Depression, and what it does to a person

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

Redwingsguy

Diamond Member
Jan 6, 2000
3,967
0
0
I am in tears from reading that cuz I know exactly how you feel, and I'm still going through it right now, I am just taking a break from all of it right now, which is good I guess, but what was that medication that you said worked well? Was your depression part caused by the electrodes in your blood? Mine isnt, but I'll talk it over with my psychiatrist, thanks
 

Redwingsguy

Diamond Member
Jan 6, 2000
3,967
0
0
I am in tears from reading that cuz I know exactly how you feel, and I'm still going through it right now,my drop was from 3.85(where A-'s count as 3.7's) to 1.something or lower, I didnt care enough to pick up my report card.

I am just taking a break from all of it right now, which is good I guess, but what was that medication that you said worked well? Was your depression part caused by the electrodes in your blood? Mine isnt, but I'll talk it over with my psychiatrist, thanks
 

shadow

Golden Member
Oct 13, 1999
1,503
0
0
I must enter here and say that I chose the self-help route, no drugs, no therapy. Just me slowly making sense out of the world with some good friends. It's been almost two years after the first major 'episode', and about 3 months since the second. I was hospitalized for the first, dealt with the second myself.

I don't know what else to say.
 

randypj

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,078
0
0
0Anonymous0--great thread. For me, as an old g/f and I used to joke about, "drugs are our friends". Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.

Personally, I don't give a flip about the social stigma. I do care about the results. I do like to live a normal life. I've often stated that, if given the choice of taking drugs, but living 10 years less, no doubt about it...I'd take the drugs. Quality of life means much more, IME.

It is really neat to be able to think back, "what the heck was I thinking", and realize just how far away from reality I was. You're right, most people have no clue that you're having a problem. I still remember my g/f at the time, who cared so much for me, was totally stunned at the answers I was giving on the diagnostic questionaire. Sitting beside me, reading it as I filled it out, she was in tears--she'd had no idea. I was so thankful that, from the questions, I could tell that others actually had the same problem. I wasn't alone.

Some personal, family, and friends' observations--(many apply also to panic/anxiety attacks and many have already been mentioned):

Often worse for people who like to be "in control".

I never could really relate until it hit me. Just a fact. That's always been said about panic attacks.....that, until you've had one, you have no idea what it's like.

IME, more often than not, "runs in the family".

Primary or Family physicians can prescribe the drugs. If one drug doesn't work, or you don't like the side effects, try another. It often takes awhile to hit on the correct drug and dosage.

Often a brain chemical imbalance. I always "knew" that I didn't need to talk anything out....I just didn't know what was wrong.

Depression doesn't always take the form of suicidal thoughts. Common symptoms: weight gain or loss, change in sleep patterns (too much or too little), a feeling of worthlessness.

Religion has also played a part in my success. I had to ask God's help and admit that I couldn't do it alone. But, a person shouldn't feel bad about not being able to just say no. The majority of people can't just "will" it away.

Exercise can be a great help. As mentioned, long distance running kicks in the endorphins.

Generally, anti-depressant medication will take ~2 weeks to fully help. You'll probably notice eating habits returning to normal first, then sleep habits, then, like 0Anonymous0, "I was actually happy". That's such a good feeling.



MOSTLY....IF YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF THIS THREAD, GO SEE A DR., LIKE MON. A.M. MOST OF US POSTED IN HERE FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU. TO NOT ACT ON IT WHEN YOU'VE READ THIS THREAD IS DOING YOURSELF AND US A DISSERVICE. And, you'll kick yourself because you ignored it for so long (but in the end....you did what you had to--and life is much better).:)
--Randy
 

reitz

Elite Member
Oct 11, 1999
3,878
2
76
Wow, what a response. I had no idea...

Forgive me for posting it anonymously; I had no idea this thread would receive the response it did. Until now, this is something I've only shared with two other people. I was mostly concerned with my secret "getting out", but I also didn't want this to be a thread about me.

Seph, St. Johns Wort can be an effective treatment for mild depression that doesn't normally warrant prescription medication. In my case, it was a desperate attempt by my girlfriend to help me in the only way she could. It wasn't a solution, but it gave me enough of a boost to actually care about getting better. I combined it with exercise, a balanced diet, and a new belief that my life could actually improve, and it started me on the road to recovery. I was lucky; with that little improvement, my symptoms gradually started to dissappear. For most people, though, real treatment is the only option.

Certain clinical trials in Europe have shown it to be almost as effective prescription medications; other studies have shown it to be no more effective than a placebo. For someone with mild symptoms, it's worth a shot, but there is no substitute for professional help.

chess9, I was "officially" diagnosed by a school psychologist. I tried the free counseling sessions that were offered a few times, but like randypj, I didn't really have anything I needed to talk about. I had no emotional trigger that I needed to talk through and work out. I didn't seek any medical help because I did not have the money, and with my warped perspective, I didn't beleive my problem was "important" enough to take advantage of any public help.

It's funny; I started this thread, but it really opened my eyes, too. I had no idea this many people were willing to post their own personal experiences. I have always known I wasn't alone, but I guess I didn't truly believe it until now. Thanks, everyone, for your responses.

If anyone wants to privately discuss anything further, feel free to email me.
 

randypj

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,078
0
0
reitz--Isn't it amazing, just how many people it has affected? I don't go around bragging about it, but when I find that someone is having problems with it, I kind of feel it's my duty to "payback", so I tell them of my experiences.

Oh, and my last paragraph wasn't directed at you. It was directed at anyone who happens on this thread.

If you feel like it, let us know how it's going.

Like Russ said, your writing is excellent. And to think, all this time, I thought you wuz illiterate....j/k.:)
--Randy
 

Hyper99

Banned
Jun 14, 2000
776
0
0
depression is more of a personal problem
people tend to be more depressed when they are alone

why dont you turn on music start dancing around and feel happy again
life is too good to give it all up
be cheerful and try to enjoy life instead
do not be sad because as you know there are far more people who may
be in a more worse position then you are
in my country we were very poor
nothing to eat, no TV
no CAR
just bicycle
no refrigerator
it take so little to make us happy
just enought to eat that all
you havent been to the other side of the world
your depression is far from a crying out loud
because maybe you are just bored and have too many negative thoughts
maybe too much free time etc























look at me, I'm single not married
27 single and I'm feeling OK
I think you're just lonely or something
most married couple do not have this problem
as they are so occupied with their everyday life
being alone take a little while to get used to
but you'll learn that your life this way is much of a less hassle then their. we have nothing to worry about and our life is too good








yes too good.
we all all the free time in the world
we can be like like children if we like and ignore the reality and
just have fun on your own




peace man
 

Hyper99

Banned
Jun 14, 2000
776
0
0
I'm actually a very depresed person myself
but you gotta to be strong and live on like a man.
LOL
Like I said life is too good man don't give it up for nothing
you got a reason to live, friend and family if you have any
and they all need you.

many reason for depression

negative thought
self pity
low self esteem
no friends

if you can get rid of what make you sad then your depression will go
away for good. I promise you
it all about having a very long enjoyable life
who want to all of a sudden end it







don't know what else to say but sometime it hard to convince
people who are sad to be happy again.

 

Crystal Bay

Senior member
Oct 9, 1999
481
0
0
Hype99,
Yes your right, it is a situation where Counseling and Meds are both required for the problem to be contained.

Everybody give your monitor a break,and do other stuff. Go workout , meet more humans that are good , Work more, it keeps you busy. Set your goals at small increments, instead of impossible leaps.

Hardship loss is a little different...:(


Married couples get depressed over finances...:(
 

Mday

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
18,647
1
81
i take it in stride. i still have hope, so that is what keeps me going. please tell me you still have hope.

i have accepted that i am a loser. :p now to figure out what to do next... ;)

one of the reasons that i have not killed myself is my family. not that they know how troubled i am, but if i did kill myself, that would make my family sad. notice the lack of the word friend here.

anyway... i am still "young" and maybe things will change. things always change, right? RIGHT!! :D

my loser life:
20, never been kissed, never been out on a date. never asked a woman out, so never been rejected. don't smile that much, and if i did, it's not a bright shiny one. never been challenged academically in school, life is about having challenges. i have been bored most of my life. i have no job and live with my parents, my excuse is that i go to college (where i am still not challenged academically :(, and yes i do want to be).

i am terribly shy. i have trouble asking for stuff. i grew up with so little. i can't even ask my parents for money, not that they'd say no, but i am that SHY :(. but then why am i saying all this, because most of you have no idea who i am.

i mean, i am borderline insane... i can snap at any second in a suicidal\homicidal rage and kill, well, everyone in the city i live.... without much effort (i know how :(). it's a good thing i can control my anger most of the time...

this world sucks... we may as well suffer some more before reaching eternal bliss... whatever that means...

i am a prime candidate for drugs, as in illegal, but i can't do it. i cannot bring myself to do that to my family. i mean, i'd do it to myself, i mean, i don't care that much, but my family... well, that and my body has a low tolerance for crap.
 

Mday

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
18,647
1
81
i think the true moment for revelation came when i realized this:

i am better off not having been born. but that does not mean my family is better of having me dead.
 

Hyper99

Banned
Jun 14, 2000
776
0
0
mday never think negative
think positive
hope for the best
do not let that "never" get to you
there is alway a possiblity
we have done the impossible
depression comes from one own selfish thought
the world need you as much as you need it
like I say it is nothing without you me and many other to help
shape what it is today
what you do in everyday life will determine the result of the future
there is so much to do in life
there is so much to be learned
a mind is not something to be wasted
over this negative thought
never let that what ever bothering eat you alive
as if you're worthless we
are not
use your special ability to help the world
so it can all come back to you
give to the world
so that it may someday come back to you again
hmmmm
due your life is precious
one can only achive so much and can make a big difference for yourself
and your family relative


















you must first love yourself before you love







anyone else






you must kiss yourself in the mirror and never hate yourself
because of what you are.




your personality is completely different from your appearance
sure you may look ugly outside
but inside you can be as beatiful as roses
as women that is to speak of
I mean the mind is what you need to control
to make it what you see of what world
heheheheheehe
I running out of ideas sorry
 

Edog1955

Junior Member
Jul 17, 2000
7
0
0
Just want to say that I was very moved by your thread, I thank the lord that I dont suffer from that although I had a sister that did & she finally did her self in, I will say that you should become a writer as I was very captured by what you wrote, & im sure everyone else was, good luck & god bless. Edog45
 

desy

Diamond Member
Jan 13, 2000
5,446
214
106
Get a thourough physical.
My wife suffered from depression and they did a complete blood work-up on her. While she was there the doctors "do you want any other test" jokingly . My wife says sure check for high calcium cause her dad had it, Doc says not heriditary but will do. Turns out she is way high due to parathyroidism ie small glands in the neck elevate the levels and guess what one of the symptoms is? depression not to mention at 25 she had the bone density of a 60 yr old.
After the surgury where they remove one enlarged of the 4 glands, she said it was like a swith going off in her head and the turnaround was amazing. In less than 24 hrs she went from listless and energyless to a dynamo. Its been two years since the surgury and every year she celebrates that day more than her birthday, our wedding, or Christmas.
 

bones10

Senior member
May 23, 2000
251
1
0
Many of you may not be aware that clinical depression is different than the kind of "down" that "normal" people get based upon circumstances.

If a person is diagnosed with depression, that usually means that the person has a chemical imbalance in the brain. While circumstances may trigger a depressive episode, people who have this type of depressions often go through regular periodic cycles of depression that is unrelated to the circumstances.

People with this type of depression can't just will away the depression by thinking positive thoughts or changing their circumstances.

This type of depression is a medical problem not a social or personal problem.

Hope this helps clarify some things,

- bones
 

Russ

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
21,093
3
0


<< i have accepted that i am a loser >>



Mday,

You're not a loser or a winner. At your age, you're not even formed yet.

Russ, NCNE
 

Gage

Senior member
Jan 30, 2000
429
0
0
It always amazes me when to read this forum because someone usually mentions something that I am or have very recently experienced. I am a bit embarrassed to reply because there is such a stigma with having depression but I wanted to share my story..

Since about the first of the year I was so tired. Sleeping all of the time and never feeling refreshed. I had no energy at all. I ate constantly and lost weight. I snacked and ate literally all day long and still lost 20 lbs in 4 months. Then I started having memory loss. Like someone said earlier it was like I had alzheimers. I would be in my car driving somewhere and suddenly have no idea where I was or what I was doing. I actually got lost turning into the road that leads to my house one day. This was the most frightening thing to me because I have a small child and I didnt want to have her in the car with me and have an accident because I suddenly didnt know what I was doing. Finally this memory loss got out of hand and I went to see a doctor who gave me tons of blood work and a cat-scan. All the tests were normal so he said that I was suffering from depression which blew my mind! My life was better than it had ever been! I was not sad. I enjoyed my life. Every single thing about it! (which for me is very unusual) But the doctor wanted to try antidepressants and I have been on them for about a month and I feel much better physically.

For those who are having any symptoms mentioned by anyone, go to a doctor. You are not CRAZY. You have a physical disorder and you can not fix it yourself. Just as you can't set a broken arm yourself you cant cure this yourself.

One other thing I would like to point out is what my doctor mentioned to me. I experimented with a lot of drugs in college. My doctor said that drug use, expecially cocaine is a cause of depression. Any drug that alters your brain chemistry can cause this disorder. I wish that someone would have told me that 5 years ago instead of telling me just to say &quot;NO&quot;. Of course drugs do not affect all people the same way and they may not affect you this way but for the younger people who are reading this it is something to think about.
 

chess9

Elite member
Apr 15, 2000
7,748
0
0
MDAY:

I just read your post and, based upon your posts here, it is not a realistic assessment! You've made many meaningful contributions on this forum. You definitely need to take a second look at your self-esteem. You are obviously very smart, and seem to be quite knowledgeable regarding computer issues. If you really feel this way, please talk to your family doctor about it. For what it's worth, I've enjoyed your posts. Good luck.
 

randypj

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,078
0
0
bones10--Thank you for pointing that out. It saved me from having to slap Hyper99 around.

Hyper99--As usual, you don't have a clue as to what the thread is really about. You have no concept.

Gage--Thanks for posting another success story. I hope this thread helps a few people.
--Randy
 

Hyper99

Banned
Jun 14, 2000
776
0
0
randypyi
please stop referring to me
it considered rude
how you like i say
randypyi need to be slapped some sense into
randypyi please stop this crap leave me alone!!!
I have enought people bashing me around as is
I say you make no sense whatsoever
and i dont give a crap about what you say peroid
because you are breaking rule #1
freedom of speech
2. you are judging other our of your own selfishness
so dont start calling my names etc
say
hyper99 is .... blah
hyper99 you... blah blah
you get the ideas!?! stop!!!
etc
I dont care what you think about me
it the anoymous dude that need help.
so concentrate on him instead...


 

Hyper99

Banned
Jun 14, 2000
776
0
0
the truth is depression is more of a personal problem
if we cant make him happy no one can or so to speak.
The End.
I use to be on depression myself and it the dumbest thing that
I have botten myself into in the first place
I should have stayed cheerful instead I kept being sad
oh well only you can make yourself happy.
I'm moving onto something else pretty much done here.
 

slipperyslope

Banned
Oct 10, 1999
1,622
0
0
Hyper you are just WRONG. Depression can be linked to chemical imbalances in the brain. Saying to someone with depression that they can just &quot;make&quot; themselves happy is stupid. It is sort of like saying that &quot;I have a headache, I will think it away&quot; They both have to do with the brain and how the brain is reacting to REAL physical processes. Mday needs to get some help because no one should feel that way.

Jim
 

Crystal Bay

Senior member
Oct 9, 1999
481
0
0
Mday Buddy, Ask your folks for some cash to see a Psychiatrist, at the local lower cost clinic. There are many meds that can help you a lot. The fee may be $50.00 or so and he will have free samples for you, They all do.

Just do it! , Life is difficult.

Please get help and you will have Hope.