depression - how do you cope ?

[videojetman]

not an easy one for me to deal with,
generally i can cope with whatever life throws at me,
but occassionally the dark cloud comes and plonks itself above me for various periods of time.
just lately i have been sinking deeper, and i know i need help.
but being a proud person i keep it bottled up.
i have a great wife and brill kids, a job, a house etc.
but sometimes my wife can not cope with my dark moods.
i've tried medication, just messes with my appetite, sleep, libido.

i know some other retrobike members suffer with this demon after reading other posts.

so how do you cope when it all gets a bit too much ?

please try to keep this positive, and not as an attack on other members, or self indulgent rant.
although humour is very welcome indeed.

and hopefully this will be of help to other members who suffer with chronic depression.

many thanks in advance. jeff.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Ride.

Preferably surrounded by nature.

It is not a cure all, but it works on quite a few different levels. At the very least it gives you an hour or two of respite which can help.

 

[dbmtb]

I used to be prone to getting myself into dark places....

Since I went self-employed I've not had the time! Not a solution for everyone but it's working for me... It also means you only have yourself to blame for a lot more things.

 

[widowmaker]

Please dont keep it bottled up, even if writing it down or typing how you feel. Also there are organisations that can help.

I dont get depressed as such but like lots of us get low, i also know people who are clinically suffering.

Music and exercise, talking to someone and get out of the house for a walk, ride run etc.

 

[jimo746]

if you're still feeling very low then perhaps you should go back to your doc, if the medication you tried didn't work for you then explain this and see if there are alternatives which might suit you better. The health service is there to help genuinely ill people, so if you need their help go and see them.
Sometimes talking or writing things down can help, it can often release some of the pressure, you might find that your missus doesn't "get" what the problem is but there's plenty of other folk to talk to, sometimes it's actually easier talking to a stranger as you don't feel like such a tit trying to explain things.
I can recommend exercise though, going for a walk, run, or bike, as your mind is concentrated on the activity and the views, and it can help produce feel-good chemicals that may help for a while.
You could look at alternative therapies, I don't believe half the shite that's talked about them but try a few and see if you get any positive results that benefit you.

 

[t-stoff]

I have managed my depressions with hobbies, small achievable daily goals, socialize with friends, music, and lots of biking : )
But if it doesn't work, you should get professional help before its too late..
all the best!

 

[dyna-ti]

You don't cope with it,it copes with you

 

[Chopper the ex Copper]

Tablets and counselling but keeping busy works best. Problem is, when the black dog comes to visit you don't feel at all like being busy.

 

[ancient biker]

Different things work for different people and i'd encourage you to get more exercise, try to get a handle on the type of thoughts you're having and how you can challenge them.

What sorted me was getting an understanding of how your mind works, learning techniques to relax (meditation was great), and being able to use some CBT techniques. And living in the moment also helped - trying not to worry about things that may or may not happen. I understand this can often seem impossible, so be patient and seek the support of others as help

I'll send you a couple of books as my good deed for the day if you fancy. Just PM me your address and i'll pop them in the post.

Kind regards

Darren

 

[drystonepaul]

CBT sessions have helped me alot.
Sleeping properly and having a routine also helps.

And riding.