Taking antidepressents for the first time tomorrow morning.

[Cesca1557]

Hi,

Im not really sure why im posting this but Im feeling really unsure about taking medication tomorrow. I have had depression for about 7 years, but at the beginning my mum thought i was too young (i was 12-13), and its only now that I have finally decided that I need something else to help as I cant seem to make myself happy on my own.
I am really hopefull for what the antidepressents will do, but I am also really worried. My father has bipolar, and I am really worried that by taking them, it could trigger it in me. I dont have bipolar my self, but due to the genetic predisposition to it and the increased chance of getting it as my dad has it, im really worried that this might be enough to set it off.
As much as I want to be happy, if it risked me going through what he has gone through and put us through over the years, I wouldnt do it.

Sorry, im not really sure what the point of this was, I think I just wanted to vent a little bit.

Cesca

[Pysis]

Hi cesca

I hope you had a good day.

Nath

[Cesca1557]

yesterday was a good day actually,

although today im feeling incredible nauseous, i keep constantly feeling like im about to throw up

anyone have any tips on how to decrease it a bit?

[startingnew]

if its to do with medication side effects id reccomend speaking to your gp.

otherwise suggest suing some of the calming or grounding techniques. i know when i get nausea i cant do deep breathing sa it makes it worse.

ill write up a few for you in spearate posts just give me a few minutes...

[startingnew]

MINDFULLNESS
there are so many ways to do mindfulness such as these examples
A) listen to your favourite song and concentrate
on one specific thing such as the words and what they mean, or the
beat- what instruments can you hear in the song?

B) take a look at your surroundings, what
can you hear, what can you see, what can you smell, what can you
taste.

C) pick up an object like a pencil. really notice
how the texture feels, is it cold , warm, does it have a smell?

D)Go for a walk and take in the sights of nature,
feel the breeze on you, notice how it feels

[startingnew]

grounding exercises
If you are sitting, feel the chair under you and the weight of your body and legs pressing down onto it. Notice the pressure of the chair, or floor, or table against your body and limbs.

If you are lying down, feel the contact between your head, your body and your legs, as they touch the surface you are lying on. Starting from your head, notice how each part of your body feels, all the way down to your feet, on the soft or hard surface.

Stop and listen. Notice and name what sounds you can hear nearby. Gradually move your awareness of sounds outward, so you are focusing on what you can hear in the distance.

Hold a mug of tea in both hands and feel its warmth. Don’t rush drinking it; take small sips, and take your time tasting each mouthful.

Look around you, notice what is front of you and to each side. Name and notice the qualities of large objects and then smaller ones.

Get up and walk around. Take your time to notice each step as you take one, then another.

Stamp your feet, and notice the sensation and sound as you connect with the ground.

Clap and rub your hands together. Hear the noise and feel the sensation in your hands and arms.

Wear an elastic band on your wrist (not tight) and flick it gently, so that you feel it spring back on your wrist.

[startingnew]

walking mindfullness

Before you start, prepare the space. Removing your shoes is good, if that’s possible. Find a place where you can walk for about 12-14 steps before you have to turn.
Now first notice your body as you stand in stillness. Feeling the connection of the body to the ground, or the floor. Becoming aware of your surroundings, taking in any sights, smells, tastes, sounds or other sensations. Notice any thoughts or emotions and let them be. Notice your arms by your sides or if you prefer, hold your right hand in your left hand at the front, or clasp your hands at your back. Notice your breath, moving in and out of your body. No need to change it; just let it be.
Now shift your weight to the left leg and begin to lift your right foot up. Move it forward, place it back down on the ground. Mindfully shift the weight the right leg and begin to lift the left foot up, move it forward, place it back down on the ground.
And continue with this walking… walking mindfully, walking slowly, and paying attention to the sensations on the soles of your feet. As each part of the sole, from heel to toe, touches the ground. Lifting, moving, placing. Lifting, moving, placing. Notice how the body moves as you walk. Walk with awareness. One step at a time.
When it is time to turn, maintain the flow of mindfulness and bring your awareness to the intricate process of turning. Slowly, and with attention to each movement necessary to turn, begin to walk back to where you started. One step at a time. Lifting, moving, placing. Lifting, moving, placing.
Find a rhythm that suits you. That suits your body and your balance. As you move forward, notice your body, notice your head sitting on your shoulders, your arms & hands, your torso, your legs, moving you forward, step by step.
Notice any thoughts that arise and let them be. Returning your focus to the sensation of walking. Lifting, moving, placing. Notice your breath. Has it moved into a rhythm; a rhythm that fits with your pace of walking, step by step? There’s no need to change your breathing, but you might find that it has changed without you noticing it.
Continue walking, taking care to notice each intricate movement required at the turns. One step at a time. Practice this for a moment.
next time you return to your starting place, be still. Notice the sensations in your body; bring awareness to your breath. Notice the stillness when movement ceases.

[startingnew]

5,4,3,2,1 Exercises
These are exercises in noticing what is around us:
Sight: Look around you and name as you look at 5 different objects (variation: 5 blue/black/green objects), then do the same for 4 of those 5 objects, 3 of those 5 objects, etc.
Sight & Touch: Look at, name and touch 5 different objects, noticing their texture, temperature, mass and weight as you do so. Then do the same for 4 of those objects, 3 of those objects, etc.
Sight, Touch and Smell/Taste: Look at (in a garden or a kitchen), name, taste and smell 5 different objects, noticing their colours, texture, taste and aroma. Then do the same for 4 of those objects, 3, 2, and 1.
Hearing: Close your eyes and listen for 5 different sounds. Then 4, 3, 2, and 1.

[startingnew]

DISTRACTIONS
this can pretty much be anything you enjoy doing that takes your mind off things such as:

count backwards from 100

play a musical instrument
scribble on a piece of paper
have a nice bubble bath or shower
print and colour a mandela
makea dream catcher
make a scrapbook
go on a cleaning ramage
dance around to your favoutite music
go for a drive
colouring in

Drawing

Painting

reading your favourite book
do some origami
cook your favourite recipes

[startingnew]

JOURNALLING
Start by journaling for 5 to 15 minutes.
Write about what's on your mind, and what's bothering you:
Write about your concerns, writing for several minutes until you feel you have written what needs to be said, but haven’t delved into a mode of rumination.
You may prefer a computer, a journal, or just a pad and paper; if you are using paper, please skip a line or two for every line you use—this will be handy later.
Detail what is happening right now, describing the events that are currently causing difficulties. Keep in mind that, with anxiety, sometimes it isn’t what is currently happening that is causing stress, but rather your concerns about what could happen from here. If this is the case for you, it’s okay; you can write about what is currently happening and just note that the only part that is really stressful is the possibility of what could happen next. (This, in fact, may be a realization that brings some stress relief in itself.)
Next, write about your concerns and fears, and write in chronological order. In other words, start with one of the stressors you are contending with in the present, and explore what you think will happen next, then write what you fear will happen after that.Write how this would affect you.
Now that you have your thoughts in order, see what you can do to relieve some of the stress and anxiety within.

[startingnew]

create a coping tool box

THE COPING TOOLBOX
this is a collection of your favourite and healthy things that you can use when your feeling axious, panicky or distressed

you can add whatever your like
some things may include:
a belevoved tuffed teddy
crosswords puzzles
a meditation dvd
a rubber band
scented candles
a bottle of bubbles
a soft blanket
a card from a supportive personal
healing stones or krystals
pictre of loved ones
crafts or beads
mp3 player with your fave music or relaxing music
your journal or notebook
gum or lollies or fave chocolates
positive affirmations

drawing/painting things

your favourite book and movie