Bad episode of depression **SU Triggers**

[Suzi]

I'm glad you're heading back with reduced hours. That should help you to settle in better.
Venlafaxine has helped my husband massively, but it does have tiredness with it too.... So he had his switched to split dosages. 1x 2ce a day.

[Knowle]

Hi - thanks to both Paula and Suzi for your replies on Venlafaxine. For some reason my GP has specified me to take the 225mg as separate 150mg and 75mg XR but at the same time rather than just prescribing me 225mg.

Today has been up and down - not really achieved much but did go out for some exercise at least. At the moment I am finding tasks quite overwhelming. I have a stack of films I ordered in September but have not managed to watch any of them.

My main concern is the prospect of returning to work - I am signed off until 8th December but really do not know if I will be up to it even on a phased return. In September I made the mistake of rushing back too early and it really set me back but on the other hand I cannot wait until I get fully well so how do I make that judgement?

I am also really worried about seeing my colleagues when I go back - there is still a stigma about mental health and my colleagues will have been covering my work. We were short staffed to start with in the department.

[Suzi]

Are you sure they're meant to be taken together? I'd have thought that was a split dose or I can't see why you wouldn't just get the whole dose in one pill.... Could you call to check?

Well done for getting out for some exercise. That's a great positive. Why haven't you watched the films? What tasks are you finding tough?
Hunni, you have nothing to be embarrassed about and if you tell people you've been off with depression then you might make it easier for someone else to talk...

[Knowle]

Are you sure they're meant to be taken together? I'd have thought that was a split dose or I can't see why you wouldn't just get the whole dose in one pill.... Could you call to check?

Well done for getting out for some exercise. That's a great positive. Why haven't you watched the films? What tasks are you finding tough?
Hunni, you have nothing to be embarrassed about and if you tell people you've been off with depression then you might make it easier for someone else to talk...

Hi Suzi,

Thanks for your response - yes my GP was very specific to take them together. She is seeking advice from the Psychiatrist so said she wants flexibility. I have a prescription prepayment certificate so money wise it does not matter but I am going to ask her to change to single capsules when I speak to her on 7th December.

I just find the thought of sitting down watching a film quite overwhelming. I am finding even simple tasks overwhelming - reading a book, watching a show on Netflix, washing my clothes or cleaning.

I live at home with my Mum who is retired and think I would be in a real state if on my own.

[Knowle]

With regards to going back to work there is a stigma with depression and anxiety and my line manager has pretty much told me that my colleagues already know. The thought of going back in and talking openly about my mental health is more than I can bear.

[Mira]

Hey knowle. Its ok to feel overwhelmed by simple tasks. We all have that at times and its a good tell that we need to be extra kind to ourselfs. I live alone and on many days I dont do much. But on other days I do. And with tv and movies. I am fragile lately and things can trigger me so I only watch cartoons. Nothing else.

From the last few posts I can read that you have a good idea about the things you struggle with. But what are some things you can still do? Any hobbies? Things to pass the time?

And with regards to work. I believe that bottom line everybody wants you to feel good and be in a good place. And you can not change what other people think or say. If that was even remotely possible I would have nailed it by now ☺️.

The only thing we can truly do something about is ourselfs. And we have unlimited pottential. Yes you too! But no rush. One step at a time.

So what gets you in good spirit? Whats something you like?

[Mira]

Oh one thing I wanted to mention is that I work in a field where the men are "tough" and stern and all those things. And they have been so suportive. I never would have imagined it. But I get such lovely msgs from them every now and then. Maybe your co workers will surprise you too?

[Knowle]

Hey knowle. Its ok to feel overwhelmed by simple tasks. We all have that at times and its a good tell that we need to be extra kind to ourselfs. I live alone and on many days I dont do much. But on other days I do. And with tv and movies. I am fragile lately and things can trigger me so I only watch cartoons. Nothing else.

From the last few posts I can read that you have a good idea about the things you struggle with. But what are some things you can still do? Any hobbies? Things to pass the time?

And with regards to work. I believe that bottom line everybody wants you to feel good and be in a good place. And you can not change what other people think or say. If that was even remotely possible I would have nailed it by now ☺️.

The only thing we can truly do something about is ourselfs. And we have unlimited pottential. Yes you too! But no rush. One step at a time.

So what gets you in good spirit? Whats something you like?

Thanks Mira for your response - some of the things I like are not available due to Covid 19. My main passion is watching my local football team but I have not done this since March but at least I can still stream the games online. I also have some very good friends who I cannot socialise with due to Covid.

I do not think watching TV or films would trigger me at the moment but even picking up a book seems like a huge effort. I am spending most of my days in bed surfing the internet which does not do much for my mood.

You are right that I cannot change how my colleagues react to me - I am well liked at work and I hope it remains that way!

[Paula]

Of course it’ll remain that way- mental health, particularly men’s mental health, is being talked about more and more. And these are your colleagues and, I hope, friends. I am sure they will want to support and encourage you.

As for the venlafaxine, I take mine in150mg and 75mg at breakfast time, and 150mg at lunchtime.

[Suzi]

Absolutely it'll remain that way!
What about instead of watching a movie or reading a book you make it easier for yourself. What about an episode of a TV show or listening to a chapter on audible or similar?