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Can depression be lifelong?
- Thread starter Vineta Sexting
- Start date
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- 145
I recently did a 2-day Mental Health first aid course.
Recovery is possible with the right treatment. Seeking help, talking to your GP, and seeing a Psychologist or Psychiatrist are all beneficial.
I have lived with depression most of my life. Have been on antidepressants for longer than I can remember.
Here in Australia, your GP can do an assessment and health care plan. Where a person can get up to 10 free appointments with a Psychologist
Recovery is possible with the right treatment. Seeking help, talking to your GP, and seeing a Psychologist or Psychiatrist are all beneficial.
I have lived with depression most of my life. Have been on antidepressants for longer than I can remember.
Here in Australia, your GP can do an assessment and health care plan. Where a person can get up to 10 free appointments with a Psychologist
Aussieace
Bronze Member
- Points
- 2
I have experienced two separate episodes of depression that lasted 4-5 years with a period of feeling normal in between for about 6 years. During both depressive episodes, I was on antidepressants and got regular counselling. I had plenty of suicidal thoughts and “plans” and two unsuccessful actual attempts. Think about it as a health issue. Get to a GP, get a mental health plan and do your best to deal with this health issue. Avoid numbing yourself with alcohol or drugs, as they will make things worse in the long term. Depression need not last forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel, I’m living proof of that.
LongHair
Legend Member
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- 153
and sometimes that light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncomming train of disaster
Rankin
Gold Member
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- 31
Well said. The hardest part is admitting you need help. It's important too that you find the right Psychiatrist (or Psychologist, dependingon your needs)....one that you can relate to...and takes the time to find out what really ails you....and gets you the correct medication. It is a journey though, as Aussieace alluded to.
- Points
- 501
one in 5 people in the world suffers from depression, you should not let it bother you, you should find answers to overcome it take up a new hobby that involves exercise like dancing commit yourself and go once a week. Belly dancing would be a great thing to learn and it would give you confidence.
Leroysane
Gold Member
- Points
- 0
Everyone feels depressed at times, sure. Telling yourself that you've "got" depression is only going to keep your mind stuck.
Most people can dig themselves out of that hole...work on yourself...lift weights, address your nutrition, practise gratitude and think about everything you're thankful for rather than dwelling on the negatives
Not on my high horse or anything, and it's obviously easier said than done. That's my take on it though
Most people can dig themselves out of that hole...work on yourself...lift weights, address your nutrition, practise gratitude and think about everything you're thankful for rather than dwelling on the negatives
Not on my high horse or anything, and it's obviously easier said than done. That's my take on it though
Whiskey
Silver Member
- Points
- 36
The GP is the best place to begin. There are plenty of physical reasons for depression; low levels of thyroid production, underlying illness, side effects of medication, or interactions between medications, the list goes on.
In parallel with the GP, an inventory of what is happening in your life around stressors and self-care. Diet, exercise, relationships and self-talk are some of many things that influence our resilience to what we face in life. Are you experiencing enough positive emotions?
Positive emotions–not only compassion, forgiveness, love, and hope, but also joy, faith/trust, awe and gratitude–arise from our inborn mammalian capacity for unselfish parental love. They emanate from our feeling limbic, mammalian brain and thus are grounded in our evolutionary heritage. All human beings are hardwired for positive emotions. And these positive emotions are a common denominator of all major faiths and of all human beings.
Spiritual Evolution, p2. George Vaillant.
All that said, their is no blame implied by the above quote. We are all unique, born with different temperments, and face unique situations in life. I too have a long history of depression, as well as working in the mental health area for a long time. Human connection is very important, a sense of belonging. Caring touch too is important for some, and cab trigger and triggers anxiety in others.
Apologies if this sounds like a lecture - it's not. I am glad we are talking about depression and asking each other if we are okay, when we have the personal space and availability to be present and actually listen.
In parallel with the GP, an inventory of what is happening in your life around stressors and self-care. Diet, exercise, relationships and self-talk are some of many things that influence our resilience to what we face in life. Are you experiencing enough positive emotions?
Positive emotions–not only compassion, forgiveness, love, and hope, but also joy, faith/trust, awe and gratitude–arise from our inborn mammalian capacity for unselfish parental love. They emanate from our feeling limbic, mammalian brain and thus are grounded in our evolutionary heritage. All human beings are hardwired for positive emotions. And these positive emotions are a common denominator of all major faiths and of all human beings.
Spiritual Evolution, p2. George Vaillant.
All that said, their is no blame implied by the above quote. We are all unique, born with different temperments, and face unique situations in life. I too have a long history of depression, as well as working in the mental health area for a long time. Human connection is very important, a sense of belonging. Caring touch too is important for some, and cab trigger and triggers anxiety in others.
Apologies if this sounds like a lecture - it's not. I am glad we are talking about depression and asking each other if we are okay, when we have the personal space and availability to be present and actually listen.
- Points
- 501
I don't totally agree with you about GP I know a lot that just giving out drugs and diet is the first place to address depression.
Are you drinking & eating gods Food one doctor asked me in India once. I asked what is god's food and he said Eggs & Sprouts and lots of water. Think about it I have never met a person with depression that isn't dehydrated or eating healthy food.
Talk to a Mental health professional first they are trained in this and will give better advice and you more time unless you have a long term GP that you have learnt to trust.
Are you drinking & eating gods Food one doctor asked me in India once. I asked what is god's food and he said Eggs & Sprouts and lots of water. Think about it I have never met a person with depression that isn't dehydrated or eating healthy food.
Talk to a Mental health professional first they are trained in this and will give better advice and you more time unless you have a long term GP that you have learnt to trust.
Whiskey
Silver Member
- Points
- 36
I don't disagree with you about pill pushing GPs. Drug companies spend a lot of money pushing the latest or what is not selling.
If you have money, going privately to a psychologist is possible and may be preferred. Access to public mental health services are different according to the state in which you live, and are of very variable quality. Most I know of are overloaded and will avoid taking on the 'worried well'.
If you have money, going privately to a psychologist is possible and may be preferred. Access to public mental health services are different according to the state in which you live, and are of very variable quality. Most I know of are overloaded and will avoid taking on the 'worried well'.
mrys
Legend Member
- Points
- 1,454
This article is sobering. There are a lot of new treatments being trialed including micro dosing of MDMA that shows promising results. I've been lucky to dodge depression so far but I have loved ones who have it as their constant companion. It sucks!
www.abc.net.au
Half the population will experience a mental health disorder by 75, global study reveals
The most common disorders for women were depression, a specific phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder. For men it was depression, a specific phobia and alcohol abuse.
www.abc.net.au
- Points
- 1,276
The most common thing that I have found out with experience is that if you are in a toxic relation, it becomes 99% chances that you will be in depressing.
GP is bit expensive I guess, so I would not go with that. The best way is by doing exercise, listen music, do volunteering work, make new friends.
GP is bit expensive I guess, so I would not go with that. The best way is by doing exercise, listen music, do volunteering work, make new friends.
Whiskey
Silver Member
- Points
- 36
A useful website for information, self-assessment, and connection to support is Beyond Blue.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Points
- 56
If you want it to be
doob
Legend Member
- Points
- 2,106
The thing about depression is that you need to know the root cause(s). Of course there are chemical imbalances, SAD (seasonal affected depression), traumas, post traumatic stress disorder etc.
One of the newer recognised causes of depression is loneliness in our society (thank you internet). Some ways of addressing the root cause are easier than others. There are coping mechanisms ranging from relooking at cognitive thinkings, medication, counselling and that all important thing - exercise. There's no one size fits all cure. And finally, I think society is realizing that it's a very human condition than most of us care to admit too like balding, impotence or menopause.
I do think occasionally depression can get over-institutionalized which is why I found ex-Premier Geoff Gallop's take on it quite interesting. I found this episode of Australian story quite interesting even though the focus was on anxiety.
Is depression lifelong. For many, yes but that doesn't mean a life sentence.
One of the newer recognised causes of depression is loneliness in our society (thank you internet). Some ways of addressing the root cause are easier than others. There are coping mechanisms ranging from relooking at cognitive thinkings, medication, counselling and that all important thing - exercise. There's no one size fits all cure. And finally, I think society is realizing that it's a very human condition than most of us care to admit too like balding, impotence or menopause.
I do think occasionally depression can get over-institutionalized which is why I found ex-Premier Geoff Gallop's take on it quite interesting. I found this episode of Australian story quite interesting even though the focus was on anxiety.
Is depression lifelong. For many, yes but that doesn't mean a life sentence.
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Amanda LC Writer
Bronze Member
- Points
- 6
I am based in Perth and I am one of the State Trainers for Mental Health First Aid. It's a course that I highly recommend that all people complete so that they have an understanding of how to help support themselves and others when faced with mental health challenges. If anyone wants to know more, feel free to reach out!
- Points
- 156
Keep away from organised religions and Jesus talking nutcases penny Wong and Labor party red shirts go to bingo comedy shows movies go dancing fishing and drink beer or wine.
Go to the strippers at the royal hotel punt Rd Richmond will bring anyone out of depression.
A new girlfriend and lifestyle change does wonders.
Go to the strippers at the royal hotel punt Rd Richmond will bring anyone out of depression.
A new girlfriend and lifestyle change does wonders.
- Points
- 501
and a magic cure is more than 2 liters of water a day its known as God's food. Everyone that suffers from depression is suffering from dehydration problems.... drink and walk
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doob
Legend Member
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- 2,106
Nothing like objectivity is there?
- Points
- 156
That's amazing I personally do lots of walking and I think about 4 schooners makes 2 liters!!!
GreatAnt1
Gold Member
- Points
- 55
Logan_douche
Bronze Member
- Points
- 12
Yeah, depression can stick around for a long time for some folks. It's different for everyone, but getting help and finding the right treatment can make a big difference. Always here if you need to talk.
doob
Legend Member
- Points
- 2,106
One of the best things, apart from counselling and medication, for battling depression is exercise. Of course you can do your 10,000 steps etc but I find it has to be vigorous to get your cardiovascular system going - so walking up slopes or stairs or in my case cycling whether it's on an exercise bike or an actual one helps. For others it's jogging. Looking at porn and/or masturbating doesn't cut it. Neither do narcotic drugs or drinking.
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KinkySlinky
Silver Member
- Points
- 22
Depends on its underlying cause - situational/environmental can generally be sorted with counselling/psych work. Neurological is more complex however can be treated with meds & counselling/psych work.
There’s also fascinating research into the gut/brain link and the impact of epi-genetics over the last 10 years. Diet, gut biome and food additives affect everyone differently, in some cases causing depression and “ADHD” type symptoms amongst other things.
There’s also fascinating research into the gut/brain link and the impact of epi-genetics over the last 10 years. Diet, gut biome and food additives affect everyone differently, in some cases causing depression and “ADHD” type symptoms amongst other things.
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