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51
general / Re: have you been diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or bipolar depression ?
« Last post by orange popsicle on June 26, 2017, 04:06:59 PM »
Not sure why, but I'm stuck on the idea that I have some type of depression that has not yet been named. Obviously "we" (scientists, research people, medical people, all people, etc.) are constantly learning about mental and emotional and psychological issues. So, well it must be possible that everything hasn't been categorized and defined yet.

??
52
meds used to treat depression / Re: medications used for depression
« Last post by orange popsicle on June 26, 2017, 04:02:23 PM »
I seem to have such a negative view of medications (oftentimes) - Rx's in general. They seem to be prescribed so often - it almost feels as if doctors (& probably many patients as well) don't have the "patience" to try other remedies.

I think that I want to insert a disclaimer of sorts within my post here: I do appreciate modern medicine and all of its benefits. There are countless people who need their prescriptions. I totally get that, & yeah please don't get me wrong. I have also taken (& do take) necessary medications. We're lucky to be able to (hopefully) choose, to a certain extent, if we take meds or not. Or at least have some input in the matter.

I don't know, maybe I like the idea of Rx meds in combination with other treatments (natural or lifestyle changes). Both can be helpful I think.
53
general / Re: notes
« Last post by orange popsicle on June 26, 2017, 03:51:16 PM »
Depression affects everyone differently, but oddly, I seem to be able to get ready every morning (get dressed, do hair, etc). I know that's probably a weird thing to some people.

I have experienced an episode or 5 when I could not do that as easily (or automatically, maybe) as I do now. Maybe it's because I'm somewhat used to dealing with the waves of depression...? Not sure.

But one of the things that gets me through (life in general) is that I can choose an outfit for each day (& accessorize or whatever else).

I feel my chronic depression every day of my life.

I wish that it just wasn't so - that it would disappear forever.

Acceptance is - I don't know. Acceptance feels like an impossibility.
54
meds used to treat depression / Re: medications used for depression
« Last post by olive88 on June 25, 2017, 11:47:55 PM »
I have been prescribed (almost) every medication used to treat chronic depression. Definitely not every single one, but close. For me, they all had side effects that were uncomfortable.

The worst side effect for me was the nightmares. Not only were the dreams vivid (as in: running away from someone & very fearful, etc), but I couldn't awake from them. Frustrating & sort of made me not want to go to sleep in the first place.

Sounds stupid maybe, but...

Most definitely there were many other side effects, but that was one of the main ones.
55
how to help someone who has depression / attention: friends & family of depression sufferers
« Last post by violette bijoux valentine <3 on June 25, 2017, 11:26:32 PM »
I know that it's rough. How can you help & what can you do...

Traveling on this road can be bumpy & full of rocks.

What are some of your ideas & what if anything has helped someone who you love (who is suffering)...
56
general / have you been diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or bipolar depression ?
« Last post by pink pearl on June 25, 2017, 11:10:23 PM »
I have to say that at times I've been a little bit confused after reading about bipolar symptoms. It seems as if there are about 4 (?) types ?

It would be helpful to many people, I think, if those who have bipolar depression (& who feel like sharing) can talk a little bit about their moods, coping skills, meds, whatever. How do you manage it ? How does it & its ups and downs affect your life ? Has there been anything at all that's been positive ?
57
meds used to treat depression / Re: medications used for depression
« Last post by olive88 on June 25, 2017, 04:12:01 PM »
Here are the side-effects that I have experienced while taking prescription meds for depression:
horrible awful (frightening) nightmares
lightheadedness
headaches (though I have these no matter what)
dizziness
frequent thirst
feeling warm (my head/face area)
feeling kinda "flat" (not sad - just finding it challenging to visit different types of emotions)

I have also toiled through some rather uncomfortable withdrawal episodes after having been on a few different medications. (Obviously those with a shorter half-life can be more dreadful to stop...yeah, I get it.) And I'm talking about stopping & usually switching to another med, all under a psychiatrist's supervision/care.

I think that there are probably many who can tolerate & who do very well with whatever Rx's they are taking for their type of depression, but in my experience... 73<>

kind of a lot of frustration.
58
general / Re: notes
« Last post by magenta on June 25, 2017, 03:53:09 PM »
I want to add a comment about depression and it's symptoms. During my normal daily life, I've run into people who don't get it. They seem to view depression as copping out of life and its responsibilities. That makes me feel quite angry and misunderstood because (obviously to most of us I think), depression isn't a passing feeling or mood - I consider it a health condition. I mean it demands my attention whether I want it to or not. And whether I have time for it or not. Being chronically depressed affects my life, thinking, outlook, and ability to function in a very distinct and marked way.

Depression can take over completely.

In saying all of this, I totally realize that depression has many categories, types, and possible symptoms. And it plays out differently in everyone.

We all travel our own personal unique road.

59
meds used to treat depression / medications used for depression
« Last post by violette bijoux valentine <3 on June 25, 2017, 03:41:47 PM »
Some people have had extensive experience(s) taking various types of Rx medications. Many of them can cause a number of side-effects. Some of our stories are positive, while some are negative (perhaps intensely so). I'm sure that there are probably a multitude of opinions regarding prescription meds...
60
coping with depression / Re: coping
« Last post by magenta on June 23, 2017, 10:41:56 PM »
This could be really bad or be somewhat addictive for some, but sometimes I like to shop when I'm feeling upset & in a really bad way. It doesn't really help & is just a distraction. When I get home, I have a shopping bag or 2 with a new outfit or shoes or whatever, but it doesn't really make me feel any better.

But of course many times the shopping trips are really errand-running , & that kind of feels good because it feels like i'm accomplishing items on my list.

Escaping doesn't work, but sometimes I think that it saves me from just giving up. "Escaping" can be anything like reading, watching something on tv, even taking a walk or organizing something in a cupboard or drawer.

Actually one of the things that does really help is talking or writing about whatever is going on (inside of my head or heart). But I have to push myself to do that.

Don't have the answers here - just sharing...
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