New to forum male in 30's wants to help and connect

[Jimny]

Hello all,

I would first like to introduce myself before posting in the forums and give a description of who I am and why I am here.

I have experienced episodes of depression since adolescence. In the last few years (going into my 30's) the severity of these depressive episodes became more severe and began having a very negative impact on day to day life. It was only during the last couple of years that I acknowledged that I was secretly struggling with depression.

Previously, I thought that my low moods were normal, and everyone felt this way. I began to realize that my own coping strategies, which were frantic attempts at trying to help myself, were only making my situation worse. I was becoming very tired of the continued unsuccessful
attempts, and I was guided by a loved one to seek professional help. One of the important aspects of seeking help, was acknowledging that I was experiencing an illness; my struggles were not personal weaknesses but common symptoms shared by others. If I had not acknowledged my illness and sought help, I would still be in a figurative pit of despair, continuing to dig the hole instead of learning how to properly climb out.

I have undergone CBT and MBCT, plus drastically modified my behaviors. With much apprehension I also started on a SSRI roughly 6 months ago. I have discovered that there is no silver bullet; mood disorder's are very complex illnesses. I have found that the recent addition of the SSRI has been very helpful.

I am currently going through a divorce, moving cities, and leaving what could be a rewarding career. I am trying to re-engineer my lifestyle, fostering behaviours and thought processes that give me vitality. Progress is very very slow, but for the first time in years I am feeling optimistic.

I have decided to join this forum because I am ready to make connections with others struggling with the similar issues as me. I want to offer advice and guidance. I am looking for new ideas for moving forward: personal accounts of useful literature, therapies, and personal experiences. We are all in this together and we unknowingly share similar secrets.

Ultimately, I am seeking an answer to this: how do we each craft our own anti-depressant lifestyle so we can live a vital life?

All the best.

[Guest_9809]

Hi Jimny and a very big welcome to you to the BB Forums. I am so glad you have come here and provided us with your brief history with depression. You seem to have a great insight into depression, and well done to you for doing all that you have done to get yourself to where you are now. I know this would not have been easy, it never is. I personally have PTSD which means I experience high levels of anxiety, together with bouts of depression. Thankfully I dont experience severe depression, but I know how awful even mild depression can make you feel.

Your story is truly inspiring and I am sure it will give others reading it a sense of hope that they too can overcome the debilitating effects of depressive illnesses. It is a real pleasure to have you here Jimny and I hope you will stick around to provide further insight and support to others who are going through now what you have done. In the process I feel sure you will also benefit from the interaction with others here.

There are some wonderfully caring and supportive people on the forums, and I hope you get to meet some of them soon. If you have the time, it would be good if you could get out and about a bit on some of the other Depression threads plus the BB Social Zone threads. Please feel free to contribute to any threads that you have an interest in, or have something to offer by way of advice or support. The Social Zone threads are a bit of a break from the 'heavier' mental health threads, but is a great way to interact and connect with other like minded people.

Again I welcome you and hope to see you around the threads over the coming days. Great to have you here.

Taurus

[Jimny]

Thank you very much for the welcome Taurus. You gave me the confidence to head over to the other forum threads.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Jimny,

Wow, I agree with Taurus that you certainly seem very insightful (also proactive) about your mental health and life in general.

I went through your list of life changes and challenges, and that is a lot for any one person to have on his plate. Without minimising or trivialising how difficult it must be, I admire your attitude and resolve to move forward.

Also, congratulations on seeking professional help. As they often say, "the first step is the hardest" (or I'm completely botching that quote).

Ultimately, I am seeking an answer to this: how do we each craft our own anti-depressant lifestyle so we can live a vital life?

The million dollar question. I don't have definitive answer but I'm guessing it's a highly personal answer for each person. Sure, there might be some common practices between individuals but ultimately I think it has to suit the individual.

Some people turn to mindfulness. Others like CBT. Some like being in nature. Others like the city life. Some like to write. Others like to maybe sing. I guess what I'm trying to say is it's personal. Sorry, I'm probably being immensely unhelpful.

Maybe think about what makes you feel alive. What helps lift you and helps you get through each day. Maybe think about what you're passionate about too. Of course those are only suggestions and no one is ever under any obligation to take them on board.

Take care,

Pepper

[Jimny]

Hi Pepper,

Thank you again for responding to my post. I couldn't agree more that this "ideal" anti-depressant life is personally. I really look forward to discover on the forums, how people have learned to deal with depression, and consider including other's experience into crafting my lifestyle.

I really really love what you said about thinking about things that make you feel "alive", what "lift you" up and helps you through the day. These are great suggestions for guidance into crafting a healthier life.

All the best,

Jimny

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Jimny,

Pleasure is mine and I'm pleased to hear that you got something out of my reply 🙂

There's a wealth of experience from so many people- I'm sure we can both find great sources of inspiration here.

Here's to a healthier life,

Pepper

[White_Rose]

Hello Jimny

Welcome to the forums. What a great post, so positive in your thoughts and actions and being prepared to support others. I think Peppermintbach has given you a great response and suggestions. It's always good to have another person who can demonstrate that depression does not stop you having a full life.

I hope to see you around the different forums offering your experiences to others.

Mary

[Jimny]

Thanks White Rose!