[Koala77]

Sorry I haven't been around The Stumble Inn this week except for the occassional lurk or two, but I've had heaps on my mind that I need to deal with.

I posted in the Depression Forum about all the stuff that's been happening with me, then in the Medication Forum because my GP wanted to start me on an antidepressant.

Sortened version is that my dear darling sister has finally worn me down, and I've been a tad depressed. With the information that I received here and from friends, and from my own research, I've decided that I'm not as depressed as my doctor thinks I am. I've decided not to take the anti-depressant medications because I believe I can fight this!

I have my DH who is so very supportive, and I have my friends on NT. I do not need pills that have side effects that appear to be worse than my own symptoms.

I will get over this! I have you all to support me.....I will survive!

[tovaxin_lab_rat]

Anne

You are a strong person and yes, you have lots of support here. I am glad that you have a supportive DH to help you through this . Remember ---

[BaxterTheBunny]

Anne,

So sorry you're dealing w/ something else. I know you need a break So glad you have the support of your DH. And all of us are only a mouse click away

Prayers for you

[SandyC]

Hugs Anne and happy to see your post. Take the time you need and know we are here for you always.

[CayoKay]

recently, I experienced a short bout of severe depression.

and I was shocked to realize I was having some ideation, and thinking about death.

I recognized it, as I went through this after my mom, best friend, and lover all died, and I sunk into a deep black pit for several years, back a decade ago.

this time, instead of wallowing in my pain (over my brother's recent death, and my sister's betrayal, and my economic fears), and allowing this to affect my relationships, and holing up in a hermit-huddle to wait it out, or getting on an antidepressant, I decided to be proactive.

I made it a point to keep busy, focus only on the GOOD in my life, and the great friends I have, and listen to the birds chirping, watch beautiful sunsets, and watch only happy movies and read positive books, and do gentle exercises, play old favorite CDs, and (especially) make SURE to take extra-good CARE of myself.

like, doing facials, mud packs, and (even if I have to FORCE myself) making the bed every morning, washing up, brushing my teeth, flossing, you know, all the little routines that get SIDELINED during depression?

hang in there Anne, and we'll beat this together, with our inner strength, grace, determination, and positive focusing.



sometimes ADs are necessary, but it's better for our bodies and minds to at least TRY to fight this off naturally, and without side-effect-causing meds, which can sometimes make things worse. I prefer to think of it like strengthening our natural MENTAL 'immune system' rather than overly-relying on outside assistance (to continue the analogy, taking ADs would be like mental antibiotics... I suppose)

anyway, here's some more hugs, and glad you're my friend, Anne !!

[sugarboo]

Things happen Anne...and its completely normal to 'feel' things when they unfold before us. This certainly is not chronic depression...its normal human emotion. I believe we have these reactions to help us deal with what is, so we can morn for a time....let it pass....and move on.

Sometimes even family has to be put aside for awhile. Been there. After 5 years I'm slowly allowing my Brother back into my life and his crazy wife. But I still have a wall up for self-preservation. Surround yourself with good things and put away what hurts. You can't control others...just yourself and your own surroundings. Take heart that you are not alone and this shall pass.

You are a wonderful person. Never forget.
Best
J

[SallyC]

Anne, Here are a couple of warm
Puppies for you.


Love, Sally

[Kitty]

Anne, you know we will all be here for you. If you need to take some time for yourself it's totally understandable. I hope you can work through this without the AD. Just remember that it's there in case you need it and there's no shame in taking it. BTW, I take Zoloft with absolutely no side effects.

We love you!!

[SandyC]

Hey Anne, Kelly is right, I take Zanax as needed. It took me years to open up about that. I am always in control and one day I realized I needed some help. Menopause and stress didn't mix well. There is no shame and I hope you can do it without the meds. But if you find you may have to take one, your not alone.

[NurseNancy]

i'm glad you have your dh to help you thru this.
i found journaling and some therapy to be very helpful.

wishing for you the strength to some out of this on the bright side.