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Post by Trev Williams on Jan 9, 2007 11:18:02 GMT -1
Everyone gets depressed at some point, most of the time this passes and people can function normally, this would be called mild depression.. but clinical depression in its severest form can be life threatening, it can mean everyday life is a real struggle, activities you used to enjoy seem pointless, and at it's worst life can seem not worth living. There is lots of support for people who suffer from depression, but many people don't know about them. for mild depression talking to friends, social contact and maybe taking a break from work or your daily routine can help you out of the depressive state. but when it's more severe even this can be a problem and people can seem very issolated. when supporting someone through a depressive state it's important to be understanding (which is one reason i've set up this message board), a friend can make all the difference to someone who is depressed and it's important to try and be supportive. from my experience of severe depression I'd describe someone's moods as bubbles, and when someone is unstable from a mental illness they can appear happy one moment and in dispare the next, I find friends who understand this are an amazing help. somtimes in a good bubble you could arrange to meet someone, but then nearer the time you might have to cancel.. because of the stigma attached to mental illness many people cannot express this, but as a friend understanding these changes is very important (be patient, people don't mean to let you down or be rude) your mind is like the sky, there are dark clouds and light clouds but they all pass. Trev There is more information on the MIND website: www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm
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Post by lorraine on Jan 18, 2007 17:28:08 GMT -1
I think this addition to Trevs website is a fantastic idea. A chance to share experiences, raise awareness, and gain an understanding from different individuals perspective about what different mental health experiences feel like and the effects they have on our lives. I experienced a year of depression five years ago following redundancy. It felt like a paralysis, like I had lost my motivation and direction. At times it was like an existence, going through the motions of getting through each day, and a feeling of nothingness. I was fortunate to receive some great support from friends, and my sister who has experienced her own mental health issues throughout her lifetime. This was so important. Without understanding and support it can be a very isolating and frightening experience. It gave me a real insight into how it can have such a profound effect on everyday living, yet how it is possible to emerge from depression, and love life again.
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Post by vixie on Mar 2, 2007 1:16:35 GMT -1
THanks Trev, some good things on here, in time, if its ok I would like to add some experiances and hopefully some useful coping mechanisms for others also suffering
xxx
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Post by Trev Williams on Mar 2, 2007 18:10:34 GMT -1
THanks Trev, some good things on here, in time, if its ok I would like to add some experiances and hopefully some useful coping mechanisms for others also suffering xxx Hey Vixie.. yes of course, i think sharing experiences is a great way of learning from each other, and also raising awareness. I look forward to hearing your coping mechanisms too Trev
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Post by Nurgie on Mar 26, 2007 22:29:32 GMT -1
It might sound utterly facile but my dog is the best thing for me in structuring my life. I'm now coming out of a brutal few years (although not out enough to reduce my meds.) and found a place where I feel comfortable and I cannot stress how having a pet & friend has helped me. My dog is a friendly soul which meant that I had to socialise with people that I met and having to exercise him provided a structure to my days. I do understand that for some the responsibility of a pet might be too much but borrow a dog....take it for a walk..... Mojo keeps me sane. For years I've been open about my mental health and I am so happy that more people are becoming open and aware of mental health issues. Thanks Trev. x
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Post by Trev Williams on Mar 27, 2007 15:45:44 GMT -1
It might sound utterly facile but my dog is the best thing for me in structuring my life. I'm now coming out of a brutal few years (although not out enough to reduce my meds.) and found a place where I feel comfortable and I cannot stress how having a pet & friend has helped me. My dog is a friendly soul which meant that I had to socialise with people that I met and having to exercise him provided a structure to my days. I do understand that for some the responsibility of a pet might be too much but borrow a dog....take it for a walk..... Mojo keeps me sane. For years I've been open about my mental health and I am so happy that more people are becoming open and aware of mental health issues. Thanks Trev. x thank you Nurgie, I agree fury therapy is an excellent way to releave stress and to have a companion in lonely patches.. cats also are good companions and require less maintanence than dogs. coming off meds is a very difficult thing to do.. in fact I might start a post about it.. but certainly take your time coming off, i relapsed because i came off them too quickly. great to hear you support for being open about mental health concerns too that's really encouraging.. Trev
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Post by Tessa on Mar 27, 2007 21:26:16 GMT -1
I found my dog a big help too, and was devastated when he became old and then died. He thought I was great, and gave me a welcome every time I came home like no-one else has ever done. He may not have known everything, but he still did wonders for my self-esteem, and he never criticised me Even if I was late feeding him, he would just run around me telling me how wonderful I was (or was going to be in a minute). It's a pity I'm not in a situation to have another dog, but I promised myself I wouldn't have one if I couldn't look after it properly. A cat is nice to have around, and they are friendly company, but they are the boss.
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Erica
Rigel from the constilation Orion
Posts: 42
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Post by Erica on Mar 29, 2007 13:44:09 GMT -1
Cats are the boss, that is for sure! My cat loves me, and even though it is a little bothersome in the mornings when she tries to rub around my feet while I'm getting ready to leave, it is a comfort to have her around. It think there is something that soothes a person and helps relax you when you have a pet friend.
When I'm feeling down I also try to make an effort to play with my friends kids, or my niece. There's a wonderful feeling when you walk into a room and get smiles from a child. They love to have me play blocks with them, and it gets my mind off my worries.
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Post by Trev Williams on Sept 24, 2007 16:04:49 GMT -1
I just thought I'd give this thread a bump as it is the foundation of what this part of the message board is for.. discussing mental health issues!.. threw the time I've been running this message board I've met many people with great experiences and insight into mental health and wellbeing.. it's helped me a lot and I hope it helps you as well!! take care Trev xx
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Erica
Rigel from the constilation Orion
Posts: 42
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Post by Erica on Nov 14, 2008 0:27:53 GMT -1
I thought I'd give this thread a bump, and ask if anyone has heard of or tried St. John's Wort for depression? Any thoughts from people who have tried it, or known someone who has?
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Post by Trev Williams on Nov 16, 2008 11:48:43 GMT -1
I thought I'd give this thread a bump, and ask if anyone has heard of or tried St. John's Wort for depression? Any thoughts from people who have tried it, or known someone who has? good call on the bump Erica!! yes St John's Wort is like a herbal anti depressant, but the main difference is you do not need a perscription (in the UK).. it also has links to homeopathic treatment, I have tried it for a short period of time, it really depends how ill you are.. and self medication (even if it's herbal), cuts out the contact with a GP or helth care professional.. anyone know more about it?.. or homeopathy for that matter?..
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pat
Betelgeuse from the constilation Orion
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Post by pat on Dec 3, 2008 12:38:33 GMT -1
This is an article about some recently-published research: Group-taught meditation is as effective as staying on drug treatments for stopping people slipping back into depression, say UK scientists. news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/health/7754632.stmCompared to one-to-one sessions, or medication, "mindfulness-based cognitive therapy" (MBCT) is cheaper for the NHS, they say. The trial of 123 people found similar relapse rates in those having group therapy and those taking drugs. The study was published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Recent years have seen much more evidence that so-called "talking therapies" can be as effective as drugs in alleviating mild to moderate depression, and health secretary Alan Johnson recently announced millions in new funding for the treatments. However, this is the first time, according to its authors, that a group therapy has been shown as an alternative to a prescription. The study, funded by the Medical Research Council, found MBCT, developed in 2002 by a team of psychologists from Canada, Oxford, and Cambridge, was actually more effective than medication in improving patients' quality of life. The sessions involve the teaching of meditation techniques based on some found in Buddhism. The aim is to teach skills which help patients recognise and cope with their tendency towards depression. One of those championing the technique is Professor Willem Kuyken, of the Mood Disorders Centre at the University of Exeter. He said: "Our results suggest MBCT may be a viable alternative for some of the 3.5 million people in the UK known to be suffering from this debilitating condition. "I think we have the basis for offering patients and GPs an alternative to long-term antidepressant medication." Marjorie Wallace, the chief executive of mental health charity SANE, said the charity would be helping to fund future research into how "ancient meditative techniques" could work together with modern psychotherapy in people with long-term depression. She said: "We are delighted that this study shows the potential of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as an alternative for the treatment of severe and recurring depression. "Just one in five depressed callers to our helpline report that they are receiving any kind of talking therapy, which is recommended as a first line of treatment."
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pat
Betelgeuse from the constilation Orion
Posts: 8
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Post by pat on Dec 3, 2008 12:43:34 GMT -1
I wish that more people were offered talking therapy (of any kind), so I hope that they will be attracted by this cost-effective suggestion. Pat
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Post by Trev Williams on Dec 22, 2008 14:11:39 GMT -1
From recent experience I think lots and lots of people get depressed over Christmas.. and often (people of my age certainly).. will get drunk as a way out of this depression.. which isn't very good.. it's seen as traditional perhaps going out at Christmas.. getting drunk. But the serious depression that can underly it is important to talk about at some point like you mention Pat. Family/relationship problems are often highlighted at Christmas.. (all the soaps on TV make Christmas a time of complete disaster). It needent be like that, but I thought it important to mention as some people might read this at this time. "Happy Christmas".. can sometimes be a bit hard to take in.. even if it is meant in a nice way.. so I hope you have a peacefull Christmas, and that I hear from you all in the new year
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pat
Betelgeuse from the constilation Orion
Posts: 8
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Post by pat on Feb 10, 2009 21:02:03 GMT -1
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