Depression

[TGreschuk]

Hi All,

I have only been on this board for a few months but from what I have seen, there is tremendous variety in experience and information. I ask for information to help out a very close friend of mine. He has a great job, great family, good health, is only 40 but is struggling with the Black Dog of depression. He has spoken to me about this several times over the years and has consulted his family Doctor for medication and therapy. The problem is, it keeps coming back. I am no medical man and certainly not a psychiatrist but it seems to me that he is constantly worrying about the future and gets all worked up about stuff that may not ever happen. I want to tell him to live for today, hug his kids, smell the fresh air, live, but i don't want to come across as insensitive. I suspect that many of you have lived with this or know someone who has suffered with it, I ask if you could post something (anything) that may help me convey this message. How can i encourage him to live for today instead of worrying his life away and avoid having him (30 years from now) wondering why he had wasted a huge portion of his life worrying about anything and everything?

Thanks in advance,

Tgreschuk

 

[jmeehan]

Originally posted by TGreschuk

I want to tell him to live for today, hug his kids, smell the fresh air, live, but i don't want to come across as insensitive.

Then tell him, also tell him you're not insensitive, that you care. Maybe sharing with you helps him.

When I start feeling down I try to figure out what's bothering me. When I realize it's worries about the future I... what, heck I don't know. At least I know what's bothering me. I have a hard time NOT worrying about the future. I don't know why.

Sometimes I walk in the woods, or on the beach. Then I think about where all this will be when I'm gone and realize that, the earth keeps on turning, the weather keeps on changing and I need to enjoy what I have while I have it. The sun, wind, forests, and blue sky and clouds.

 

[Batman]

Depression is not one of those things you can "just turn off". There are several different forms of it as well, some more severe than others.

People can give you as much advise as they wish, but it's not a simple thing to "look towards the bright side" etc.

If your friends doctor isn't getting results, have him see anothe, and another until he finds one that can help him. For some, medication works (does for me), for others it's therapy, for still others it's both, and for some... ... ... ... ... ..... ?

Just keep being a friend and try not to be pushy with telling him how great he has it, for many, we know how great our lives are, just can't shake the bad feelings.

HTH

PM me if I can help with more ideas.

George

 

[BigDaddy]

Everyone gets sad sometimes—a brief blue mood, disappointments, grief after losing a loved one. Depression, though, is different. Depression is not just a case of the blues; it is a serious medical illness often caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Much like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, depression is a disease that requires medical treatment.



Depression is often a misunderstood or unrecognized problem. It is not a weakness or a personality flaw. It is not anxiety or worry about an important test or problems at work, and it is not just a day or two of being moody or having "the blues. " Depression is a real medical illness that affects 19 million Americans every year. Nevertheless, the good news is with proper treatment, 4 out of 5 patients will improve.



TG, it is a very positive step that your friend can confide in you. Tell your friend depression is not something to be ashamed of. That you will be there for him. That you will listen and not judge him. That he can come to you in the strictest of confidence.



Men need to understand that telling loved ones or healthcare professionals about symptoms of depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a character flaw. "Toughing it out" in silence benefits nobody. In fact, telling people that you are having symptoms of depression is an extremely important first step to getting help... and getting better.



Depression is an equal opportunity illness, affecting all ages, races, and economic groups, and both genders. Men of any age can be stricken with depression, although the risk increases, as men get older. It is estimated that 40% of men will suffer some degree of depression between the ages of 40 and 60.



There are two main treatments for depression— counseling, also called psychotherapy, and medication. For some men, either treatment may be sufficient. For others, the most effective course is a combination of the two treatments.



Most people have already heard of the popular antidepressant medication, Prozac. It is only one of the many "newer generation" medications that do, in fact, help the majority of people who take them.



If your friend has not found a medication that works for them, I would encourage that they seek a psychiatrist who specializes in prescribing antidepressant medication.



If your friend is not in some type of therapy or counseling, I would encourage that they seek a professional.



Joe

 

[rbattelle]

One of the hardest things for people with depression to deal with is the sense of isolation. That "I'm abnormal and I'm the only one who has these feelings". Of course, that's completely untrue, but just because you tell a person that doesn't make them suddenly feel better.



I, like others, have been afflicted with many fears about the future lately, so I think I know what your friend is feeling. I attribute it to "bad mental habits" like negative thinking that a person somehow learns over a long period of time. These behaviors are very difficult to unseat, indeed. You might suggest that he talk with parents (if possible) or other blood relatives, as I believe there is a strong genetic propensity toward depression; others in his family might have some experience with it. Since no one talks about it (which is a real shame), he may find close relatives who have also been suffering in silence.



You have to be very careful how you talk to a person so afflicted, as you never know what might make them feel worse (regardless your intentions). There exists quite a large amount of literature on the subject, and perhaps your friend might find some solace in reading some of them... one might strike a chord with him. Maybe one of the best things is to find someone else who is similarly afflicted, because it's true what they say: misery loves company.



One thing you might recommend is a book by Norman Vincent Peale, called "The Power of Positive Thinking". It's an old book that has sold over 5 million copies worldwide, but it's wisdom is still quite relevant. However, it is a book based entirely on Christian philosophy and what Peale calls the "scientific application of religious principles". Not knowing your friend, I cannot say whether he'd be receptive to the spiritual route.



As George said, PM me if I can be of more help.

-Ryan

 

[TGreschuk]

Thank you all for the insight. I have spoken to him today and encouraged him to perhaps let his doctor know that his medication didn't seem to be working very well. I think that reinforcing positive thinking would really help this fellow as he has lately become very negative... about everything. I assumed that he was negative because he was depressed, it never occured to me that he could be negative and this could be fueling his depression... . I will keep you all updated.

Thank you again,

Trent

 

[Dsul]

I recently left the mental health profession to farm full-time. Medication is quite important to helping this, especially if there is a history of depression for him or members of his family. Activity is very important as well. In our day treatment program, you almost had to force people to complete activities, generally after a while we saw improvement.

As a final note, meds can take up to 3 weeks to a month to notice improvement. Do you happen to know what med he is taking?

andy c.

 

[ladyjaine]

Only those the snake has bitten can tell each other how it feels.



If reading about others with the same problem and chatting with others, posting messages and communication with others will help, send the man to the web! BUT, I'd look for moderated boards, not wide open forums. Start with a Google search on 'depression chat groups moderated' or 'depression support groups moderated' and then start clicking. Some of the groups are better, some are worse, some focus on issues your friend might not have. You know him, I don't. Use your judgement and send him a few links.



The nicest thing about the groups is that they don't sugar coat anything and they talk about issues not covered in the self help books. Hearing the truth in plain English is much more useful than some obfuscated descriptive euphimism. In the groups they will say, "Some days, I feel like ----. " in self help books they say, 'transitory feelings of helplessness. '



Meds are important. It can be really hard to figure out if meds are working or not and it can take a long time and sometimes the side effects are a big problem. Talking to his doctor about even the silly ones, like 'they make my feet itchy, sometimes' is important. There are lots of different meds and doses and adjustments can help get rid of side effects and improve results. Self adjustment is a BAD idea. At the least, he should call his doc and tell him what he's doing.



Don't forget to call him at random times with requests for him to visit. Integrating with friends is important. Call him and ask him over to watch a game or a movie, to go fishing, rotate your tires, anything!



Jean

 

[Plazman]

Depression is a very real and significant problem with alot more of us than most people may want to admit. My wife and I go through weeks of bliss, then all of a sudden, it can go terribly sour. She has taken meds before, but it seams they don't work at all now, I think as we get older, things change in what type of meds we may need. Also look for the cause of the depression, when you are aflicted with it, it may well be because someone in your imediate family is down with it, it seams to have a cascade effect, I know it does with us, it will flipflop back and forth as time goes on.

We have found that Dr. Wayne Dyer is a good source for lifting ones self up. He has written many books on self enlightenment and can sometimes be of great help in identifying what may be the problem. A word of caution though, for some folks he is "way out there". I would question your freind to see if he would be interested in something like that before advising him to go get a book or tapes. We have tried some of his teachings, some work some don't, but that may be a place to start.

Hope this may help, I'm new to the TDR and had to give my two cents on the subject .

 

[rbattelle]

I wholeheartedly agree with ladyjaine... some of the best therapy you can get is to speak with others similarly afflicted. Frequently, however, that's not easy since no one seems to ever admit it (when would it come up in conversation, anyway!).



I think depressed persons are typically very ashamed of their condition, and fear social rejection or being considered "weird". The good news is, I think as time goes on society is gradually being more accepting of it. I think drug companies have a lot to do with this... I see many anti-depressant med commercials these days. The same thing did wonders for E. D.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

TGreschuk: What makes this guy happy? Does he have a hobby? What is he worried about the most?



I've seen quite a few family guys that have it all and are bi-polar... most of these guys don't have a hobby outside of keeping the family running.



We all have something we LOVE to do - maybe he needs a little more of that in his life than he's currently getting...



I hate seeing people down in the dumps - it bothers me... wish I could help more than I do...



Matt

 

[Rhondasway]

Great advice from everyone here...

Also, is his wife someone you can talk to (be careful not to go behind his back)? Does she know there's a problem, and is she willing to encourage him toward the help he needs? I'll bet there are support groups for those in relationships with someone suffering from depression, and she could learn some valuable tools for supporting him.

There are dietary considerations that could really help in conjuction with the other treatments. A friend of mine started medication, then cut alcohol, caffeine, and sugar (maybe other stuff too) completely out of his diet. He's made a huge turnaround, and has even been off medication for some time now, feeling really good and "on solid ground".

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by rbattelle
... I think depressed persons are typically very ashamed of their condition, and fear social rejection or being considered "weird". ...

On the contrary, social rejection, shame, 'feeling' weird aren't related to depression. I think most depressed folks don't realize they are depressed. 'Down in the dumps' is more like sadness - there's a reason for being there. Depression is different - it's inexplicable, it's just part of the sufferer's 'person'.

Depressed folks tend to 'dwell' on the failures, the impossibilities of tasks to hand and of goals. In a way, it's a comfortable rut, one that prevents finding goals that enable excellence, but one that is also not all that bad. But it's still a rut.

The best medicine for someone who suffers depression is accomplishment: reaching goals, starting and finishing tasks and jobs, sometimes falling short of excellence and sometimes exceeding it. A job well done can do a lot to counter depression.

But one has to be careful to avoid 'euphoria'. Every rapid rise up out of depression is almost always followed by a rapid fall back into it, and the trough is often lower than before. Should this rise and fall get out of control it could lead to a bi-polar disorder - alternating between extreme highs and lows.

Folks suffering clinical depression need to realize it, and also to realize the only way out is to set achievable goals and actually reach them, and keep doing it again and again. The pleasure of enough jobs well done will be enough to lift someone out of depression and keep him out.

And, yes, sometimes medication is needed. But medication should never be viewed as a handicap. It's more akin to a splint that helps keep bone in place until the bone has knitted enough to no longer need it.

What can be done for depressed folks? Try to help them set achievable goals, select doable tasks. And lend enough of a hand as needed so they will gain a sense of accomplishment; but don't 'help' too much - they need to do it (and possibly even learn to do it) themselves. Possibly get them involved in helping others achieve; there's satisfaction in knowing they've helped an organization run smoothly, or they've helped someone make something or build something. As they get used to achieving, they may need to change the types and kinds of their tasks and goals - doing the same thing over and over gets boring and leads to a rut: depression.

How do I know all this? I've been in those ruts many times. And have climbed out many times. I'm currently working on climbing out of one now! The doc told me I'm very self-analytical. Well, duh! I could've told him that! He wanted me to go for counseling, but I declined, partly because I can't afford it, but mostly because I've got me mates.

TG, smack your friend upside the head once or twice to get his attention. Then tell him you'll listen to his plans on climbing out of his rut, offer suggestions and constructive additions and modifications, and offer him a hand up as he's climbing out of his rut, but let him know that he has to do most of the work. And if the wall of the rut gives way and he slides back down, be positive: tell him to ignore the fact that he slid back down and reinforce the achievement of making it halfway up the wall. After all, if you give a man a fish, he eats for a day, but if you teach him to fish, he can feed himself for life.

 

[BigDaddy]

Depression in Men

Although personal achievement can be rewarding, it is a very small part in the recovery of depression for most.



Depression is a serious medical illness. Symptoms may vary from person to person but often include a persistent sad mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, significant change in appetite or body weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, physical slowing or agitation, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated thoughts of death or suicide. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder is made if an individual has five or more of these symptoms during the same two-week period.



Anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, can suffer from depression. Depression influences your attitude toward yourself, others, and life in general. It takes away your feelings of well being. Depression changes the way you feel, think, and how you behave.



The mental health profession categorizes depression as a mood disorder, but also recognizes that its symptoms can vary widely from one person to another. It is also accurate to think of depression as a complex problem that can affect many different aspects of the sufferer’s life. It can affect the body, and generate such physical symptoms as insomnia, fatigue, appetite disturbances, diminished sex drive, and anxiety. It can affect the mind, interfering with the ability to think clearly, notice and remember details, and make good decisions. It can affect emotions, causing feelings of sadness, despair, guilt, worthlessness, and apathy. It can affect behavior, leading to alcohol or drug abuse, suicide attempts, and other socially or self-destructive behaviors. It can affect interpersonal (social and family) relationships, leading to aggression, withdrawal, or marital and family distress.



The main forms of depression are: major depressive disorder, also called "unipolar" for its affecting only one end of the mood continuum -- depression; and manic-depressive illness, also called "bipolar" for its affecting both ends of the mood continuum -- depression and euphoria, or mania. Depression can also present itself as dysthymia, a less intense and more chronic form of depression. Major depression is far more common than manic-depressive illness, and has a much wider range.



Here are some facts about depression in men:

- Although men are less likely to suffer from depression than women are, it affects 18. 8 million men in the United States. That is 9. 5 percent of the U. S. population.



- According to the World Health Organization, depression is projected to become the leading cause of disability and the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease by the year 2020.



- One out of every ten men will be diagnosed with depression in his lifetime.



- The rate of suicide in men is four times higher than women, although more women attempt it. Older men are particularly prone to a risk of suicide.



- Depression can affect a man’s physical health differently than it might affect a woman. A recent study showed that both men and women who suffer from depression are at an increased risk of coronary heart disease; however, only men suffer a higher rate of death.



- Men are more likely than women to view a diagnosis of depression as a sign of weakness or a "female" disease and are, therefore, less likely than women to seek treatment.



- Men are more likely to deal with depression by turning to drugs and alcohol or by working excessively long hours.



- Depression typically manifests itself in men as irritability, anger, and discouragement, and may therefore be difficult to recognize.



You see, one in four Americans suffer from depression but, only “One out of every ten men will be diagnosed”…



If left untreated, depression can worsen the symptoms of other illnesses, lead to disability, or increase the risk of suicide. The suicide rate triples for men in midlife, and increases 7 times in men over the age of 65. Having a history of depression makes the risk of suicide 78 times higher.



The symptoms of depression described above make it clear: To be depressed is to suffer. The hopelessness and helplessness that people experience when they are depressed is more than just a frame of mind, it is an entire way of being. People stop trying, they stop caring, they withdraw from life, and of course, this makes them feel even worse. Their lives deteriorate, and it affects others as well. Family members are not immune to the depressive’s negativity, the never-ending complaints, the steady stream of criticisms, the lack of emotional closeness, and the loss of the ability to have fun together. Spouses can feel hurt and alienated, and children may feel guilty, resentful, and as if they are to blame. In turn, family relationships can also exacerbate depressive symptoms.



It is important to remember that depression is a medical condition like any other. Moreover, just as there are treatments for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, there are treatment options available for depression.



Continued in next post…

 

[BigDaddy]

Depression in Men continued…

In the past, people with depression were commonly treated with medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These treatments, although effective, cause various side effects that can force many patients to discontinue therapy. Today, more treatment options are available to people with depression. Depending on the severity, patients may benefit from newer medications and psychotherapy.



Psychotherapy is a non-drug alternative that is generally as effective as medication, and in some ways is even superior (though not quite as fast acting). For example, people who receive therapy tend to have a lower relapse (recurrence) rate, and tend to feel better as an active participant in the recovery process. Psychotherapy can help individuals and families who are dealing with depression. The most effective psychotherapies are called cognitive therapy (which teaches how to identify and correct distorted thinking), behavior therapy (which teaches how to behave more effectively), and interpersonal therapy (which teaches relationship skills). All of these are short-term therapies with long term-benefits, and all focus on changing things in the present.



Psychotherapy may take place in individual, group, or family sessions. The process may take some time before it is effective.



Antidepressant medication works by helping to correct the imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. These medications may take several weeks to be effective, but they work well and are generally safe. There are three main groups of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). SSRIs are the newest class of antidepressants. They help to relieve the symptoms of depression by increasing the available supply of serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood.



The fact that long-term research shows the effectiveness of medication and psychotherapy for treating depression can be wonderfully reassuring for depression sufferers and their families. Depression is highly responsive to good treatment, and good treatment is available from a variety of sources.



In addition to therapy and medication, there are other things you can do that may help you start feeling better, including: exercising regularly, improving your diet, establishing a normal full-night sleeping schedule, and reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol.



Remember, most people feel depressed at some stage of their lives, but for some the feelings are more intense and last longer.



This type of depression does not just ‘go away’, and telling the person to ‘cheer up’, ‘snap out of it’ or ‘pull yourself together’ does not help. It is not that simple.



Just as someone does not "snap out" of diabetes or heart disease, you cannot expect a person with depression to snap out of his or her illness. Depression cannot be willed away.



Friends and family play an important role in helping the depressed get through this difficult period in his. There are many ways to help:



- Remind your friend or family member to keep his or her appointments with a healthcare professional or doctor and take prescribed medication. Depressed persons are often tempted to stop their medication as soon as they begin to feel better. It is very important for them to keep taking their medication as directed. This will help prevent a relapse of the depression, or the return of symptoms.



- Be patient, understanding, and encouraging. Do not dismiss the depressed person's negative feelings.



- Take care of the "little things. " A depressed person may need help just keeping up with tasks like doing the laundry or caring for a pet. You may offer to help until the person is feeling better.



- Try to encourage them to develop healthy habits such as sleeping at regular times, eating balanced, nutritious meals, and taking a daily walk or some form of exercise.



- Make suggestions. Urge your friend or family to postpone major life decisions, such as changing jobs, getting married or divorced, or moving until his or her depression has lifted.



- Learn everything you can about depression. Knowledge is power and contributes to a greater understanding of the one your are trying to help.



- Suicide threats are to be taken seriously. Keep in mind that it is not true, as many people believe, that a person who talks about suicide will not attempt it. Those who attempt suicide often threaten to do so as a way of asking for help.



- Take care of yourself. You may find yourself feeling sad, angry, frustrated, or helpless when caring for a depressed friend or family member. Talking with another friend or counselor can help you deal with those feelings. Doing something nice for yourself while taking care of a friend or family member can also help.



Now, for the disclaimer:

Do not self diagnose. It is important that a medical assessment, including clinical tests, and diagnosis are made by your treating healthcare provider, doctor or specialist.



The above is provided as information only and has been compiled by numerous resources. The information, opinions and analysis contained herein are based on sources believed to be reliable but no representation, expressed or implied, is made as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. This post is for information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any medical decision.



Sources available upon request.

 

[TGreschuk]

You folks are the best!

I have learned soooo much from this post. Instead of trying to convey all of your carefully constructed, thoughtful answers, I called my pal and referred him to our site. We had a little chat about it and I must say, he felt much better realizing that many, many people suffer with this and aren't ashamed to talk about it. He informed me that he had been on a medication called Paxil (20g) daily for about 3 years and it seemed to lose his effectiveness and his doctor switched him to Celexa (i'm not sure of the spelling/dose) and he has been on this for about 3 weeks. He liked the idea of exercise, reducing caffeine, alcohol and moderating his diet. These things, he could start today. We spoke about the Cognitive and Behavior therapy's. Neither of us were that sure what they entailed. Is this a type of therapy that continues for life? or is this akin to an old saying "it takes 2 months to make a habit and 2 months to break a habit" (or something like that)? ie: does he just keep trying to block or change the negative thoughts until they eventually go away? If this is the gist of it, does it really work? or once one is "hard wired" will they always have to be vigilant with regards to anxiety and depression?

Thanks to all for posting and please know that your posts are making a tremendous difference to at least two people in this world. Him and me.

Trent

 

[BigDaddy]

Therapy

Cognitive therapy teaches a person how certain thinking patterns cause symptoms. Cognitive therapy will focus on specific thoughts, beliefs and assumptions. For example, a person in cognitive therapy will be given tasks assumed unnecessary until shown otherwise to them.



COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (CBT) is becoming an accepted treatment for most emotional and behavioral disorders. This type of therapy combines two kinds of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy.



Behavior therapy helps you weaken the connections between troublesome situations and your habitual reactions to them. Reactions such as fear, depression or rage, and self-defeating or self-damaging behavior. It also teaches you how to calm your mind and body, so you can feel better, think more clearly, and make better decisions.



Cognitive therapy teaches you how certain thinking patterns are causing your symptoms by giving you a distorted picture of what's going on in your life, and making you feel, depressed or angry for no good reason, or provoking you into ill chosen actions.



When combined, behavior and cognitive therapy can provide very powerful tools for stopping symptoms and getting a person’s life on a more satisfying track.

CBT is an active therapy, which is structured and focused.



Active because, therapists take an active part in solving your problems. The CBT therapist does not settle for just nodding wisely. The therapist will guide you with answers you came to therapy for in the first place.



CBT goal is for rapid improvement in one’s feelings and moods, and early changes in any self-defeating behavior that a person may be caught up in. CBT is present-centered and forward-looking as compared to other traditional therapies that focus on the past.



With CBT, the past is not as important as the present and the future.

Most CBT patients are able to complete their treatment in just a few weeks or months. However, for people with complex problems longer-term treatment may be needed.



CBT is normally short-term with long-term results, clarifying what it is you care about, what you would want to work toward and what issues you have control of.

Most people can expect to begin therapy with weekly visits. Some, particularly if they are in crisis, may begin with two or more sessions a week until their condition is stabilized enough that they can safely come only once a week.



No matter which type of therapy a person elects, cognitive, behavioral or CBT, they should view therapy as an education, coaching or tutoring. Under expert guidance, techniques will be used that work best for the individual.



BTW, glad to help

 

[BigDaddy]

Depression Related Resources and Tools

Ok, last one



Suicide and Crisis Help lines around the World

Information for anyone feeling low, depressed or suicidal, or worried about a friend or relative. Information about befriending and how it can help to prevent suicide.



National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

NIMH supports research in science and genetics leading to a better understanding of the causes of mental illness, so that improved treatments and cures can be found. Website includes information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental illnesses; the latest advances in treatment and brain research; research articles; educational programs on anxiety disorders and depression; a list of upcoming meetings and events; and information about clinical trials.



National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)

NAMI is a grassroots self-help support and advocacy organization for people with mental illnesses, their families, and friends. Website offers information about mental illness (with a special focus on schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders); treatment breakthroughs; government policy and legislation; legal issues and patients' rights; and programs, support groups, and other resources for family members. Also included are a Helpline, listings of upcoming meetings and events, and links to other mental health sites.



National Mental Health Association (NMHA)

The NMHA promotes victory over mental illness and the stigma associated with it through advocacy, education, research, and service. Website includes information on the range of mental illnesses and how they affect all age groups; healthcare reform and the rights of consumers (including parity of mental health benefits with other health coverage); suicide prevention; and treatment guidelines. Also included are a confidential online screening test for depression and a list of community support services. For additional information, access to NMHA's Help Desk is also provided.



American Psychological Association (APA)

The APA is the world's largest association of psychologists, with a membership of more than 159,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. Website provides books, journal articles, and research findings on such issues as depression in women and children, child abuse, sexual orientation, television violence, and controlling anger. Also offers access to databases containing more than a million references to psychologically relevant literature, referrals to local psychologists, and a list of psychological associations and related organizations around the world.



The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)

The APsaA is a professional organization of psychoanalysts throughout the United States. Website provides a range of printed resources; programs and seminars; dates and locations of meetings and events; and advice on finding a psychoanalyst in your area. Includes "Ask a Psychoanalyst," where you can get answers to general questions about psychoanalysis. Other topics include the relationship between psychoanalysis and privacy and confidentiality, economics and managed care, and public policy.



New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI)

The NYSPI is the oldest psychiatric research institute in the United States and one of the largest in the world. More than 300 biological, behavioral, and social research studies are currently being conducted there. Website provides links to a wide range of services, including the Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Depression Evaluation Service, Child Research Center (for depression and anxiety), and Schizophrenia Research Unit. Also included: a calendar of events and information on research and treatment for various psychiatric disorders.



National Mental Illness Screening Project (NMISP)

The NMISP was developed to coordinate nationwide mental health screening programs and to ensure that they are conducted properly. It is also involved in a number of research initiatives designed to shed new light on America's mental health. Website offers information about no-cost, anonymous, community-based screening programs for alcoholism, anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders, among others. Also provided: suicide education and research and information about interactive telephone screening programs.



American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

The AFSP funds research, education, and programs aimed at the understanding and treatment of depression and the prevention of suicide. Website provides suicide facts, danger signals, and advice on what to do if a loved one may be contemplating suicide. Topics include the role of neurobiology in suicide; child and adolescent suicide; suicide and AIDS; and the issue of assisted suicide. Also included: information on suicide research; related meetings and events; and how to contact survivor support groups in your area.



National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc. (NAFDI)

NAFDI was established to educate the public, healthcare providers and other professionals about depression as a biochemical illness and to encourage research and innovative treatment for the disorder. Website includes important facts about depression's biological basis, its symptoms, and treatment. Also included: the current issue of the NAFDI News, an advice column called "Ask the Doctor," additional health information resources, and a list of things you can do to feel better.



National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD)

NARSAD raises and distributes funds for scientific research into the causes, cures, treatments, and prevention of severe mental illnesses, primarily schizophrenia and depression. Website provides media news; an online newsletter; answers to frequently asked questions by medical professionals; and educational brochures, such as "Conquering Depression" and "Understanding Schizophrenia. " Also included: a reading list, grant guidelines, and a posting of important events and announcements.



Support Groups

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI Local)

A grassroots, self-help support and advocacy organization for patients, families, and friends dealing with mental illness. NAMI has approximately 1200 affiliates and over 203,000 members in all 50 states. The group strives to be recognized as the primary source for information and referral on all aspects of mental illness and supports continued scientific research into causes and possible cures.



Emotions Anonymous

A 12-step organization similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Participants meet weekly to work toward recovery from emotional difficulties. Diverse membership includes people of all ages, economic status, social and educational backgrounds.



Recovery Inc.

A mental health self-help program based on the work of Chicago psychiatrist and neurologist Dr. Abraham W. Low. A pioneer in the development of the self-help movement, Dr. Low believed that psychiatric patients could take an active role in regaining and maintaining their mental health by learning to control their responses to recurring symptoms. There are currently over 700 active Recovery Inc. groups throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Spain, and Israel.



American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

The AFSP, which funds research, education, and treatment programs aimed at the prevention of suicide, has compiled a national directory of survivor support groups for families and friends of people who have committed or attempted suicide. The group directory is listed state-by-state, so you can be quickly directed to information about groups in your area.



Co-Dependents Anonymous

Co-Dependents Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and fulfilling relationships. We rely on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for knowledge and wisdom. These are the principles of our program and guides to developing honest and fulfilling relationships. Through applying the Twelve Steps and principles in CoDA to our daily life and relationships, both present and past, we can experience a new freedom from our self-defeating lifestyles and realize a new joy, acceptance and serenity in our lives.





Forums

UK Depression



Depression Forums



Edit: updated links

 

[GFritsch]

Wow- You really spent some time on this one BD--great post.



For me good diet and exercise make a huge difference in how I feel. Certainly not a fix for clinical depression, but will make anybody feel somewhat better--IMO

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by TGreschuk

You folks are the best!

I have learned soooo much from this post. Instead of trying to convey all of your carefully constructed, thoughtful answers, I called my pal and referred him to our site. We had a little chat about it and I must say, he felt much better realizing that many, many people suffer with this and aren't ashamed to talk about it. He informed me that he had been on a medication called Paxil (20g) daily for about 3 years and it seemed to lose his effectiveness and his doctor switched him to Celexa (i'm not sure of the spelling/dose) and he has been on this for about 3 weeks. He liked the idea of exercise, reducing caffeine, alcohol and moderating his diet. These things, he could start today. We spoke about the Cognitive and Behavior therapy's. Neither of us were that sure what they entailed. Is this a type of therapy that continues for life? or is this akin to an old saying "it takes 2 months to make a habit and 2 months to break a habit" (or something like that)? ie: does he just keep trying to block or change the negative thoughts until they eventually go away? If this is the gist of it, does it really work? or once one is "hard wired" will they always have to be vigilant with regards to anxiety and depression?

Thanks to all for posting and please know that your posts are making a tremendous difference to at least two people in this world. Him and me.

Trent

Paxil has a nasty side effect - if you stop taking it, it gives you a *nasty* headache.



The doc put me on Celexa, 20mg daily. after a few weeks, I realized it was entirely too much, even though it did help. I was feeling 'blah'. I changed to 10mg/day, which was still a bit too much. I finally settled on 10mg every 3 hours. For *me*, that amout works well. Doc says it's the lowest effective dosage he's heard of, but if it works for me, then he's all for it, and prescribed the refill for that.



As to therapy, that can work if it a behavioral 'problem': 'right' thinking can make a big difference. But if it is not behavorial, if it is purely physiological (chemical) in nature, then no amount of psychotherapy will make any difference. In my case, it's chemical. Therapy and counselling wouldn't make any difference. I learned years ago that psychs really only make you talk yourself though the problem; I think it's a whole lot cheaper and more effective to talk to one's mates/friends/peers about problems and potential solutions, rather than spending cash money on someone who's 'paid to listen'.



I really believe that the anonymity (sp?) of therapy serves only to further entrench the isolation of depressed folks, who really need more social interaction, not less. If you can't talk with your friends about any problems you might have, then you need to find some real friends. The mental health industry exists to make money, where-as friends help because they are friends.

Regardless of the cause of his depression, your friend will have to learn to recognize the symptoms of an 'attack', and learn what steps he must take to ... 'short-circuit' the attack. And yes, he will have to be vigilant; perhaps all his life, perhaps not. In my case, when I recognize that I am exhibiting signs of depression, I take stock of my current situation. If there's nothing I can change immediately, then I take an extra dose of Celexa to tide me over whilst I plan and execute changes that will take place in the near- to mid-term future.



Your friend needs to learn to be of good cheer. Not just externally, but internally as well. Laughter is infectious. Among friends, what one gives, one gets. Especially laughter. And laughter works wonders.



N