Depression

[Ripley58]

Many of you have kindly contributed to my former thread on suicidal thoughts. I am grateful for all the advice and support I received on that thread and I do believe the kindness of ABers has enabled me to feel slightly more positive these last two days. I'm still very low, but I don't believe I'm suicidal now and for that I'm grateful. Does anyone have any idea how long a bout of serious depression can last? Or is it all dependent on the individual concerned and the circumstances in which they find themselves? Does anyone have any handy hints for dispelling negative thoughts when they sneak into your head and threaten to dwell?

[cuddleMe]

hi ripley
i hope you are well!! i suffer from depression for over 10yrs, most of the time i am at my lowest, when im sourrounded by people it is really hard to show how i feel deep inside because i dont like letting ppl knowing that i am really down. its really hard but what i normally do is just joke about, laugh and smile when i am around them. when u do it all the time you dont realise that you are feeling low. most of my friends thinks that im a happy cheerful person. what they dont know is that behide the brave smiley face is a really unhappy person. i guess most of the time hide it quite well.

there will be moments where everything goes silence and thats when i think of negative thoughts, what effects it more is when others talk about depression, or have a go at me such as shouting etc, being neglected, ignored or watching a really sad film, or listening to really sad song. i stil cry every night when i go to sleep, i have problems sleeping, i also sometimes cry when im on the bus on my way to work or cominh home, there are times i dont realise that im crying! mayb im just a strange person, im the type who doesnt like seeking help, i dont want to share my probs with anyone but dealing it myself. i cant write down whats troubling me and whats making me sad because if i read it back what i wrote it will make me sadder even more!.... :'(

[Ripley58]

Hi cuddleMe, thanks for your answer. I understand exactly what you mean about crying every night and crying at the most inopportune moments. Sadly, I don't have many friends so the brave face situation doesn't really apply to me. You certainly don't sound a strange person. I'm sure there are many many people feel as we do, but it's the nature of the illness to isolate, either by hiding away or not letting others know you are in trouble. Hope you feel a little better for sharing on here. I appreciate you taking the time and making the effort to offer your advice and comments.

[figure]

Ripley, hope you get some comfort and answers on the following thread. http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Q uestion527820.html

[Ripley58]

Thanks figure. The link on answer 1 was very interesting.

[styley]

To be honest, the best way to deal with it could be a couple of lifestyle changes. As I said the other time, helping other folk is a good one, but even wee things like more exercise, walking, cycling etc., less junk food can improve your mind also.

[raysparx1]

Hi ripley, I never saw your thread before, but just wanted to say hope you continue to feel a little better each day, one day at the time, take time to smell the roses, and to be greatfull for all the positive things in your life, I know it must be hard at times, but try to smile, and please remember if you are feeling down come on the site and talk to people there are some really nice people on here, good luck and take care, Ray

[cuddleMe]

hi ray hope u r well :)

xx

[raysparx1]

Hiya cuddles, love your name, I am good, hope you are, will mail you tomorrow, stay smiley. :-) xx

[Bathsheba]

Hi Ripley. I'm glad to see your spirits have lifted, if only by a tiny bit. Now don't laugh- but Bach Flower Remedy - White Chestnut is worth a try. It is claimed it can help with unwanted thoughts. I use it regularly, as well as my prescribed meds. Wishing you well, Bath x

[Stevie13]

There is a good website i recommend, its called www.relentlessly-positive.com. One phrase i like ; i'd rather be ****** off than ****** on! I also like its better to be looked over than overlooked. Their is also good mood food like bananas which release serotonin, which makes you positively happy. If you feel depressed just try an experiment - SMILE it alleviates depression temporary. I hope this is useful!!!

[Stevie13]

Exercise increases your heart rate, which may boost your bodys natural mood enhancers - endorphins.
Check out St Johns Wort - take 600-1200mg per day standardised extract containing 0.3% hypericin to help with mild or moderate depression.
Make sure you are getting enough iron. Ferrochel is the most bioavailable form.
Also try talking a vitamin B-complex formula.
Last but not least go to youtube and put in Britains got talent in the searches. Listen to a girl called Connie sing somewhere over the rainbow. This is uplifting, but might bring a tear to your eye !!!!
Try to help someone every day this will improve the world hopefully.

[Bathsheba]

Stevie13 - St John's Wort shouldn't be taken with certain antidepressants x