Uncertain

[lady alexa]

Hi to all!

This is my first time here and I'm really hoping this will help me understand what I've been experiencing. Actually, I'm still not sure if I am depressed. I feel it. But I haven't been diagnosed. I'm still looking for a good doctor here in our country, but it is quite difficult.

I've only talked about this to one friend, an officemate. I felt that I really need to talk to someone. It's getting harder and harder to pretend everything is okay.

I hope you guys can help me understand...and cope.

But I'm not here just to get help. I would also like to be the one to provide help. If ever there's a chance I will do so.

Thanks...

[lizzie]

hello and welcome to DWD

[Emmie]

Hello and welcome, as you know your doctor is the best person to speak to in the first instance so keep plowing on until you find one. But we're all here as well, none of us are professionals but we've all got experience with depression in one way ro another so we'll help you as best we can. (Suzi usually puts that a lot better, but since she's not here atm!)

Just talking about it can make you feel a little better so feel free just just post and we'll be around to reply!

[lady alexa]

Hi Emmie. Thank you. Yes, I do hope I get a good doctor soon. As for now, can you suggest a way as to how I can cope with this so as not to affect work? My job is primarily about data analysis and there are a lot of days I'm having trouble concentrating... Any input will be highly appreciated. Thanks again.

[mummyhill]

Hi Lady Alexa

Welcome to DWD.

Coping strategies:

1) Eat healthy
2) Sleep
3) Regular exersice
4) Keep talking

Most important of all is keep talking. As Emmie said we are non of us experts but we all have our own experiences with depression which we will share with you to try and help.

[lady alexa]

Thanks! Actually, I have always wondered if I'm just feeling blue--for quite a while. But then, I started thinking of suicide and I know this is an entirely new thing. It's good to know there's a group like this. It is not really easy sharing this type of problem with family and friends.

[Emmie]

^ What MH said, try to get exercise, sleep as well as you can, eat healthily and, ah look, I'm just repeating what MH said!

I would add a routine as well, my friend recommended that to me when I was first ill and it really helped if I set out what I was going to do that day. At work take regular breaks away from your computer and try to get outside if you can.

Try asking your work mates who their doctor is and if they like them, that's how I found mine when I moved to a different bit of the country a friend recommended them.

Oh and try to relax each day for a bit, either have a bath or read a book, or just have a lie down and realx your muscles, try to clear your mind, or if like me that just doesn't work, try to focus on something unconnected to everything (I play TV prgrammes in my head!), and most of all, as MH said, keep talking!

[mummyhill]

I knew I had missed something well done that woman. Routine is great. I have panic attacks if my routine gets disturbed too much so it is good to try and break the routine ocassionally so that when life thows you a curve ball you don't end up a basket case like me:-)

[lady alexa]

Those are good suggestions. I'll keep those in mind. Thanks.

[mummyhill]

ooh hobbies are god too. I knit, crochet, make cards and stuff, Emmie weaves, mara spins, bunny is another card maker, it works as a good distraction and helps to quiet your mind when you thoughts are shouting at you but it is all in a whirl iyswim.

[Emmie]

No problems, just keep talking, that really is the best advice, and take it easy on yourself, it's tough at the beginnging but it does get easier!

Oh and Mh you're not a basket case!

[mummyhill]

Feel like it at the momment hunni. Am supprised I am managing to give fairly sound advice atm. But it is quite a good way of distracting myself.

[lady alexa]

hmm... i've just started climbing/hiking and this does help out. The exhaustion and physical struggle keeps my mind off depressing thoughts.

these are good ideas, guys. thank you.

[Emmie]

That sounds fab Alexa, the excerise and the fresh air will really help you :-)

[mummyhill]

climbing/hiking is great. You release endorphins when you exercise. These are your bodies natural anti depressants. However we cannot produce enough quickly enough to get us through the difficult times which is why GP's prescribe ssris (type of antidepressant which helps serotonin uptake) If you are not on the pill or any other medication you could ask your pharmasist or an alternative health practitioner about St Johns Wort

[lady alexa]

so that's why! :) That's good to know. There's another climb coming up in a couple of weeks. Can't wait...

For now it's just work, work, and work.

[MaraUT]

Welcome, lady alexa! I can't add to the great ideas already mentioned to help you keep going. Maybe get a little fresh air a few times a day. I don't work in data analysis, but my job is geek-heaven. I find I end up at the computer all day...and forcing myself to take a break to just walk around the block does help my head. Good luck getting into to see someone. It's important to take control of the situation as quickly as you can.

[mummyhill]

All work and no play is deffo not good for you.

[lady alexa]

Hi MaraUT. Thank you. Actually, your idea is great as well. I'll start trying it tomorrow. Truly hope it will work.

As for finding a doctor, one of my constraints is the cost. It is so expensive to visit a doctor. So now, I'm looking for someone competent yet affordable. (I really need luck on this).

I truly appreciate all the suggestions I'm getting. This is the first time I openly talked about this (except to one particular friend) and it is helping. I'm feeling it is possible to live with this.

[lady alexa]

I cling to work. Most of the time I tire myself out so by the time I go home, all I'll do is sleep. No time and no energy to think.

[MaraUT]

Sending positive thoughts about the cost! You're safe to talk about your feelings here when you feel comfortable about it. We've all either been in the same boat or care about someone who is.

You *can* live with it and be a productive, loving soul! Sometimes it takes a bit of work, but we *know* you can do it.

[suzi]

hi lady alexa,

welcome to DWD, the others seem to have said pretty much what i would have said..

where abouts are you?

[lady alexa]

hi suzi. i'm from the Philippines, specifically in Manila. at this very moment though, i'm still at work. i came in late today so I'm left with tons of work.

[mummyhill]

See suzi you taught us all well! Everything does not fall apart just cause you go teach littlies for the day.

[suzi]

Alexa, The best thing that you can do is to form a good support network around you - people who you can talk to and trust and who can help out when needed. Make sure that people know what is wrong..

If you can give us a list of symptoms then we may be able to help more.










MH - ok so are you saying im not needed any more? LOL

[mummyhill]

No never. We need you to tell us like it is and give us a kick up the backside every once in a while. DWD would never be the same if you left us!

[lady alexa]

Thanks again.

[suzi]

Alexa, you have nothing to feel uncomfortable about, we have all had our own experiences of depression.. there is no pressure to post anything, but sometimes (actually quite often) it helps to just get it all out of your head and put it down in black and white..

[lady alexa]

maybe after a while.. but now, I can't help but feel quite unsure about what I'm experiencing...

but sharing does help. for the short time I've been a member, you guys were able to help. i truly appreciate it. :)

[suzi]

you are more than welcome! have a read of some of the other threads and see if any of those can help....

[lady alexa]

again, my thanks, suzi. to you and everyone else.

and yes. will visit the other threads.

[katyjane]

I can only reiterate the advice already given the main thing is to talk talk talk talk - it may be hard in the first instance but it will get easier and help in the long run :)

[lostfriend]

hello and welcome all i can add is ask away?

[seaspirit]

Hello and welcome xxx