General Chat

Hi Princess Steedie, u that must of been an awful feeling after that happened to you, glad you were able to get more the same day. I have my new meds now and i WILL be making a point to double check when i am getting low. Think the upset with my partner didnt help my emotions either and made me feel worse. Many thanks for the reply. Kaz xx

Hi Joy, thanks for bringing this forward, i seen it earlier on but havnt had time to reply as been sorting tea for the kids, they all been fed now so got peace for a bit!!! So will b ere for a bit to chat to all!!! Thanks for youe concern! Kaz xx :))

bringing forward for Karen to see. Joy

Karen - will email you in a min. Glenys x

Karen - are you ''okay''? Joy

hiya bryan. thanks a lot for that info. i am sure it will enlighten peeps xx

hi, just to let you know that i lost my bag with 6 months of my anti depressants in there, i had no more, but managed to get them by that evening by putting in an emergancy prescription, so if it happens again you dont have to go for so long wothout them xxx

Karen - how are you today? Joy

this is an article,written by a friend of mine charlotte,who is a member of..nomorepanic...charlotte,despite having problems,is a successful showjumper. Depression is a common condition, 15% of the population will suffer from clinical depression at some point in their lives. Everybody has periods where they feel low, or down. These are normal emotions, and appropriate after bad news, bereavement and so forth. However, depression – the illness, is persistent, and help is required to recover. The difference with depression is when the unhappiness is without cause, or lasts much longer and is out of proportion to circumstances, or seems beyond the sufferers personal control to manage. Depression affects people differently. Some are mildly affected – often known as dysthymia, and manage to function despite their condition. Others may be severely depressed and find it very difficult to carry out even the most basic tasks., such as washing and dressing. There are also different types of depression, such as the episodes of depression, followed by elation in manic depression (bipolar affective disorder, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and PND (post natal depression). Spike Milligan and Winston Churchill were two famous manic depressives. Depression is not selective of class, status or upbringing. SYMPTOMS Symptoms are many, varied and not all sufferers will exhibit the same problems. They may include: Continual low mood Feeling of inadequacy Feeling “tearful” and “emotional” Irritability Anger / aggression Anxiety Lack of motivation Lack of social interest Poor personal care Irrational / guilty thoughts Feeling of hopelessness Suicidal thoughts Tired all the time Loss of appetite / weight Comfort eating Inability to sleep Disturbed sleep Loss of concentration Sleeping too much / not waking refreshed Loss of libido Avoiding people / social situations Lack of energy Feeling physically ill Extreme lethargy Bleak and pessimistic view of the future N.B. Anxiety and depression are closely linked. Anxiety can cause depression, and depression can cause anxiety. SO WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS? Depression is a complex illness, and can occur for several reasons. In a person suffering from depression, levels of neuro-transmitters are lowered. One of these is serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5HT). It can be triggered as a result of a number of causes: Social Circumstances Unemployment, divorce or break down of relationship, bereavement, redundancy, sudden/dramatic change to personal circumstances Physical Conditions Glandular fever, influenza, anaemia, diseases such as multiple sclerosis, severe arthritis, and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy Hormonal Changes Pregnancy, resulting in PND – about 10% of all women experience significant PND. Depression presents more commonly in women (this may also be because men are more reluctant to visit their doctor) Psychological Conditions Sufferers of anxiety may also find they develop depression. Unresolved psychological issues also contribute. About 60% of people suffering chronically with anxiety and panic will also develop associated depression. Drug and Alcohol Abuse WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE? Each sufferer is an individual, and treatments vary. Many people combine treatments for optimum effect, i.e. medication and counselling. The preferred choice at present is SSRI’s along with CBT. The medication is to lift the mood enough to be able to take on board and learn skills needed to overcome the condition long term. The first step is to visit your GP. They can confirm your diagnosis and ensure your depression does not have a physical cause. You must be prepared to be honest with yourself and your GP. If you have some unresolved issues, medication alone will not provide a cure, and your GP can recommend you for some form of therapy. Therapy This may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or counselling. All health authorities have a Community Mental Health Team, who will be able to select and provide appropriate treatment upon your referral by your GP. If you really feel you need it, do not be afraid to request a referral. Medication There are several different types of anti-depressants. You are likely to be offered one of the following types: SSRI – (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), the most known household brand name being Prozac (fluoxetine) but now include a whole stable of closely related medicines Tricyclic antidepressants MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Moclobemide Different people respond better to different drugs, and different categories of depression respond better to different drugs to, so there may be a degree of trial and error before you find the right one for you. There is no universal wonder drug, and what worked for your friend may not be beneficial to you. Before you go to your GP, you may like to make a list of lifestyle considerations to discuss the most suitable medication. For example, if you lead a busy life, or drive for a living, a drug which makes you drowsy may not suit, where if you have problems sleeping at night it may be beneficial. There are several sites on the internet which explain in detail each type of medication, and their possible side effects. Anti-depressants are not addictive. However, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly. Any withdrawal should be gradual and under medical supervision. Alternative Medicine St Johns Wort is a herbal remedy, which has a similar effect to SSRI’s and is commonly used in the treatment of depression. Do research this carefully before starting yourself on this. It can be very effective but can also have some severe interactions with medication you may be taking for other medical conditions so if you are on any other prescribed medication at all please do not take this without taking specialist advice. SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS ALL medicines have the potential to cause side effects, some of which may be unpleasant. Most side effects only occur during the first few weeks of starting to take the medication, and then disappear. If you are taking the medication and have panic or anxiety – it is not uncommon for this to get worse for a few weeks before the benefit is felt. It can be helpful in these circumstances to drop your dose and gradually increase it. However, many people take these medicines without experiencing any side-effects. You should also ensure you tell your doctor about any medicines you use regularly. Some medications can react with each other, for example, St Johns Wort can effect the efficiency of the contraceptive pill, and decongestants shouldn’t be used with MAOI and tricyclic anti-depressants. With the MAOI family, there are also some important food restrictions too. Your GP may need to review they way you self medicate certain conditions. SELF HELP Sufferers can also do a lot to help themselves, by taking positive action to help improve their lives. Diet Ensure you eat a healthy nutritionally balanced diet, including plenty of water, fresh fruit and vegetables, and wholegrains and pulses. Exercise Exercise as regularly as possible, be it a brisk walk to the shops or round the park, a swim or joining the gym. Reduce / Cut Down on Stimulants Review alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and any “recreational” drugs taken. Stop or limit your intake. Swap tea / coffee for water, green, black or herbal teas. Set yourself limits and stick to them. You may choose to allow yourself two glasses of wine at a family celebration. Stick to your limit, and consider swapping wine for wine spritzer to make your drinks last longer Relax Sign up for yoga, Tai’chi or pilates. Buy a relaxation CD. Go for a massage. Indulge in a

Tomorrows not far away now Len so i think i will be ok, had horlicks last nite so mite have same tonite again, Have had my sleepy pill for my back prob so hopefully will sleep not to bad, Thanks for your concern xx

Bit late to do tht now sandra, didnt know they done things like that, will keep it in mind, after i get the kids to school in morn il head down to get them. Thanks for the reply. kaz xx

Karen I am sure you will be be OK until tomorrow morning. When you collect your prescription first thing, ask to see the pharmacist and discuss it with him/her. Go to bed with a hot chocolate. len

hiya karen. our chemist will lend us some till we put the script in . and then give us short what he lent us . ask them if they do that x

Hi Karen see if you can hang on in there till tomorrow for your meds, its so hard when family come in middle of row, we all try to be sociable and really we just want to clear air. Hope you feel better tomorrow. Take care sue

Hi Mandy, i have changed my life style since not been able to work, i am doing my ECDL course and have completed some other courses which i now have certificates for. My partner is not a one for reasoning, cant comprimise, always right. When i say something i dont think is right this is what happens, i get the silent treatment. My partner thinks i should raise my kids a different way to what i do and says i am too soft, i disagree, i am not going to change the way i bring my youngest up from the way i did my older two just cos im in a different relationship and now not with my childrens father. I sometimes wonder if im in the wrong but then i think well my partner has raised their children their way and i havnt interfered and they are now 17 and 20 so why should i let my partner take over my daughter. Do you think i am doing wrong thinking this way? Kaz xx

Hi Kaz Sorry you're not feeling so good at the moment. My GP was brilliant with me and said that I need to make lifestyle choices to suit ME not everyone ELSE! If your partner is behaving like this, stop and think if you really want to go through this for the rest of your life? Obviously I'm not suggesting you separate, but you have an illness that is made worse by his behaviour and you need to have a serious talk with him. Never take missed doses of anti-depressants, like everyone else has said. Take care Love Mandy x

Jules, my partner is not the other parent to my children, I disagree with alot my partner says and does regarding my children and that is why we feel out as i spoke up on Thursday nite when something was said, so needless to say im getting the silent treatment. It has just hit me tonite, i have been ok till my partners family came and my partner was laughing and joking with them as if nothing had happened. They are all away now (without 1 goodbye) so mayb i will perk up again( hopefully), think its a mixture of the fall out and me not having my tablets since thursday. Its hard to put a face on when the kids are around, they knew something is up, the daughter my partner was having a go at has not been spoken to since Thursday, it makes me sick to my stomach. kaz

Kaz...I was on mine for just over a year too.....i did the same as you several weeks ago & forgot to order in time...i had a real low ebb about a week after the last dose, i know where your coming from..obvioulsy i dont know what you've fallen out about but my partner couldn't do anything right at the time!! I had terrible withdrawl syptoms but that was because like you i stopped suddenly...I have come through the other side now without the tablets but it's not been easy...Start again with your new packet & talk to your Dr if you feel no better soon....always ask for help before you get too low...if no-one listens....spell it out to them...!!!!....Don't think you have to cope on your own...the offer is always open.. :)

Thanks for the advice Bryan, i think i should b able to cope until 2morro, think i just feel worse cos of my partner and family laughing and joking and not speaking to me, one has just left without saying bye, makes me feel im in the wrong!!!

hi karen, you have been given good advice,a/ds need continuity to work properly,so you will now have to start afresh. if you feel as if you cant cope,then phone NHS direct,and they will tell you of any local pharmacy,that can give you an emergency supply tonight,even if it means going to your local A/E dept. bryan.