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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bulldog2 on January 17, 2007, at 14:10:51
I started to analyze my thinking patterns about a week ago and a a pattern emerged. There are some negative situations in my life right now and whenever I think about them I feel I have no answers or don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. A light bulb went of in my head and I realized I felt I had no power over any events in my life. Just than I realized there are positive steps I can take to improve things and some of the depression lifted.
One of them was to try and find an ad that works and stick with it. I think the point of the ad is to give you the psychic energy to work along with some cbt. So I have to challenge some of my thought patterns but may also need the aid of an ad to help with the lethargy I'm feeling right now to go forward and make some postive changes.
I feel the impact of chronic negativity creates stress and does lead to brain chemistry changes.
Posted by Phillipa on January 17, 2007, at 17:56:44
In reply to Depression Caused By Feelings of Helplessness, posted by bulldog2 on January 17, 2007, at 14:10:51
Well you know I agree and in a way we have no control over certains as we've discussed. I think acceptance is a key too. Love Phillipa ps easier said than done.
Posted by bulldog2 on January 17, 2007, at 19:00:44
In reply to Re: Depression Caused By Feelings of Helplessness » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on January 17, 2007, at 17:56:44
There are things that cannot be changed so we do have to learn to accept those things. But there are always some things we can change once we have the energy to do so. What might seem impossible might change once we move to a more energetic state of mind. (possibly an antidepressant might do that). I'm working on goals right now that are attainable to get some momentum in my life. I have a problem with binge eating and sometimes feel out of control with that. So that is something within my control.I'm working on getting myself into better shape and finding exercise that I can tolerate. Find a part time job that I can handle. Try to turn around that total feeling of failing at everything to one of building some successes and gaining some momentum in my life from one of total inertia.
Posted by Phillipa on January 17, 2007, at 19:39:05
In reply to Re: Depression Caused By Feelings of Helplessness, posted by bulldog2 on January 17, 2007, at 19:00:44
And you've already started. Love Phillipa
Posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 17, 2007, at 20:28:16
In reply to Re: Depression Caused By Feelings of Helplessness » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on January 17, 2007, at 19:39:05
Bulldog2,
Are you working with a T right now? You can post on the psychology board about the specific things that seem to be helping you the most. I think that it's been a while since someone posted about CBT.I think you're right. Particularly in the beginning of getting out of the big dark hole of depression, it seemed to me that the AD was kind of trying to push me towards a better place, but that *I* had to do the work to make myself go along with it. Sure helps to have a T or a counsellor to rally us on as we learn to think of ourselves in a different light. Sure helps for someone to help us understand the connections between our own actions and the consequences. Helps when someone else tells us that what we're experiencing is about par for the course. I know I feel better when my T points out all the things that I've been able to do "despite" all the hardship.
anyways, drugs are a tool, but it's up to us to use the tool wisely (or find a T to show us which nails need to be hammered)
-Ll
Posted by bulldog2 on January 17, 2007, at 22:30:31
In reply to Re: Depression Caused By Feelings of Helplessness » Phillipa, posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 17, 2007, at 20:28:16
I see a p-doc about once a month because that is all I can afford. We discuss meds and he wants me to start emsam (maoi) as he feels their good for atypical depression. I guess I tend to ruminate a lot about the past and what the future hold for me. We've discussed meditation and he thinks it might help me. Basically we can't stop thoughts from flowing through our minds but we have to learn to just let them keep flowing down river instead of latching onto them.If anyone's ever done meditation you concentrate on a mantra (sound) or your breathing.Disturbing thoughts might enter your mind but by listening to your breathing or your mantra the thoughts flow harmlessly away instead of fixating on them. The goal is to have control over your thoughts not vice versa. But it's like an exercise you have to practice everyday. I've heard that monks can actually control their heart rate and blood pressure when doing this.
Posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 18, 2007, at 9:52:36
In reply to Re: Depression Caused By Feelings of Helplessness, posted by bulldog2 on January 17, 2007, at 22:30:31
Hi Bulldog,
I'm sorry you can't afford more regular pdoc/therapy sessions. There was a time when I was practicing meditation everyday. I think it can be helpful, but I have also had the experience where I feel disembodied or dissociated. Plus, when the mind is calm, sometimes uncomfortable memories and feelings can surface. You sound like you take a very pro-active approach to helping yourself, and I'm really impressed by your optimism and inspiration. Keep working on it. I think you're on the right path. Remember that if you ever DO have uncomfortable thoughts or memories that you can come here for support. It's also good to have a few IRL folks on your side too. A friend that can distract you, a friend that you can talk to, someone at church or your place of worship that can have a conversation with you about existential worries. Gather as much support around you as you can, and I wish you continuing progress. I hope you find strength and get relief with your medication regime too.best wishes,
-Ll
Posted by bulldog2 on January 18, 2007, at 10:03:30
In reply to Re: Depression Caused By Feelings of Helplessness » bulldog2, posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 18, 2007, at 9:52:36
Thank you..
Posted by liliths on January 21, 2007, at 11:11:59
In reply to Depression Caused By Feelings of Helplessness, posted by bulldog2 on January 17, 2007, at 14:10:51
hi Bulldog
I can really relate to so much of what's been written. My own depression spiraled out of control when external events took away much of my power as well as my rights & freedom. The stress alone created an all-consuming depression. Studies are showing that chronic stress can lead to irreversible changes in brain chemistry... scary!
as for meditation, getting out of our 'monkey minds' is always good for us! LOL the tough thing is, as you said, actually doing it with any regularity. Taking action IS, I believe, key to overcoming the self-perpetuating cycle of depression. And yes, it's too damn easy to 'know' taking an action will help when you're frozen in lethargy or inertia. Hopefully a good AD will provide enough relief to get you going
even when an AD works, there's often still habitual depressive behavioral patterns that one has to push their way out of.. at least that's how it feels to me
as someone said, your pro-active thinking is already a sign of 'recovery'. You sound determined and I think that's wonderful
good luck and thank you!
your post was a keen reminder for me :)namaste,
lilith> I started to analyze my thinking patterns about a week ago and a a pattern emerged. There are some negative situations in my life right now and whenever I think about them I feel I have no answers or don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. A light bulb went of in my head and I realized I felt I had no power over any events in my life. Just than I realized there are positive steps I can take to improve things and some of the depression lifted.
> One of them was to try and find an ad that works and stick with it. I think the point of the ad is to give you the psychic energy to work along with some cbt. So I have to challenge some of my thought patterns but may also need the aid of an ad to help with the lethargy I'm feeling right now to go forward and make some postive changes.
> I feel the impact of chronic negativity creates stress and does lead to brain chemistry changes.
This is the end of the thread.
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