Depression and Anxiety

AS someone who has suffered with depression for many years, I can say that, for me, it is the small things closer to home that push me over the brink. Never World affairs.

Quite .

Yes, I think I agree with pompa and grannylyn, but the constant background of bad news via the internet doesn't help.

I'm afraid I have had to stop reading the news in any sort of detail. I skim through most of the bad stuff because I just can't cope with anymore. So much has gone on in my life over the last few years, and I've sort of switched off!

I find the news hard to watch and to hear as do we all.

But clinical depression is not about feeling sad; it is about being ill with all the body systems slowed down. I am therefore nor sure that it is induced by sad information, although that cannot help.

I've been depressed twice. Both reactive. i think I'm getting it again. you know that feeling of detachment and apathy that washes over you now and again. I'm hoping because it's nearly Spring it will go. Fingers crossed

I am sorry to hear that morethan2 - I find that going out for a walk helps to kick that feeling when it starts to come on. It sounds trite I know, but it works for me - enough to start me in the right direction when things are not good. I do hope that the feeling will lift for you. It is a trial I know. I am sending you lots of good wishes.

I am feeling very depressed at the moment and like others can't watch the news or
read the papers. Terrible as it sounds I just think "so what" or " well I can't help" and I hate myself for it because I know it is so wrong.
My eyes are troubling me,,I am dealing with either severe arthritis or sciatica and my H is getting worse at rrememberingy anything that happened 5 minutes ago and making sense of the world. Yes I am feeling sorry for myself I admit it.
Detachment and apathy sum it up perfectly morethan2

You posted while I was typing LuckygirlI am not even able to go out for a walk I am in such pain.

You have good reason to feel sorry for yourself annsixty - I know what a challenge your life is.

It is not wrong to recognise that there are many global wrongs about which we can do nothing - we can feel sad about what is happening, at the same time as knowing we are helpless. Sometimes we have to concentrate on what is in front of us, and let the rest wash by - it is about survival. Feeling bad about this does not add to the sum of human happiness. It is not apathy - it is being human and realistic.

Everything feels much worse when you are in pain - I hope that you can get some proper pain relief. Are you getting some proper support to help you with the care of your husband?

I have just read on Google news about the 2year old twin boys, born by IVF who have drowned in a large fish tank. How can I ever be so selfish as to say I am depressed?
I feel ashamed I must count my MANY blessings.

Depression is not a choice, and you have no reason to be ashamed. When you are depressed it does not help to compare your lot with others. Take care of yourself - you are important too.

This awful tragedy happened just a few miles away from me, annsixty. It's impossible to imagine what the little boys' parents are going through.
When a piece of news like this appears, we identity with it quickly - more so than an air accident or a natural disaster where many lose their lives. Dunblane's anniversary has stirred up such sadness for everyone this weekend, too.
I don't think I have depression as such, but I do dwell on things and that can make me anxious.
annsixty, I hope things improve a bit for you and that your pain can be managed. It's not been easy for you.

I know comparing ourselves to others in a far far worse position makes guilt and that's the one of worse things about depression and it stops us seeking treatment. It's shitty awful isn't it.

A little (((hug))) annsixty

Your right Luckygirl and with the change in weather I'm hoping to stop it getting a hold

Mine is clinical depression. It is not sad things that trigger it, rather things that are out of my control, and usually things that others would not understand or consider important.

We've have mental illness in our family. One family member has been treated for acute anxiety. Treatment was with medication and CBT and it was a long process. The illness was undoubtedly triggered following events reported in the news concerning child abductions and child abuse.

So sorry for you all with depression. I am depressed and that is different. My situation could change and I would be better. Those of you with depression can be affected at anytime.
I think that is why people who do not understand think you should "pull yourselves together" and "snap out of it". They do not know there is a difference.

My sympathy and good wishes to all who are experiencing this debilitating and often misunderstood condition.

I am also concerned at the number of young adults with mental health issues. I was sure all my older GC were coping until it became clear that this wasn't the case.

pollyparrot, I think it affects people too.
Personally I use the off switch when it all gets too much. I think we cannot help others as much when we are struggling ourselves, so we have to take care to help ourselves in order that we can help others.

Is it any wonder depressions on the increase,could it possibly have anything to do with the way people live today,flitting from one partner to another,families that are not really related(his kids from a previous relationship,her kids from a previous relationship) all put together and expected to get on,as I've said,anything goes today,there's bound to be problems,it's only the tip of the iceberg.

Pollyparrot. In light of your comments, perhaps world events do affect me, if they trigger something in me that is personal.

I'm just coming out of a black phase (which is why I have been quiet for a few months). Winter is always a bad time, not because of SAD but more a lack of activity as there is little to do in the garden etc.

I steer clear of TV programs that I know would play on my mind, especially violence, cruelty etc. Much prefer happy things, Mrs Brown is top of my feel good list.

Sorry to hear you have had a bad patch pompa - I know how the sheer lack of control is so debilitating - the sinking black cloud descends and it seems to have a mind of its own. I always say that it feels as though some vital life force has suddenly been switched off; some necessary hormone, chemical or whatever has stopped functioning. I have had a bad few days, but know that this has been triggered by stress about other health issues.

Incidentally you might be interested in the idea of post surgical depression, which I have been researching, as mine came from nowhere after my hip op. I know that you had a plummet after your knee op.