The black mist is back

[Guest]

Many thanks for those of you who gave messages of support when I mentioned my depression last year.

 

Unfortunately, it is back again. I've tried to do the usual things, like sensible eating (and drinking) and getting plenty of exercise but it all seemed to kick off on Thursday. It didn't go away during the weekend but lightened somewhat. This morning, it came crashing down again.

 

Nothing has happened recently that would cause me to be any more/less depressed since earlier in the month.

[Doc]

I went through a bout of depression, well thats what the doctor called it, after I had my heart bypass.

 

It wasn't very nice and I felt sorry for my family afterwards.

 

It's tough Phil, and I hope you find a way out.

[Brantuk]

It's not like a broken leg in plaster that can be obviously seen - but it's still an illness - and it's hard for others to appreciate unless they've been there thenselves.

 

Just keep thinking of which shiny new piece of kit you're gonna buy next.

 

Hope you get well soon Phil.

[dawson]

An unpleasant but very common disease. Talking about it helps. Make sure your GP knows what is going on, as it may be time for drugs / or different drugs / or to see a "specialist".

I feel for you and hope you feel more with it very soon.

James

[stash]

Totally agree with everything James Dawson say's.

[Guest]

Thanks for your support, everyone.

 

My next new "shiny bit of kit" will be a T-adaptor, so that I can use accessories with my 'scopes and DSLR. Unfortunately, with my job situation uncertain, I can't afford to splash out on anything big.

[Perkil8r]

Nothing much I can add really. Chin up though eh, us nutters are always here to talk to

[dawson]

Phil, what sort of adaptors? What sort of dslr?

Jd

[Guest]

I have a Konica Minolta Dynax 5D that I bought 2nd hand from Fred Flintstone. I have a T-ring which lets me screw it onto the end of my ST80 and Skymax 127. The only reason I haven't used either much is the weather. The T-adaptor will let me use the camera with accessories like filters and Barlows, etc. What should be good is if I can use it with my Coronado PST.

[dawson]

Ah. If it had been a bog standard Canon EOS to T-thread I had a spare one and would have sent it. Maybe start a wanted thread, someone may have one lying around they would let you have for not a lot.

 

 

James

[Cazz]

Phil, I know exactly what you're saying and how you feel, it is indeed very misunderstood. I wish I had a magic suggestion for you, unfortunately I don't, but what I do know is that things do get better, just take it one day at a time. :-)

[Cazz]

For info and things -

https://friendsinneed.co.uk

http://blackdogtribe.com

[Guest devil74]

Hi Phil

My brother suffers with depression for years and he's not actually too bad now. Luckily we worked together and for years we spoke and spoke and spoke about the trigger/s, everything.

Through this constant talking and me being with him 10 hours per day I actually started to understand what triggered him, in his case confrontation. I have literally pulled him away in the middle of arguments and tried to make him see it for himself that this was the problem.

I know it helped him to always have me there to talk to so please don't bottle it up Phil, chat to people you trust and you will together get through these really hard times.

[Guest]

Ah. If it had been a bog standard Canon EOS to T-thread I had a spare one and would have sent it. Maybe start a wanted thread, someone may have one lying around they would let you have for not a lot.

 

 

James

Thanks, James. I have ordered one for £13.49 from Skys the Limit, so I'm sorry that this will almost certainly guarantee a cloudy weekend.

[Cazz]

Another site well worth looking at is -

https://www.moodscope.com

Edited February 4, 2014 by Cazz

[Guest fondofchips]

I've been there twice so I know how difficult it can be to shake it off.   It tends to hit you when you are least expecting it.

 

From another member of the mad bunch on here!

[Toymaster]

Phil,

 

I know exactly what it is like - had it on and off all my life and then ten years ago all became too much and I could not function as a corporate IT manager working long hours all over the place and after a disastrous holiday full of fallings out I decided I was not going into the office. Ended up seeing a great specialist funded by the company. (Lucky I guess)

What followed were therapy sessions and sensible drugs for the next 12 months or so. Never did get back to my job but I did do some work as an IT contractor for a small friendly company, working from home for a number of years, which helped my self confidence no end.

 

Still occasionally  on the tabs like now but at a much reduced dosage. I have anxiety and depression due to high levels of adrenalin and low levels of serotonin. Worse in the autumn and winter....

 

First step to recovery is to admit to the condition. (was not easy for me)

Then get help both professional and friends and family who will not tell you to pull yourself together, but give real support. My wife was brilliant once she realised I was being a Sh1t because of my condition. She spent time with the Psych as well so she could understand and help.

 

Keep talking to people. 

Seek Help.

Cut out caffeine and alcohol and take exercise.

Not easy but keep following your interests and doing little jobs.

Do relaxation exercises using a CD

Sleep is all important as that is the time when your brain attempts to sort itself out.

Crashing in your cave / bedroom for a couple of days was normal for me and did not unduly concern the Psych.

 

There is a book my guy gave me and a CD. "Feel the fear and do it anyway" (May or may not be applicable to you)

I had to go back into the office for a visit as one of my tasks - not easy but helped me.

 

I came out the other side and you will.....

 

I'm sure you have lots of people here ready to give support.

Do get good professional help and not just a GP who puts you on Meds.

 

If you want to talk just PM me.

 

Cheers

Ade

[stash]

In IT its common to have "burn out" unless you don't give a sh1t. When you are young its easier to cope but I have come across a lot of young IT guys who show all the signs - bad temper,mood swings etc etc. In other professions , like teaching, its the same but it can effect ANYONE.

 

Ade is spot on especially the "Do get good professional help and not just a GP who puts you on Meds." - sorry GP's are mostly General Pratt's and pill pushers.

 

There are people who care in this world about other people they just don't shout and brag.

 

Nice post Ade !

[Guest]

I've now gone from not being busy enough to too busy. I'm teaching a class online from 8AM to 4PM and of course "breaks" are used to sort out class issues. I don't do gym but I do walk a lot. I take meds for depression. It is possible to get help but, due to the limited resources of the No Hope Service you can only have limited sessions. Of course, you can pay for sessions but that's not an option for me (or indeed the majority of people these days).

 

I think I have a lot of underlying issues but also tend to react to negative events, such as not being able to walk or observe during bad weather. Maybe more details later but I'm on a short T break.

 

Thanks for your support.