Depression...

[RiderInBlack]

Must be something it the air at the moment, cause it is effecting things around here too.

[007XX]

http://eclectech.co.uk/mindcontrol.php

LOL...man, that was off the wall funny!

Vifferman...Well done on your weekend not needing the meds!

Now more seriously...I know it sounds a bit "green", but herbal alternatives are very efficient when you don't want to use too many meds (St John's wort, vitamin B, C and D). There is a proven depletion of vitamin D in winter, due to the lack of exposure of human skin to the sun, hence a rise in depression at this time of year. Half an hour daily in the sun should help, as well as supplements of vitamin C (these are better taken in liquid form apparently), as your body needs both together to reap maximum reward.

St John's wort needs to be taken carefully and for no longer than a certain amount of time. For best advice, a naturopath would be best (I have an excellent contact, if anyone is interested, PM me). This herb is a natural anti depressant.

Now, a couple of words of caution:
1- an expert advice is best (I'm charming, cute and pretty switched on, but not qualified to issue prescriptions!)

2- Herbal remedies need to be taken for longer amount of times (and religiously) before seeing noticeable results. AKA: don't give up after 2 weeks because you don't feel yet on top of the world.

3- Still check with your doctor as any change in your lifestyle / diet may affect the meds he has put you on.


Once again, just trying to help from my experience. Be keen to find out if anyone else has used natural remedies like Krusti.

[Ocean1]

Now more seriously...I know it sounds a bit "green", but herbal alternatives are very efficient when you don't want to use too many meds (St John's wort, vitamin B, C and D). There is a proven depletion of vitamin D in winter, due to the lack of exposure of human skin to the sun, hence a rise in depression at this time of year. Half an hour daily in the sun should help, as well as supplements of vitamin C (these are better taken in liquid form apparently), as your body needs both together to reap maximum reward.

More: there's direct effects on serotonin production and/or availability triggered by "natural" timing of sunlight to the eyes. In far northern countries the issue's addressed by managing sleep times and sometimes using "artificial sunlight lamps" to mimic "correct" sunrise. Around this neck of the woods possibly all that's required is managing sleep paterns and making sure you get a good facefull of sun when you wake up.

[Krusti]

For those of you who may need to see what the meds you take are and contraindications etc go here. I found it very interesting reading.

http://www.medsafe.govt.nz

[Kittyhawk]

Well its been a while, but I've returned. Big hugs to you all..

Decided to get rid of a few things which were really stuffing me up.
This included kicking out the bf of 4 years. Wasn't the easiest thing to do but it felt like a storm cloud had lifted.

My closest friends noticed a big difference. I was alot happier and overall I am more cheerful. Looking back its amazing how much one person can emotionally destroy another. Even throughout the breakup I didnt self harm overdose, or go off the rails.

As for therapy, I've stopped that and the meds...for about 6 weeks now. I have the odd low day, where I'll just shut myself off from the world, but I bounce back alot quicker. Deep down I know I'll have to return to being on the meds just to be stablised. And I know that there are going to be days where I will shut down. It wont ever go away,this is a life thing and ya just got to deal with it as it hits ya.

I've returned to signing up to dating sites. Not to look for a relationship or anything as such, but to make friends, learn about others and just do things together.

Its working too, I have made new biker friends, learn about people and their passions able to stay focused in conversations and also have a good laugh at things. The confidence levels are slowly building up again.

Still job hunting and due to my ex boss saying "she left due to a biking accident" costed me a job I really wanted! But I didnt stress or let it get to me. I thought "let it go there are others"

I've changed alot. It's hard work but Im prepared to do it.

[dogsnbikes]

Nice One........

[yungatart]

Well done Kittyhawk!
Good on you for maikng positive changes in your life.
One of our kids suffers from SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Has been depressed for the last five winters. Other things have occured during that time which have 'masked' the fact that it is seasonal. I only worked it out when I really thought about it.
He still has his passions and socialises with his friends but we keep an eye on him.
I'd give anything for him to not have to suffer like this....its not easy being a parent, and it doesn't matter how old your kids are, you never stop being "mum".

[vifferman]

My closest friends noticed a big difference. I was alot happier and overall I am more cheerful. Looking back its amazing how much one person can emotionally destroy another. Even throughout the breakup I didnt self harm overdose, or go off the rails.

As for therapy, I've stopped that and the meds...for about 6 weeks now. I have the odd low day, where I'll just shut myself off from the world, but I bounce back alot quicker. Deep down I know I'll have to return to being on the meds just to be stablised. And I know that there are going to be days where I will shut down. It wont ever go away,this is a life thing and ya just got to deal with it as it hits ya.

Good for you, Kittyhawk!
It must've been tough making big changes like this, but I reckon the fact you were able to decide to, and go ahead and make them speaks volumes about your inner strength and the likelihood of things working out well for you.
You go Gurrrl!

I too have kicked all meds - must've started (ended?) about the same time as you. I feel bad/sad (and mad!) sometimes, but at least I don't have the ups and downs of chemical-induced mood/neurochemical changes, and I feel like "Me" (whoever that is....) It's a struggle, but then it was before too, but now it's less complicated.

Good luck on the job front. I hope something turns up. I know it might sound trite and lightweight (but I don't believe it is), but keep thinking positively about it, and EXPECT things to improve.

[Ocean1]

I've changed alot. It's hard work but Im prepared to do it.

So I see:

Defrosting the urge.....

[ManDownUnder]

Hey Kitty - big changes hun and I'm proud as hell.

Go for it. Head high and one step at a time. You know where I am if/when you need me.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

Amazing what happens when you get people intent on destroying you out of your life. Can relate to that burden being lifted. Its all upwards from here girlfriend. You got the power, the passion and you can ride - what more does a woman need.
Our paths seem very similar. But getting out there mixing with positive people really helps. Takes courage but slowly the confidence comes back. Thanks for sharing the great news.

[Kittyhawk]

Well a slight downer today. My parents rang to wish me happy birthday, but it turned to custard. I dont care. Im better off without their negativity in my life.

The rest of my rellies didnt even bother to contact me. They used to every year. I think because of my depression and what's happend (admitting I have a problem) etc they dont want to have anything to do with me.

At least I now know where I stand with them all. Now know not to bother contacting them ever again....Im moving on. Cant be arsed worrying about them as obviously they arent too worried about me.

I knew I needed family as support but was turned away I have walked this on my own, and along with this thread it has me going...... Reading everyones posts and the birthday thread really lifted my spirits.
If it wasnt for you guys, friendships, online support I dont know where I'd be.

Just want to say thanks and I support you all too - its a two way thing

[Scorpygirl]

Well a slight downer today. My parents rang to wish me happy birthday, but it turned to custard. I dont care. Im better off without their negativity in my life.

The rest of my rellies didnt even bother to contact me. They used to every year. I think because of my depression and what's happend (admitting I have a problem) etc they dont want to have anything to do with me.

At least I now know where I stand with them all. Now know not to bother contacting them ever again....Im moving on. Cant be arsed worrying about them as obviously they arent too worried about me.

I knew I needed family as support but was turned away I have walked this on my own, and along with this thread kept which has me going...... Reading everyones posts and the birthday thread really lifted my spirits.

If it wasnt for you guys, friendships, online support I dont know where I'd be.

Just want to say thanks and I support you all too - its a two way thing

Keep at the positive Kittyhawk. Just keep focusing on the way forward from here. Big ups to you!!!

[ManDownUnder]

Kitty - one day at a time hun... every day above ground's a good one. Sorry to hear about the call, but take the content out of it and consider - they remembered your birthday!

Ok - not sure if that's a big thing in itself but... make the most of what you can. I know you will and I (for one) am impressed as hell at the sheer fortitude I've seen in you.

Keep going hun... keep going. There are more bridges to cross... but you're feeling the success of crossing one tough one already (bf gone)... imagine what the future can hold.

This is YOUR year babe... go for it.

[Macktheknife]

Well a slight downer today. My parents rang to wish me happy birthday, but it turned to custard. I dont care. Im better off without their negativity in my life.

The rest of my rellies didnt even bother to contact me. They used to every year. I think because of my depression and what's happend (admitting I have a problem) etc they dont want to have anything to do with me.

At least I now know where I stand with them all. Now know not to bother contacting them ever again....Im moving on. Cant be arsed worrying about them as obviously they arent too worried about me.

I knew I needed family as support but was turned away I have walked this on my own, and along with this thread it has me going...... Reading everyones posts and the birthday thread really lifted my spirits.
If it wasnt for you guys, friendships, online support I dont know where I'd be.

Just want to say thanks and I support you all too - its a two way thing

Kitty,
maybe there is another way of looking at this...
They tried (perhaps badly but they did try) to make contact and wish you well on your birthday. This is a good thing.
The rest of the family may not have tried for many reasons, but it does not mean they don't ever want to speak with you again.
Along with understanding your own situation you must also understand that you may have been very difficult to get along with in the last few years, cut them some slack.
Not contacting them ever again and assuming they do not care is foolish and almost certainly wrong.

This situation with your family is a result of years of miscommunication and misunderstanding (both ways), don't expect it to get better in any less time than it took to get this way, and keep on trying to improve things and make it easy to heal the relationships.
Good luck and keep at it.