The Black Dog

[Angelfishsolo]

I have a great career behind me...

I'll pm you later, AFS. Can't at the moment as I'm using the phone.

(there's something for you to look forward to )

Thanks man.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Sorry to hear that man. I know the feeling though and with the impending spectre of winter moving in it's going to be a chore keeping the Black Dog at bay.

Yep I know that all too well

 

[twobiker]

Sorry to hear that man. I know the feeling though and with the impending spectre of winter moving in it's going to be a chore keeping the Black Dog at bay.

The good thing about the uk is you are just as likely to get sun in the winter as in the summer, a ride on a bike where the only sound is me breathing always helps to keep the dog at bay.

 

[Chris S]

I have to black dog on my back again (depression). Whilst I live with it it is usually managed. I went out for a ride this morning and managed less than 7 miles. I had the empty feeling that is a sure sign I am on a low. I hope it clears up soon but if not I may seems more random than usual.

When I feel depressed I just think of those young soldiers in Selly Oak hospital who will be blind or disabled for the rest of their lives. Things don't seem so bad after that.

 

[quassleberry]

Sorry to hear the 'black dog' has caught you. It's not a good zone to be in.

I had a bad patch (due to some managers) which lasted years and it was like being at the bottom of a deep black pit with no footholds or ladder.

Just over 3 years ago I found the answer that worked for me, we bought a couple of Springer spaniel pups for the children and despite having dogs already (although elderly) the spaniels dragged me out of the pit and are keeping me out of it. They gave the oldies a new lease of life until they went over the Rainbow Bridge.
The spaniels are now our 'oldies' at 3 1/2 yrs and are showing the rest how to age disgracefully.

It won't work for everyone but for me they were a very welcome lifesaver. They gave me a reason to cycle the 4 miles home at lunchtime thus escaping the office, I only get 10 - 15 mins at home before cycling back but it's great and with changes of managers even work is a whole lot better.

If you can't have one (assuming you're not allergic or not a 'dog person') lots of rescues are always glad of volunteer dog walkers. The best thing is they never judge you, never answer back - not usually.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Sorry to hear the 'black dog' has caught you. It's not a good zone to be in.

I had a bad patch (due to some managers) which lasted years and it was like being at the bottom of a deep black pit with no footholds or ladder.

Just over 3 years ago I found the answer that worked for me, we bought a couple of Springer spaniel pups for the children and despite having dogs already (although elderly) the spaniels dragged me out of the pit and are keeping me out of it. They gave the oldies a new lease of life until they went over the Rainbow Bridge.
The spaniels are now our 'oldies' at 3 1/2 yrs and are showing the rest how to age disgracefully.

It won't work for everyone but for me they were a very welcome lifesaver. They gave me a reason to cycle the 4 miles home at lunchtime thus escaping the office, I only get 10 - 15 mins at home before cycling back but it's great and with changes of managers even work is a whole lot better.

If you can't have one (assuming you're not allergic or not a 'dog person') lots of rescues are always glad of volunteer dog walkers. The best thing is they never judge you, never answer back - not usually.

I rescue and foster cats. They keep me sane

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Really sorry to hear about that. I am bipolar myself and the change in the weather of late has had a big impact.

I have been having CBT (Cognative behavioural therapy - not motorbike training!) and it has really helped me to come up with strategies for recognising the "warning signs" and what to do when I see them.

Speak to Mind and they can help with getting you in touch with support groups and that in your area. It was them who put me in touch with the relevant people to get a diagnosis and treatment on the NHS. They also just listen and call you back a few days later to see how you're going.

I know it sounds dumb, but when you're in a rut (as I like to call it!), just knowing that someone cares enough to call you back can be enough to make your whole day.

Hope the dog fecks off as soon as possible.

 

[Dragonwight]

Think of a crisp winter day where the sun is out and you can see your breath in the morning air riding down a quiet country lane with your winter gear on.

Dont think about the fecking freezing cold air rushing into your lungs making them hurt or your toes and fingers that are telling you that an extra 10 quid would have been worth spending on decent gloves\overboots.lol

Bah humbug to the black dog hope things improve soon.

 

[Andy_R]

after having 3 bouts of clinical depression and a sister who is bipolar, I recognise where you're coming from. When you say you're medicated do you mean permanently (as is the case for my sister) or as and when needed (as I was - fluoxetine) If it's the latter then just remember it takes a while to have any effect, and don't change your dosage without the quack's advise. I can look back at it now and laugh, but one time when I was at an absolute bottom, sitting on the bathroom floor with a stanley knife in hand. The only reason I didn't kill myself was 'cos I was at a point where I didn't have the "oomph" to do ANYTHING, never mind slit my wrists. In those days, hoovering the sitting room was a major achievement.

By the by, do you have a SAD lamp? If not, I would think about one as the seasons change. Also, have you thought of trying (or had) Cognitive Therapy and/or meditation; doesn't work for everyone, but it did for me.

Just remember that it DOES get better, but you have to work at it!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

after having 3 bouts of clinical depression and a sister who is bipolar, I recognise where you're coming from. When you say you're medicated do you mean permanently (as is the case for my sister) or as and when needed (as I was - fluoxetine) If it's the latter then just remember it takes a while to have any effect, and don't change your dosage without the quack's advise. I can look back at it now and laugh, but one time when I was at an absolute bottom, sitting on the bathroom floor with a stanley knife in hand. The only reason I didn't kill myself was 'cos I was at a point where I didn't have the "oomph" to do ANYTHING, never mind slit my wrists. In those days, hoovering the sitting room was a major achievement.

By the by, do you have a SAD lamp? If not, I would think about one as the seasons change. Also, have you thought of trying (or had) Cognitive Therapy and/or meditation; doesn't work for everyone, but it did for me.

Just remember that it DOES get better, but you have to work at it!

I am permanently medicated. I have actually tried to take my life but failed. It convinced me not to try it again. I have tried CBT and other therapies and they work for a while. Sometimes I just have to wait it out though.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Really sorry to hear about that. I am bipolar myself and the change in the weather of late has had a big impact.

I have been having CBT (Cognative behavioural therapy - not motorbike training!) and it has really helped me to come up with strategies for recognising the "warning signs" and what to do when I see them.

Speak to Mind and they can help with getting you in touch with support groups and that in your area. It was them who put me in touch with the relevant people to get a diagnosis and treatment on the NHS. They also just listen and call you back a few days later to see how you're going.

I know it sounds dumb, but when you're in a rut (as I like to call it!), just knowing that someone cares enough to call you back can be enough to make your whole day.

Hope the dog fecks off as soon as possible.

Knowing that people care makes a huge difference it just doesn't fill the void. I know I will be ok in a few days it is just that those few days will feel like a lifetime. Thank you.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Think of a crisp winter day where the sun is out and you can see your breath in the morning air riding down a quiet country lane with your winter gear on.

Dont think about the fecking freezing cold air rushing into your lungs making them hurt or your toes and fingers that are telling you that an extra 10 quid would have been worth spending on decent gloves\overboots.lol

Bah humbug to the black dog hope things improve soon.

I sometimes works but today I just couldn't find any reason to carry on

 

[Andy_R]

I am permanently medicated. I have actually tried to take my life but failed. It convinced me not to try it again. I have tried CBT and other therapies and they work for a while. Sometimes I just have to wait it out though.

I used to refer to my therapist as a mental dyson....she used to clean all the crap out of my head.....the winter months are a b*tch, so keep on talking to people. I used to shrink away from direct communication (not answering the door/phone etc) but I found talking in forums a lot easier and even when it did get confrontational (the "pull yourself together man!" types), it was much easier than face to face. Keep on plugging away Dave.

 

[coffeejo]

I sometimes works but today I just couldn't find any reason to carry on

I think of my mental health in terms of sailing. According to the conditions, you use different sails, reposition yourself to make the most of the wind direction/strength etc etc, but sometime you get stuck in the doldrums or caught up in a bad storm and in those situations, your toolkit is pretty much useless. All you can do is set yourself up as best as possible and ride it out til conditions improve and you can begin to get some control back.

 

[Norm]

You don't have to always be ok. Just remember, when you aren't, that you will be again.