Depression

One of our regular members messaged one of our mods asking if she could not mention the word depression in future posts. I am not going to name names but what I will say is, that this mod is very well qualified to deal and help people with depression.

Unfortunately it is because people are afraid to talk about it that people often suffer in silence. I know that there are a number of our members who have or have had depression and I feel that being able to talk about this with like minded people can really help.

There are many different reasons for depression, some that we face on here are:

Moving to the other side of the world

Family relationships

Health

Money problems

Work

Being somewhere you don't want to be

Loss of family/friends

I just want you all to know that you aren't alone, no one will judge you and we won't cover it up and pretend it doesn't exist.

Also please remember there are numerous help groups out there, here are some below. Please feel free to add to this list.

http://www.beyondblue.org.au

This one has a questionnaire which will help you know if what you are going through is depression

there is also an online course to help you manage your feelings.

http://mindspot.org.au

National

The Australia Counselling website provides an easy search tool to find counsellors and psychotherapists within Australia.

The Black Dog Institute has a list of support groups for depression and other mood disorders throughout Australia.

Growprovides peer support groups as well as courses, social activities etc for people with mental illnesses including depression. There are Grow groups throughout Australia & New Zealand.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has links to information on support for people with mental illnesses, their carers and families.

Health Direct Australia has links to information on support for people with mental illnesses, their carers and families.

Dads in Distress Support ServicesSupport groups for Dads throughout Australia. 1300 853437

Mens Shed A Place for Men to be Men, giving them somewhere to Talk and Learn. For Older Men it might be to learn how they fit into the Modern Man Mould, For Younger Men it might be to learn new skills. Online Version a joint venture between Beyond Blue and Australian Men's Shed Association.

NPS provides an extensive list of support groups and links for those living with Depression.

ACT

PANDSI (Post and Ante Natal Depression Support and Information inc.) PANDSI provides support, education and information for families in the Canberra/ACT region who are experiencing Antenatal Depression and/or Post Natal Depression.

SHOUT, Self Help Organisations United Together 02 6286 4475

NSW

CAN Mental Health provide local & national peer support services and recovery activities. 02 9114 8150 (Sydney callers) or 1300 135 846 (for Intra &Interstate callers).

Black Dog Institue provide a wide range of services for depression and other mood disorders in NSW.

Queensland

Self Help Queensland Inc.(07) 3852 5933

Mental Health Association of Queensland (MHAQ) run a number of support groups in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

South Australia

MIFSA – MIFSA runs a number of support groups in SA for people living with a mental illness and their carers.

Victoria

Collective of Self Help Groups (COSHG) , 03 9349 2301

ADAVIC (Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria) (03) 9853 8089

ARCvic (Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria) – provides support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders.

Outminds is a social group for people who identify as LGBTQI who are managing mental health.

Western Australia

Connect Groups is a fabulous place to start for anyone looking for a support group in WA! Connect Groups helps to support both groups and individuals and provides an online search facility to find support groups in your area within WA, as well as providing help to start a support group if there isn't one handy to you!

Thanks - good post.

A good friend of mine developed severe depression a few years back. He went from outwardly normal to being sectioned under the Mental Health Act in the space of around six months.

The main thing I learnt as a friend was not to judge, not to make light of it (the normal "snap out of it" type ideas people have) and to understand that this was a very serious illness, in the same way heart disease or diabetes is. It's never a case of people feeling sorry for themselves.

Some say it can be a response to an insane world. There are reasons this illness is said will be the debilitating cause to un wellness in the 21 century,Whatever it is certainly something not to be tackled alone.

Some good contacts listed above for those going trough hard times. Do use them.

Thanks - good post.

 

A good friend of mine developed severe depression a few years back. He went from outwardly normal to being sectioned under the Mental Health Act in the space of around six months.

 

The main thing I learnt as a friend was not to judge, not to make light of it (the normal "snap out of it" type ideas people have) and to understand that this was a very serious illness, in the same way heart disease or diabetes is. It's never a case of people feeling sorry for themselves.

Very much the case.

Australia also has an extremely high level of teenage depression - in fact I think the figures are something like 7% of 16-24 year-olds will experience depression - higher for girls. It's a very serious issue and definitely something that shouldn't carry such a stigma that people feel scared to mention it. This is a good site for teenage depression issues: http://www.headspace.org.au/what-works/research-information/depression and of course there is https://www.lifeline.org.au/

And don't forget Lifeline 131114, there for you on those bleak days.

Your GP should be your first port of call because there are things that can be done and pathways that can be taken before the cloud gets too bloody black.

https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome has been around a long time and is excellent

I like this post and I am very happy that this is being addressed.

I have suffered with depression for 10 years now, but the past year the good days are finally but slowly outweighing the bad.

Next Saturday my new hubby and I are doing a sponsored skydive to raise money and awareness for the mental health charity, Mind. It would be incredible if you could help sponsor us maybe...sorry if this is cheeky!!!

http://www.justgiving.com/buckosskydive

Thank you so much

I have worked in A&E assessing people at their worst with depression, and what I can say is that it happens to all sorts of people, the people who struggle the most are the ones who don't talk about it, the ones who are ashamed, the ones whose family criticise the term...

I have a feeling I may know who the mod is, and I believe I will have seen some of her posts in the past but what I can say is that knowing the role she plays when she points out that depression may be present then she is not saying it to be critical, some people are afraid to shout for help. The mod, purely pointing out that it could be a factor, as I have done myself on posts at times. We are here to support others, especially during this intense period and we should value all the support that is offered.

I struggle to talk to anyone face to face, that is my main problem. I put on a front for people for so long and then I'll have a breakdown because I've held on it. I have recently started writing and typing my words and feelings down and I started a blog that has helped a few friends of mine that I didn't even know suffered either. I need to get writing another to help me through and maybe see that light brighter at the end of this tunnel

I struggle to talk to anyone face to face, that is my main problem. I put on a front for people for so long and then I'll have a breakdown because I've held on it. I have recently started writing and typing my words and feelings down and I started a blog that has helped a few friends of mine that I didn't even know suffered either. I need to get writing another to help me through and maybe see that light brighter at the end of this tunnel

Hi tiffanysamantha85,

i am am guessing the 85 is your year of birth, same as mine?

I have also suffered with servere clinical depression since I was 21, the most unlikely person you would ever think suffer from it (like all of us)

unfortunately since having moved to Aus 2 months ago I have had a few bad episodes. I would really be interested in reading your blog? If maybe you could pm the address or link? I would greatly appreciate it.

Writing is an amazing way to get out your emotions, it was the only way I was able to communicate during my Dark spells where I actually became a mute, and completely forgot how to speak! Don't worry this is certainly not the case now, and I could go on and on forever........ there is always light at the end of the tunnel x

I've had my own 'ups and downs' over the last few years and decades, probably more with anxiety than depression, although they often affect people at the same time, and the same medication is often prescribed.

I've been taking 'Citalapram' for years, first prescribed in England by my GP there. I'm actually in the process of winding down taking Citalapram, and, after a day or two 'clean', starting another anti-depressant - 'Mirtazapine'.

If anybody has experience of stopping one medication, and then starting another I'd be interested in hearing their experiences. I'm looking at the two packets as I type and I had this odd feeling of 'guilt'. 'Why do I need to take this stuff?' But I don't experience any feelings of guilt because I take a statin!?

I don't know if anybody else has mentioned it, but if you get a referral from your GP, you can get ten appointments per year with a clinical psychologist, with contributions from Medicare, depending on the bill.

The one I see charges $125 and I get $80 back from Medicare. I've gone over my ten for the year as I had to pay the full amount for my last appointment.

I was just talking about feelings of guilt over my medication, and I guess I feel a little the same way about seeing a 'shrink.' You know, I walk in, looking furtively around me, which is both funny and sad, because, as others have said, we don't feel we are suffering a 'real' illness. Things are gradually changing though. I think I have improved over the years. One of my friends, who has known me for thirty years told me recently that he thinks I am not so 'scared' as I used to be.

One of the lovely ladies in a group I attend is the life and soul of the group- very vivacious, always really well dressed and laughing. She told me she suffers from severe depression and has done since she was a teenager. I was gob-smacked- just shows you should never, ever presume to 'know' someone by their outward appearance.

My doc told me that "Depression"is a word that covers many many different conditions. So that explains why people appear to be confident and got it together but they still have depression. I suffer with it and mine is nothing like going to bed and pulling up the blankets over my head. I retreat, am up for doing something, going somewhere and then I cancel at the last minute. Am in that cycle presently but put it down to Christmas, loss of my oh etc etc so many things. I recognise when I am falling off the tree and tell the doc and we up the pills for a while.

Hi Maryrose02,

i have been on and off citalapram for a few years now, I have never had any problems coming off them, I actually stopped them suddenly one day ( which is clearly not advisable, and I am not recommending it) but was fine, as I had other control measures in place, like my regular counselling, exercise, trying to socialise.

music really helped me in that particular time, one song that means so much to me, but now can't listen to as it reminds me of my dark spell, is Emelie Sande Wonder, I think it was on repeat for about a month.

every single persons depression is individual to the person, no two depressions are the same, but sometimes, hearing and trying other people's stories and pick me ups, can sometimes just be a little lift.

I have changed medications Maryrose and it really depends on us individuals. I never have a problem coming off any of them. However I have big problems getting on new ones so my doc starts me on a quarter for a week then a half and slowly increases the dose up. Works very well. Have not taken the tabs you mention but have tried a lot of them. I now take Zoloft as its the one that puts on the least amount of weight. My specialist says that they are in an arc you have the ones that cause a lot of weight gain, others in the middle moderate and those that do not cause as much weight gain.

I have taken Arapax which (paroxetine) and took it for a long while, stopped it no problems yet its the one that the UK BBC made a programme about a few years ago because of the side effects when people came off it. Goes to show that everyone is different that is why we need to find the right medication for us, not the medication that the doc thinks we should have.

So if meds do not suit and you get side effects change them as soon as possible.

I have worked in A&E assessing people at their worst with depression, and what I can say is that it happens to all sorts of people, the people who struggle the most are the ones who don't talk about it, the ones who are ashamed, the ones whose family criticise the term...

 

I have a feeling I may know who the mod is, and I believe I will have seen some of her posts in the past but what I can say is that knowing the role she plays when she points out that depression may be present then she is not saying it to be critical, some people are afraid to shout for help. The mod, purely pointing out that it could be a factor, as I have done myself on posts at times. We are here to support others, especially during this intense period and we should value all the support that is offered.

I think I know how you feel. I also have trouble talking to people - face to face or on the phone. There was also a time when I couldn't even express myself on message board like this. In fact it is so severe that I have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder co-morbid with atypical depression.

I hope you feel better soon.

Now really! Who else would this happen to but me? This was meant to be a reply to tiffanysamantha85.

If anybody has experience of stopping one medication, and then starting another I'd be interested in hearing their experiences. I'm looking at the two packets as I type and I had this odd feeling of 'guilt'. 'Why do I need to take this stuff?' But I don't experience any feelings of guilt because I take a statin!?

 

There is no need to feel any guilt at all. You are suffering an illness which is not at all your fault. Most of the ignorant types who would try to make you feel guilty about being depressed would probably be laying crumpled in a heap if they felt any of what your illness inflicts upon you.

I have been on many different anti-depressants since 1981. Some are easier to stop than others. Some have withdrawal effects and some must be stopped for at least 2 weeks before another medication can be started.

I have found that for me anti-depressants have a spectacular therapeutic effect that lasts for anything from 2 weeks to several months before it just stops working. Then my p-doc would generally change me to another one. It's often the case that you may need to try several different medications and even different combinations of medications before the correct one for you is found.

Although many of these medications have reputations for being difficult to stop I have never had much problem myself, but have read harrowing accounts of withdrawal symptoms others have suffered. So it varies for person to person.

It seems that my case is one of the rarer that are quite treatment resistant. I have been on MAOIs, Tricyclics and SSRIs. I have lost count of the number of different brands I have tried over the years.

MAOIs have been the most effective for me as they have tamped down my social phobia while also relieving my depression. But sadly, it's still not enough to be considered fully effective. I still feel depressed just not as depressed. And I still suffer from social phobia - in fact that is the main reason I am currently living in my car. I cannot compete effectively in the job market. At best the interviewer would think that I have no personality and at worst I would seem like a clueless dolt. But actually it's just that I am in a state of low terror during the interview.

I changed my mind about changing away from Citalapram, "The Devil I know", perhaps. I discussed it with my doctor. I'll see how things go.

Funny really. Tonight I went to meet someone New in Bondi, took public transport instead of driving partly because it is hassle parking in Bondi and partly because I wanted to have a drink. I travelled on crowded buses and trains, went in crowded clubs and restaurants, no anxiety or nerves, well not too much!

Travelling away from home for a holiday especially flying is something I still need to conquer.

If you saw me talking in the pub, you would think I am zero shy!

I have had high anxiety many times since the early 90s - here and there (usually in the uK winter) - and once or twice had pills prescribed, although i usually stopped after a few months. I think maybe i am making it sound less severe than it was. when i had the pills I think i really needed them! (I'd given up my career to retrain at Uni and had a 3rd kid on the way - it was hard)

I also have had CBT therapy and learned a few things that helped (reframing your ideas, jogging, distracting yourself with a single focus - basic relaxation/meditation, working, focusing on others)

I still feel like I am going a bit nuts sometimes (esp trying to organise a move to Aus), but i just tell myself that it will pass. I think in time you get to know yourself, and learn not to take your moods so seriously!

Everyone is different I think. No one is happy all the time. Take the rough with the smooth.

And don't forget Lifeline 131114, there for you on those bleak days.

I phoned them for depression once.

Reply was that ........"if I found Jesus and took him into my life"........ I would not be depressed.

WTF they are not allowed to do that.

Anyway I was so shocked by their response that it snapped me out of my depression.

I have had bouts of the Black Dog my entire life. Made worse in the past 15 years by a medical condition that is hard to cope with and wears me down (Crohn's). I have minimal support in Australia with this.

Personally I don't like taking medication drugs at all. I am very sensitive and suffer from side effects. Which then require yet more medication to correct.

Last year I saw a herbalist and she put me on a mixture of Rhodiola and Schisandra, and they changed my life.........I was literally happy 24/7 with no side effects. In fact, I was so happy all the time, I had to cut back on the dosage!! :smile:

I phoned them for depression once.

 

Reply was that ........"if I found Jesus and took him into my life"........ I would not be depressed.

 

WTF they are not allowed to do that.

 

Anyway I was so shocked by their response that it snapped me out of my depression.

 

I have had bouts of the Black Dog my entire life. Made worse in the past 15 years by a medical condition that is hard to cope with and wears me down (Crohn's). I have minimal support in Australia with this.

 

Personally I don't like taking medication drugs at all. I am very sensitive and suffer from side effects. Which then require yet more medication to correct.

 

Last year I saw a herbalist and she put me on a mixture of Rhodiola and Schisandra, and they changed my life.........I was literally happy 24/7 with no side effects. In fact, I was so happy all the time, I had to cut back on the dosage!! :smile:

Blimey, that is absolutely NOT Lifeline protocol and you could most certainly have complained about it but, hey, I'm glad it got you back on an even keel even if it was totally against the rules. Whatever gets you through the black times I guess!

Hi Maryrose02,

 

i have been on and off citalapram for a few years now, I have never had any problems coming off them, I actually stopped them suddenly one day ( which is clearly not advisable, and I am not recommending it) but was fine, as I had other control measures in place, like my regular counselling, exercise, trying to socialise.

music really helped me in that particular time, one song that means so much to me, but now can't listen to as it reminds me of my dark spell, is Emelie Sande Wonder, I think it was on repeat for about a month.

 

every single persons depression is individual to the person, no two depressions are the same, but sometimes, hearing and trying other people's stories and pick me ups, can sometimes just be a little lift.

Next time (which won't be a very LONG time) I see my GP, I might ask him again about how long I need to take Citalapram for? It was a doctor in the UK who prescribed them first, and different GPs I've seen in Sydney have concurred in that diagnosis. (I don't 'surgery-hop' bu the way. Each time I've changed suburbs, I've changed GP's. It was one in Balmain who first referred me to a psychologist. I asked him to refer me I should say.) In a way, I can answer my own question about 'how long to continue taking the Citalapram, or at least predict the GP's response, because I continue to be 'anxious', mostly about my health. I notice every little 'sign' (of change) in my body. Without being too 'frank', the major disadvantage of Citalapram is that it has destroyed my libido!

I don't usually suffer from depression as such, though I have done at times. This year, two changes I made was going away on a holiday, and signing up for the Open University, the latter having filled a huge gap in my time. I've just done the last of the three quizzes, each worth 10 percent of my total mark, and I have the final assignment worth 30 percent due at the end of the week. And I've already enrolled for my next unit - -'Creative and Professional Writing' taught this time via Griffith University.

Actually, both my GP and my psychologist agree that I am better than I was. I have an appointment with my psychologist in a couple of months, and he did not think I really need to see him. I can sort of sense it myself, when it's time to 'let go' because I no longer look forward to my appointments with him.

One of the lovely ladies in a group I attend is the life and soul of the group- very vivacious, always really well dressed and laughing. She told me she suffers from severe depression and has done since she was a teenager. I was gob-smacked- just shows you should never, ever presume to 'know' someone by their outward appearance.

I guess we all tend to associate 'depression' with 'negative' words, and when we are feeling 'down', we feel like we are surrounded by happy, successful, people?

I have changed medications Maryrose and it really depends on us individuals. I never have a problem coming off any of them. However I have big problems getting on new ones so my doc starts me on a quarter for a week then a half and slowly increases the dose up. Works very well. Have not taken the tabs you mention but have tried a lot of them. I now take Zoloft as its the one that puts on the least amount of weight. My specialist says that they are in an arc you have the ones that cause a lot of weight gain, others in the middle moderate and those that do not cause as much weight gain.

 

I have taken Arapax which (paroxetine) and took it for a long while, stopped it no problems yet its the one that the UK BBC made a programme about a few years ago because of the side effects when people came off it. Goes to show that everyone is different that is why we need to find the right medication for us, not the medication that the doc thinks we should have.

 

So if meds do not suit and you get side effects change them as soon as possible.

I took Paroxetine in the UK for a couple of years. I did not have any problems when I was taking it, but when I came off it, I think I had to do it by switching to a liquid form, and reducing it gradually be an 'ml?' a day.

I have discussed with my GP, switching to another anti-depressant and he prescribed 'Avanza' / Mirtazapine, but I've never taken it. I've thought about it, went back to see him and asked if I could stay with 'the Devil I know', which he agreed with. I think I may have been sleeping poorly at that time, and as you take Avanza in the evening, it helps rather than hinders sleep?

Actually, I can think of a good reason to start taking it, which was partly the reason I did not want to start it. You can't drink in the evenings! To be fair, I was also scared about side effects of stopping one, and starting another.

Next time (which won't be a very LONG time) I see my GP, I might ask him again about how long I need to take Citalapram for? It was a doctor in the UK who prescribed them first, and different GPs I've seen in Sydney have concurred in that diagnosis. (I don't 'surgery-hop' bu the way. Each time I've changed suburbs, I've changed GP's. It was one in Balmain who first referred me to a psychologist. I asked him to refer me I should say.) In a way, I can answer my own question about 'how long to continue taking the Citalapram, or at least predict the GP's response, because I continue to be 'anxious', mostly about my health. I notice every little 'sign' (of change) in my body. Without being too 'frank', the major disadvantage of Citalapram is that it has destroyed my libido!

 

I don't usually suffer from depression as such, though I have done at times. This year, two changes I made was going away on a holiday, and signing up for the Open University, the latter having filled a huge gap in my time. I've just done the last of the three quizzes, each worth 10 percent of my total mark, and I have the final assignment worth 30 percent due at the end of the week. And I've already enrolled for my next unit - -'Creative and Professional Writing' taught this time via Griffith University.

 

Actually, both my GP and my psychologist agree that I am better than I was. I have an appointment with my psychologist in a couple of months, and he did not think I really need to see him. I can sort of sense it myself, when it's time to 'let go' because I no longer look forward to my appointments with him.

I have noticed a major change in your posts since you started this Degree. In general more positive and less tetchy so sense it is doing you a lot of good. Hope you don't mind that very general observation.