Topic Title: long term depression
| |  "long term depression"
, Thu 9 Mar 06:35
I have been battling depression off and on for the last 20 years. I get alot of physical symptoms such as aching muscles, racing heart, headaches, etc etc. I get trested for everything in the book and they find nothing and then they put me on anidepressants. Ther problem is I have so many side effects from the sntidepressants that I never stay on them more than 2-3 months. My depression seems to pass and then all of a sudden it is really bad again. I am very lucky and have a great life but I just can't seem to shake this. The one big thing I do have is alot alot of stress. Does anyone have the physical syptoms of depressions and does taking SJW help with them too???
Posts: 0 | | Registered: Thu 9 Mar 2006 6:22 |
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| | "Re(1):long term depression" , Thu 9 Mar 06:43
Hiya,
I have had depression on and off now for about 11 years, I have tried alsorts of antidepressants and eventually got put on one of the old types which seemed to suit me. However after years of taking them I wanted to get off them and try something less addictive and less harmful to my body. I have been off them now for about 9 months and I'm feeling the effects really badly at the moment. I get such bad headaches through stress and I can't switch my brain off at night and endup having only a couple of hours sleep and then have to go to work the next day.
I like you have had numerous test and have just been yesterday for yet more blood tests, which I know will show up nothing but at the moment with this low feeling I will try anything. I started on sjw only a week ago so I can't comment yet on whether any of my symptoms have been eliviated. My head is pounding at the moment whilst I'm writing this and I have another 2 hours of work yet.
I hope you feel better soon, takecare pixy xx
Posts: 51 | | Registered: Fri 20 Jan 2006 5:45 |
| | | "Re(2):long term depression" , Thu 9 Mar 10:27
metalgirl and pixybell - hiya to you, too.
I've been working through my general blues (with episodes of depression) for over 20 years myself. I'm not sure whether I take a lot of stress, or whether I'm not very good at handling it. Because I go through cycles of functionality and semi-manic self-confidence, I enjoy taking on projects - then, as my mania cycles down to depression, I start to worry I can't handle all I've taken-on, and become stressed.
I waited to take anti-depressants for years because of different concerns, especially being "branded" by an insurance company as a Depressive. I also wasn't sure if they would be worth the side-effects. Once the meds kicked in - I wished I'd started them much earlier in my life. After suffereing through the self-imposed restrictions you put yourself through when depressed, it was a joy to finally enjoy life and want to participate fully!!
I was on prescription meds for several years, but had to stop when I switched jobs and ended my health insurance. I've been going the less-expensive, natural route of SJW for over 4 months now. I started doing that after being med-free for 3 years and finally coming to the conclusion that I couldn't get through this on sheer will-power.
Glad I found SJW because I can't afford much else!! Also - it works very well for me and I've responded quite well in the past 4 months.
Here's my point metalgirl - I recommend you at least try SJW.
BUT - I do NOT think that it will alleviate your physical symptoms. In fact, I think that during the initial aclimation period you, like many people, will experience the physical problems like nausea, aggitation, and vivid dreams (ie, unrestfull sleep). But hopefully the long-term therapeutic potentials of SJW will be worth the initial discomfort.
Here's what I've learned to do to combat the physical problems:
#1 easiest - herbal teas: ginseng, ginger, licorice, pepperment, etc.
#2 harder - less refined sugar, caffeine, and processed foods.
#3 hard (to find the time) - read personal development books
#4 hardest - EXERCISE!!!
I was lucky for a month back in December when my depression was at it lowest - I do seasonal work and my work load was low. I concentrated on daily yoga (aka - stretching). I did a regular practice of 1 hour a day. I also read regularly. Especially some zen stuff and cognitive therapy books.
It was incredible the peace-of-body and peace-of-mind I was able to cultivate during that time. Now I'm busy and stressed again and don't have time to dedicate to all of that. And I feel it in my body!! After almost 2 weeks of no yoga, I did another session of 1/2 hour and was amazed at the relaxation I felt through my neck and shoulders.
Also, look into a book called "Qi Gong for Beginners: Eight Easy Movements for Vibrant Health" by Stanley Wilson, is great! It has eight simple stretches (done standing, so even good in your cubicle/office when the mood strikes!) that I've come to believe really are the eight greatest stretches (in sequence) ever developed. Really!
Its hard to do - it takes time and you have to have the energy. But it really works!!! I think yoga will especially help with the aching muscles and racing heart. Once again - just simple stretches are better than nothing. Do whatever you can motivate/interest yourself into.
Also, try a 1/2 hour walk at lunch. The sun and movement are an amazing thing.
Good luck ladies!
Posts: 34 | | Registered: Wed 7 Dec 2005 20:28 |
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