i try to deal with my situation as best as i can,a lot of times i get so depressed i just want to cry, but i don't,usually dosen't happen until the weekend approaches.rather be doing anything other than sitting around the apartment,starting to get cold so definately will be real grounded soon.i try to even put my mind in different places but its still hard some of the thoughts i get are'nt all that good.never been a violent person, but did due the first tour of iraq so i've seen a lot

Try to keep moving. Make time every day to get out and take a walk (or a roll). If that means that you have to bundle up first, it's OK. Use long underwear, warm socks, scarves, mittens, hats, etc. My dog kept me moving last year when I was home on a LOA. Every day we went for walks, unless it was really raining. By scheduling the time to get out of the house on a daily basis and meeting my friends to exercise, I had a means of escape. A few times my migraines have gotten the best of me, and my girlfriend has taken my dog for me because I just couldn't make it. Even now that I am back to work we continue to walk early in the morning every day. Just by getting away from the bed or the sofa and getting OUTSIDE with some fresh air and exercise I feel much better than I would otherwise.

I wish you the best, don't ever give up trying to get better. XOXOX Sandy

I find talking to people helps a lot. I almost don't experience the pain as long as I'm talking. Unfortunately I hate phones and can't get out at night so I'm stuck except during the day.

It's very important to find things you can do and want to do. It can be very difficult when depression takes the wind out of your sails but there's always something even if it's just to soak your hand in warm water or read.

Depression is a constant struggle especially as we mourn the lives we lost. It's important though to keep struggling and hope for the best. Fight the symptoms by addressing them individually and fight the disease by learning your triggers. There's probably a way to turn this thing off and while you nor I might find it I'm sure we'd both like to be there when it is found.

I can't take any of the antidepressants because they cause gastrointestinal distress And most are ineffective) but I'm about ready to try cymbalta again. It caused the least trouble so when my guts get back to normal I'll have another go at it.

In some ways the depression is the worst part of this and you need to do anything you can to feel better.

Best wishes.

When I'm alone or in a comfortable position (in my favorite chair or laying down) visualization can help me escape the pain. My fantasy land has white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and yummy pink drinks ! Unfortunately, it's impossible to 'go' there when my kids are in my face aggravating me or fighting with each other.

Hi I used to have more of this. I am not violent but the pain and limits would get to me so much that mentally I had a hard time coping. I do feel meds for the mental side has helped keep me more calm and less anxious. I also know it is important to not let the feelings build up to where I explode so to speak. I agree about reaching out to others. If you want an email buddy I am here too. I try to do things to calm myself down. I have been doing biofeedback which has helped me learn to work with my body in that way. Deep breathing, relaxing ones muscles,guided imagery. Can you think of some hobbies that you could do inside especially when stuck in? As for crying it can be ok. I know it can feel weird but sometimes letting the emotions out can help you feel better in the long run. For me depression,anxiety etc are all going to be a part of my life but I'm trying to learn to manage it in the best way I can.
Bigsave you said you were in Iraq and just in general dealing with health conditions have you been to therapy? Another thought that has helped me is to write about how I feel. I used to keep a journal not sure why I stopped but it did help get the feelings out and also to make connections.

Sometimes, we've just got to get it out! I don't think it's all that healthy to keep it bottled up, although if other's are around, it certainly is more polite.
If nobody is around, you can go in a private room, and just scream.
Boxing is very good, I hear, but with TOS, it's not for me.
Walking, jogging, exercise is win/win.

I find, if I don't get it out, I can get a bit destructive, like, kick a box (kicking is fun, but with a soccor ball), then I find something besides trash was in the box... not good!

So my advice is to get it out, before it gets real angry, and it can be like a cancer to your body, and your relationships.

Be well All!

Pete

asb