Anyone else prone to Depression and Anxiety

[Ruthanne]

Thank you so much for baring your soul and sharing your story.

You're exactly right. Depression goes beyond being "down". There is a sense of hopelessness and a lack of interest in doing everyday things. My father used to bring my mother to visit me, and she would sit in the corner and rock bath and forth, saying nothing. When depression hit me, there was a sense of restlessness and nervousness, so I understood what she was going through. I'm just so thankful every day that I got to the other side.

You are also right that being in nature can help tremendously. I try to get out for walks in nature as often as I can. The sound of birds and the foliage is very therapeutic.

I agree to getting out in nature--I just go outside with my dog and look at the trees and the leaves that have turned autumn colors and are now falling to the ground. The air can be invigorating, too, I take my deep breaths in. We walk and look at everything in the environment--squirrels scurrying, rabbits jumping, the occasional deer strolling down the street, skunks looking for some food, and all the little birds flying about. I know it helps me to get out there. I am fighting this depression as best I can.

I'm not at the therapeutic dose of the antidepressant yet--not feeling as down but still not feeling myself yet either. Besides depression, and ptsd I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder--I get totally out of whack when the skies are gray and raining or just gray sky all the time. I'm going to request another increase of the antidepressant on the 7th when I talk to my NP. Of course she will prescribe iit--she is very helpful and sensitive to people's side effects too. So far I haven't had any side effects from the current antidepressant which is saying a lot because I have tried about 15 of them previously. Some worked for awhile and then pooped out and then some made me worse depressed, and some gave me awful side effects. Anyways, now I'm looking forward to feeling better.

This time of year doesn't help matters, though, I experienced a great deal of trauma surrounding Christmas and it's always been hard for me to get through. Not doing great today that's for sure. I keep saying it will get better, tho.

 

[officerripley]

This time of year doesn't help matters, though, I experienced a great deal of trauma surrounding Christmas and it's always been hard for me to get through. Not doing great today that's for sure. I keep saying it will get better, tho.

Same here: the winter holidays stress me out no end. Which is sad because I love winter but not its holidays. In fact:

"…[T]he [winter] holidays…[are], as my friend Connie says, 'an annual festival put on by women for the enjoyment of men and children.'"
~~from Yeah, No. Not Happening: How I Found Happiness Swearing Off Self-Improvement and Saying F*ck It All—and How You Can Too by Karen Karbo

 

[Ruthanne]

Same here: the winter holidays stress me out no end. Which is sad because I love winter but not its holidays. In fact:

"…[T]he [winter] holidays…[are], as my friend Connie says, 'an annual festival put on by women for the enjoyment of men and children.'"
~~from Yeah, No. Not Happening: How I Found Happiness Swearing Off Self-Improvement and Saying F*ck It All—and How You Can Too by Karen Karbo

I hear you, it is def a stress-filled holiday season.

 

[dseag2]

I completely understand. When my mother passed away in early November, we realized we could live anywhere we wanted to. We decided to stay in Dallas because we have decent weather 9 months out of the year. Today was 75 degrees and sunny. There is nothing more therapeutic than being outside.

When I was working, my company headquarters was in Seattle. I visited often, and although it is absolutely beautiful the gray drizzly days were not for me. Seattle suicides rates are increasing these days.

I bought a lamp on Amazon to help with SAD during the gray days we have here. I haven't had to use if often, but it helps in the days I do.

Thanksgiving is my sad time, since my father passed away the Monday after Thanksgiving and my mother passed away a few weeks ago.

 

[Ruthanne]

I completely understand. When my mother passed away in early November, we realized we could live anywhere we wanted to. We decided to stay in Dallas because we have decent weather 9 months out of the year. Today was 75 degrees and sunny. There is nothing more therapeutic than being outside.

When I was working, my company headquarters was in Seattle. I visited often, and although it is absolutely beautiful the gray drizzly days were not for me. Seattle suicides rates are increasing these days.

I bought a lamp on Amazon to help with SAD during the gray days we have here. I haven't had to use if often, but it helps in the days I do.

Thanksgiving is my sad time, since my father passed away the Monday after Thanksgiving and my mother passed away a few weeks ago.

I'm sorry about you losing your parents. It makes the holidays harder wishing they were present and missing them.

 

[Lara]

To be honest, I really don't have depression nor anxiety no matter the weather. I'm human so maybe a little anxiety when pressured and a little sadness when missing loved ones, but here's the thing...

If I start to sink, I close my eyes, slowly breathe in deeply as I ask the Holy Spirit, who I believe is God* in the form of our Helper, to completely cleanse me inside as I continue to breathe in slowly, then holding that breath. I ask that I be filled completely with love peace patience kindness self-control, and gratitude. I ask Him to restore my joy, and to renew my spirit as I hold that breath as long as I can.

Then I slowly breathe out all toxins (really blow it out), evil, bad thoughts, bad images, regrets, every negativity that wants to hold me hostage. I repeat this breathing exercise 2 or more times until I feel renewed, strong, and good again. It's very good. It always works for me.

*Even if you don't share my faith in God, we all believe in forces of good and evil. Breathe in all that is good, breathe out all that is bad when doing this breathing exercise.

 

[Irwin]

Partially true. Many of the things that a bring on depression are not actually 'failures' on the part of the person but rather on the part of those who were supposed to nurture and care for them as children. The child will more likely interpret this as their own failure, to conclude "I am unloveable". Different things help different people understand who really failed.

This is supported by studies that show that children living in abusive and/or neglectful circumstances can survive and eventually thrive IF they have 1 person in their lives fairly consistently who cares about and consistently supports them. Sometimes just one year of having a teacher who is helpful, encouraging, supportive and consistently 'there' for the child can make a difference. They may still have some issues regarding the people who are 'supposed' to love them not filling that role, but they can at least manage to function in the world .

A feeling of being "unlovable" is the definition of low self-esteem — a feeling that can lead to depression but not always. It's probably more related to anxiety and especially social anxiety. Low self-esteem is generally the root cause of social anxiety and there may be a genetic component as well. People who feel good about themselves aren't anxious around others. It's from a feeling of not being good enough and that feeling is generally caused by abuse, bullying, or neglect.

I've seen some of those studies that show that for some children who were abused, all it takes is one person who cares for the child to overcome childhood adversity, and that one person could be a friend, relative, teacher... Just someone who takes an interest in the child and treats him or her with respect — someone who makes the child feel worthy of the good things in life. I think that's still different from depression, though. I think people can have low self-esteem without being depressed.

 

[dseag2]

A feeling of being "unlovable" is the definition of low self-esteem — a feeling that can lead to depression but not always. It's probably more related to anxiety and especially social anxiety. Low self-esteem is generally the root cause of social anxiety and there may be a genetic component as well. People who feel good about themselves aren't anxious around others. It's from a feeling of not being good enough and that feeling is generally caused by abuse, bullying, or neglect.

I've seen some of those studies that show that for some children who were abused, all it takes is one person who cares for the child to overcome childhood adversity, and that one person could be a friend, relative, teacher... Just someone who takes an interest in the child and treats him or her with respect — someone who makes the child feel worthy of the good things in life. I think that's still different from depression, though. I think people can have low self-esteem without being depressed.

My mother had extremely low self esteem. She was a beautiful woman who was "arm candy" to my very successful father. They were 10 years apart in age difference. When she start getting older, she felt like she had failed him. When he passed away she actually began to blossom because she no longer had to play that role.

As a child of someone who had had low self esteem, it was difficult for me not to have low self-esteem as well. I can go into detail of the many things I did to validate my worth, but I won't. It has not been easy, but over the years I have come to terms with my self-worth and have embraced it. I contribute as much to society as anyone else on this planet.

 

[feywon]

A feeling of being "unlovable" is the definition of low self-esteem — a feeling that can lead to depression but not always. It's probably more related to anxiety and especially social anxiety. Low self-esteem is generally the root cause of social anxiety and there may be a genetic component as well. People who feel good about themselves aren't anxious around others. It's from a feeling of not being good enough and that feeling is generally caused by abuse, bullying, or neglect.

I've seen some of those studies that show that for some children who were abused, all it takes is one person who cares for the child to overcome childhood adversity, and that one person could be a friend, relative, teacher... Just someone who takes an interest in the child and treats him or her with respect — someone who makes the child feel worthy of the good things in life. I think that's still different from depression, though. I think people can have low self-esteem without being depressed.

An then there's weirdo me, who sense of being 'unloveable' was fueled by how 'alien' i always felt to practically everyone, despite gestures and words of love from parents, siblings. i won't go into some of the things i think fueled it because it would segue into a spiritual discussion.

i would just say again---generalizations are useful--but like some of those 'wise sayings' people like to cite--only as long as you don't try to apply them universally.

 

[Jeni]

Honestly I too have days that are tougher then others .... I could place it on losses or things in my life but i find it is often the realization that i cant do some things i used to.... that the sand in my hour glass is fuller on the side of life already lived.

i do not understand many who have anxiety as in anything life has, maybe theirs is more debilitating then what i have seen or experienced.
Recently worked with a lady taking meds for it that caused her so many side effects she was anxious about those too.... seemed like a vicious circle.

My question would be is it the stress of life NOW or did our parents / grandparents deal with it differently?
they had stress and hard live with out all the electronic help and time savers etc we have now.........

i remember my mom who had more loss then most. Young widow left with big bills and 4 small kids
She also had REAL / GOOD friends that were trusted confidants that talked and counseled and supported each other.

Now people feel they only option is Professional help that often they cant afford... or as suggested try a few out to find the right fit so how many sessions (which can be limited by insurance) are wasted on bad fits?

 

[Paco Dennis]

"Pandemic Fuels Rise in Mental Health Prescriptions​

COVID-19 hasn’t just affected people’s physical health. The pandemic has also had a profound and prolonged impact on people’s mental health. Over the last year, more and more people have reached out for help dealing with stress, anxiety or depression.


Our team of analysts found that the number of people taking prescription mental health medication has steadily increased since the beginning of the pandemic. More than 65 million Americans are now taking prescription mental health medication — that’s 1 out of every 5 people. These numbers should not be stigmatized or taken lightly because they point to the serious impact COVID-19 is having on Americans’ mental health.


Key findings:

• Nationwide, 18 states have seen 10%-20% increases in the number of people taking prescription mental health medication in the last year.
• Colorado, West Virginia and Montana had the largest increases in people taking mental health medication.
• Kentucky, New Jersey and Nebraska saw the largest decreases in the number of people taking mental health medication.
• The number of men prescribed mental health medication increased by 11.3% over the last year.
• Nearly 65 million people (1 in 5) are currently taking prescription mental health medication.

Nationwide, the average number of people taking prescription mental health medication has gone up by nearly 6.5% in the last eight months. This increase, however, varies significantly from state to state.

The increase in prescriptions for mental health medications also crosses traditional demographic lines. We found that while the number of men and people of color taking mental health medication increased the most, nearly 20% of women and people who identify as white were already taking prescription medications for mental health.

The rise in prescriptions for mental health medications coincides with a growing trend we have been following since before the COVID-19 pandemic began. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average number of people who took medication for mental health reasons was 15.8% in 2019. That same average is now 19.7%. The ongoing pandemic has been and continues to be a time of great uncertainty; people should be applauded for having the courage to reach out and ask for help. If you or someone you know is struggling during this difficult time, please consider reaching out to one of the organizations below.


National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

• 1 (866) 615-6464
• NIMH website

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• 1 (800) 662 - 4357 (24hrs)
• SAMHSA website

National Alliance on Mental Illness

• 1 (800) 950 - 6264
• info@nami.org

Most insurance plans cover some form of mental health care. Coverage varies, but this often includes access to therapy, counseling and prescription drug coverage. Additionally, both Medicare and all Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) marketplace plans are required to cover mental health services.

Methodology​

To determine the percentage increase in the number of people taking prescription mental health medication, we analyzed Pulse Survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data range went from Aug. 19, 2020 to March 15, 2021."

https://quotewizard.com/news/posts/mental-health-prescriptions

 

[Nathan]

Nathan, would you ever consider Medical Marijuana for your PTSD or is that not an option? I've read that it is pretty effective. If you are not having issues, then I guess you don't need it. I'm glad you are feeling well these days!

I do use Cannabis products, both medical and recreational Cannabis is legal in California. I use Indica for sleep....works grrrreat!

However, as far as PTSD is concerned, it's a day to day struggle, some good days and some not. I am self teaching CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques and using meditative strategies as a remedy. Alcohol in moderation is a nice(but brief) respite, kind of old fashioned but effective.

 

[JimBob1952]

I admire everyone on here for their candor and honesty.

I don't suffer from anything like clinical depression. I do go through periods of what is known as "anhedonia." Basically, it's the inability to take pleasure or enjoyment from much of anything. Things I used to love -- books, music, movies, other things -- seem tedious and stale. I put myself on autopilot and shuffle through the day, working from home, interacting with my wife (who is a fantastic person and has nothing to do with this feeling) walking the dog and doing other mundane things.

I'm sure this is partly a function of age. It's also the "Peggy Lee" syndrome where you ask "Is that all there is?"

 

[JimBob1952]

My mother had extremely low self esteem. She was a beautiful woman who was "arm candy" to my very successful father. They were 10 years apart in age difference. When she start getting older, she felt like she had failed him. When he passed away she actually began to blossom because she no longer had to play that role.

As a child of someone who had had low self esteem, it was difficult for me not to have low self-esteem as well. I can go into detail of the many things I did to validate my worth, but I won't. It has not been easy, but over the years I have come to terms with my self-worth and have embraced it. I contribute as much to society as anyone else on this planet.

Very good post. You are a good and thoughtful writer.

 

[JimBob1952]

I do use Cannabis products, both medical and recreational Cannabis is legal in California. I use Indica for sleep....works grrrreat!

However, as far as PTSD is concerned, it's a day to day struggle, some good days and some not. I am self teaching CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques and using meditative strategies as a remedy. Alcohol in moderation is a nice(but brief) respite, kind of old fashioned but effective.

Nathan, you have been through a lot and have come out on top, as far as I can tell. Keep at it.

 

[Jeni]

"Pandemic Fuels Rise in Mental Health Prescriptions​

COVID-19 hasn’t just affected people’s physical health. The pandemic has also had a profound and prolonged impact on people’s mental health. Over the last year, more and more people have reached out for help dealing with stress, anxiety or depression.


Our team of analysts found that the number of people taking prescription mental health medication has steadily increased since the beginning of the pandemic. More than 65 million Americans are now taking prescription mental health medication — that’s 1 out of every 5 people. These numbers should not be stigmatized or taken lightly because they point to the serious impact COVID-19 is having on Americans’ mental health.


Key findings:

• Nationwide, 18 states have seen 10%-20% increases in the number of people taking prescription mental health medication in the last year.
• Colorado, West Virginia and Montana had the largest increases in people taking mental health medication.
• Kentucky, New Jersey and Nebraska saw the largest decreases in the number of people taking mental health medication.
• The number of men prescribed mental health medication increased by 11.3% over the last year.
• Nearly 65 million people (1 in 5) are currently taking prescription mental health medication.

Nationwide, the average number of people taking prescription mental health medication has gone up by nearly 6.5% in the last eight months. This increase, however, varies significantly from state to state.

The increase in prescriptions for mental health medications also crosses traditional demographic lines. We found that while the number of men and people of color taking mental health medication increased the most, nearly 20% of women and people who identify as white were already taking prescription medications for mental health.

The rise in prescriptions for mental health medications coincides with a growing trend we have been following since before the COVID-19 pandemic began. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average number of people who took medication for mental health reasons was 15.8% in 2019. That same average is now 19.7%. The ongoing pandemic has been and continues to be a time of great uncertainty; people should be applauded for having the courage to reach out and ask for help. If you or someone you know is struggling during this difficult time, please consider reaching out to one of the organizations below.


National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

• 1 (866) 615-6464
• NIMH website

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• 1 (800) 662 - 4357 (24hrs)
• SAMHSA website

National Alliance on Mental Illness

• 1 (800) 950 - 6264
• info@nami.org

Most insurance plans cover some form of mental health care. Coverage varies, but this often includes access to therapy, counseling and prescription drug coverage. Additionally, both Medicare and all Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) marketplace plans are required to cover mental health services.

Methodology​

To determine the percentage increase in the number of people taking prescription mental health medication, we analyzed Pulse Survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data range went from Aug. 19, 2020 to March 15, 2021thorough exam or blood work ."

https://quotewizard.com/news/posts/mental-health-prescriptions

i wonder how much is attributable to online Dr visits.....
not bashing that just seems to be a growing item........................ even with drugs that i was under the impression a thorough exam or blood work and BP may be in order.

The fall out of the many things will be seem down the road .... maybe after injuries or death ....... due to drugs that were prescribed just with an over the phone or zoom type thing. Some are done by Texts..... perhaps if established patients ........but brand new patients logging on to some site chatting and carefully planning your response is a far cry from meeting in person

Patients often do not always tell the truth about health / other items taken or used etc. Unless it is an established relationship who knows and then what will liability be ..... for malpractice? think this will come down as buyer beware.

 

[Verisure]

Anyone else prone to Depression and Anxiety​

Both, particularly anxiety. I suffer from pnigophobia: fear of suffocating. It is similar to claustrophobia. I don't how long I've had it but the first sign was while scuba diving in 1981. I nearly drowned because my tank ran out of oxygen but on inspection, there was plenty of it. Then the following year I got a terrible attack while caving in Belgium. That's when I knew something was wrong. Since then the condition has spread to riding buses on warm days with all of the windows closed, being in the WC if the door won't open again easily, on aeroplanes, and during a root canal job with that rubber cloth covering your mouth. These days whenever I fly I take a good shot of whisky as soon as I board the aeroplane just to calm me down. Unfortunately, I now also suffer from sleep apnea and it requires using a CPAP respirator at night. I could take a shot of whiskey just before I lie down but I try to do without it. I usually put on the TV instead to try distracting myself until I am so tired that I can easily dose off but there was a problem with the TV reception yesterday and I ended up trying to sleep without the CPAP. I didn't get much sleep and I'm not feeling too well as I write this. In these circumstances why can't I just distract myself with other thoughts and get over this stupid ailment?

..... clinical depression. ...... Since this is genetic .....​

Is it?

 

[Verisure]

Not me, I have full blown over the rainbow awareness.

A-ha! The worst ailment known to man .......... or woman!

 

[Verisure]

My sister has clinical depression ..... and told me ..... that she has her plan for her exit in place. ...... I'm trying to help her but I need to protect myself from being dragged down into the black hole she is in. .....

What to do?

 

[Verisure]

Ok, now this will sound strange to you all, I suffer from depression via proxy.
My eldest son suffers from it, and when he has a bout of it, I can feel it as if it is happening to me.
That child can drop me to my knees in a complete mess no matter how far away he is.

Not the same, but I sometimes cry when I hear of other people's problems and when I hear of a child's suffering it feels like that child is my own.

 

[Remy]

@dseag2 I'm sorry this is a sad time of year for you. I know it can be for many.

I lived in Olympia WA for about 7 years. I actually liked the weather except when I had to drive in the snow with my crappy car. It's interesting, but the rain makes me feel fine. Even that much rain. I left there in 93. I know that's not the case for many.

 

[Verisure]

My A&D struggles began with my involvement in Vietnam. I [thought] I was able to beat back the demons, majored in psychology after coming home. However, the ghosts continued to haunt me in the background, affecting relationships and presenting challenges over the next 50 years.
For the last couple months I've been able to control the A&D, and see opportunities to keep it that way. I'm not currently taking meds, I did take Celexa back in 2014 for about 4 or 5 months. That helped, but I couldn't stand the way I felt. <shrugs>

I know. I understand. After returning from Vietnam in 1967 I was caught between not being understood by anyone and breaking my friendships with everyone for no reason. I had nightmares about Vietnam for years then they changed to simple dreams about being back in Vietnam and eventually (I don't know when) they were all gone. In 1999 I travelled back to Vietnam just to say "Forgive me". Seeing the people living out their lives just like everyone else in the world made me feel much better. They're doing OK so I don't need to feel guilty any longer.

 

[officerripley]

My question would be is it the stress of life NOW or did our parents / grandparents deal with it differently?
they had stress and hard live with out all the electronic help and time savers etc we have now.........

I think some of them dealt with it differently and *maybe* successfully by believing in a glorious afterlife, where if you were a good boy or girl and put up with all kinds of cruelty/sadness/boredom, etc., you got your reward in heaven. Nowadays, there are more and more of us who don't believe in that and think that this life is all there is so it can in some cases make it harder than, from my own experience with my mom and both grandmas, a woman who figures she just oughta put up with anything because that will get her her reward in heaven after she dies. Not an option for more and more of us, though; our minds don't work that way.

 

[Verisure]

I think some of them dealt with it differently and *maybe* successfully by believing in a glorious afterlife, where if you were a good boy or girl and put up with all kinds of cruelty/sadness/boredom, etc., you got your reward in heaven. Nowadays, there are more and more of us who don't believe in that and think that this life is all there is so it can in some cases make it harder than, from my own experience with my mom and both grandmas, a woman who figures she just oughta put up with anything because that will get her her reward in heaven after she dies. Not an option for more and more of us, though; our minds don't work that way.

The good thing about not relying upon some "god" is that you (we) can more easily accept that there are unanswerable questions in this life and with that in mind be satisfied with what we've got and make the best of it. We'll know if the 7-Eleven is still open once we've turned the corner.

 

[grahamg]

Sorry if this has been discussed in previous threads. Depression and anxiety used to be taboo subjects and something to be ashamed of, but no longer.

My mother went through many years of clinical depression. So bad, in fact, that she didn't leave the house for 4 years. She was agoraphobic when my father passed away. He also suffered from frequent bouts of depression.

Since this is genetic, I went through severe depression in 2005. Very few people realize that it is not just sadness but a lack of interest in doing everyday things. I didn't want to get out of bed. I also had these bouts of nervousness that were intolerable. I did get help from both SSRI's and therapy. The depression has abated, but when I was working I still had anxiety attacks, especially a couple of days prior to traveling for my job.

This is not an issue now that I've retired because there are no "uncertainties". I know what each day will bring, but I still sometimes get anxious due to worrying that I will become depressed. (Ironic, isn't it?) I find that exercise and time outdoors helps tremendously, and I take homeopathic supplements for stress.

Does anyone else suffer from this? Please share your stories. I completely empathize.

As I tried in vain to tell a young man aged twenty three I got to know briefly working in Manchester, UK, recently, who has been signed off for three months, "a book could be written about my experiences with anxiety/depression."

I really felt sorry for the guy, much too young, and too nice a guy for all this, and yet the fact I couldn't manage to engage with him, after he told me of his problem, hints at the depths he's maybe in, or slipping into. His concerned friends, including his flatmate, are probably doing all the wrong things, increasing his sense of guilt etc., (whilst trying to help him with a "quick fix", of taking more exercise, helping himself, and so on, all with the best intentions).

Sorry if this has been discussed in previous threads. Depression and anxiety used to be taboo subjects and something to be ashamed of, but no longer.

No need to apologise so much here in the UK btw, since our two princes, William and Harry revealed their struggles with this, (and as my dear old mum used to try to remind me, even Churchill had his "Black dog" spells of depression, to use the term he gave them!).