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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 45 to 69 of 69. Go back in thread:
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 15, 2003, at 15:09:38
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by octiigon on November 14, 2003, at 18:04:27
> It took me years of suffering in "limbo" to reach an all time low- consisting of self-mutilation, insomnia, huge mood swings, and the worst panic attacks you can get. I had to basically force myself into the counciling center- and what a mess I was back then.
It's nice to see so much support here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding counseling to Psychological Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031114/msgs/280039.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by katia on November 15, 2003, at 15:24:24
In reply to Redirect: counseling, posted by Dr. Bob on November 15, 2003, at 15:09:38
See you guys over there!
katia
Posted by biogurl on November 16, 2003, at 23:29:42
In reply to Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 2, 2003, at 17:17:56
geril22: Maybe you could call your doctor and make an appointment without telling your parents and discuss your feelings with your doc (or write them down and give the note to the doc)and then allow him/her to discuss these things with your parents. I know how hard it can be to verbalize your feelings, I'm a 23 year old college student and have been depressed since about 15 and I still have trouble discussing my problems even with the people that I know and trust the most. If you see a doctor they can help (really). But actually taking that step to see the doctor is sometimes the hardest part. I've been in your shoes, you have to take that step to begin feeling better.
As far as not wanting your parents to know: I know you don't want to hear this but you kinda gotta let them know even if it is told to them by your doc. Your parents will understand better when your doc explains to them that depression is an illness just like any other chronic illness and it doesn't mean you're "crazy." Good Luck
Posted by geri122 on November 19, 2003, at 18:37:41
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by LynneDa on November 14, 2003, at 17:13:51
I have a medical question.. lately i have not been able to catcg mny breathe and i feel light headed. its really scary, i feel like i can;t control it
Posted by biogurl on November 19, 2003, at 20:33:31
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 19, 2003, at 18:37:41
geril22: It sounds like you may be having a panic attack aka anxiety attack. How has your appetite been? How about your sleeping habits? Have either changed since you've been feeling depressed?
Posted by LynneDa on November 20, 2003, at 8:59:41
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 19, 2003, at 18:37:41
Geri - It does sound like an anxiety attack. I have those occasionally. This is a physical symptom which does need to be evaluated by your physician. Please tell your parents or make an appointment with your doctor yourself if you can, ok? In the meantime, take a deep breath, take a drink of water slowly, sit down. How is your appetite, are you eating? Not eating or eating improperly can make you light-headed as well.
Let us know what you decide to do. Listen to your body . . . it is trying to tell you something!
~ Lynne
Posted by geri122 on November 20, 2003, at 17:40:05
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed » geri122, posted by LynneDa on November 20, 2003, at 8:59:41
yeah listen to my body.. i don't think it likes me very well but hey what can you do. lol. I will keep you guys posted i promice. Thanks for all your help. i will think about it all.
Posted by biogurl on November 20, 2003, at 23:16:59
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 20, 2003, at 17:40:05
> yeah listen to my body.. i don't think it likes me very well but hey what can you do. lol. I will keep you guys posted i promice. Thanks for all your help. i will think about it all.
Hey geril22: I am a senior biology student,hence the name "biogurl." I'm no expert but I do know quite a bit about how we operate. I have had anxiety attacks before and my doctor prescribed a blood pressure pill. I hardly ever take it but, when I'm anxious, I take it and it lowers my B.P. making me feel very calm but not drugged. I know it's hard to realize when you're 16, that what you're going through is fairly common. In fact, there are probably quite a few students at your school that are depressed. I was very depressed at 16, my parents kinda figured it out because my mom's sister has it and my mom kinda knew the symptoms and stuff. I'm 23 and I'm still really depressed. I'm feeling worse recently since I've had to stop taking my antidepressants and seeing my counselor. When I turned 23 (in May), my health insurance got cancelled regardless of the fact that I was still a student. I applied for my own benefits and no-one will insure me because I have a history of depression and I smoked for 2 years (stupid, I know). So here I am depressed with no doctor or counselor to talk to and no antidepressants to take. Take advantage of the fact that you have health insurance through your parent(s) still. Trust me, I was so much like you only a few years ago. People can really help you and they will teach your parents about depression, so they WILL understand. Take care
Posted by geri122 on November 21, 2003, at 15:08:20
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by biogurl on November 20, 2003, at 23:16:59
i know i know and i am trying so hard to get there. I mean these little baby steps are getting me there, slowly but surely. To be truthful ( something i haven;t been to many people)im scared really scared. I know that is normal, but its not for me. i was always the strong one, or at least able to act it, now i can;t even do that. Im trying i really am, but things in my life just seem to be crashing, and im really scared.
Posted by geri122 on November 21, 2003, at 15:09:45
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by biogurl on November 19, 2003, at 20:33:31
my appite. well its ok i guess. i don't eat a lot anymore, im never really hungry
Posted by cj249 on November 24, 2003, at 22:34:08
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 21, 2003, at 15:09:45
I've been in your place, afraid to tell anyone, afraid to go to school, I've even pretended to be sick just so I wouldn't have to go there. I only agreed to see doctor once I hit rock bottom, and couldn't stop crying. I would go home and cry and think about death. That was five years ago and now, I go out and have fun, my grades in college have gone back up and generally feeling great. I was afraid to tell my mom, because my mom and I were fighting all the time and we couldn't be in the same room without angry words at each other. Now when my mom and I talk about it, she knew there was something wrong, but didn't know what to do. One of my friends who had depression, came to me and talked to me when I drove her home from school one day. I got to the point when I couldn't see where I was going and had to pull over cause I was crying so badly. It was the first time that I broke down infront of someone and I was to tired to care anymore. I went home and imediatly went to my room and cried for about half and hour. My mom came to my room to tell me to do something and I tried to stop crying but couldn't, it was the worst feeling in my life to lose all controll in front of my mother, who previously I couldn't do anything but be angry at. She just held be and I cried like a baby, when I finally gained enough self control to mumble some words out about depression. Afterward we went to the internet and both looked up about depression and we found a checklist of the symptoms and we printed it out and I checked the ones I had. I took it with me to my doctor's visit on the next monday, it was a friday when I broke down. Then I started to get treated. That one day turned my life upside down for the better. A was also scared to talk honestly with the doctor, afraid of what she might think, so I didn't tell her the whole truth, which I can say was probably one of the more stupidier ideas of my life. When you go in for treatment be that tomorrow, a month from now or a year from now, tell the doctor everything, do not hold back, it only makes it worse in the end, well more time consuming at least. Another thing that I can say is that there are a lot more people out there with depression than you might think, right there in your very school. Once I got comfortable enough to talk about the depression and started asking around people would open up and tell me that they went through the same thing, these were people who I had thought had the perfect lives and never cried at home or were depressed. I had to go through many different medicines and therapy, but the greatest trick to my recovery has been talking about depression and to be able to tell people, hey I have depression, I'm dealing with it and it's not the center of my life, I am. I know that your really afraid to let your parents know or to let the people at school know, I was there and even when I stood up infront of the entire class and told them that I had depression, nobody thought I was a freak, no one made fun, although mine was a pretty small class compared to some about a hundred people. That by accepting myself, I forced them to accept me.
Posted by LynneDa on November 25, 2003, at 8:55:06
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed » geri122, posted by cj249 on November 24, 2003, at 22:34:08
All I can say is "Wow!" and "Bravo!". That's a great story from someone so young. Congratulations on being brave enough to take the right steps and open up. What medication are you on? I hope your example is inspiration for our Geri!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on November 25, 2003, at 9:26:02
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 21, 2003, at 15:08:20
I know you're scared and that is normal when people are depressed and overwhelmed by their emotions. I really think you're getting there, though. Posting here will hopefully help you refine your thinking and make a decision about asking for help! Please know that you absolutely don't have to feel this way anymore. I know it seems like you're in a dark tunnel or a big black hole, but I will bet that when you reach out to a counselor or your doctor, you will start to feel relieved. When I started talking to my parents as a teen, I did it as logically and calmly as I could. I wrote in a journal and I let them read some of it. Starting that process was scary, but such a relief once it began.
Hang in there and think about your next step, okay? You deserve to find a little peace so you can become the person you are meant to be!!!
~ Lynne
Posted by cj249 on November 25, 2003, at 13:30:54
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed » cj249, posted by LynneDa on November 25, 2003, at 8:55:06
Right now I'm on effexor xr and trazodone, but that was after going through several others, some with nasty side effects. My effexor is a pretty large dose at 225 mg and recently I've been able to lower my dose of trazodone down to 50 mg instead of 100. Also in the spring my doctor is going to try and lower my effexor to see if I can safely come off it. The one thing that does scare me is the withdraw symptoms of effexor. I always know when I miss a dose, cause I get sick. Even though it scares me I'm pretty excited to be getting to a point that I can lower meds enough that I might be able to come off it.
Posted by LynneDa on November 25, 2003, at 13:40:26
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed » LynneDa, posted by cj249 on November 25, 2003, at 13:30:54
That's great that you're able to consider going off meds!! I know what you mean about being scared. I missed a dose once and was so sick! From all I've read here, if you go down in dosage slowly, it's not so bad. My p-doc said he'll look at going off in 12 - 18 months. I've only been on Lexapro for about 6 weeks, but the change has been wonderful so far. Good luck to you!
~ Lynne
Posted by geri122 on November 26, 2003, at 14:59:26
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed » geri122, posted by cj249 on November 24, 2003, at 22:34:08
accept myself... accept the truth! I know that there are people out there, heck people within my school. But ihave been the strong one, now what, tell them im not. I know that i come here and just vent.. i know that to people it may seem like im not doing anything about it.. but i am.. im trying.
I went to a site and also printed a check list... half of my list is checked. The more think about the more i want to tell. All the stories that you guys have told about recovery makes me jelous, but it also makes me think, That can be ME! I have to get there, i have to be better. I have to be happy. Its a long road till the end, and even tho i don't even want to get up in the morning i do. I get up and that means something.
Im not just a kid trying to get reconized. Im a kid seeking help!
Posted by katia on November 26, 2003, at 15:06:39
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 26, 2003, at 14:59:26
Hi Geri,
I think everyone on this board, myself included, don't think you're a kid trying to get recognized, but one who is in great pain seeking help. In my opinion, it takes strength to tell the truth at the risk of exposing your suffering to get help. Depression is not a weakness. In fact, people who suffer from it are in fact very strong because they are able to keep surviving in the face of it. It's not easy to live like this, as you know. Strength is NOT about putting on a face and fooling everyone into thinking that you're happy. This is my opinion.You are seeking support here. And that's probably enough for you now. You ARE on the road to recovery.
take good care,
Katia
Posted by LynneDa on November 26, 2003, at 15:16:51
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 26, 2003, at 14:59:26
You are making progress and I think it's great! It's hard to think clearly when you're depressed. It's harder still to get up the energy to reach out . . . and you have! Keep writing and venting. Getting up in the morning is doing something, you are not giving up or giving in!
Here's another story: I have always been the one people come to when they're sad, need advice, etc. I was always the "Pollyanna" with rose-colored glasses. It was a great shock when I recently admitted to my high school girlfriend group (who I still meet with several times a year even though we're all 40) that I have depression. I told them what I was doing for it. They did treat me differently at first - kind of delicately and maybe afraid that it would rub off on them. They don't want to admit that it could easily happen to any of us. It was hard to take their fear cuz it shows how surface and appearance-conscious we've become. But, privately, one of them called me and said she's been on ADs for a while and has some other issues and shared something about another girl in the group. I know, it all sounds kind of catty, but my point is that we've all got something. Nobody's life is perfect. And I feel stronger and prouder of myself for having taken control of things and tried to get better.
You will do the same. You sound much stronger each time you post! Don't be hard on yourself and don't dwell on how others may view you. Just get really self-focused on what you can do for yourself. There'll be plenty of time for you to deal with others. You have to take time for YOU right now!!
Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving break. Stay busy if you can!
~ Lynne
Posted by geri122 on November 26, 2003, at 15:23:00
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by LynneDa on November 26, 2003, at 15:16:51
it means a lot to hear what you have to say. I know that people's lives aren't perfect, but i would trade in a heart beat. Knowing that someone is think about you... knowing that someone out there really cares. I will try to have a great thanksgiving, please do the same
Posted by geri122 on November 26, 2003, at 15:27:33
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed » geri122, posted by katia on November 26, 2003, at 15:06:39
you guys don't know how much this means to me.... Im sitting here now crying.. because for once in my life someone cares. SOMEONE CARES
Posted by LynneDa on November 26, 2003, at 15:44:07
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 26, 2003, at 15:27:33
Here's a BIG HUG for you!!! We care because we understand your pain and we've been there and know you can get out of the place you are. It is possible and I feel like it will happen for you! How you feel right now is not who you are. You still have years ahead of you to figure out who you are . . . and that is exciting!
Take care of yourself sweetie!
~ Lynne
Posted by geri122 on November 26, 2003, at 17:03:29
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by LynneDa on November 26, 2003, at 15:44:07
Thanks soo much with all my heart. I know i am young and i haven't delt with a lot but i will also help. Haveing trouble with your kids or what not.. i wanna help you guys as much as you have helped me
Posted by cj249 on November 26, 2003, at 20:21:16
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by geri122 on November 26, 2003, at 14:59:26
Don't ever think that you're not strong just cause you have depression. As katia said, it takes strength to survive depression and you have a lot more guts than I did. You're talking to people, I went kicking and screaming each step of the way. Just relizing you have depression is a hard thing to do and to fight it takes even more strength. I never meant to imply that you weren't seeking help or doing anything, I just wanted to say that there is hope and you're not alone, there is a way and you are on your way. And I wish you the best of luck. BTW if you need to vent, vent all you want. Best wishes and have a good thanksgiving.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2003, at 21:27:42
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by cj249 on November 26, 2003, at 20:21:16
> Don't ever think that you're not strong just cause you have depression.
This is a great thread, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups not about medication to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031124/msgs/284301.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by geri122 on December 4, 2003, at 17:42:50
In reply to Re: Im i deppressed, posted by LynneDa on November 7, 2003, at 15:57:33
I haven't posted here in a while. I started another thread.. but i just want to let all of those who helped me know i am still here. Still depressed but alive.
This is the end of the thread.
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