Have you tried emailing The Samaritans?
If you can't quite see your GP yet talk to The Samaritans online, they'll help you take a little step first before going to see your GP
Thanks for pointing that out to me, i just emailed them now. I know others have told me to ring them but i just can't bring myself to do it, feel like im wasting their time and that i may look like an attention seeker or something.
This may sound weird but i feel safe behind a computer screen!
Hope i hear back from them before the morning, if not i'll just stick to the plan of the print out and going hand in hand to the doctors.
A friend of mine used to work for the samaritans and believe me what you have said would not be regarded as attention seeking or time wasting. Its for people like you that it is there for.
Whatever is easiest for you though. Most people feel safe behind the screen which is why people act so nastily sometimes as well!
been up since 5 this morning, got stomach cramps, been sick several times and i have a major headache.
so dreading this morning.
To be honest, the symptoms you describe above are similiar to what happens to me when I get really, really, really, really excited about something.
It's an odd one and quite difficult to do, but try and think of what you're doing as something to get excited about, not dread...after all, the end results could potentially reinvigorate your life.....how EXCITING IS THAT?
Thanks for pointing that out to me, i just emailed them now. I know others have told me to ring them but i just can't bring myself to do it, feel like im wasting their time and that i may look like an attention seeker or something.
This may sound weird but i feel safe behind a computer screen!
Hope i hear back from them before the morning, if not i'll just stick to the plan of the print out and going hand in hand to the doctors.
Like you I am suffering from depression although mine has a reason (end of a relationship) unlike yours which is an illness. I have spoken to the Samaritans several times over the last few weeks- I did make some initial calls and put the phone down when someone answered but when I eventually plucked up courage I did find it therapeutic just to talk to someone who didn't know me and didn't judge or try to make me feel I should be belting out "I Will Survive" at the top of my voice. They will listen to you and allow you to pour everything out and they are there for people suffering like you.
I really hope you manage to get to the doctors- I am going this afternoon to see if I can get some counselling sorted out.
I did it, i went to see a doctor. I just handed him a printout of my op!
He didn't really say much but then again neither did i however he did say i need to go for a walk once a day even if i don't feel like doing so. Also to try and take up a hoby which gets me socialising.
Not sure what i'm going to do, i'm going to do the walking thing and my diet gives me something to aim for.
The doctor gave me some medication to try and help me with my depression and weight loss, Fluoxetine it's called although i never heard of it, was told it may take a few days before i feel any different.
I have to go back to see the doctor again in a week or so, not much else happened to be honest.
Want to thank people for listening to me, im determined to beat this.
So pleased you went to the Doctor. That was the biggest and best step. The medication will take time to kick in but give it time. If you don't feel any better tell your doctor and he will try other medication. I have gone through 5 different medications and now trying another one. You will get there in the end. I walk my dogs everyday and it really helps.
You must make time for yourself and find something you enjoy doing. Its all part of the recovery.
I'm sooooooooo proud of you for what you have done today. WELL DONE
I did it, i went to see a doctor. I just handed him a printout of my op!
He didn't really say much but then again neither did i however he did say i need to go for a walk once a day even if i don't feel like doing so. Also to try and take up a hoby which gets me socialising.
Not sure what i'm going to do, i'm going to do the walking thing and my diet gives me something to aim for.
The doctor gave me some medication to try and help me with my depression and weight loss, Fluoxetine it's called although i never heard of it, was told it may take a few days before i feel any different.
I have to go back to see the doctor again in a week or so, not much else happened to be honest.
Want to thank people for listening to me, im determined to beat this.
You've done something brave and taken your first steps to recovery which you should be commended for!
FYI - you've been prescribed Prozac. In addition to this, I would also suggest therapy (to investigate if there's a root cause of your depression)....but in your own time of course!
I did it, i went to see a doctor. I just handed him a printout of my op!
He didn't really say much but then again neither did i however he did say i need to go for a walk once a day even if i don't feel like doing so. Also to try and take up a hoby which gets me socialising.
Not sure what i'm going to do, i'm going to do the walking thing and my diet gives me something to aim for.
The doctor gave me some medication to try and help me with my depression and weight loss, Fluoxetine it's called although i never heard of it, was told it may take a few days before i feel any different.
I have to go back to see the doctor again in a week or so, not much else happened to be honest.
Want to thank people for listening to me, im determined to beat this.
bloody well done you.
i have always suffered with depression ever since i can remember.
Its so difficult to describe the emptiness that you feel, and thats one of the things that makes it so difficult to deal with.
Some days are better than others, just take it one day at a time, and remember that tomorrow could be one of the better days.
you did a great thing today by going to your doctors, and you should be very proud of yourself.
Print out what you have just written and hand it to your doctor, he can even come to you if need be. At least that way you dont have to "open up" as such.
Having been with a partner who suffered from depression, all I can say is that nothing can be gained from doing nothing. You HAVE to force yourself to see your GP and get it sorted otherwise your wife and child will suffer too.
I agree absolutly with this poster--print it off, and send it to the Doc's, or book an appointment and hand it to him to read-he WILL take it seriously, have no doubt about that. ---an excellent idea, and dont ever feel you are the only one feeling like this, because plenty do.
I agree absolutly with this poster--print it off, and send it to the Doc's, or book an appointment and hand it to him to read-he WILL take it seriously, have no doubt about that. ---an excellent idea, and dont ever feel you are the only one feeling like this, because plenty do.
He's done it!
Well done though OP, you are on the first step and things can only get better. I was on Prozac (Fluoextine) for a few years and it really helped. It numbed me a lot and allowed me to see the grass amongst the trees, so to speak. The walking idea is simple and effective and will help (just try to find somewhere serene and naturally beautiful!). I joined a swimming baths during my depression and that really helped.
Well done to the OP.
It's a very hard first step to admit that something isn't quite right with your feelings and brain chemistry but you've done it. I'm the same age as you at 32 and Depression has hit me since I was around 18. I even developed Anxiety and Panic Attacks as a result of ignoring the problem for too long , that and a few major life events occuring within a short period of time in my mid twenties too. Looking back you've summed up my challenges with Depression , as I was also too much of a "Mans Man" in my late teens and early twenties.Rather than seeing it as a total hindrance , I nowadays in life just go along with it.
Started voluntary work with a Mental health charity four years ago and am still with them. That experience has taught me more about dealing with Depression in everyday life than any professionals ever did. Not that I am criticising Doctors and therapists for doing their worthwhile jobs but sometimes you have to have experienced feeling down for long periods to share good advice on how to cope day to day.
Don't want to overload you with information but just to let you know there's lots of advice and groups out there , along with professional help if you need them:)
If you're looking to establish some kind of social connection, I'd try and find a decent local with a proper bar. If you pop in for a pint at lunch time, take a paper, maybe watch a bit of cricket you can strike up meaningless conversations with the others there. Pure man speak I promise If the pubs deadly quiet, the bar staff will be grateful for the company, but there will usually be a few guys by themselves
No need to heavy binge mind - I'm just suggesting you pop in for a quick one. Finishing your pint and leaving won't offend anyone and you can get used to mixing with people again gently.
If you have a bunch of pubs in your area, try them all, till you find one you really like.
Naturally check the drugs are not going to have a bad reaction with alcohol - if they do, have a pint of coke instead.
The doctor gave me some medication to try and help me with my depression and weight loss, Fluoxetine it's called although i never heard of it, was told it may take a few days before i feel any different.
Well done! Really pleased you plucked up the courage
I've been on fluoxetine and it worked reasonably well for me, but we're all different and I'm now on something else. Be aware that you may experienced heightened symptoms of what you're feeling now for up to two weeks, so it'll take a little while to have an effect. I don't remember suffering many symptoms when I first tried this drug, but with the one I'm taking now I had increased anxiety, lack of appetite and some very low points, works really well now though. So think positive if it gets a bit tough over the next few weeks.
When you go back in a week I'd reccommend asking for therapy on top of the medication, as that is only a short term solution.
Your first post moved me to tears. I'm so glad you've taken the brave step of consulting your doctor and I wish you a full recovery. You can beat this illness.
Well done OP - that was such a brave thing to do today! Good for you!
Stick with it - as a few posters have already said its going to take some time - but you can beat this!
Do post each day and let us know how you are getting on!
Enjoy those walks...........make the most of the summer months! x
Hi, you have described the symptoms of hypothyroidism, I
have had all those symptoms and I'm hypothyroid. Please
ask your GP for a, Thyroid Panel Test that includes T4 and if
possible anti-bodies. Once you get these results, within a
day or two, ask your surgery for a copy. Even if they say
that your test results are "normal" get a copy and post the
results on a UK thyroid website eg thyroid-disease.org
where knowledgable patients can help you make sense of
the results and offer you support.
Good luck.
First of all thanks to those who pm'd me i appreciate you taking the time to try and offer me help and advice. Also i have taken on board what some of you have posted dorsetlady & hastalavegan to name but a few, it's also a comfort to know i'm not alone in the way i have felt all my life.
I took my first "pill" once i left the doctors surgery and had a headache most of the day, also felt tired and at times "numb" when i say numb i felt neither sad or happy. Towards the late afternoon i actually felt "happy" now i know this medication is supposed to take days or even weeks to kick in so maybe that had nothing to do with it but i did feel happy non the less so i decided to take the wife and kids to the funfair for the evening and it was great!! Even came home with two goldfish.
Went to bed feeling happy and i can honestly say i have never felt like that since childhood, slept all night but woke up tired and sad so took the "pill" and spent the morning in town walking around with my youngest child picking out a goldfish bowl. The tablets do make a difference even though i am only on my second day although i did get depressed for a couple of hours this evening. Seem to be up and down although no headache or any other side effects today.
An hour after i took my first tablet my hunger cravings stopped although later in the evenings i get them back but only mildly. Not touched any alcohol either.
Will go and see the doctor 2 weeks from the date I last went that way i can make sure the tablets have kicked in properly and I’ll ask about the possible cause of my depression because I don’t fancy being a pill popper for the rest of my life.
If it’s caused by a medical condition rather than a mental issue then I’ll have no choice I guess, for now I’m taking one day at a time.
First of all thanks to those who pm'd me i appreciate you taking the time to try and offer me help and advice. Also i have taken on board what some of you have posted dorsetlady & hastalavegan to name but a few, it's also a comfort to know i'm not alone in the way i have felt all my life.
I took my first "pill" once i left the doctors surgery and had a headache most of the day, also felt tired and at times "numb" when i say numb i felt neither sad or happy. Towards the late afternoon i actually felt "happy" now i know this medication is supposed to take days or even weeks to kick in so maybe that had nothing to do with it but i did feel happy non the less so i decided to take the wife and kids to the funfair for the evening and it was great!! Even came home with two goldfish.
Went to bed feeling happy and i can honestly say i have never felt like that since childhood, slept all night but woke up tired and sad so took the "pill" and spent the morning in town walking around with my youngest child picking out a goldfish bowl. The tablets do make a difference even though i am only on my second day although i did get depressed for a couple of hours this evening. Seem to be up and down although no headache or any other side effects today.
An hour after i took my first tablet my hunger cravings stopped although later in the evenings i get them back but only mildly. Not touched any alcohol either.
Will go and see the doctor 2 weeks from the date I last went that way i can make sure the tablets have kicked in properly and I’ll ask about the possible cause of my depression because I don’t fancy being a pill popper for the rest of my life.
If it’s caused by a medical condition rather than a mental issue then I’ll have no choice I guess, for now I’m taking one day at a time.
Hi - well that all sounds much better does it not? Bet your kids loved going to the fair with you both.
Those are the sort of memories kids have forever and its fantastic that you were able to do that for them.
Like you say a day at a time - thats all you can do!
Look forward to hearing how the weekend is.
First of all thanks to those who pm'd me i appreciate you taking the time to try and offer me help and advice. Also i have taken on board what some of you have posted dorsetlady & hastalavegan to name but a few, it's also a comfort to know i'm not alone in the way i have felt all my life.
I took my first "pill" once i left the doctors surgery and had a headache most of the day, also felt tired and at times "numb" when i say numb i felt neither sad or happy. Towards the late afternoon i actually felt "happy" now i know this medication is supposed to take days or even weeks to kick in so maybe that had nothing to do with it but i did feel happy non the less so i decided to take the wife and kids to the funfair for the evening and it was great!! Even came home with two goldfish.
Went to bed feeling happy and i can honestly say i have never felt like that since childhood, slept all night but woke up tired and sad so took the "pill" and spent the morning in town walking around with my youngest child picking out a goldfish bowl. The tablets do make a difference even though i am only on my second day although i did get depressed for a couple of hours this evening. Seem to be up and down although no headache or any other side effects today.
An hour after i took my first tablet my hunger cravings stopped although later in the evenings i get them back but only mildly. Not touched any alcohol either.
Will go and see the doctor 2 weeks from the date I last went that way i can make sure the tablets have kicked in properly and I’ll ask about the possible cause of my depression because I don’t fancy being a pill popper for the rest of my life.
If it’s caused by a medical condition rather than a mental issue then I’ll have no choice I guess, for now I’m taking one day at a time.
Thats good to hear, just take it day by day, it should start to get better. The day you took your family to the fun fair, that how you should be feeling all the time. Dont worry about the pills at this stage, take it day by day, it will only get better. Glad to hear your doing better. Keep us updated with your progress as am sure there are other who are in the same situation as you.:)
Comments
Thanks for pointing that out to me, i just emailed them now. I know others have told me to ring them but i just can't bring myself to do it, feel like im wasting their time and that i may look like an attention seeker or something.
This may sound weird but i feel safe behind a computer screen!
Hope i hear back from them before the morning, if not i'll just stick to the plan of the print out and going hand in hand to the doctors.
Whatever is easiest for you though. Most people feel safe behind the screen which is why people act so nastily sometimes as well!
Good luck.
so dreading this morning.
You are doing the right thing and you know it. Today marks the start of a new era for you. Good luck and let us know what happens.
To be honest, the symptoms you describe above are similiar to what happens to me when I get really, really, really, really excited about something.
It's an odd one and quite difficult to do, but try and think of what you're doing as something to get excited about, not dread...after all, the end results could potentially reinvigorate your life.....how EXCITING IS THAT?
Good luck, let us all know how you get on today.
Like you I am suffering from depression although mine has a reason (end of a relationship) unlike yours which is an illness. I have spoken to the Samaritans several times over the last few weeks- I did make some initial calls and put the phone down when someone answered but when I eventually plucked up courage I did find it therapeutic just to talk to someone who didn't know me and didn't judge or try to make me feel I should be belting out "I Will Survive" at the top of my voice. They will listen to you and allow you to pour everything out and they are there for people suffering like you.
I really hope you manage to get to the doctors- I am going this afternoon to see if I can get some counselling sorted out.
Good luck
He didn't really say much but then again neither did i however he did say i need to go for a walk once a day even if i don't feel like doing so. Also to try and take up a hoby which gets me socialising.
Not sure what i'm going to do, i'm going to do the walking thing and my diet gives me something to aim for.
The doctor gave me some medication to try and help me with my depression and weight loss, Fluoxetine it's called although i never heard of it, was told it may take a few days before i feel any different.
I have to go back to see the doctor again in a week or so, not much else happened to be honest.
Want to thank people for listening to me, im determined to beat this.
So pleased you went to the Doctor. That was the biggest and best step. The medication will take time to kick in but give it time. If you don't feel any better tell your doctor and he will try other medication. I have gone through 5 different medications and now trying another one. You will get there in the end. I walk my dogs everyday and it really helps.
You must make time for yourself and find something you enjoy doing. Its all part of the recovery.
I'm sooooooooo proud of you for what you have done today. WELL DONE
You've done something brave and taken your first steps to recovery which you should be commended for!
FYI - you've been prescribed Prozac. In addition to this, I would also suggest therapy (to investigate if there's a root cause of your depression)....but in your own time of course!
bloody well done you.
i have always suffered with depression ever since i can remember.
Its so difficult to describe the emptiness that you feel, and thats one of the things that makes it so difficult to deal with.
Some days are better than others, just take it one day at a time, and remember that tomorrow could be one of the better days.
you did a great thing today by going to your doctors, and you should be very proud of yourself.
I agree absolutly with this poster--print it off, and send it to the Doc's, or book an appointment and hand it to him to read-he WILL take it seriously, have no doubt about that. ---an excellent idea, and dont ever feel you are the only one feeling like this, because plenty do.
He's done it!
Well done though OP, you are on the first step and things can only get better. I was on Prozac (Fluoextine) for a few years and it really helped. It numbed me a lot and allowed me to see the grass amongst the trees, so to speak. The walking idea is simple and effective and will help (just try to find somewhere serene and naturally beautiful!). I joined a swimming baths during my depression and that really helped.
It's a very hard first step to admit that something isn't quite right with your feelings and brain chemistry but you've done it. I'm the same age as you at 32 and Depression has hit me since I was around 18. I even developed Anxiety and Panic Attacks as a result of ignoring the problem for too long , that and a few major life events occuring within a short period of time in my mid twenties too. Looking back you've summed up my challenges with Depression , as I was also too much of a "Mans Man" in my late teens and early twenties.Rather than seeing it as a total hindrance , I nowadays in life just go along with it.
Started voluntary work with a Mental health charity four years ago and am still with them. That experience has taught me more about dealing with Depression in everyday life than any professionals ever did. Not that I am criticising Doctors and therapists for doing their worthwhile jobs but sometimes you have to have experienced feeling down for long periods to share good advice on how to cope day to day.
Don't want to overload you with information but just to let you know there's lots of advice and groups out there , along with professional help if you need them:)
Firstly well done on facing the Doc.
If you're looking to establish some kind of social connection, I'd try and find a decent local with a proper bar. If you pop in for a pint at lunch time, take a paper, maybe watch a bit of cricket you can strike up meaningless conversations with the others there. Pure man speak I promise
No need to heavy binge mind - I'm just suggesting you pop in for a quick one. Finishing your pint and leaving won't offend anyone and you can get used to mixing with people again gently.
If you have a bunch of pubs in your area, try them all, till you find one you really like.
Naturally check the drugs are not going to have a bad reaction with alcohol - if they do, have a pint of coke instead.
Well done! Really pleased you plucked up the courage
I've been on fluoxetine and it worked reasonably well for me, but we're all different and I'm now on something else. Be aware that you may experienced heightened symptoms of what you're feeling now for up to two weeks, so it'll take a little while to have an effect. I don't remember suffering many symptoms when I first tried this drug, but with the one I'm taking now I had increased anxiety, lack of appetite and some very low points, works really well now though. So think positive if it gets a bit tough over the next few weeks.
When you go back in a week I'd reccommend asking for therapy on top of the medication, as that is only a short term solution.
Again, another well done to you!
Stick with it - as a few posters have already said its going to take some time - but you can beat this!
Do post each day and let us know how you are getting on!
Enjoy those walks...........make the most of the summer months! x
have had all those symptoms and I'm hypothyroid. Please
ask your GP for a, Thyroid Panel Test that includes T4 and if
possible anti-bodies. Once you get these results, within a
day or two, ask your surgery for a copy. Even if they say
that your test results are "normal" get a copy and post the
results on a UK thyroid website eg thyroid-disease.org
where knowledgable patients can help you make sense of
the results and offer you support.
Good luck.
First of all thanks to those who pm'd me i appreciate you taking the time to try and offer me help and advice. Also i have taken on board what some of you have posted dorsetlady & hastalavegan to name but a few, it's also a comfort to know i'm not alone in the way i have felt all my life.
I took my first "pill" once i left the doctors surgery and had a headache most of the day, also felt tired and at times "numb" when i say numb i felt neither sad or happy. Towards the late afternoon i actually felt "happy" now i know this medication is supposed to take days or even weeks to kick in so maybe that had nothing to do with it but i did feel happy non the less so i decided to take the wife and kids to the funfair for the evening and it was great!! Even came home with two goldfish.
Went to bed feeling happy and i can honestly say i have never felt like that since childhood, slept all night but woke up tired and sad so took the "pill" and spent the morning in town walking around with my youngest child picking out a goldfish bowl. The tablets do make a difference even though i am only on my second day although i did get depressed for a couple of hours this evening. Seem to be up and down although no headache or any other side effects today.
An hour after i took my first tablet my hunger cravings stopped although later in the evenings i get them back but only mildly. Not touched any alcohol either.
Will go and see the doctor 2 weeks from the date I last went that way i can make sure the tablets have kicked in properly and I’ll ask about the possible cause of my depression because I don’t fancy being a pill popper for the rest of my life.
If it’s caused by a medical condition rather than a mental issue then I’ll have no choice I guess, for now I’m taking one day at a time.
Hi - well that all sounds much better does it not? Bet your kids loved going to the fair with you both.
Those are the sort of memories kids have forever and its fantastic that you were able to do that for them.
Like you say a day at a time - thats all you can do!
Look forward to hearing how the weekend is.