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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ralphrost2 on March 28, 2009, at 15:42:51
Hello,
I just wanted to leave you some thoughts about my experience while recovering from depression. Depression completely devastated my life for about 6 years, and I'm sure you know what it's like.
For a long time I had a very high hope on drugs. Thought that antidepressants would make miracles to me. Unfortunately I never had a very robust response from them. Nevertheless I kept using a small dose of Citalopram (20 mg) the whole time. My belief is that small doses (specially when it comes to SSRIs) are best. Side effects increase more than benefits at higher doses (that was my experience, at least).
Just wanted to emphasize that when I started to admit that I would have a hard time ahead recovering and that I would have to be really corageous and rely on my own strenght (despite I totally believed I had none), things started to change. Merely because I had accepted the difficulty and quit looking for some easy way out. This was the most difficult part of all. But I learned that getting cured (and I mean cured) from depression takes a lot of time and effort. We always wish to feel great the day after (depression hurts too much), but I had to accept that I would improve step by step. And I would have to learn to celebrate each small improvement step. Just like a handicapped starting to rehab. Harsh, I know.
I personally believe that one shouldn't be so hopeful on drugs. They do help, but what I think it's most important is to find an internal solution. Our mind is way more powerful than anything. I'm wrinting this not because I want to teach people anything or sound like a guru. I'm writing it because this was the most difficult thing that I had to work on. And it turned out to be fundamental for recovery, as I look back and think of everything I've been through.
I can't stress enough how much I believe that physical exercises are an important part of the recovery. It's hard to start, but it's miraculous. Unlike antidepressants, exercises have a very deep and holistic quality to recovery. It's very sinergistic with antidepressants and touches you more widely than anything. I found that weight lifting was particularly helpful.
Another thing I would say is that I believe that focus on something that is important to you is very helpful too. Get strongly involved with something that won't hurt you. Celebrate small accomplishments on what you got, even if you know it is small and may look insignificant. We LEARN to be more positive when we celebrate small things. It is hard to think of celebrating anything when we are depressed. But it's a learning thing.
One beautiful day you will notice: "Hey, I feel better. There is something different with me. I feel that some things of my old self are slowly returning". I'm sure this wonderful day will come.
I hope that the things I wrote are helpful in some way, and that they don't hurt anybody. I'm sorry if it was repetitive or if it bothered you.
Best wishes
Ralph
Posted by Phillipa on March 28, 2009, at 17:34:50
In reply to Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure, posted by ralphrost2 on March 28, 2009, at 15:42:51
Hi Ralph agree with you and welcome to babble. I'm getting ready to put on almost a wetsuit and ride my bike for six miles in the rain as ad's I'm on don't do it for me . Excecise is all that workds for me although this only lasts a short while. I function well after it and I'm 63. Welcome to babble. Thanks for your story. Phillipa
Posted by Zana on March 28, 2009, at 18:10:54
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure » ralphrost2, posted by Phillipa on March 28, 2009, at 17:34:50
Welcome Ralph. I think there is a lot of wisdom in what you say and am glad you have shared it with us. I just got off my treadmill. Not the 6 miles Phillipa is managing but the 45 minutes I do daily definitely helps. I used to lift weights and loved it. I have yet to make it back to the gym in the midst of this depression but it was a great combination of meditation and movement for me. I know it will help when I can get there.
Thanx for sharing. Hope you will continue to post.
Zana
Posted by ralphrost2 on March 28, 2009, at 18:44:34
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure, posted by Zana on March 28, 2009, at 18:10:54
Hello Zena and Phillipa
Thank you for your very nice words. I'm actually an older surfer from pbabble (ralphrost) but I couldn't recall my password (that's what depression does to us...).
I always read many nice posts here and I used to dream with the day I would post something saying I'm feeling better and maybe giving some positive words. Well, I'm here! Life hasn't been all easy, but certainly worthwhile. In the end, after all the pain fades, you see how strong we all are to stand the challenges life sometimes put in front of us.
All depression sufferers are real heros. I mean it. Being there and standing all the pain is really a big thing.
Just wanted to say: we will all make it. Be sure.
And thanks for the friendship!!
Posted by Phillipa on March 28, 2009, at 21:32:17
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure, posted by ralphrost2 on March 28, 2009, at 18:44:34
You got it!!!! Love Phillipa
Posted by Relapse on March 29, 2009, at 18:43:17
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure, posted by ralphrost2 on March 28, 2009, at 18:44:34
Good to hear from you Ralph. Exercise definitely plays an important positive role in my anxiety/depression battle. With me, and many of us, weight gain has been an issue with the meds. I gained 50 lbs. over a couple of years. I was able to lose the 50 over about a 1/2 year period with daily exercise. It gave me a goal I could feel good about. I'm really glad I have made the exercise a routine because I'm on several meds now, and know I would be packing it on. One other thing for first timers. If you start with a routine (may want to check with your doc. first), and do it for a week or so and want to quit, push yourself to stay with it. Like with most habits, it takes 2 to 3 months to develop one or to break one. That is why drug rehabs are 90 days. Once it becomes a routine, it will be an enjoyable part of your life. Also, vary your activities so you don't get burned out.
Posted by garnet71 on March 29, 2009, at 20:29:45
In reply to Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure, posted by ralphrost2 on March 28, 2009, at 15:42:51
That was a very nice post, Ralph. Nice to see you came here and thanks for sharing. :))
Posted by ihatedrugs on March 29, 2009, at 22:09:12
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure » ralphrost2, posted by garnet71 on March 29, 2009, at 20:29:45
Joined the gym three months ago but still too depressed and tired to go. Tomorrow I will make myself go and stop this vicious cycle of coming home sleeping and feeling more depressed. Thanks for your story and inspiration.
Posted by ralphrost2 on March 29, 2009, at 22:16:30
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure, posted by ihatedrugs on March 29, 2009, at 22:09:12
That's it, brother! Keep up and beat the beast!! :)
> Joined the gym three months ago but still too depressed and tired to go. Tomorrow I will make myself go and stop this vicious cycle of coming home sleeping and feeling more depressed. Thanks for your story and inspiration.
Posted by ralphrost2 on March 29, 2009, at 22:35:27
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure » ralphrost2, posted by garnet71 on March 29, 2009, at 20:29:45
:D
> That was a very nice post, Ralph. Nice to see you came here and thanks for sharing. :))
Posted by ralphrost2 on March 30, 2009, at 3:45:21
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure » ralphrost2, posted by Phillipa on March 28, 2009, at 21:32:17
:)
Hey, Phillipa, is your thyroid being good to you? I remember you had some issue about it... My body is slowly eating mine (I have thyroid antibodies), so it has to be always monitored...
Best wishes
> You got it!!!! Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on March 30, 2009, at 19:42:31
In reply to Re: Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure » Phillipa, posted by ralphrost2 on March 30, 2009, at 3:45:21
Still trying to regulate. If antibodies TPO Hasimotos same as mine. Thought it was you Kenny. Love Phillipa
Posted by myco on April 1, 2009, at 11:19:41
In reply to Thoughts on meds, exercises and depression cure, posted by ralphrost2 on March 28, 2009, at 15:42:51
Read a study yesterday that suggests that monoamine levels (SE, DA, NE, etc...) can be/are regulated, to some extent, by exercise. Use of MAOI's (study used these as example) can actually be "augmented" or potentiated with excerise...when you think nardil/parnate is "dying" on you...look at whether or not you are sitting around doing nothing, eating unhealthy and moving little
This seems obvious to me...I mean if you are responding well to a treatment why not get out and enjoy life more....hey im not one to talk here...im stuck in the countryside for the moment...but getting out and "enjoying life" or living basically and forgetting about the fact your taking that AD will actually improve its ability to work.
Something for people, me included, here to consider....even though obvious I believe it needs to be rementioned.
Good topic Ralph....this definately needs to be considered more when dealing with AD treatment.
myco
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