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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cubic_me on September 12, 2003, at 15:56:46
Hello!
I'm pretty new to these boards, so I thought I'd introduce myself, I wouldnt want all you friendly people thinking that some stranger was intruding into your lives - so after you've read this I wont be so much of a stranger any more (hopefully!).
I'm a 20 year old student from the UK & have had depression on and off for the past 6 or 7 years, tho' I didnt do anything about it 'til this year. It got pretty bad after a really close friend of mine killed herself nearly a year ago and my housemates made me see a councellor. She convinced me to see a doctor & now I'm under a really rubbish pdoc who seems to know less about meds than I do. I havent seen him or he councellor for 3 months because they are both near the university I go to and I've been home (300 miles away) for the summer vacation.
Anyway, nothing seems to be working, my insides still feel like they are so tight that they are going to implode and I could sleep for every hour of the day if I let myself. I'm on efexor that the moment, it doesnt work and I get withdrawal symtoms a few hours before I'm due each dose.
Do I sound negative? I'm sorry, thats not very endearing! But I love to listen to what other people have got to say on practically anything and I'll try and help if I can!
Ok, so if you go to the end of that marathon reading session, CONGRATULATIONS!
big hugs, _me
Posted by Tabitha on September 12, 2003, at 19:08:06
In reply to An introduction to _me, posted by cubic_me on September 12, 2003, at 15:56:46
Welcome, cubic_me. Thanks for introducing yourself. I hope the site is helpful for you. There are several UK folks around.
Me, I'm a 40 yr old bipolar II from California. Currently doing OK on just a bit of Celexa. Been on various meds since, oh, about 1991.
Posted by Gabbix2 on September 12, 2003, at 20:46:34
In reply to Re: An introduction to _me, posted by Tabitha on September 12, 2003, at 19:08:06
Hi, Welcome!
I have the chronic noose in my stomach too, the one that makes me feel like I'm going to implode.
I think I hate that feeling more than just about anything.This week I'm on Wellbutrin and Valium, (I had to beg my Dr for the Valium though, I was climbing the walls)
Ha, I can't believe you thought your post was long, you haven't seen me on a tear yet!
I hope you like it here.
Hugs to you too.
G.
Posted by Dinah on September 12, 2003, at 21:02:19
In reply to An introduction to _me, posted by cubic_me on September 12, 2003, at 15:56:46
Posted by Liligoth on September 12, 2003, at 23:19:55
In reply to An introduction to _me, posted by cubic_me on September 12, 2003, at 15:56:46
hi there, Im pretty new here too - joined last week. Im depressed but have been doing much better the last few weeks.
cheers,
Posted by galkeepinon on September 13, 2003, at 1:11:35
In reply to An introduction to _me, posted by cubic_me on September 12, 2003, at 15:56:46
Posted by cubic_me on September 13, 2003, at 13:27:56
In reply to Re: An introduction to _me, posted by Gabbix2 on September 12, 2003, at 20:46:34
the bit about the length of your messages made me laugh - I havent had a giggle like that in a while!
_me
> Hi, Welcome!
>
> I have the chronic noose in my stomach too, the one that makes me feel like I'm going to implode.
> I think I hate that feeling more than just about anything.
>
> This week I'm on Wellbutrin and Valium, (I had to beg my Dr for the Valium though, I was climbing the walls)
>
> Ha, I can't believe you thought your post was long, you haven't seen me on a tear yet!
>
> I hope you like it here.
>
> Hugs to you too.
>
> G.
>
>
Posted by octopusprime on September 13, 2003, at 14:12:57
In reply to An introduction to _me, posted by cubic_me on September 12, 2003, at 15:56:46
Hello cubic_me
No, you do not sound overly negative. You sound like you dealing the best way you can with the cards you have been dealt.
You are brave to introduce yourself and put yourself out there for everybody to see. It is that kind of strength that will help you.
Since I am not so brave, I am going to piggy-back on your thread and introduce myself. :p
I am 24, have been depressed off and on since I was 20 (and probably earlier, come to think of it). I'm currently not taking anything, and haven't been taking anything for 8 months now, because I have been feeling "better". But I am currently across the country from my close friends, recently dumped, recently laid off, and just starting a new job. I feel very unsure of myself and very afraid of the depression that has bitten me and destroyed my life before, that's why I'm here, to help keep the demons at bay.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 13, 2003, at 16:52:58
In reply to Re: An introduction to _me » cubic_me, posted by octopusprime on September 13, 2003, at 14:12:57
Glad that you are here:-)
Please hang in there, have hope, I know what it feels like to be dumped and laid off. Sometimes people will say *pick yourself up and brush of your heels*~yeah, like it's that easy?
I think your feelings are normal considering all you have shared~currently across the country from your close friends, recently dumped, recently laid off, and just starting a new job. When those things happened to me I got so depressed I went on meds and have been on them ever since. I admire you if you are feeling *better* without them. You are young too, admire that too LOL I'm 33, but to be 24 again and know what I know now~doesn't everyone wish that?:-)
Did you move? or go away to college may I ask?
Again, I'm glad you are here~anything to keep those dang demons at bay~yes!
Take care:-)
> I am 24, have been depressed off and on since I was 20 (and probably earlier, come to think of it). I'm currently not taking anything, and haven't been taking anything for 8 months now, because I have been feeling "better". But I am currently across the country from my close friends, recently dumped, recently laid off, and just starting a new job. I feel very unsure of myself and very afraid of the depression that has bitten me and destroyed my life before, that's why I'm here, to help keep the demons at bay.
Posted by octopusprime on September 14, 2003, at 12:51:47
In reply to Re: » octopusprime, posted by galkeepinon on September 13, 2003, at 16:52:58
Galkeepinon, thanks for your support.
It's hard to start all over again, why just last year I started a new job and was "dumped" (not by a lover, but by my former best friend). I hear the just brush yourself off advice from people at work, etc ... but everybody I hear it from either couldn't take the advice themselves or hasn't had to do it :-/
To answer your question, I finished college two years ago and moved across the country soon after I graduated to search for work. After a long stint of unemployment, I found a good job for a year, and this is my second "real job". I am very grateful to be working right now, even if the job isn't perfect! I have tried making friends in this town, but the friends I make move away or have more problems than I can deal with.
I do feel better than I did before - I can sleep nights, leave the house, concentrate on work. But I'm not happy and I wonder if I ever will be. I don't think meds can help with that. I certainly don't blame anybody for needing meds to function though - I know how that feels.
I'm curious - if you could give advice to your 24 year old self, what would you say?
Posted by Susan J on September 14, 2003, at 14:39:34
In reply to Re:, posted by octopusprime on September 14, 2003, at 12:51:47
Hiya,
I'm just jumping in for the heck of it. Your posts look really interesting. Hope you don't mind. :-)
> It's hard to start all over again, why just last year I started a new job and was "dumped" (not by a lover, but by my former best friend).
<<Wow, more power to you! I just got back from a 2-week vacation in Canada, alone, that I was *so* looking forward to, and it was one of the most depressing experiences of my life. Probably not the wisest thing to go off on your own when you are struggling with depression (loneliness makes me even sadder). So, I admire your resolve to move across county. :-)
> I'm curious - if you could give advice to your 24 year old self, what would you say?
<<That's a really interesting question, and I know you didn't pose it to me, but it makes me think anyway. I'm 36, and I wonder if there was anything I could do differently at 24 to at least lessen the hell I'm in now......hmmmmm.....So here goes, for what it's worth:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Be kind to yourself.
3. Always be aware of your failings and try to get better, but don't beat yourself up about them. Keep reminding yourself about all your great qualities. :-)
4. Try to build and maintain a strong, healthy support network. I lost a lot of good friends over the years from moves, different interests, etc. and relied solely on the friends of my boyfriend to hang out with. Well, when we broke up, you know the story. It took some work, but I've got a nice, albeit small, network of good friends.
5. Take chances on stuff, just like you are doing. Realizing some success at things that scare/intimidate you, is a wonderful way to build self esteem (necessary to beat depression).
6. Love yourself, faults and all. The longer I have had depression, the more I think that this condition, or any mental health condition that makes you constantly focus on yourself and other's mindsets, makes you so aware of human nature and its strengths, weaknesses, beauty, and horror. I do believe we have more insight and wisdom about human nature than most people do. It is a gift that is painful to acquire, but a gift nonetheless.
7. Find the things that make you happy, and do them over and over and over if you have to. Movies are a great escape for me, and I go often. Often go alone. I'm happier when I get out of the theatre, almost always, than before I went in.
8. Exercise and eat healthfully. This is advice I give and have trouble doing. But it's good advice nonetheless. I always feel better if I'm eating healthy and working out. Always.
9. Always learn as much as you can about depression, etc. Learning, knowing, gives you more control over your situation.
10. If you are in therapy, listen to your gut about your therapist. Think it's not a good chemistry, leave. Like your therapist but something s/he says doesn't ring true? Trust your gut. A therapist is human, too, and doesn't know everything. A therapist's main role is to show you good coping mechanisms and make you explore who you are, so you know what to do with it.
11. Cherish yourself. You are worth it. :-)Susan
Posted by Susan J on September 14, 2003, at 14:39:38
In reply to Re:, posted by octopusprime on September 14, 2003, at 12:51:47
Hiya,
I'm just jumping in for the heck of it. Your posts look really interesting. Hope you don't mind. :-)
> It's hard to start all over again, why just last year I started a new job and was "dumped" (not by a lover, but by my former best friend).
<<Wow, more power to you! I just got back from a 2-week vacation in Canada, alone, that I was *so* looking forward to, and it was one of the most depressing experiences of my life. Probably not the wisest thing to go off on your own when you are struggling with depression (loneliness makes me even sadder). So, I admire your resolve to move across county. :-)
> I'm curious - if you could give advice to your 24 year old self, what would you say?
<<That's a really interesting question, and I know you didn't pose it to me, but it makes me think anyway. I'm 36, and I wonder if there was anything I could do differently at 24 to at least lessen the hell I'm in now......hmmmmm.....So here goes, for what it's worth:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Be kind to yourself.
3. Always be aware of your failings and try to get better, but don't beat yourself up about them. Keep reminding yourself about all your great qualities. :-)
4. Try to build and maintain a strong, healthy support network. I lost a lot of good friends over the years from moves, different interests, etc. and relied solely on the friends of my boyfriend to hang out with. Well, when we broke up, you know the story. It took some work, but I've got a nice, albeit small, network of good friends.
5. Take chances on stuff, just like you are doing. Realizing some success at things that scare/intimidate you, is a wonderful way to build self esteem (necessary to beat depression).
6. Love yourself, faults and all. The longer I have had depression, the more I think that this condition, or any mental health condition that makes you constantly focus on yourself and other's mindsets, makes you so aware of human nature and its strengths, weaknesses, beauty, and horror. I do believe we have more insight and wisdom about human nature than most people do. It is a gift that is painful to acquire, but a gift nonetheless.
7. Find the things that make you happy, and do them over and over and over if you have to. Movies are a great escape for me, and I go often. Often go alone. I'm happier when I get out of the theatre, almost always, than before I went in.
8. Exercise and eat healthfully. This is advice I give and have trouble doing. But it's good advice nonetheless. I always feel better if I'm eating healthy and working out. Always.
9. Always learn as much as you can about depression, etc. Learning, knowing, gives you more control over your situation.
10. If you are in therapy, listen to your gut about your therapist. Think it's not a good chemistry, leave. Like your therapist but something s/he says doesn't ring true? Trust your gut. A therapist is human, too, and doesn't know everything. A therapist's main role is to show you good coping mechanisms and make you explore who you are, so you know what to do with it.
11. Cherish yourself. You are worth it. :-)Susan
Posted by cubic_me on September 14, 2003, at 15:20:44
In reply to Re: An introduction to _me » cubic_me, posted by octopusprime on September 13, 2003, at 14:12:57
Hi there,
I just wanted to reply to your intro, cos you sound like a nice person, and us new/shy people could do with some friends round here.
I've been on a couple of groups before and always felt a bit of an outsider - like they all new each other and I didnt really fit in. So this time I decided to introduce myself properly and see what happened. The other groups I'm in focus mainly on surviving suicide of a loved one, which helped me alot for a few months after my friend's death, but its the depression I have the hardest time dealing with. Also I feel like I can share more of my experience here because I have lived alot longer with depression than with my friend's suicide, so my 'advice' might be a little more valid.
I've been away from my friends for 3 months now. I'm home on my summer vacation until next week. Its hard when there's no one around for you to really talk to - I have trouble with that, even when there are people around I feel comfortable with. I've got one 'sms buddy' who I talk to abit and one friend who I see once or twice a month who I can talk to, and I'm lucky for that, but most of my buddies round here I just go out for a laugh with - if I'm not the life and soul of the party they practically ignore me. But next week I'm going back to uni, 300 miles away from my parents which is great.
I think its great you tagged on to my post, and look, you got a good number of replies! I think you are well on the way to chatting away with anyone around here.
_me
Posted by galkeepinon on September 14, 2003, at 19:18:58
In reply to Re:, posted by octopusprime on September 14, 2003, at 12:51:47
I can share with you what I'm learning. Life is about change, and I've learned that it can be good. It is hard, though, still, to start over again at anything, I think. We're used to the 'routine', comfort~whatever you want to call it.
I've learned that there are no guarantees in life, we ALL make mistakes, but we ALL have the choice to forgive and start over~but to mostly forgive OURSELVES:-) There are reasons why we act the way we do. We can't make anybody like us, all we can do is allow ourselves to be liked.
I can relate to your situation concerning friends. I have a few (actually 2) that are a little more than I can handle right now. I love them, I wish nothing but the best for them, however, I have had to step back for a while. I don't know if they will understand that, they seem to think I have no problems. LOL Sometimes we all just need to step back, and wait. I'm learning to find what makes me happy and do it~and it is not easy.
But I hang in, believing and praying I WILL get 'there' someday. But *Life is what happens when you're making other plans* ;)
In giving advice to my 24-year old self, I would probably say, believe in yourself, don't let anyone knock you down, emotionally, verbally, or physically. I would encourage that 'self' to pursue her goals, and persist. Don't allow people to rent space in your head. Remember grace. Always try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. Be honest. Be kind. Be loyal. Trust yourself above all!Hope this helped a little.
(((hugs to you)))
> Galkeepinon, thanks for your support.
>
> It's hard to start all over again, why just last year I started a new job and was "dumped" (not by a lover, but by my former best friend). I hear the just brush yourself off advice from people at work, etc ... but everybody I hear it from either couldn't take the advice themselves or hasn't had to do it :-/
>
> To answer your question, I finished college two years ago and moved across the country soon after I graduated to search for work. After a long stint of unemployment, I found a good job for a year, and this is my second "real job". I am very grateful to be working right now, even if the job isn't perfect! I have tried making friends in this town, but the friends I make move away or have more problems than I can deal with.
>
> I do feel better than I did before - I can sleep nights, leave the house, concentrate on work. But I'm not happy and I wonder if I ever will be. I don't think meds can help with that. I certainly don't blame anybody for needing meds to function though - I know how that feels.
>
> I'm curious - if you could give advice to your 24 year old self, what would you say?
Posted by octopusprime on September 15, 2003, at 0:09:17
In reply to Advice to a 24-year-old » octopusprime, posted by Susan J on September 14, 2003, at 14:39:38
> Hiya,
>
> I'm just jumping in for the heck of it. Your posts look really interesting. Hope you don't mind. :-)Hi Susan. I'm happy to hear from anybody - and interesting sounds like a high compliment. :) Just don't get your hopes up too much - sometimes I tend to drone about the most boring subject - myself. ;)
I appreciate your advice and I'm snipping it for brevity, though I will save some for later when I need it. I'm going to work on building a support network here, but I know it will take some time. I signed up for hand drumming lessons. I was going to sign up for more things, but then again I didn't want to leave my apartment until after 5 pm any day this weekend, so best to leave that for later.
I hear you about depression being a blessing for insight into the human condition. I also feel it's a curse in some way. It's an invisible kick me sign - damaged people seem drawn like flies because I can see pain and I can sometimes cope with my own, so they expect me (or I expect myself?) to help carry their pain too. Not cool.
I wish I could afford a therapist but I have no benefits (yet). I've seen some before, and I've met some twits and a nice lady (unfortunately I won't be able to see nice lady anymore). But I have seen it written on this board before that it's good therapy, and it is.
Peace.
ps - I'm sorry you had a poor time in the Great White North. If you ever want to return there let me know. It's a beautiful country and I have criss-crossed it.
Posted by octopusprime on September 15, 2003, at 0:33:30
In reply to To Octopusprime, posted by cubic_me on September 14, 2003, at 15:20:44
> Hi there,
>
> I just wanted to reply to your intro, cos you sound like a nice person, and us new/shy people could do with some friends round here.
>Hey thanks. Glad you're not upset that I hijacked your thread. I hope you feel comfortable talking to everybody here ...
I am so sorry to hear about your friend's death. You don't need to be able to dish out advice to be able to talk about it. I think all you need to do is to listen and to care.
> I've been away from my friends for 3 months now. I'm home on my summer vacation until next week. Its hard when there's no one around for you to really talk to - I have trouble with that, even when there are people around I feel comfortable with. I've got one 'sms buddy' who I talk to abit and one friend who I see once or twice a month who I can talk to, and I'm lucky for that, but most of my buddies round here I just go out for a laugh with - if I'm not the life and soul of the party they practically ignore me. But next week I'm going back to uni, 300 miles away from my parents which is great.
>oh man, university is hard with depression. all the moving, and activity, and separation from friends, and lack of money ...
I feel for you, cubic_me. I hope the counselors at your school are more skilled than the ones at mine were.
Funny - I felt the pressure more to be the "life of the party" while I was at school, not away from school. I'm glad that you are working on finding an outlet for real, honest communication for how you feel.
Take care! Hope your move goes well.
Posted by octopusprime on September 15, 2003, at 0:35:54
In reply to Re: You're Most Welcome :-) » octopusprime, posted by galkeepinon on September 14, 2003, at 19:18:58
Posted by Susan J on September 15, 2003, at 12:41:11
In reply to Re: Advice to a 24-year-old » Susan J, posted by octopusprime on September 15, 2003, at 0:09:17
Hello again!
> Hi Susan. I'm happy to hear from anybody - and interesting sounds like a high compliment. :)
<<Definitely a compliment! :-)>>I'm going to work on building a support network here, but I know it will take some time. I signed up for hand drumming lessons. I was going to sign up for more things, but then again I didn't want to leave my apartment until after 5 pm any day this weekend, so best to leave that for later.
<<That's great about signing up for lessons! I need to do something like that....> I wish I could afford a therapist but I have no benefits (yet). I've seen some before, and I've met some twits and a nice lady (unfortunately I won't be able to see nice lady anymore). But I have seen it written on this board before that it's good therapy, and it is.
<<You know, my ex-boyfriend was enrolled at the local community college and had access to a WONDERFUL (and free!) therapist there. I don't know where you are living, but it might be worth signing up for a class at a local school that has therapists on staff....Some classes around here are only $150, and that's pretty cheap to have a therapist for a whole semester. :-) Plus, you could learn something fun in the class, too, with any luck.> ps - I'm sorry you had a poor time in the Great White North. If you ever want to return there let me know. It's a beautiful country and I have criss-crossed it.
<<I can't say the part I saw was beautiful, at least not as far as land is concerned. I went to Montreal, which, architecturally, I thought was beautiful. I'd love to go back to other parts of Canada, too, just not alone this time. :-)Susan
P.S. What does your name mean or refer to? Haven't been able to figure it out.....
Posted by octopusprime on September 15, 2003, at 22:37:29
In reply to Re: Advice to a 24-year-old » octopusprime, posted by Susan J on September 15, 2003, at 12:41:11
> P.S. What does your name mean or refer to? Haven't been able to figure it out.....
optimusprime was one of the transformers (a cheesy 80's cartoon, he's the evil one)
and i always liked octopus (to look at, not to eat).
so i mushed them together.
Posted by Susan J on September 16, 2003, at 8:32:07
In reply to Re: Advice to a 24-year-old, posted by octopusprime on September 15, 2003, at 22:37:29
> optimusprime was one of the transformers (a cheesy 80's cartoon, he's the evil one)
and i always liked octopus (to look at, not to eat). so i mushed them together.<<Hahahah! Such a wonderful example of an age gap. :-) I had no clue....although I have at least *heard* of the transformers... :-)
Susan
This is the end of the thread.
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