A very big thank you

[Ed209]

I've been going through the depression issues that many of you have faced and although it's still lurking there, it seems to be in control. A large part of managing the issues has been the benefit from the community of support through the forums.

The forums have been a very real lifeline.

I recognised the syptoms early, as I had previously made contact with Beyondblue. While I was incapacitaed with depression, I still knew what to do to get out, and that gave me the tools to start helping myself.

I went to a GP, openly discussed the situation, got medication. The medication gave me the breathing space to start to put my life back together.

Read the Beyondblue forums every day.

Started meditation

Started regular exercise (Just walking on the beach. I had to initailly force myself to do this, and then it became enjoyable)

Started eating again but this time eating only healthy food

Restarted my interests, joined meetup groups going things I liked so I had something to look forward to each week.

Tapered off the medication (in discussion with my GP)

More exercise, joined Health Fund Exercicse group

Reconnected with friends

Read the Beyondblue forums every day.

Most of these I learned from the forums

A very big thank you to all those that post in the forums, the advice and insights have been a lifeline.

[Zeal]

Hi Ed,

Thank you so much for this amazingly positive and grateful message! It is lovely to hear that people seek comfort, support and advice from this space. I am very glad you've been working so well through your depression, and have taken on board lots of tips, attitudes and good lifestyle practices. I have had anxiety (OCD) for a decade, and there are some things in your list that I still need to do! Eating well, being with others and not drinking alcohol are things which work in my favour. It's fantastic that you have adopted so many smart strategies to enhance your health and lifestyle, which in turn helps lessen the effects of your depression.

Thanks so much again for this great post 😄

Best wishes,

SM

[geoff]

hi Ed, we don't that often get many thanks, but it's not something we would expect, because we're talking about an illness that overtakes our mind, but when we receive them, it is very much appreciated, so thank you. Geoff.

[Starwolf]

A standing ovation to you for taking such good care of yourself !

Thank you for this list of feel good strategies and pointing the way towards recovery. You're an inspiration. I hope many will benefit from the hope offered by this thread.

I wish you all the best.