dreadful. I sometimes don't understand how I made it through all those episodes. It is very hard. But it can be done.
I'm glad you reached out for encouragement and support--that is a very healthy sign!
Posted by noa on April 7, 2003, at 20:53:16
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- help to slog along? » fi, posted by beardedlady on April 7, 2003, at 18:58:31
Yeah, I like what the others said, too. Pretend you are nursing a bad cold or something. Give yourself lots of TLC, don't make demands on yourself.
Posted by Krissy P on April 8, 2003, at 1:48:16
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- » fi, posted by justyourlaugh on April 7, 2003, at 15:03:03
guess that makes me a selfish biyotch??
sorry for feeling
peace> hi fi..
> depression is so selfish ..and the added guilt for being depressed...weighs you down more...
> ..
> ihope you feel better soon..
> sometimes i think i need an "upper" so i will get up and get on with things...its passing me by..
> ..
> sorry no advice here,,,unless you want to join me in drinking this case of beer.
> peace
> jyl
Posted by fi on April 8, 2003, at 4:18:10
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- help to slog along? » fi, posted by IsoM on April 7, 2003, at 15:01:08
Thank you! Mixture of easy things and sleeping sounds much less alarming than making myself do lots of stuff. Cant face chocolate yet but will enjoy it when I do.
Fi
Posted by fi on April 8, 2003, at 4:21:00
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- » fi, posted by justyourlaugh on April 7, 2003, at 15:03:03
Thank you for the good wishes. I know there isnt any magic answer but its great just to hear from people who know what its like.
Fi
Posted by fi on April 8, 2003, at 4:23:54
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- help to slog along? » fi, posted by beardedlady on April 7, 2003, at 18:58:31
That is really supportive- thank you. I've not been keeping up with things so dont know what's been happening at PBA, but do take care of yourself too?
Fi
Posted by fi on April 8, 2003, at 4:30:18
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- help to slog along?, posted by noa on April 7, 2003, at 20:51:18
Thank you for both your messages- very heartening, and even made me smile!
Its so easy to be overwhelmed by the experience, but looking on it as flu is a good tactic. I remember a Claire Weekes thing about trying not to be too 'impressed' by depression/anxiety.
Everyone's messages have really helped me get started this morning- currently watching some really rubbish TV which is passing the time nicely! It really is just getting through each hour,isnt it.
Fi
Posted by noa on April 8, 2003, at 19:49:54
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- help to slog along? » noa, posted by fi on April 8, 2003, at 4:30:18
>>It really is just getting through each hour,isnt it.
Exactly.
Posted by Krissy P on April 8, 2003, at 21:11:23
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- help to slog along?, posted by noa on April 8, 2003, at 19:49:54
> >>It really is just getting through each hour,isnt it.
>
>
> Exactly
***OR each minute!!!!;o)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
;o)OR each minute!!!!
>
Posted by fi on April 9, 2003, at 12:22:10
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- help to slog along?, posted by noa on April 8, 2003, at 19:49:54
Just to say still here. Now 4 days in, which is ridiculously short in 'real time' but of course feels like 4 months. But have survived them.
Focussing on 'its only feelings and feelings can't damage me' which is reasonably convincing (still believe will get better, but can't actually imagine it enough to be reassured).
Relaxation tape helps a bit with the anxiety, but only at the time. Havent been to GP yet (ironically, need to wait till
a bit better before can face it- made an appt for Fri which is as late as I can leave it), but wish it was the good old days when you could get a short course of valium/librium (only need a couple of weeks worth...) Anxiety and depression mixed together is such hard work.Still, have got thru a lot of minutes since the last message.
Thanks again for the support
Fi
Posted by noa on April 9, 2003, at 16:26:32
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- slogging along, posted by fi on April 9, 2003, at 12:22:10
Fi, I'm still rooting for you. Thanks for updating us. TLC until you get through this.
Posted by bozeman on April 9, 2003, at 20:03:59
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- slogging along, posted by fi on April 9, 2003, at 12:22:10
It may not feel like it but you seem like you're handling it well, under the circumstances. Recognizing the pattern and realizing that it will pass is a huge thing, I think, in making it easier to bear.
Hope things clear up and you feel like yourself again soon.
(((fi)))
bozeman
Posted by WorryGirl on April 10, 2003, at 12:44:27
In reply to Feeling dreadful- help to slog along?, posted by fi on April 7, 2003, at 14:26:33
I know how you feel. Sometimes the best thing for me is to listen to my favorite tunes or watch one of my favorite movies if the kids are asleep. The motivation factor is so hard, but once I literally force myself to get up and do something, anything, I often feel better.
Hope you feel better soon.
Posted by fi on April 10, 2003, at 14:28:49
In reply to Re: Feeling dreadful- help to slog along? » fi, posted by WorryGirl on April 10, 2003, at 12:44:27
Its really wonderful having your support.
Feeling just a little bit better this evening, tho I know not to take that for granted and that tomorrow morning will be something else.
A break from the constant exhausting anxiety is such a relief, too. I find relaxation tapes only help while I'm actually doing them (and sometimes feel even worse than before when get up). I get some comfort from a bath, but still stomach rock hard with anxiety. In 'good old days' when I was this bad before, had a small amount of tranquillisers to use when overwhelmed, just for a couple of weeks. Never had any problem coming off them, but I appreciate the problems others have had. Pity, tho!
Walking and singing (croakily, when sure no-one can hear me) as attempt to deal with it doesnt make me feel worse (except that when out walking lack of distractions from overstated worries). But doesnt really seem to help either. Any other suggestions v welcome, tho I realise there may not be other things (and certainly no wonder cure).
But mainly wanted to say *Many thanks for being there* to you all.
Fi
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.