I realize that some women frequent this forum, but this ? is more to the guys. Does anyone here suffer from depression? I do and most of my friends have no clue that I do. I'm not suicidal or bi polar...just what the doctor calls major depression. There are times that I'm fine for maybe even a year or two, then it's back.

What I'm looking for.... does medication just help or does it cure it for lack of a better word? Any ideas on how to keep the symptoms at bay?

If you'd like you can P.M. me.

Regards, Tony

 

No cure for it unfortunately. Some will say keep your mind and body occupied, but I get it so bad, it's hard for me to even do that. Finally on the right combo of meds, and I got my strength, energy, appetite, and outlook on life back.

To me, it sounds like something seasonal. Some people get it during the holidays. They say a lack of vitamin D adds to the problem as well.

 

Ive gone thru the teenage depression, temper, whatever you wanna call it, but nothing sense then.
I did have a few months of anxiety issues about 10 years ago, but that passed with a 1/2 bottle of meds.

Only advice I can offer is distraction, diet, exercise, and communication. there is probably someone or two here that go thru the same thing.

 

Depression is for Pansies. That’s what I thought.
This is not a touchy feely crowd. It’s filled with a lot of "tough guys" so I admire you bringing the subject up.

However, we are still going to give you a wedgie, call you a mommies boy and chase you down the street with a rubber snake.

I will be surprised if you get too many responses because it really is a sort of taboo subject among men. However, you are not alone.

For many years I didn’t know I had slipped into it. I went through a phase where I really didn’t care if I lived or died. Wasn’t suicidal, just didn’t care. In the line of work I was in some people thought I was brave. I was actually stupid.

It almost cost me my marriage and my children.

I was lucky because my wife was supportive, made me talk about it and helped me get through it.

I had a good childhood, never really got hurt in the military, managed to always stay employed in fairly good jobs, married a good woman and had good kids. I had had no earthly reasons to get hit by depression but I did.

I took some meds for it for a while but I think that the support I got at home plus being able to talk about it to some Vets and LEO’s got me out of it.
I am very lucky that I have some good friends and ex-coworkers that I can share my feelings with. Some of them have far worse problems than I ever had.

As has been mentioned, there is no real cure. If you can’t shake it, see a good Dr or Psychiatrist (some Psychologists and therapist are ok). If you can find a support group do it. I was lucky I had a support group around me that I didn’t even know about –my friends.

 

note that depression does not always mean sadness.....most men I have talked with show anger towards others, unusual amount of complaints, job, stressors make it worse....

medication takes the edge off and increases seritonin, the happy chemical in our brains....

very tough stigma to go to your doctor and speak about the uncertain feelings. do it. much better life, and so simple to improve. easier than heartburn......


here, it's chicken soup.......you'll be right as rain.

Love, mom

 

While science has a role to play in this arena my opinion and experience is simply this. I believe that all human beings are touched by depression in some form or other, depression causes one to feel a certain way whether it is sadness, anger or what ever etc, etc. Note the word "feeling"., Feelings are a state of mind, your state of mind can be controlled by you and you clearly stated that your friends do not know when you are depressed, thus leading me to believe you are already skilled in managing your depression. I see LOTS of people on meds for depression, and in my opinion most do not need it, but thats another story.


I have learned to allow myself to experience a range of emotions during triggering events and never let anyone know whats going on inside me. It takes practice and has become much easier over time.

I would suggest finding a mens group that deals with what you are experiencing and trying it out. Not feeling alone and being able to network with others whom are walking the same path can be very therapeutic.

Good luck

 

jeesh Tim, you're irish.... range of emotions is in your blood! range of emotions in milliseconds even....lol


and we all self medicate with friends and adult beverages

 

I think depression is due to certain habitual behaviors, however minimal they may be. Extended period depression may be a recurring event or something you are just not dealing with that takes time to build up and overcome your brains natural ability to fight off and over come these thoughts. I also firmly believe, as Tim mentioned, that diet has a HUGE impact on your physical and mental condition.

Another critical issue is sleep. I have never slept well (very light) and after a three or four days I get a little crazy. Our brains just can not function without down time.

I personally would not consider drugs until I have tried to identify why I am, or what is causing the chemical imbalance in my brain. It is happening for a reason, and I would do my best to figure it out. I would keep a journal, written or spoken.

I would also take a serious look at my diet. I had to do the a few years back, and the result today is on the high side of remarkable. Simply not eating what I can not pronounce, and completely removing pop made a huge difference. My wife found out that she has a very serious and very chronic reaction to splenda. It takes about two months, but when she eats that crap, she gets depression and wild mood swings. This 'attitude' or 'philosophy' takes discipline on a daily basis, sometimes a LOT of discipline. Many times I find myself hungry, but will not eat until I can find something 'good'. This not only benefits my body but also benefits my natural habitual behavior. I keep things in line, it is a very healthy thing to be disciplined even on small levels. At it's root it is mental exercise and is good for your brain.

Point is, I think you have to know yourself before you can really get help from someone else. How is the best way to get to know yourself? That part is up to you, but if it were me I would read a random bible passage daily (that always seems to help) I would document my actions, reactions, and feeling over a period of at least a month, Take a very hard look at my diet, Turn the TV off and go outside - even if only to sit on the porch. Also there are a great many people out there outside of the 'medical' profession that can be helpful. I happen to like priests, especially the older ones. They have been through hell and back a couple of times. Elderly Neighbors, Generally speaking have there lives based in history and experience (blood sweat and tears if you like). Go find them and rake the leaves, fix the doors, or whatever you can to help them, in the end you will end up with advise you earned, and is more valuable than anything you will ever buy.

If it turns out that you just are not able to identify or beat it, no worries! You did what you could do and realized the nut was just screwed on to tight, and you have to get a wrench. But you will still be in control, you will chose the wrench or wrenches and you will be in charge of turning them, or not. This is your brain, inside your body and you will fix it.

 

Good Lord man, you got rid of your dad??? How the heck did that help your depression?

I think that's true too. I can make a remarkable difference in my long term mood just by reminding myself every morning that I AM and SHOULD be happy.

What everyone has said here so far is pretty accurate I think. Some things work better than others for different people. The prescription meds work wonders for some. For me, they just made me constipated. Talk about putting me into a depression; plug me up for a week and see how happy I get... NOT!

Therapists work sometimes too. I've seen 2. One did nothing but take my money. The other one took my money, listened intently to me for a year, told me I should write a book then closed her practice. I'm still wondering about that whole deal. She DID help me while I was seeing her tho.

Kinda nice to see the responses to this question here! If any of us can help you further than what you want to see in a forum, just call us. I think most of us would give you our numbers if you PM'd us.

Now stop whining and walk it off!

Just kidding... you know that, right?

 

This economy has everyone in a depression.... Not many days that I am happy. I just thought it was normal.... Things have been tough the last 3 years. What don't break you will make you stronger.

 

Man, I had hell dealing with depression & anxiety. Couldn't sleep, Wicked bad temper tantrums. I would fly off the handle at the smallest things. Went to the v.a., no help there. Talked to the v.a. docs and shrinks, they were awful. Started going to a clinical psychologist. Huge help. She also tried a couple different meds for me. The v.a. wanted to put me on valium. Highly addictive. I said no way. I tried a couple different meds like I said before, and have been on effexor for a couple years now. It's been a huge help. If i run out I can feel the difference and my family and the guys I work with can tell too. That little orange pill saved my marriage. Plus some therapy for me too.

 

Thanks for the responses folks. I'll reply in more detail in a day or two.

 

It's tough to deal with, man. You need to get to the root of the problem through communicating with someone that is educated in counseling for depression.

Whether the reason is an event that triggers it, something chemical, or something else will determine what type of treatment you need.

Don't be scared to talk to someone, buddy.

 

I suffered from it for years to the point that shooting myself, seemed like the only answer .problem was my best friend locked up all my guns and them dragged my butt to the DR., I was put on effexer (spelling ) for a year and then counseling I had to realize that I was OK and that its only temporary. also diet and exercise made a huge part ,I have been off the meds for 12 years now . what wyododge said are good words .I know some people on hear dont think GOD exists but thats were I found inner Peace Finally .also you need a real close friend to get the heaviness off your chest dont keep it in ,it just festers go see some one (friend) go to church ,and remember there are lots of people who care and love you and care about your wellness . even a bunch of red necks you never even met. this to shall pass and at least you have some thing good to look forward to....DTR for 1

 

You have made the largest step to your recovery by acknowledging there is a problem........the brains chemistry is complex......good luck with your recovery.