How many people on this site actually suffer from a form of depression at the moment?

Was pleasantly amased with th nice detailed answer to a previous depression question on here tonight.
It is a very common issue – and for any others on here that – like me at one point – were just struggling through – and then just struggling through on medication – I found the http://dailystrength.org website – great info, great people – real insight in to others problems and how they cope. I also found it very useful to read up as much as possible about my condition and medication – I found the 'Mind' website very useful for this. I've also discovered high doses EPA capsules (a fish oil) which improves, amoung other things, receptors in the neurotransmitters within the brain. Really helps the brain to communicate the good feelings.

Has anyone else found other alternative therpies or websites useful to them for depression improvement, indepth information or just support – not feeling like you're the only one?

Hi, I've suffered with clinical depression for over 20 years!

In answering questions, and in my work, I point people in the direction of the Mind website:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Factsheets/

Mainly because I have found my local Mind association to be the greatest source of help and support to me over the last 12 years or so. And also because I am now priveleged to work for the same association that has helped me so much.

I've had counsellors in the past, who have helped at the time and I've been on medication for more years than I care to remember……….. lol.

I used to hate taking medication and feel that it was something that I didn't want to do for the rest of my life, but now I think that if it helps me, why not?

For me the safety of my local Mind drop-in centre was always the best thing in supporting me. I could go there and be myself, I didn't have to hide anything or pretend to be OK when I wasn't. I could sit in a corner huddled up if that is what I wanted to do, but I always found that eventually I would slowly start to take notice of what was happening around me and then join in.

Having a place to go where you aren't judged, people genuinely understand and care, is a huge thing when you are depressed. Also because activities or outings are available, but not forced upon you, it's a nice way of slowing joining in with the real world again, when you feel ready to do it. Again all at your own pace!

I've even had support to attend appointments or they have contacted either my GP or psychiatrist on my behalf when I've been unable to do it for myself. That kind of support is priceless and very much needed by a great many people, whether they are able to work or not.

http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/

Until recently I had always managed to maintain a full time job, but with periods of sometimes quite long sick leave. I always believed that it was more important to have the job and be 'normal' than recognise what the real damage my illness was doing to me and those around me.

Depression is one of those illnesses that takes away all sense of rational and logical thinking, and negative thoughts are always at the foremost. Decisions seem impossible to make and it can start effecting daily life – that is what happened to me.

But I did change the way I thought about it and the effect it was having, and that is when my view of dealing with it came to my rescue. Ultimately it is true that the person suffering is the only one that can truly alter how the illness effects them.

I still have the same symptoms and problems caused by my depression, but because I've made changes, I am better able to cope and live my life in a much more positive and constructive way. It has also made me feel passionately about mental health issues and want to help others if I can.

As I said, I count myself as priveleged to work with people who suffer mental ill health, and get a great deal of fulfillment in being able to do this. I had always been a volunteer anyway, helping out on a very small scale, but when I decided to leave my last employment (due to pressure while I was off sick), I then spent more and more time helping out, and then thinking that maybe this was something I could do as a job.

Sitting in an office all day doesn't give the satisfaction that working with people does, and being able to offer support and guidance, and seeing the difference it makes, is the best way I've ever found to boost my own self esteem and confidence.

I hate my illness, but love the work that I do.

For the first time in a period of being off work sick, I've found that the most distressing thing has been not being allowed to go to work! Not something that ever really figured in my thoughts previously. But again I had to realise that my health was more important, and that unless I was well I can't help others.

Being occupied and having understanding people around to support me and guide me has brought me to where I am today.

I now know that it is possible to live with a mental illness but be able to live a fulfilling and rewarding life as well. It isn't easy and set backs and relapses do happen, but it is possible to get through and carry on where you left off.

Hope this answers your question.

Popularity: 1% [?]