NationStates Jolt Archive

Ok dumb moment...that is the right spelling? Knowing me ton....

Well, anyway. When does depression become serious? (ok yes typoed...can I be bothered to change it? No) Er, you might have gathered from these few words that I am currently depressed, but that isn't the issue. What is, is that 99% of the time I'm a happy person...ok, not happy, but coasting and usually smiling. This year it might have gone down to 90%, but whatever. But that, I presume, is a pretty normal level, maybe even more than seeing a friend once wanted to nickname me smilie (yes I babble when depressed...and?). So when does depression become an issue to be seen by a Doctor? Suicidal thoughts are common in young males, mood swings are part of hormones etc etc.
Just curious.


(having the world's second most popular suicide point near me kinda leads to morbid thoughts)
(Might join the Samaritans if anyone's injured...wha? interested to know another reason, I find it hard talking with friends who cut/do drugs etc. cos I don't understand but I try so hard to understand)
(got an annoying 'I have to ask even if I don't want to know' curiosity too)
(I had another reason but I've forgotten...and I'm babbling again...er answer the q)

Ok dumb moment...that is the right spelling? Knowing me ton....

Well, anyway. When does depression become serious? (ok yes typoed...can I be bothered to change it? No) Er, you might have gathered from these few words that I am currently depressed, but that isn't the issue. What is, is that 99% of the time I'm a happy person...ok, not happy, but coasting and usually smiling. This year it might have gone down to 90%, but whatever. But that, I presume, is a pretty normal level, maybe even more than seeing a friend once wanted to nickname me smilie (yes I babble when depressed...and?). So when does depression become an issue to be seen by a Doctor? Suicidal thoughts are common in young males, mood swings are part of hormones etc etc.
Just curious.


(having the world's second most popular suicide point near me kinda leads to morbid thoughts)
(Might join the Samaritans if anyone's injured...wha? interested to know another reason, I find it hard talking with friends who cut/do drugs etc. cos I don't understand but I try so hard to understand)
(got an annoying 'I have to ask even if I don't want to know' curiosity too)
(I had another reason but I've forgotten...and I'm babbling again...er answer the q)
When it starts affecting your life. Like when you can't get out of bed in the morning, or if you're lacking motivation, if you're crying all the time, if you miss classes or work because of it. Whatever it is, if you feel like your quality of life has declined, depression is a problem.

When it is affecting you physically, or affecting your life in general too much (leading you to fail many courses, to distance yourself from people, to give up on your dreams, etc).

Ok dumb moment...that is the right spelling? Knowing me ton....
It's "depression".

Back to the topic, I agree with Preebles and LazyHippies here.

When people begin to notice somethings 'different" about you, consistently, then take a look at the situation. Everyone gets depressed sometimes, but those who love you and are close to you will be able to tell if something isnt quite right. Also, if you begin to dislike yourself. Or think youre a 'loser". Depression can be quite serious. I hope all goes well for you Ran.... :)
You know Peech is always willing to lend an ear and a fluffle...tg me anytime you feel like it.

When you have a knife through your neck, it's depression :)

If you think about it too much, it'll eventually become a real problem. Get your mind off it; find something to concentrate on and it will fade away in time. I survived a real low by waiting on a video game (Golden Sun 2, if anyone wants to know...); I was 17 at that time, now being close to 20.

If you are actually thinking about suicide, which you mentionned, then talk to someone. Even if it's not a doctor.

Other symptoms are loss of appetite, loss of energy, sleeping problems.

snip
I realize that tact and good taste are stringently rationed in your world, but restrain yourself.

If you really want to you could check out
beyondblue (beyondblue.org.au). I think they have a quiz to see of depression is a problem. It may also have a link to the DSM IV.

It's clinical depression rather than just being "down" when you can no longer find any pleasure in anything, even the things you used to really enjoy, and you can't be bothered to wash or take care of yourself & your concentration is zilch.

And it can be "reactive" - ie a response to an event like bullying or bereavement; or "endogenous" ie your brain isn't doing what it is meant to - a lot of doctors believe it's related to serotonin levels in the brain - and either way it can be treated with either/both a good psychotherapist or drugs.

For mild depression St. John's Wort has been proven in control-group studies to be as effective as prescribed medications.

If you're suicidal, please get help. :fluffle:

IF you think it might be a problem then it most likly is. The best way to find out is to go to a Psychiatrist .

when you can't get out of bed in the morning
crap

or if you're lacking motivation
double crap

When it is ...leading you to fail many courses...
fuck
to distance yourself from people
crap
to give up on your dreams...
yep

can no longer find any pleasure in anything, even the things you used to really enjoy
argh



... great :rolleyes: :(



edit: sorry, i too have thought i've got a problem for some time. sadly my parents don't treat me seriously about it and they are the only ones i can talk to :headbang:

Don't worry about me I bet I'll be back to normal in a few days. I usually am.
Yea the suicidal thing...I'm sort of looking at it from the other direction...or at least have done/hope to do more of. That is, me not being the suicidal one :/

And thanks everyone so far I guess...keep it coming.

Randomea, hang in there buddy :)

crap


double crap


fuck

crap

yep


argh



... great :rolleyes: :(



edit: sorry, i too have thought i've got a problem for some time. sadly my parents don't treat me seriously about it and they are the only ones i can talk to :headbang:

:( Thankfully I seem to be leaving my depression behind. Well, hopefully, as the situation tat was causing it seems to be resolving slowly.

Have you considered talking to a doctor? I know it sounds weird, but it is their job. Or a counsellor. At uni we have a free counselling service, and they're quite good.

crap


double crap


fuck

crap

yep


argh



... great :rolleyes: :(



edit: sorry, i too have thought i've got a problem for some time. sadly my parents don't treat me seriously about it and they are the only ones i can talk to :headbang:

Er, im/tg anyone here?
And ring on a helpline. Should be free from both landlines and callboxes. Gl. :(

Here are the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) Diagnostic Criteria;


A. At least one of the following three abnormal moods which significantly interfered with the person's life:

1. Abnormal depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.

2. Abnormal loss of all interest and pleasure most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.

3. If 18 or younger, abnormal irritable mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.

B. At least five of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2 week depressed period.

1. Abnormal depressed mood (or irritable mood if a child or adolescent) [as defined in criterion A].

2. Abnormal loss of all interest and pleasure [as defined in criterion A2].

3. Appetite or weight disturbance, either:

4. Abnormal weight loss (when not dieting) or decrease in appetite.

5. Abnormal weight gain or increase in appetite.

6. Sleep disturbance, either abnormal insomnia or abnormal hypersomnia.

7. Activity disturbance, either abnormal agitation or abnormal slowing (observable by others).

8. Abnormal fatigue or loss of energy.

9. Abnormal self-reproach or inappropriate guilt.

10. Abnormal poor concentration or indecisiveness.

11. Abnormal morbid thoughts of death (not just fear of dying) or suicide.

C. The symptoms are not due to a mood-incongruent psychosis.

D. There has never been a Manic Episode, a Mixed Episode, or a Hypomanic Episode.

E. The symptoms are not due to physical illness, alcohol, medication, or street drugs.

F. The symptoms are not due to normal bereavement.

Essential Features

By definition, Major Depressive Disorder cannot be due to:
Physical illness, alcohol, medication, or street drug use.
Normal bereavement.
Bipolar Disorder
Mood-incongruent psychosis (e.g., Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).

In addition the the great link Preebles provided, here are links to diagnostic tools (http://depression.about.com/od/diagnostictools/) and screening quizzes (http://depression.about.com/cs/diagnosis/l/bldepscreenquiz.htm).

If you have a serious concern -- whether or not any of the tests or criteria here indicate depression -- you should talk to a mental health professional or your doctor.

:( Thankfully I seem to be leaving my depression behind. Well, hopefully, as the situation tat was causing it seems to be resolving slowly.

Have you considered talking to a doctor? I know it sounds weird, but it is their job. Or a counsellor. At uni we have a free counselling service, and they're quite good.
gah, i'd feel so stupid talking to a councellor (at uni). its irrational i know, but hey... its me. i've learned to live with it thus far, i'll be fine :)

thanks for the interest anyhow :)


edit: oooh "Dysthymia (http://www.mentalhealth.com/icd/p22-md04.html)"

From the other direction? Am I posting to a zombie here?! ;-D
Seriously, if you have such thoughts, just talk about it. To a friend, to a family member; let it out, otherwise it will eat you up. It's no shame to cry. For me it was my mother (OK, didn't tell her the suicidal part, just my problems, but... well, you know what I mean...).

gah, i'd feel so stupid talking to a councellor (at uni). its irrational i know, but hey... its me. i've learned to live with it thus far, i'll be fine :)

thanks for the interest anyhow :)


edit: oooh "Dysthymia (http://www.mentalhealth.com/icd/p22-md04.html)"


I understand, but there is no reason to learn to live with it.

If you broke your leg you wouldn't learn to live with it. You'd get medical help.

There are undoubtedly scores of us on here that have been treated for depression.

Sometimes just talking to someone -- therapy can help.

Sometimes just taking a medication can help. Just a little adjustment to the brain chemicals can do wonders.

Depression is serious, but the treatment need not be a big deal. Don't limp around for no reason.

I understand, but there is no reason to learn to live with it.

If you broke your leg you wouldn't learn to live with it. You'd get medical help.

There are undoubtedly scores of us on here that have been treated for depression.

Sometimes just talking to someone -- therapy can help.

Sometimes just taking a medication can help. Just a little adjustment to the brain chemicals can do wonders.

Depression is serious, but the treatment need not be a big deal. Don't limp around for no reason.
Actually, I don't like the idea of mood-altering drugs. It's like painkillers: you deal with the symptom, not the source.

well, in the case of depression, sometimes the problem is a chemical imbalance in the brain, so the prescription drugs are treating the source. But they probably are overprescribed.

You know, I've been depressed before. Pretty damn low to be honest. One thing that really helps, is helping someone else. Now that sounds self serving. It might be in an indirect way. But I dont help others just so I will feel better about me. I think to myself "I'm down and out and rightly so, but look at how much worse it could be Kelley. Get up and go do something for someone else and see just how much you have to be thankful for." (i talk to myself often)

So I get involved with things like teaching kids about various subjects at the Boys and Girls Club. I managed a fundraiser in my town for the local orphanage to provide them with bookbags and back to school items. Also taking Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. I have also gone to nursing homes and visited with the elderly people who dont have any family to visit them...I was shocked that there were so many elderly people with no visitors. One man hadnt had a visitor in 6 years :confused: .

Now all of that sounds like it would depress me more right? True. I have left the nursing home and the orphanage with tears streaming down my face before. But when I regained my composure, I felt like I had done something that made a difference. I had put a smile on a childs face. I let an elderly person tell me about the "good old days" while taking them outside to let the sun shine on their face. It made me pull myself up by the bootstraps and get over the sorrow that I was feeling. The gift that they gave me was far greater than any gesture of kindness I tried to extend to them. Just something to think about....

Actually, I don't like the idea of mood-altering drugs. It's like painkillers: you deal with the symptom, not the source.
I don't think that we know the mechanisms of clinical depression yet, really. It may be like only treating the symptoms, or it may be the only possible thing that can be done. What I do know, is that having medication is for now better than not having it for many people, myself included.

You know, I've been depressed before. Pretty damn low to be honest. One thing that really helps, is helping someone else. Now that sounds self serving. It might be in an indirect way. But I dont help others just so I will feel better about me. I think to myself "I'm down and out and rightly so, but look at how much worse it could be Kelley. Get up and go do something for someone else and see just how much you have to be thankful for." (i talk to myself often)

So I get involved with things like teaching kids about various subjects at the Boys and Girls Club. I managed a fundraiser in my town for the local orphanage to provide them with bookbags and back to school items. Also taking Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. I have also gone to nursing homes and visited with the elderly people who dont have any family to visit them...I was shocked that there were so many elderly people with no visitors. One man hadnt had a visitor in 6 years :confused: .

Now all of that sounds like it would depress me more right? True. I have left the nursing home and the orphanage with tears streaming down my face before. But when I regained my composure, I felt like I had done something that made a difference. I had put a smile on a childs face. I let an elderly person tell me about the "good old days" while taking them outside to let the sun shine on their face. It made me pull myself up by the bootstraps and get over the sorrow that I was feeling. The gift that they gave me was far greater than any gesture of kindness I tried to extend to them. Just something to think about....
i hear that. helping others seems like a real good use of one's life, and if i wasn't so lazy i might be posting the similar sorts of volunteer work i've got up too, too.
good on you :)


edit: ps: don't antidepressants turn you into a zombie? :confused:
pps: after a little research i am utterly convinced i have Dysthymic Disorder (http://www.allaboutdepression.com/dia_04.html).... i'm suprised i've never found this before though :confused:

Actually, I don't like the idea of mood-altering drugs. It's like painkillers: you deal with the symptom, not the source.

You erroneously assume the cause is never treated by antidepressants.

i hear that. helping others seems like a real good use of one's life, and if i wasn't so lazy i might be posting the similar sorts of volunteer work i've got up too, too.
good on you :)


edit: ps: don't antidepressants turn you into a zombie? :confused:
pps: after a little research i am utterly convinced i have Dysthymic Disorder (http://www.allaboutdepression.com/dia_04.html).... i'm suprised i've never found this before though :confused:


PM....get your arse up and go do something sweetie. Youll feel better just doing something nice. And try to associate with people who make you laugh.
*adds PM to list of "people to make laugh daily"*

Well, I was depressed for three years, then I became a Christian.

No I'm not kidding... cured me. I can't stop smiling now. :D

edit: ps: don't antidepressants turn you into a zombie? :confused:
Depends on the person and the meds. Everybody's systems work a bit differently, so different meds have a different effect on different people. For instance, one medication I tried taking for sleep (forgot which, it was two years ago) made me disoriented and took away my balance. But it worked fine for others. Or, when I took melatonin, that gave me badly broken sleep at odd intervals, but it works fine for some people, and does nothing for others.

Most people have to go through a couple meds before finding one that works properly for them.

While we're on the topic of depression, I've attempted suicide twice. The second time I came extremely close to succeeding.

While we're on the topic of depression, I've attempted suicide twice. The second time I came extremely close to succeeding.


:eek: :( :fluffle:

Are you all better now?

:eek: :( :fluffle:

Are you all better now?

Indeed I am. Thanks for asking. :)

Never forget: Depression thrives on isolation and chaos.

While we're on the topic of depression, I've attempted suicide twice. The second time I came extremely close to succeeding.
That's awful!
I hope you're feeling better now, or that you are on the path to feeling better.

While we're on the topic of depression, I've attempted suicide twice. The second time I came extremely close to succeeding.
You want to talk about it?
My IM's always open...why I put them up. And at the moment I'm usually online at some period in each timezone's 'day.' I might not have tried it myself but I know plenty who have so if you just want an ear...even if I'm not at the pc just type and send it.

Indeed I am. Thanks for asking. :)


I'm so glad you didnt succeed......youre like my post count idol you know? ;)

*hugs*

Never forget: Depression thrives on isolation and chaos.
:eek:
Chaos?
That would explain my problem then! Since I'm the ultimate chaotic agent, I must be the ultimate self-depressor too!

:D

when you are in the dark thinking of killing yourself with a pair of chipped knives, and cutting yourself with scissors, beating yourself, skipping meals, sleeping on the floor in the basement of someone elses house, snapping at everyone, lisistening to musik htat makes you crazy, not showing your face for days at a time, hiding from cops, or anyone, beating yourself so bad that you limp for days,

and you take medicene for depression, and it still doesnot work out..

that is frightening stuff :mad: :headbang:

:eek:
Chaos?
That would explain my problem then! Since I'm the ultimate chaotic agent, I must be the ultimate self-depressor too!

:D
Since everything tends toward chaos, does that mean everything tends towards depression.

Fuck ,I AM a geek!

Since everything tends toward chaos, does that mean everything tends towards depression.
Well, it explains why everybody is on Prozac these days.

If you think you're depressed, seriously talk to a shrink, don't get in the habit of hiding it.


'cause, uh, eventually someone will find out, and the psych ward? Sucks. Seriously. As do meds, as far as I can tell..


wait, as do shrinks

I hate all of them, and I have/had all three. Didn't help, I learned to hide things better. *hides the gash on her wrist with a fresh appicatoin of makeup*

I'm surprised how few people recommend helplines...am I not going to be of help if I join one? :confused:

Personally, I've never used a help line... I find that calling the people I love usually helps dissuade me from actually completing the attempt (though one time I passed out with a noose on my neck and woke up on the floor... the noose, supposed to hold 200 lbs, had broken under the weight of my 160 O.o that, may I add, was terrifying.))

but I digress

I also visit forums (more for the self mutilation that accompanied my depression than for the depression itself) and it's great to talk to people who know what its like, ya know? I get the idea that people who are taught how to help don't understand what it's like to be that way nessicarily, something you can never learn save by experience.

I was going to post how I deal with depression, but I figure I'd make it a new topic, since it's a bit off-topic here.

No go ahead. It's my topic, you're welcome to.

If you think you're depressed, seriously talk to a shrink, don't get in the habit of hiding it.


'cause, uh, eventually someone will find out, and the psych ward? Sucks. Seriously. As do meds, as far as I can tell..


wait, as do shrinks

I hate all of them, and I have/had all three. Didn't help, I learned to hide things better. *hides the gash on her wrist with a fresh appicatoin of makeup*

Psych ward can definitely suck.

Meds are not necessarily bad at all.

They do not make one a zombie. (Sometimes they have a zombie-ish effect at first but it goes away.)

Some people are effected differently by different meds. There are dozens of good antidepressants out there. Usually you can find the right drug -- and the right dose -- to help your illness with bearable side-effects.

I should note that I know many lawyers (myself included) that make 6 to 8 digit incomes, regularly appear in federal trial and appellate courts, and take antidepressants and/or other psychotropic medications.

Don't believe the hype or the stigma. Medication Good. Depression Bad.

the only bit of good advce i ever got on depression was deal with it

Psych ward can definitely suck.

Meds are not necessarily bad at all.

They do not make one a zombie. (Sometimes they have a zombie-ish effect at first but it goes away.)

Some people are effected differently by different meds. There are dozens of good antidepressants out there. Usually you can find the right drug -- and the right dose -- to help your illness with bearable side-effects.

I should note that I know many lawyers (myself included) that make 6 to 8 digit incomes, regularly appear in federal trial and appellate courts, and take antidepressants and/or other psychotropic medications.

Don't believe the hype or the stigma. Medication Good. Depression Bad.

I personally don't like medication; I don't like the implication that I can't function without medical help, or that I'm thus crazy, and I don't like the nagging doubts "do I REALLY feel this way or is it the medication talking", and I don't like the side effects

Granted, I've never been on anti-depressants; I refused, knowing how bad they can screw people up if you get on the wrong ones and not wanting to cycle through pill after pill after pill since I didn't feel I was THAT depressed anwyay. (dozens of suicide attempts don't prove a thing, I tell ya!). Plus I don't like admitting to others that I'm screwed up. I mean, complete strangers that I have to deal with. The thing about the internet is, I can always quit NS or hide under another name. I can stop going to Our Bodies Our Canvas. I can make a new AIM. But I can't get rid of the cheerleader clique or the dramam clique if they ever found out, and I can't make teachers suddanly not pity me at a glance, ya know?

If you think you're depressed, seriously talk to a shrink, don't get in the habit of hiding it.

'cause, uh, eventually someone will find out, and the psych ward? Sucks. Seriously. As do meds, as far as I can tell..

wait, as do shrinks

I hate all of them, and I have/had all three. Didn't help, I learned to hide things better. *hides the gash on her wrist with a fresh appicatoin of makeup*
You know, I was depressed for years there, and I found out that once I finally stopped hiding the cuts, and thinking of myself as messed up for wanting to hurt myself or kill myself, I felt a lot better.

Screw what other people think! Screw their messed-up morals and values! Cutting feels good to me, so if you have a problem with it, don't look at my cuts.

Meds helped for a while. "Shrinks" in their many forms almost never did, but I give them credit for at least trying to understand me on some level. Ultimately, what I really craved was acceptance. I wanted to do what I wanted to do. It was when people depreciated me for what I wanted to do that really hurt.

I adopted a single moral from Wicca: And harm it none, so mote it be.

I adopted a line from Cowboy Bebop: Whatever happens happens. -Spike

And I've never been more free.

You know, I was depressed for years there, and I found out that once I finally stopped hiding the cuts, and thinking of myself as messed up for wanting to hurt myself or kill myself, I felt a lot better.

Screw what other people think! Screw their messed-up morals and values! Cutting feels good to me, so if you have a problem with it, don't look at my cuts.

Meds helped for a while. "Shrinks" in their many forms almost never did, but I give them credit for at least trying to understand me on some level. Ultimately, what I really craved was acceptance. I wanted to do what I wanted to do. It was when people depreciated me for what I wanted to do that really hurt.

I adopted a single moral from Wicca: And harm it none, so mote it be.

I adopted a line from Cowboy Bebop: Whatever happens happens. -Spike

And I've never been more free.


Funny you shold mention that, I happen to be wiccan

The problem is, the way I see it, I can't harm none. Anything I do harms SOMEONE. If I live, I harm myself, because living hurts. If I die, I harm those who love me. I can't harm none.

Also, I did tell my mom about the cutting. That screwed my life over SO FUCKING MUCH it's not even funny.

"I CAN'T EVEN TRUST YOU ANYMORE, YOU'VE PROVEN TO ME YOU CANNOT BE TRUSTED"
"I CAN'T LEAVE YOU HOME ALONE YOU'LL CUT YOURSELF"
"Why don't you go be depressed and suicidal, it'd be better than being so OBNOXIOUS"
"If I don't watch you ever minute you'll KILL yourself, you think I have time for that, you think I LIKE that?"

Funny you shold mention that, I happen to be wiccan

The problem is, the way I see it, I can't harm none. Anything I do harms SOMEONE. If I live, I harm myself, because living hurts. If I die, I harm those who love me. I can't harm none.

Also, I did tell my mom about the cutting. That screwed my life over SO FUCKING MUCH it's not even funny.

"I CAN'T EVEN TRUST YOU ANYMORE, YOU'VE PROVEN TO ME YOU CANNOT BE TRUSTED"
"I CAN'T LEAVE YOU HOME ALONE YOU'LL CUT YOURSELF"
"Why don't you go be depressed and suicidal, it'd be better than being so OBNOXIOUS"
"If I don't watch you ever minute you'll KILL yourself, you think I have time for that, you think I LIKE that?"
Sounds to me like your mom judges a bit too much, and is a bit too concerned with herself. Family counseling can help with that. You might think this is playing into her hands (and hey, so will she!) but then, a good psych will notice how self-absorbed she is and point it out to her.

Sounds to me like your mom judges a bit too much, and is a bit too concerned with herself. Family counseling can help with that. You might think this is playing into her hands (and hey, so will she!) but then, a good psych will notice how self-absorbed she is and point it out to her.

We've done family counseling
She has a shrink
she's on meds (bipolar I think)
She also happens to be pregnant, so JUST as we were making progres she gets cranky and undoes months of hard work by not wearing a friggin condom

We've done family counseling
She has a shrink
she's on meds (bipolar I think)
She also happens to be pregnant, so JUST as we were making progres she gets cranky and undoes months of hard work by not wearing a friggin condom
yikes! Sounds like you're in about the same position as my girlfriend. Best advice I can think of is "Get out as fast as you can."