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Riding the Best & Worst Waves of Depression: Receiving Help not just Giving It

Hey everybody!   It is "Free Falling Friday"   This is your chance to say it like it is...let it all out...and feel free to just be yourself.    This has been a wild week for me.  I went to a conference and I was actually a part of the conference as in...I gave a presen...
10/30/09 9:28pm

1. I truly do slide between 1 and 10 like one of those "wave" things which used to set on end tables and rock back and forth. I finished the week with a 10, where I'm at now.

 

2. Talking to a friend. Y'all can figure that out how that can be the best and the worst :)

 

3. Read an exceptional book.

 

Your week was more exciting! But I'm not complaining, ending a week at ten suits me just fine.

 

 

10/31/09 2:48pm
Paul... I am very happy to hear you are at a ten now. It is good to end the week on a high note. A good book can change your life...I know that has been my experience. Thank you for sharing your week with us!
10/30/09 11:24pm

Dear MM,

I'm glad you managed to "step up to the plate"  on speaking at this conference.  I've had to do that and it really can give you a case of the 'nerves' for a while.  Once I got going I was ok!

 

When I read your description of acceptance of yourself, my mind wandered back to when you left therapy, and wanted to take control of your own life.  Maybe you were ready for that break and strong enough to go as far as you have yourself...just musing.

 

This week was only about a three for me - my husband was in the hospital, my older brother died, and left me the nex of kin, so I had some quick answers to come up with, and many faxes and signatures.  On top of that I had a severe four-day migraine, and I have been worried about my husband's upcoming radiation and chemotherapy treatment which begins next week.  So this has definitely been a trying time.

 

Though in all this, I do believe in angels.  My other older brother came to the rescue and did all the upfront work - discussing options for Paul's burial with the VA people, thinking and communicating what needs to be done from me, such as forwarding mail, etc.  When you reach out and help someone, it truly is returned to you, sometimes in ways you are not aware of.  But here, I knew what Bob was doing.  For a great many months, I have supported him, and loved him through his painful divorce.  Every day at first, I would listen to his thoughts, feelings, and frustrations.  Finally he said one time "you've been so good to me, isn't there anything I can do for you?"  At the time I said no, but here this tough situation comes along and he is right there to jump in and help.  Wow -- there are angels.  My thought is to give freely without conditions and receive just as freely.  Us depressed persons seem likely to give, but don't feel worthwhile enough to receive.  I understand, I'm there a lot.

 

I've enjoyed writing this post - your topic was very well timed.

 

Gina

10/31/09 2:59pm

Gina...

 

You say so very much here in this comment.  I had to read this several times to take everything in.  First of all I am very sorry that you have lost your brother.  I wish I could say something to make your pain go away but...there really are no words.  And then to deal with other life issues on top of this loss...you are a very strong woman.

 

It is something to think about therapy now...after I did this conference.  This would have been something to talk to a therapist about...meeting this challenge.  So I am proud of myself that I got through this with the help of friends alone.  After three strikes in a row...not sure if I will be looking for a new therapist any time soon.  But it is wonderful and so beneficial when you find a good one.

 

I am really happy to hear from you.  And I am hoping that life goes a little easier on you. 

 

Thank you so much for stopping by to comment...

10/30/09 11:27pm

I'll be interested to hear about the conference you were at, MM.  And we DID miss you here!  Now, to answer the questions:

 

1.  On a scale of one to ten...how was this week for you!  One being the worst and ten being the best week ever!

 

Overall, I'd say a 7.

 

2.  What was the best part of this week for you and what was the worst?

 

The best part was having my grandson's birthday party here last Saturday.  There were between 30 and 40 people and everyone seemed to be having a good time, including the birthday boy.  He dug into his cake and then clapped his hands and sprayed frosting all over the place.  But the worst part of the week was that the next day, he came down with the H1N1 flu and was very, very sick.  So far, no one else seems to have gotten it, thank goodness.

 

3.  What have you done this week to be kind to yourself?  And what have you done to work towards your peace of mind, happiness, or mental well being? 

 

I took a nap one day, which I hardly ever do.  I bought a new pair of shoes.  And, I worked hard during a therapy appointment despite still feeling mostly numb.  I do not like this feeling at all because I spent most of my life not able to feel much, it took me a long time to thaw out.  So, I'll have to think some more about the pros and cons of taking the Zoloft.

10/31/09 3:09pm

Awww sweet Judy!  Know that I missed you too and everyone on this site.  I was wishing you all could be with me there at the conference.

 

Now a seven is higher than last week...if I remember you said a five then...so this is progress!

 

I am sorry your grandson got that terrible flu.  May I ask...what were the symptoms?  And how is he doing now?  I hope he can go trick or treating.

 

So what are you thinking you will do about the zoloft?  This is similar to what I felt with my short experience on Prozac.  I felt like...you could stick me in a  bare room and leave me alone with four walls and I would be content.  I felt...insulated and apathetic.  It was no good for my writing I can tell you that.  But maybe that feeling dissipates?  I do not know.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by Judy and a special thanks for answering so many questions and helping other members.  You are truly a special person.

 

 

10/31/09 5:17pm

Hi, Merely Me.  Thanks for your kind words.  My grandson's flu symptoms started with a runny nose, we thought it was just a cold, but then he got a cough and then a high fever.  On the worst day, he was barely awake, his eyes half-closed and moaning, although he did eat - but he was 10 lbs. at birth, keep in mind!  His fever finally broke and that's when he started getting better so, alltogether, he was probably sick about six days.  So far, no one else has it - hope you don't get it, either.  Are going to get a shot, if they ever get enough vaccine out there?  Maybe you'd be in the higher risk group with MS, I don't know.  Anyway, we can think positive! Laughing

10/31/09 5:26pm

I have not gotten a shot for this...I probably should.  My immune system is strange...I rarely get sick like others...when I get a virus...it will start and then stop abruptly...it will usually be worse at night for me. 

 

I am sorry he got sick like that...it is so hard when the little ones get sick.

 

Hope you have a Happy Halloween Judy!  I have to start getting the treats ready!

 

 

10/31/09 6:40am

1.  On a scale of one to ten...how was this week for you!  One being the worst and ten being the best week ever!

Maybe about a 5... maybe...

 

2.  What was the best part of this week for you and what was the worst?

I sorted out everything for my trip away so I know that's in the bag... nothing much has happened just in a funk so no experience to tie down as best and worst just been a bit up and down... mainly down.

 

3.  What have you done this week to be kind to yourself?  And what have you done to work towards your peace of mind, happiness, or mental well being? 

I went out with a friend even though I felt depressed and like shutting myself away. I put it off Thursday but then I went Friday. I livened up a bit after a while... I also had to buy high heels to train myself for her wedding - I'm going to be a bridesmaid but I'm not normally a girly girl so I need to learn how to walk in heels, lol.

10/31/09 3:14pm

Hey there Lyra!

 

A good solid five...nothing wrong with that!  High heels are a cruel invention and so are panty hose.  I was wearing a skirt to the conference in the morning hours but after lunch I had to rip off the hose and I switched to pants...I could not stand it!  I hate all the silly decisions us women have to make about shoes and purses and the like...ugh.  Just give me my tennis shoes and I can live my life just fine.

 

Sorry for going on so!  Smile

 

Anyways...I am glad you got to get out and you really seem to be doing good Lyra.  I hope you are proud of yourself in how you are doing more than surviving at this point.  You seem to be making good steady strides towards feeling more happy.

 

Cheers!

10/31/09 5:02pm

hi

I am numb and didn't get the question

I am a 42

42 being the worst

An old acquaintance died

Not a good time

I watched a movie on lifetime or i tried to

I shut it off because it bothered me

I hear of a lot of people watching action movies and think how do they watch these movies

Let alone own them

If I watch a murder on TV I'll think theyre trying to kill me

I hate to tell anybody because they think i'm different

I'm surprised i went out doors

Jon

10/31/09 5:31pm

You are a 42?  Is that on a scale of 1-100? 

 

I am sorry about your friend dieing.  You have been experiencing a lot of loss lately haven't you?

 

So what kind of TV or movies or music make you feel good?  anything?  comedies perhaps? 

 

Jon...everyone is a little different.  We are all unique and that is okay.  I am glad you wrote to us.  I will be checking back later...to see how everyone is doing.  Hang in there.

10/31/09 6:36pm

I happen to like instrumental music for relaxation

I dont like TV because There are no shows I like on

Jon

10/31/09 10:37pm

this week has been a rough 1.true i did get to meet my new psychiatriatrist but the pharmamacy didn't have the 1 prescription that needed to be changed.the next day i was starting to not feel well but could not give into it because i was a woman on a mission.my friend had to go in for in & out surgery & i was the driver.it was a long day & more had to be removed than thought. hopefully it won't be cancer.today i feel sick like i did a month ago.chest cold or something.i got my flu shot 1 week ago. prosac was increased.other med i haven't been well enough to pick it up yet.i guess i'm still @ a 3 or 4. physically a 2.

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