The addiction/depression thread.

[45ACP]

Sound advice, thanks. Regarding the video, I think that medication can help bring somebody around to deal with their issues.

Any time, I'm happy to help where I can since I've been there and know how much support means. Even if it's just from some random person on the internet.

I agree with your comment re: meds as well. I've been on and off various meds for over a decade and they can definitely help and even be necessary, at least temporarily, in many cases. But my belief is that they're mostly for alleviating symptoms, and not necessarily a cure.

 

[Mike]

I have been told they take up to 6 weeks and that's if they even work. I am hopeful that they will have some positive effect. Not a drinker, so no worries there. Will keep you guys up to date in addition to hearing how you are all doing.

That's good because alcoholism and depression often go hand in hand, and I know from experience it's hard to suddenly stop drinking every day. So good for you for avoiding that trap, it'll make recovery much easier. I feel you on not enjoying things anymore. Where I live is very stifling socially, and I spend more time in front of screens than I'd like. Try to find a new hobby to throw yourself into, it does help.

I have obsessive tendencies, but that can be a blessing when I find a new hobby to throw my intensity at. Whatever it is you like to do in your free time, try to find something new to add to it. Even if it's unfulfilling at first. Staying busy helps a little bit.

 

[The Diplomat]

Been reading this thread for a while now since it was started and thought I should share my own experience regarding at least depression.

I have been depressed for some time now (more than a decade) and suicidal for the last few of those years. I see my life as a complete waste of time and not worth living. I had made an attempt at killing myself recently, but failed. I still think that at some point I will kill myself, but for now I did open up to my GP about my issues and in addition to various medications (for anxiety, insomnia, depression) I am also started counselling. Not sure if that will help but I'll at least try.

I suffer through a lot of depression and anxiety, didn't know a fellow PWD'er did as well. I was diagnosed at 12 years old back in 2001, before it became a big thing for everyone. Now it seems everyone has it

Ontop of my normal medications (celexa, trazadone for sleep and levothyroxine for thyroid), I mostly just smoke a lot of weed and try to stay active and productive, even though it's a catch 22 half the time. But I do know that having purpose helps.

 

[Max Power]

That's good because alcoholism and depression often go hand in hand, and I know from experience it's hard to suddenly stop drinking every day. So good for you for avoiding that trap, it'll make recovery much easier. I feel you on not enjoying things anymore. Where I live is very stifling socially, and I spend more time in front of screens than I'd like. Try to find a new hobby to throw yourself into, it does help.

I have obsessive tendencies, but that can be a blessing when I find a new hobby to throw my intensity at. Whatever it is you like to do in your free time, try to find something new to add to it. Even if it's unfulfilling at first. Staying busy helps a little bit.

Yeah that has been something that has been suggested to me to find a hobby to distract myself from negative thoughts. Haven't played my guitar in like 4 years because of this and losing interest in things.

 

[Max Power]

I suffer through a lot of depression and anxiety, didn't know a fellow PWD'er did as well. I was diagnosed at 12 years old back in 2001, before it became a big thing for everyone. Now it seems everyone has it

Ontop of my normal medications (celexa, trazadone for sleep and levothyroxine for thyroid), I mostly just smoke a lot of weed and try to stay active and productive, even though it's a catch 22 half the time. But I do know that having purpose helps.

How are you doing nowadays if you don't mind me asking?

 

[The Diplomat]

How are you doing nowadays if you don't mind me asking?

I'm doing ok. Working more, which is a plus. Trying to drink less, but meh lol. I watched Royal Rumble, good event.

 

[BobVulture]

What are some of the ways you guys deal with anxiety at night?

Usually reading helps relax me and keep from fixating on negative things. But I'm spending a long weekend with family and the noise plus sharing a room is making it hard to concentrate. That plus no access to a gym for 4 days along with the fact that my family's favorite pastime is eating and drinking (2 things I have a less than healthy relationship with) has me already on edge.

 

[GordoBarraBJJ]

What are some of the ways you guys deal with anxiety at night?

Usually reading helps relax me and keep from fixating on negative things. But I'm spending a long weekend with family and the noise plus sharing a room is making it hard to concentrate. That plus no access to a gym for 4 days along with the fact that my family's favorite pastime is eating and drinking (2 things I have a less than healthy relationship with) has me already on edge.

I'm trying to deal with this.

After last week - I have been staying at my parents and was to go home tonight to try be alone but procrastinated and will probably spend another night.

I have to sleep in a cool room, I usually turn a fan on and run some re-runs of the Simpsons or seinfeld on my computer.

The CBD oil has really helped - I don't clinch or grind my teeth as bad or as much now that I;ve started taking it.

 

[SowingSeason]

I recently had to get my meds adjusted. I’ve been in a non stop manic breakdown for the past couple months. I really hope this helps.

 

[Max Power]

I was only recently made aware of Johann Hari after seeing him on another show. Makes a lot of great points regarding depression, anxiety and addiction.

 

[Yunes]

Been struggling a little bit lately.

 

[Hairrow]

What are some of the ways you guys deal with anxiety at night?

Usually reading helps relax me and keep from fixating on negative things. But I'm spending a long weekend with family and the noise plus sharing a room is making it hard to concentrate. That plus no access to a gym for 4 days along with the fact that my family's favorite pastime is eating and drinking (2 things I have a less than healthy relationship with) has me already on edge.

I had to use earplugs at times because of all the commotion (kids screaming, neighbors, etc). It sucks not having access to a gym, but if the weather allows it, think about going for a walk or a run, and there are body-weight exercises.

 

[Hairrow]

Been struggling a little bit lately.

Is this a situational thing for you, or more or less ongoing?

 

[Yunes]

Is this a situational thing for you, or more or less ongoing?

Was ongoing but got straightened out on meds and got leveled but ive been ruminating lately.

 

[Yunes]

found out a friend of mine Killed himself a few days ago

 

[45ACP]

Been struggling a little bit lately.

elaborate buddy, we can try to help.

EDIT: I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. Would you say that's the source of your struggles?

 

[45ACP]

I recently had to get my meds adjusted. I’ve been in a non stop manic breakdown for the past couple months. I really hope this helps.

How's it going? I hope it helps too.

 

[Yunes]

elaborate buddy, we can try to help.

EDIT: I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. Would you say that's the source of your struggles?

no just mental illness. meds keep me somewhat level but my mind wanders to past mistakes and guilt and shit. Normally its fleeting but lately its been sticking around.

 

[45ACP]

no just mental illness. meds keep me somewhat level but my mind wanders to past mistakes and guilt and shit. Normally its fleeting but lately its been sticking around.

What's your diagnosis? Is there anything that's changed that might be causing your mind to wander more often lately?

Gotta let go of guilt and shame buddy. It's destructive, which I'm sure you know. Forgive yourself. We all make mistakes, and despite the current "no regrets" culture, it's ok to feel bad about shitty things we've done. What matters is how you deal with them afterwards.

Rumination is tough though. If you figure out a good strategy for dealing with that let me know. Mine is just to keep myself as distracted as possible and exhaust myself during the day so I can fall asleep quickly at night. I'm no doctor but I have a feeling distraction isn't really the best remedy.

 

[Nameless Ghoul]

I've been going through some depression the last few weeks from a resurfacing of a breakup around Valentine's day. I've made the mistake of starting to drink every night and taking over the counter sleeping pills to sleep every night. I work 2nds so really I come home around 12:30 am, eat and then drink/take the pills, fall asleep until 2pm or so when I have to get up for work and then repeat the cycle. I know I need to cut that habit but the times I've tried I end up just tossing and turning all night.

I use all of my focus to make sure I don't fuck up my job and that's pretty much it . After that it's pretty much "whatever". Anything more than the "bare minimum to get by" outside of work is a bother. To the point where it adds more guilt. For example I fucked over a friend of mine, I was sent an online referel for a job and I just didn't do it. Why? I can't really say? I just didn't. I know that there are friends and family that I can talk to about this but I just can't bring myself to do it.