What do you do to avoid a depressive episode? What do you need to feel better?

[shootingstars1]

Do you take antidepressants? Do you use a treatment of antidepressants and psychotherapy? Are there any problems with fulfilling these needs? What else do you need to feel better? 

Feel free to share, information goes towards research project. 

[white knight]

Hi SS,

Recent research suggests that a depressive cycle once commenced is better to be ridden through its course rather than fought. We with depression tend to fight it, pushing ourselves to carry out our planned activities rather than taking any opportunity to rest and do less. Then when we are inching ourselves past the cycle we can put into place means to catch up and enjoy ourselves again.

This of course doesn't fit into a typical workplace with set times and procedures. So sufferers have to endure their illness (exist?) while their cycle, with an unknown length of time, will slowly pass. Most sufferers use up all their sick leave and extra unpaid days on top just to work.

Prevention of depressive episodes- Everyone is different, every mental illness sis different. For me (I have depression, dysthymia (low mood constant depression) and bipolar type 2) I've spent years carrying out changes to avoid depression. These are- ridding my life of toxic people (including my mother), change of environment form city to country where life is slower, less stressful and more friendly, setting myself up financially so high debt levels don't impinge on my mind, relationship happiness, have hobbies and activities, seek out the best/ideal medication for me, ongoing GP visits and psychological sessions even if I'm feeling ok and rest.

All of these balances get out of whack at times, an extra bill will arrive or a person upsets you. Bullying even at my age of 59 still occurs in groups or clubs. On that topic if you complain to the organisers they most likely wont act, don't complain the problem persists. In the end best not to mention your illness. But for some that isn't easy. Some of us with depression tend to talk till the cows come home and that's our personality.

Hope I've given you insight.

Tony WK

[geoff]

dear SS, hi and thanks for asking this question, because it will differ from person to person, however there will be similar circumstances on how to cope with their own depression.

The cycle from having depression is that all of a sudden something feels wrong with our mood and lose interest in everything that we once loved to do, we all know this, so it's not something new, but we finally need to consult a doctor and then a psychologist/psychiatrist, but personally I have not had any luck with any psychiatrist so I always say to people to see a psychologist but that's my choice.

The counselling to sort ourselves out could take any amount of time, as it's not text book, which means it only happens for a certain amount of time, but no one can say.

Some people maybe lucky and overcome depression in a short period, while the rest have to struggle for a long time, even when they are taking antidepressants (AD), because there could be so many other factors in their life that maybe contributing to their state of mind.

OK so lets say that person A has overcome this illness, but this doesn't mean that this illness has completely gone, because normally it never does, it's impossible to cauterize it, as well as sow it up like a stitch for a cut, because we always have it.

Now to sort of answer your question, when I do have a relapse, because I believe that I have overcome it, but when it pulls me back down, I know that I have to just wait my time, because I know that it will pass, whether it's a couple of days or a few weeks, and during this period I try and see my psychologist and if I can't then I see my doctor who will consider changing my AD or increasing them.

Depression is devastating for all of us, but for me, we can have as much support as we need, but I have to wait until it has run it's race, whereas for other people it could be entirely different, so that's why we have to learn  our own strategies, our weaknesses and definitely our strengths, because once we have overcome it we have learnt on how to be strong and avoid situations that could be a detriment to make us fall back. Geoff.

[shootingstars1]

Thank you so much geoff and white knight for your replies. From what I gather there are still issues in the workplace (in particular understanding of depression and the stigma that comes with it) which I would like to address in my Research Project. To give you a broader sense of what I am trying to achieve with this question,

My research question is  "What can society do to help people with major depressive disorder?"

It aims to do the following: 

1) Understand what each individual needs emotionally, mentally, physically, especially in relation to managing their depressive disorder

2) Realise where society as a whole can improve to fulfil these needs (I know it is not exactly the responsibility of the society to fulfil the needs of people with depression, sometimes only people with depression can help themselves. Nevertheless, a society that accepts and supports them, and I mean a society that can shape itself and its understanding so that they are better equipped to confront the emotional needs of themselves and of others, will undoubtedly benefit all its members, not just those with depression.) 

3) Design an app that allows society to provide for each other and especially for those who are more susceptible to mental illness and who need emotional support with the support and understanding they need. People to talk to etc. I think Beyondblue does an incredible job doing this already. 

4) And overall, bridge the gap between people with major depressive disorder and those who don't. 

 Thank you once again, for your replies. 

[geoff]

dear SS, the research project you are taking on board would be very exciting and all the information you can gather would never be the end of all the facts and different situations, and I only say this because everyone is different in how they deal with their depression and how they go about trying to overcome it, but never the less your input into this project would be really good to have a read of.

An enormous job for you, but just imagine how much you will learn along the way, it will open your mind up so much, and really fascinating.

The information for no. 1 will take you to places that you have never been before, as will 2 and 3 while 4 will be a difficult task but you can do it and do it well. Geoff.

[Narniakid]

Hi shootingstars:) and thanks for your post, your project sounds really interesting!

A couple of things I regularly do to try and maintain my mental health, particularly after a depressive episode, are keeping a diary and a mood chart. I find that not getting enough sleep and not having enough "me-time" sends me on a downward spiral. I keep myself busy, even in my down time I always try to achieve something, whether it be a short course or a drawing or some volunteer work - a sense of achievement is really important for me to feel like I'm making steps along the road to recovery.

The other thing I always do is to not put myself in situations that I know make me extremely anxious. Of course, this is something I have learned over a number of years. For example, I know that if I drink too much, I tend to have extreme anxiety the next day, so now if I go out I only have 2 or 3 drinks. Recognising your triggers and working around them is so important.

Hope I've been able to help!

Crystal