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annamey

POSTED: Tue, 10/13/2009 - 5:59pm

Coping with mental illness

As someone who has had life-long issues with mild depression and moderate anxiety (mainly managed through lifestyle), I am going through a particularly rough patch right now, sort of a reaction to some of the difficulties my family has dealt with this past summer. I was wondering, does anyone else have similar problems, and, if so, what coping strategies do you use?

annamey

POSTED: Thu, 02/24/2011 - 3:40pm "aha" moments I had a bit of an "aha!" moment the other night. I was with DD at her air cadet night, there for a parent meeting. We finished earlier, and I saw that a friend's daughter was back after having been hospitalized for bi-polar disorder. She was starting to feel a little overwhelmed, and I was able to use my experience with my issues to help her realize all the victories that she had already achieved in the course of the evening. It made me realize anew just how many small victories there are in a day.

annamey

POSTED: Sun, 03/20/2011 - 11:45pm More "aha" thinking As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety on and off for several decades, I have always thought that the reason it has been so difficult to move through and beyond was that I just wasn't working hard enough at it. Yesterday, I was watching a program on PBS about adult Attention Deficit Disorder, more because it was narrated by one of my favorite actors than for any desire for the information, and I found myself repeatedly thinking "They could be talking about me!" So, on Monday, I will be calling my GP to set an appointment to discuss whether I might be ADD.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Sun, 01/09/2011 - 12:43pm INSIGHT As I have mentioned in other threads,I suffer from SAD(Seasonal Affective Disorder)This year with Vit D,a happy Light and an anti-depressant,I am feeling quite well.The best in many years,in fact.There are a couple of areas where I am struggling...food and sleep.And it hit me,in an "ah ha!" moment that these areas are impacted by SAD.I have gained weight and sleep is somewhat disrupted.Now I understand it better and feel like I am in charge again.So what am I to do?Refocus on being "French",move more,drink more water and consider Melatonin for sleep.I will never diet again.And that creepy idea was annoying me lately.Now that I see the issue more clearly I can deal with this in a healthier way.Thanks for listening.OXO Jean

Celtic Owl

POSTED: Wed, 01/26/2011 - 12:15pm hibernation Good morning sisters, I seem to have lost my last posting, but the gist of it was, empathy for this condition, which hits so many of us from mild (myself) to debilitating (other family members). May I offer one of my little "cures"? I find going to the local museum so helpful. The Light and Air revive me, I even bring a sketchpad and pencil so I can just sit in the light as I absorb both the artists' light expressions and the natural atmosphere. The RISD college museum offers free Saturdays for the community, so I'm hopeful that others follow this lead. Also I think a little hibernation is a good thing. I recharge my batteries, sit and listen to my dreams and thoughts, and do a fair amount of cozy knitting. Sometimes I just need that nap, too! And believe me, I can appreciate the work you have put into healing and dealing with your severity, anti-depressants are a godsend to the suffering. I have heard of unusual dreaming with melatonin, if that occurs.

Ava

POSTED: Sun, 01/09/2011 - 4:38pm Jean, I suffered with this for years too - until the last time we moved home (to where we are now.) I've always had a love of older property and bought Victorian houses and cottages which in hindsight, were all rather dark and induced the SAD in me. Georgian and modern homes with large expanses of light flooding in make such a difference! Here we have the sun almost all day and the reflection from the marina outside lights up the place even more. The French doors and large windows help too. In my last house, I would literally hibernate in the winter. I'd go to work in the dark, come home in the dark and not venture out after hours! I hope you've found a long term way to help you with this. It's hard for people who do not get affected by it to understand why we behave the way we do (or rather, I did.) Sending you lots of light and love!

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 12:56am Ava We are certainly not alone.What you have experienced shows the importance of light.I am happy you found a solution.I tend to withdraw too,as well as being irritable(I can't stand myself)But this year is truly a revelation,that this is real,and can and must be treated by whatever means suits us.I have stopped wearing sunglasses on bright days,in an effort to absorb as much Vit D as possible.As they are one of my favourite fashion accessories,it is a bit of a change.But all to the good.I purchased Melatonin today and will see if it helps.Then I can settle the food issue when I am better rested.There is tweaking and adjusting to do.Yet that is fine because it means progress.Take care,my dear and I am sending light and love back to you.OXO

Ava

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 6:10am Dear Jean, I really hope the steps you are taking to combat this work out for you. It is a horrible disorder. I always felt lethargic and even if I was invited to a party - it was a struggle to go (mostly, I'd make an excuse not to go.) I really did go into hibernation. I hated getting up and going out and I hated being cold (still do) - doesn't help that I have Raynaud's (always get dead toes!) I've been known to wear my coat and gloves in the office, whilst others are sweltering and have the aircon on! I hate aircon unless I'm in a VERY hot country...it just makes me cold, but not comfortably so, as it's supposed to! Thank goodness we have decent heating in this apartment... Feel brighter soon :-)

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 12:12pm Dear Ava So far so good with the treatment plan.It has been developed over time,trial and error.My GP was the one who made the diagnosis,a few years back and things have improved a lot. Being warm and comfortable makes a major difference in my mood,as well.Being cold feels like a punishment,does it not?AC is not a favourite of mine either.But here in the summer this place beomes a sauna(faces due east)and I must have AC or croak.Having Raynaud's is an added misery.What do you do to help with that? Do you take VitD?I think it is such a gift for anyone who struggles with the dark.You sound like you have coquered most of the SAD but VitD will help sustain you. Be well and take care.OXO Jean

Ava

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 1:36pm Hi Jean, VitD sounds like a saviour. I used to take supplements but now I do feel I've combated the worst of it. I know moving house was extreme but it wasn't until I did, that I realised just how much a lack of light can affect us. Sometimes, when the days are very short and it's grey and raining outside, I get a tinge of SAD, but it can quickly be remedied by drawing curtains and switching on lights. Luckily, most of the time, the light floods in. As for Raynauds, it really is a case of keeping toasty or else! It runs in the family, and I think over the years, we've just all become used to it. This is why I love warm countries - my bones really do lose that chill! Not wishing to speed our lives forward - but here's hoping that the days grow long quickly, and the cold; dark rainy, snowy days stay away!

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 2:20pm Hi It does sound like you have a handle on the situation.The idOXOea that the days are growing steadily longer is part of the recovery plan as well.In fact I love the Winter Solstice and celebrate it.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 2:21pm Yikes The oxo is in the middle of idea.

Ava

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 1:36pm Hi Jean, VitD sounds like a saviour. I used to take supplements but now I do feel I've combated the worst of it. I know moving house was extreme but it wasn't until I did, that I realised just how much a lack of light can affect us. Sometimes, when the days are very short and it's grey and raining outside, I get a tinge of SAD, but it can quickly be remedied by drawing curtains and switching on lights. Luckily, most of the time, the light floods in. As for Raynauds, it really is a case of keeping toasty or else! It runs in the family, and I think over the years, we've just all become used to it. This is why I love warm countries - my bones really do lose that chill! Not wishing to speed our lives forward - but here's hoping that the days grow long quickly, and the cold; dark rainy, snowy days stay away!

snorklee

POSTED: Sun, 01/09/2011 - 1:17pm SAD sister in Buffalo Hi Jean, your post is just what I needed this morning. I am laying in bed, feeling depressed, fat, lifeless and unmotivated. You are right! Symptoms of SAD. I struggle with that too. Especially this winter. We have had very few sunny days, just mainly long stretches of snowy, gray skies. I haven't tried anything to combat SAD. Does vitamin D and a "happy" (love that) light make a difference? My son received a happy light from his girlfriend for Christmas, but it arrived with a broken bulb, and we've all been too lethargic to go the mall and buy a bulb. (That is truly SAD at work). You've brightened my day, winter sister. Knowing others struggle with the same things makes it a little less overwhelming and lonely. I vow to crawl out of bed today and at least go buy a replacement bulb for the light. Take care, Deb

snorklee

POSTED: Sun, 01/09/2011 - 1:22pm Forgot to add... I'm glad that you have found ways to combat SAD. It is disabling at best, and it takes courage to gather the energy to even fight against it. Even in the throes of winter, you are like sunshine, my friend. Warm, nurturing, illuminating.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Sun, 01/09/2011 - 2:02pm Dear SAD sister and friend Thanks for the kind,supportve sentiment.I appreciate your kindness. Yes Vit D and the light help tremendously.At least it does for me.Have you had a Vit D level done?Yours may be low.My son's is and he is on mega doses of Vit D.I gave him a light for Xmas,too.The whole family cheered.LOL.You may want to consider an anti-depressant,after trying the other two options.I do all three and what a difference.I no longer feel like crying,screaming and ripping people's heads off(no kidding).Right now I am taking 2000iu of Vit.D.Costco brand is great and a decent price.So please do take care of yourself.It is an insidious form of depression;sneaks up on you and come Jan....misery.My GP told me and he is correct that April is one of the hardest months for SAD,as one is out of gas from battling it all winter.That is if it is untreated.So go for it...one foot in front of the other,all the lights on,blinds and curtains open,a 10 minute "Sunshine "walk each day if the weather is not too brutal.Even on cloudy days,natural light helps a lot.I find candles in the evening a comfort too.Keep in touch and tell me how you are doing.Do take care,you are worth it!!OXO

snorklee

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 11:19am Vitamin :D I tried 1000 IU of D3 this morning with breakfast, and I can feel the difference. I've been lifted out of my funk and I had enough energy to do yoga this morning and also to accomplish a bunch of things on my to-do list. Hooray! Thank you, Jean!

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 12:17pm Hooray!!! I am thrilled for you.Well done.Take it up to 2000 iu and you will feel even better.Amazing what one Vit can do.Did you get the bulb for the happy light?I eat my lunch or read in front of it for 15-20 mins. and it is totally wonderful how I feel.Love and light to you,dear Deb.OXO

snorklee

POSTED: Mon, 01/10/2011 - 11:59pm Happy Light on order... Hi jean, I ordered the happy light yesterday. It should be here in a few days. In the meantime, I'm excited to wake up tomorrow so I can take another vitamin D. lol. It is quite amazing how it shifted my mood. My pysche is positively tropical! Thank you so much for posting about it. I feel like I'll make it until spring.

lissak

POSTED: Wed, 01/26/2011 - 9:48am SAD Have you guys added extra citrus too? I was reading that the color of the fruits and the extra C helps mood lifting. I read about the lights, and vitamin D, which you girls have covered. A walk outside DEFINATELY helps too.

annamey

POSTED: Wed, 01/26/2011 - 1:05pm Citrus I have, just in the past month. I have found that I have developed a taste for red grapefruit, and a half with breakfast, along with fish liver oil capsules, has done wonders for my mood. I'm still not all the way to normal (although I have always thought that "normal" was highly overrated), but I have been feeling more upbeat and a lot less lethargic. I now hibernate more like a squirrel, and less like a bear. Anna

Vintage1944

POSTED: Wed, 01/26/2011 - 7:57pm This is great news that you are feeling better.Remember the song that had the line"the trouble with normal..it only gets worse"Was that Neil Young?I crave citrus in the winter,which as I stop to think about it,makes me feel better.I also crave carbs.which(DUH and a big light bulb going on)make me feel worse,sluggish and bloated.It truly is all about balance.OXO Jean

Charlotte

POSTED: Thu, 08/12/2010 - 10:53am Echoing Jean: keep talking To echo Jean's comment, she is absolutely right, please keep talking. It doesn't matter whether it's to us here in the forums, your family, friends, your counsellor, etc- just keep talking and reaching out.

Charlotte

POSTED: Thu, 08/12/2010 - 9:57am You are not alone Anna, I- and many others- have been where you have been. Or still are. I don't pretend to have all the "answers"- whatever that means anyway- but I can empathise and appreciate how difficult it has been (and probably still is) for you. I'm very glad to hear that you're getting professional help, and very proud too, because I know how hard it is to take that step. There are some strategies that I have used, which I hope, might help you too. I find that setting boundaries is extremely important, and I'm still learning how to "master" this skill. Boundaries are different and unique to each person. For example, for me, it means not taking more than I can handle at any given point in time. It means that I can't make it to every gathering with my friends. It means that phone conversations can't be more than an hour long, because after the one hour mark, I start feeling drained. For me, it also means minimising contact with people who trigger a depressive episode. I hope this gives you some ideas.

annamey

POSTED: Tue, 10/13/2009 - 10:23pm Thank you Jean I am currently in a weekly therapy group, as well as seeing a counsellor for some one-on-one care as well as some family counselling. My family physician has also referred me to a program that provides literature for self-help. Otherwise, I am trying to get through one day at a time. Things are a little interesting at home, too, because DH has applied for a promotion. If he gets it, we will have to move from the greater Vancouver area to the Okanagan. While I would love to live in a smaller city with a better climate, and where I would have a better chance of finding employment in my field, my primary misgiving revolves around the whole process of moving. I am trying to focus on the potential clean start for all of us, though, and the possibility of finding myself again without the weight of family expectations.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Wed, 10/14/2009 - 5:46pm Hi I am delighted to know you are getting help.It does look like you have the bases covered. Change,even positive change,is stressful.Sometimes a geographical change can help.Wherever you plan to move scope out the community resources.If it is Kelowna,I have some connections there and may be able to help.It would be a relief for you to shed the load of family expectations.Are they at all supportive? As long as you care for yourself,you will cope.Keep talking.You have,in fact,helped me reexamine some concerns I have,by being open.many thanks.Jean

annamey

POSTED: Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:54am Fingers crossed ... Just a brief response for now -- DH leaves for an interview in Kelowna Thursday morning, so I need to get some sleep so I can take him to the airport early enough for a 0900 flight. That entails loading the youngest three kids in the van between 0630 and 0700, ensuring that I have muffins, juice, and cheese ready to go for breakfast on the road (not particularly French, perhaps, but better than an Egg McMuffin or a Timmy's breakfast sandwich, n'est-ce pas?), and getting my just-turned-four year-old daughter to stay in bed long enough to go to sleep. Thanks for listening. Anna

Vintage1944

POSTED: Thu, 10/15/2009 - 6:57pm How did it go ? It looks like you have a lot of plates in the air ,to juggle at once.Phew. Your menu for the road,I would say is "french".It is healthy and enjoyable. When does your DH return from Kelowna?It is a very pretty place. You are welcome.ANYTIME.Jean

annamey

POSTED: Fri, 10/16/2009 - 10:38am DH is home today at noon. I have to go to the airport after I do my grocery shopping. But now I have to run to get the kids fed and ready to go where they need to (work, school and daycare) before I can do my stuff. Be well. Anna

Vintage1944

POSTED: Thu, 10/22/2009 - 9:11am Hi Anna You as usual are busy.How's it going?Any news for DH ?Take care.Jean

Vintage1944

POSTED: Fri, 10/16/2009 - 8:09pm WOW!! What a hectic day.How did the trip go for DH?Please,you take care of YOU.Jean

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