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?

[Doc Spock]

I have just read through the post and feel like topping myself.


hope this helps.

[Beetledewz]

Please ignore that moronic pleb. To write that, well it's dusgusting. I hope his conscience can cope when he isn't filming nude women on a beach. See what sort of man he is? Not worth bothering about.

Go and see your dr. Get help. life's far too short and precious. You won't get enough support on here.

Don't leave it too late.

Good luck.

[daffy654]

Hi again Ripley. Unfortunately depression can last for a long time and feeling better is dependent on many things. Obviously if you need medication then you have to take it for a while before you feel better.Also talking therapy arranged via your GP would be great if at all possible. I have suffered bouts of depression and always find that thinking of others who are worse off shames me into pulling myself together and getting help. I am so glad you decided to stick around at answerbank,we have some real good laughs on here sometimes,you do have to learn to ignore some people though as they can be a little insensitive.

[figure]

Doc that's mean. Ripley, ignore the Spocket, he has a sick sense of humour.

[Doc Spock]

Ah nude women on the beach, that should bring anyone out of a depressive state.

[Ice.Maiden]

Well, Beetledewz, it's true that Ripley won't get the full support that's needed to counteract depression of that magnitude, but I was one of the people who replied to the original post, and i have to say that there were some wonderful, encouraging answers and suggestions of help. Ripley - I'm delighted that you feel a little bit better. Stay with your doctor's advice, and you can contact the Samaritans whenever you feel like it. There's also always someone on AB who'd talk to you. Depression can take a good while to go, but with the right help & support, it CAN be overcome, as a I know by what a family member's been through. Take it a day at a time Ripley - and great to hear from you - xx

[tiggerblue10]

Hi Ripley,

Good to see you again. I'm so glad to hear that these horrible thoughts have subsided. Unfortunately, you can't put a time on getting over depression. It affects people in different ways. Some people get through it quicker than others. It also helps to keep yourself busy and do stuff that you would enjoy doing. It won't happen over night but keeping your mind occupied helps a lot. Having a good nights sleep also helps.

What have you been up to today? xxx

[wolf63]

It is a long and steep climb back to good health from where you are - but it gets easier as time goes on.

I have been there and back a few times. I fully appreciate how absolutely awful it is to be depressed. But the experience and recovery will make you stronger as a person.

Never feel that you should be ashamed of your illness. If you talk about it to people it is amazing how many of them have suffered or know somebody close to them who has suffered.

Get a cat or dog - it really is good therapy. Apart from about two in the morning when a tom cat wakes you up for food and cuddles. :-)

[Doc Spock]

I would suggest that Ripley would be better off listening to a light hearted approach to whatever difficulties he feels need to be overcome.

We will all be dead in 100 years, who gives a sh1t, open another bottle and dring a toast to the frailty of our species.

[Ice.Maiden]

With respect Doc, the type of depression which Ripley described was far more than a case of just feeling down, and alcohol might've made it worse.
You're right in one respect though - that as a depressed person starts to feel better, trying to look at life with a sense of humour is often good therapy - but impossible when the illness is at its height.

[josie48]

Ripley, I can only say the same as the others. If you have'nt seen your doctor yet please do so,they can help you either with medication and even cognitive behavioral therapy. When Im on one of my "downers" I play my favourite songs. Try to take things on a day basis. Are there any support groups in your area? Look online. Take care and be good to yourself.

[shaneystar2]

Pay no attention to that ..he obviously has never been where you are...and the answer does not lie in the bottom of a glass ..
I have never been clinically depressed but like us all there are black holes in life where you feel that things will never get better..but they do !
Different circumstances affect people in different ways .So...pack up your troubles in your old kit bag ....and try....
not easy ,but give it your best shot . Find some time for yourself ..I think I answered your Q about a friend who is dying and you also have other problems relative wise .You cannot dance at every wedding ...there are times when you have to say ..NO ...and think about yourself ----practice saying NO....
When you get these negative feelings ..get ready and go out ...have a walk ..have a swim ....do you have a pet ..take him/her for a walk ..get yourself interested in a hobby ..do you knit ,can you do cardmaking , painting ..any sort of hobby really ,read a book (something light hearted ) ..If you haven't got a pet ,then is there someone whos wooofer you can take for a walk ..an elderly neighbours dog perhaps .there are so many things you could do ..Don't give up ...keep trucking xx

[figure]

If Ripley wasn't feeling or getting some sort of comfort from posting about his problems on here, then he would not have made a second post. That speaks a lot Doc, so leave him/her alone and stop trying to add more to their situation.

[legend004]

All ill say on the subject is i think posting too much personal stuff on line can eventually be counterproductive.
Seek propeer help and conselling .
Taking advice from total strangwers who , no matter how sincere they may come across , dont know you , and wont be there as a proper support for youin the long run .
And if you are indeed depressed it will be a long run rather than a quick fix thats required

Get help and try not to let things get on top of you .

[daffy654]

People can I just point out that Ripley is female...........

[legend004]

ripleys sex makes no difference surely?

[daffy654]

In this case it actually does legend but its not up to me to explain why.

[legend004]

as i said daffy
its not good putting too much information about things
people here may be supportive for a minute +for an hour for a day
or more .
but they will always pay more concern to their own life .
thats why i said get professional help that can give yuo proper support.
a few words typed on a screen may numb the pain but cant remedy the problem.

[daffy654]

We have all advised Ripley to get professional help on the other thread she started.Sometimes though that help can take time to sort out and in the meantime i'm happy to spend a few minutes of my day chatting to Ripley or anyone else who may just need a friendly ear.
As they say legend.............
"there, but for the grace of God go I"

[Ripley58]

Thanks for all your answers, including Doc Spock,who made me smile. Have sought professional help and accept its the right thing. I am not however going to underestimate the people on this site. When I really needed kind words they were here for me and I am truly grateful for that. It's been a positive day and I am feeling quite good this evening, though I accept this illness is one of peaks and troughs. It's nice to be on a peak for once, though. Once again, many thanks for your kindness and support.