Depression...

**Kittyhawk** · 2nd February 2007, 21:14

Yea sometimes it's easier to open up from your own environment where no one can see you...like behind the computer screen or on the phone.

But for me its a communication thing. Automatically shut off. Just isolation and music is what I usually do. Either practise on my instruments or compose pieces of music which reflect my moods etc.

**MadDuck** · 2nd February 2007, 21:18

MT ...

You have to know what its all about and a big hug to you for responding to the thread.

We go through depression for many many reasons. We lose a loved one - i lost a mate to suicide and a mum to a long illness. We lose a job, we move house, we change our circumstances but at the end of the day it all makes us stronger. Dwelling on it and causing us to get ill does NO ONE else any good whatsoever.

What doesnt makes us stronger kills us! For once in my life I have to agree with Finn. I intend to go bunny shooting in the south island...why the fuck not?

**Charlie** · 2nd February 2007, 21:36

Originally Posted by Finn

Real and true depression goes unnoticed...

This is true, most people don't even know they have a problem with depression, and when its put too them they can have a hard time accepting this. Probably a lot to do with the wide and casual use of the 'D' word and the lack of understanding around the topic that makes many people feel ashamed they have a problem at all.

After a few months of headaches, drowsyness, so little energy and sever chest pains the Dr's sent me to have an SCG. I was so shattered I couldnt even drive myself to the hospital.
You could have knocked me over with a feather when a Dr there calmly and gently told me she thought I was suffering from depression....
Not in a million years I didnt see that coming... and fought so hard to hold back all emotions.
It took me 4 more days of persistent convincing from my mother and friend to even have the perscription filled, admit I had issues and try the pills.

**Kittyhawk** · 2nd February 2007, 21:41

It's one of those things which creep up on you. Time is a good healer.

**kro** · 2nd February 2007, 21:51

Sad to say it, but time does not heal all wounds, it just puts some distance between you and the last event.

Depression is often mistaken for people who are depressed, and although one might think by association of words, they are the same thing, they are not. I am depressed that my DR never came to be whole again, but I do not have "depression", which by medical definition, is a debilitating state of mind, where one stays in a shitty state of melancholy and sombre mood, not necessarily spawned by a time in your life, or event(s).

Depression is not a term that can be slapped onto someone who needs to "snap out if it", it is a serious imbalance of the mind, which needs proper attention.

To summarise, depression will fuck you up, especially if you think you can "tough in it out".

**MadDuck** · 2nd February 2007, 21:55

Kitty PM me I am happy to catch up with you for coffee.

You wanna talk serious about depression I can give you all the facts...20 friggin years of them. If you are seeking advice on depression a public biker forum is not the place

**Kittyhawk** · 2nd February 2007, 22:13

Originally Posted by MadDuck

Kitty PM me I am happy to catch up with you for coffee.

You wanna talk serious about depression I can give you all the facts...20 friggin years of them. If you are seeking advice on depression a public biker forum is not the place

Pm has been sent

**Skunk** · 2nd February 2007, 22:20

Originally Posted by kro

Depression is... ...which by medical definition, is a debilitating state of mind, where one stays in a shitty state of melancholy and sombre mood, not necessarily spawned by a time in your life, or event(s).

Depression is not a term that can be slapped onto someone who needs to "snap out if it", it is a serious imbalance of the mind, which needs proper attention.

Absolutely right. Best drug I know of is Citilapram. 20 years of depression 'covered up' (masked) in a few weeks.

**V4ME** · 2nd February 2007, 22:33

Kittyhawk - between us all we'll see ya back on two wheels again.
Go well.
Good thread and good to see others with understanding.

**Disco Dan** · 2nd February 2007, 23:06

Originally Posted by Skunk

Best drug I know of is Clit-alapram.

hmm....

PM me kitkat, not the place for this as someone else said; but good on you for being so open...

**Kittyhawk** · 2nd February 2007, 23:11

Originally Posted by V4ME

Kittyhawk - between us all we'll see ya back on two wheels again.
Go well.
Good thread and good to see others with understanding.

Thanks. It's taking alot longer than expected but yes when Im back on the road again.....watch out I'll be right behind ya on the twisties!!

And I'd just like to say thanks everyone for the awesome feedback!! It's really done something for me. I have made new friends and will learn to open up about this.

I dont feel so alone anymore *hugs to you all!!!*

**slowpoke** · 3rd February 2007, 00:20

Reading through this tonight I was struck by a few things:

1/ There's 8 pages here so far which bears testament that this has affected a fair few of us either personally or via someone we know
2/ Those who understand need no convincing, those who do not understand cannot be convinced
3/ The shitty comments from the usual oxygen thieves bears testament to the social stigma still attached to depression and mental illness in general
4/ Yes, there is some attention seeking going on, but if an anonymous forum is the only place we feel we can ask for help (often indirectly) what does it say about us as a society?

Another helpful website is www.depressionet.com.au

Having been close to someone with depression it amazes me that people still don't understand...it's not that difficult. It's not just a case of being "weak"...it's a physical illness. There is a chemical imbalance with your brain biochemistry that results in a depressed physiacl/mental state. Telling someone to "snap out of it" or "harden up" is about as useful as telling someone to produce more or less testosterone...we have no control over these functions. Hence the use of drugs to correct this imbalance with different drugs operating in different ways and giving varying levels of effectiveness.

Depression also seems to affect men and woman quite differently. Woman tend to feel powerless, indecisive and hopeless where men tend to be irritable, frustrated, and angry. The trick, with the stressful lives we lead, is to know when these feelings are consistently inappropriate, because often they are valid responses to the situations we find ourselves in

Remember, this is not something they can control. Often they know they are acting unreasonably but don't know why, which only exacerbates the problems.

For those seeking natural therapies: a combined program of St Johns Wort and exercise was found in a scientific trial to be just as effective as "conventional" therapy in 50% of cases, so is well worth a try.

Sunlight (from which we produce Vitamin D) is also known to majorly affect our seratonin levels and therefore feelings of wellbeing. After the winter we've just been through (are still going through, lol) is it any wonder that some people are struggling?

**Lou Girardin** · 3rd February 2007, 06:26

I'm depressed because I have to work for a living. It's acute on sunny days.
Is there a cure? A benefit? Anything?

**vifferman** · 3rd February 2007, 07:33

Originally Posted by Skunk

Absolutely right. Best drug I know of is Citilapram. 20 years of depression 'covered up' (masked) in a few weeks.

For you, perhaps.
I've been on citalopram, but found it no better than anything else.
I can't remember all the meds I've been on, but they include aropax (paroxetine), fluoxetine, citalopram, cipramil, lithium (in combination with other meds), moclobemide, nortriptyline, effexor (venlafaxine)...
All were helpful, but all stopped working after a while.
I've also found benefit (when between meds) from St Johns Wort, which works the same way as most of these prescription drugs, and is available from the supermarket, as are things sold as "relaxing" or "calming" aids, made from the seeds of Griffonia; they contain an amino acid which breaks down and the body makes serotonin from it.
If anyone is feeling a bit depressed, I recommend trying either of these last two (but not with prescription drugs!)

Chocolate! Chocolate is good. Doesn't really help, but it's good. LOL...