Depression. It's a silent killer.

[ericalauren]

Goodluck facing the winter! I've just escaped one of the statistically coldest winters where I live. It gets lonely when you can't go outside :/

Thank you! It does get lonely. However, it’s the lack of sunlight that really messes up my brain.

 

[Wetkitty09]

The winter is going to be significantly better for my son and me now that the heater is in. Now to figure out the lighting.

The holidays are coming and many, like me, have issues with the season. Keep in touch, we’re here to help if you need it.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Wonderer67]

It's almost winter here in New Jersey (USA). I'm usually fine with the darkness of winter until February and March. Then, get seasonal depression. I have to do light therapy with a light therapy lamp and also take small doses of Xanax sometimes. It's a doozy! Praise be for psych meds, though.

It’s interesting to see how everyone’s conditions are different. My SAD peaks in the fall - like right now I’m going through it. Usually poor sleep… Changing the clocks never helps…

The poor sleep exacerbate my ptsd dreams, (maybe it’s the other way around) which are very active right now. This gives me anxiety and some depression and makes me really irritable.

I don’t mind the fall season but I hate that it gets dark so early - it really bothers me.

I’ve been around the track a few times and know what to do: being outside is among the best things for me. It gives natural vitamin D, which does combat depression.

 

[Bassytian]

I have reached out at times, and thankfully, it finally paid off for me. But I kept so much of it to myself. I didn't want to be a burden to anyone. There was also a sense of pride. I wanted everyone to think I was "tough", even when I really wasn't, but the thought of appearing "vulnerable" was too humiliating to bear.

I think a lot of that comes from how men have been conditioned to believe that showing any sign of depression makes us weak. I beg to differ; it takes a tremendous amount of strength to carry such weight on your shoulders that it causes your body to feel twice as heavy as it normally does. And imagine the strength it must take to cast your pride away and reach out for help. I had to do just that. I had tried to take my own life, realized that I only did so to make the emotional pain stop, and reached out one last time.

I'm not condoning it, but it also takes a lot of bravery to end your own life. Trust me, trying to do so was the most frightening experience of my life. Your body fights back by activating your instinct to stay alive, which includes intense fear. Listening to your body and giving in is no act of cowardice, however. The act of choosing to remain here is a brave first step.

 

[JonathanBair]

It’s interesting to see how everyone’s conditions are different. My SAD peaks in the fall - like right now I’m going through it. Usually poor sleep… Changing the clocks never helps…

The poor sleep exacerbate my ptsd dreams, (maybe it’s the other way around) which are very active right now. This gives me anxiety and some depression and makes me really irritable.

I don’t mind the fall season but I hate that it gets dark so early - it really bothers me.

I’ve been around the track a few times and know what to do: being outside is among the best things for me. It gives natural vitamin D, which does combat depression.

I do not know much about SAD, but I do know about bi-polar depression, and I know about PTSD.. I know both depression and PTSD can be rough to handle.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Hello. Each day we can stay in this life is another opportunity to find out how to make life better for us. Don’t let the demons win.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[JonathanBair]

Hello. Each day we can stay in this life is another opportunity to find out how to make life better for us. Don’t let the demons win.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

I agree, one can not give in and let them win... Support is out there and I hope everyone finds there anchor or ground. Something to help keep fighting.

 

[Bassytian]

Hello. Each day we can stay in this life is another opportunity to find out how to make life better for us. Don’t let the demons win.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

I agree, one can not give in and let them win... Support is out there and I hope everyone finds there anchor or ground. Something to help keep fighting.

I like to think that we all have a little warrior inside us who fights on our behalf, even when we ourselves can't. And yeah, even the little warrior needs some outside help, but it is what keeps us going.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Morning. Dealing with pain in the body can really bring you down and fuel the depression in your mind. Find the the healthiest way to deal with the pain. Don’t let it beat you down.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Bassytian]

Morning. Dealing with pain in the body can really bring you down and fuel the depression in your mind. Find the the healthiest way to deal with the pain. Don’t let it beat you down.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

Keep fighting, you've got this!

 

[Wetkitty09]

Keep fighting, you've got this!

Thank you my friend. It’s a fight I’m going to win. Today is better than yesterday.

 

[Wetkitty09]

I hope your day goes smoothly.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Morning. The days keep getting shorter and with the overcast skies here it’s just gloomy.
I hope your day goes smoothly.
Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Alonelymind]

Yes it is and it gets worse when you can't do anything about it

 

[Norfolkguy49]

I feel.somedays that it's just me against the world

 

[Wetkitty09]

I feel.somedays that it's just me against the world

I know that feeling too. There’s people here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Overcast skies and rain are starting to get a little monotonous. I’m almost looking forward to the snow so the sun will come out.
Have the best day you can.
Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Norfolkguy49]

I know that feeling too. There’s people here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ty means a lot x this weather and everything it doing me in

 

[Bassytian]

I feel.somedays that it's just me against the world

I know that feeling too. There’s people here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

What she said.

I have often felt this way myself. But, the world isn't for everyone, and those aren't for the world, and that's okay! You don't need the world, you only need yourself and those who truly care about you. If no one else, people on this thread do!

 

[Wonderer67]

I can’t say I’m in full blown depression.

But bad ptsd dreams, lack of sleep and anxiety are really ramping up for me… which I think leads to depression. I am irritable/angry, don’t want to talk, tired, weary.

This time of year is always tougher, but I’m feeling it more this year. I actually love this weather, but not the shorter days.

Staying busy helps. I’m managing to keep my head above water.

I had my annual physical the other day. All of my bloodwork turned out well. My doc and I talked if I was OK. And I am. She reminded that I have the coping skills and know what to do this time of year. We opted no for meds. I do use CBD for anxiety and it seems to help.

She actually recommended ramping up my low end cardio to every day as an outlet and as a coping mechanism. (Like more walking, splitting firewood, yoga etc)

Excercise and being outside are keys for my mental and physical health.

But at the same time I need a break in my routine. I may try to take off the few days before Thanksgiving.

 

[Wetkitty09]

It’s frustrating that my body won’t let me do what I want to do. I’m up wandering around the house when I’d much prefer to be in bed. The pain becomes too extreme and I have to move to relieve it. A friend once told me “motion is lotion” and I have an agree though with extreme prejudice.

Have the best day you can.
Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[UsuallyPresent]

I can’t say I’m in full blown depression.

But bad ptsd dreams, lack of sleep and anxiety are really ramping up for me… which I think leads to depression. I am irritable/angry, don’t want to talk, tired, weary.

This time of year is always tougher, but I’m feeling it more this year. I actually love this weather, but not the shorter days.

Staying busy helps. I’m managing to keep my head above water.

I had my annual physical the other day. All of my bloodwork turned out well. My doc and I talked if I was OK. And I am. She reminded that I have the coping skills and know what to do this time of year. We opted no for meds. I do use CBD for anxiety and it seems to help.

She actually recommended ramping up my low end cardio to every day as an outlet and as a coping mechanism. (Like more walking, splitting firewood, yoga etc)

Excercise and being outside are keys for my mental and physical health.

But at the same time I need a break in my routine. I may try to take off the few days before Thanksgiving.

Anyone ever talk to you about psylocibin for PTSD? There's been some promising results in some of the trials, I'm told.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Morning. The contrast between yesterday morning and this morning are like night and day. I’m able to move. Without spending an hour stretching or walking to relieve the pain. The difference in my mental state is striking as well. I feel capable of dealing with the world or at least my portion of it.
I hope your day goes smoothly.
Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Wonderer67]

Morning. The contrast between yesterday morning and this morning are like night and day. I’m able to move. Without spending an hour stretching or walking to relieve the pain. The difference in my mental state is striking as well. I feel capable of dealing with the world or at least my portion of it.
I hope your day goes smoothly.
Be safe out there.
Love you.

So happy you’re feeling better!!

 

[ericalauren]

For folks in the Northern Hemisphere, has your seasonal depression started yet? I was sad today for no reason. I even sat outside on the porch crocheting for twenty minutes or so. I ended up taking two tiny doses of Xanax (anti-anxiety medication). Let's hope that the second dose works. Bleh.