Very good article on depression (esp. for those who have never suffered) ....

[Stevec047]

For me it just built up and up didn't really spot the signs until I split up with my fiancee and then it hit me hard.

I couldn't be bothered to do anything and when I had to do stuff it was done half heartedly which started causing issues at work.

It was the dark thoughts that made me realise I had to do something not just for me but also my two young boys.

It has been hard but the cycling has made a huge difference to my mental state the weight loss and increase in fitness that have come with it has only boosted my return to what I feel is some normality and work is better than it has ever been.

It's a horrid time and difficult to explain to people and I would never wish it on anyone.

 

[ChrisV]

Can't find the 'depression' thread but found this.

Looking for some advice so thought I'd ask here, but appreciate that advice is difficult on an Internet forum!

Around New Year, I had a few mild physical things happen which I convinced myself were signs of a degenerative disease,m. I couldn't get myself out of this place and ended up on betablockers for anxiety. I came off them about 3 weeks ago.

As a result of this, went to see Occ Health who suggested that a combination of growing up with a terminally ill sister then eventually losing her in 2007 (she was 26, I was 27) had effected me long term and this was behind my inability to rationalise health matters, the health of my kids, death etc. Basically negative thought patterns are affecting my day to day life.

They suggested I go for Cognitive Begaviour Therapy and seek a referral through my GP. I did this today and the GP said it could take a year to get it and that I might not even get it as I wouldn't really be viewed as a priority case.

He then suggested medication and prescribed me antidepressants. This came as a shock to me and, to be honest, seemed a rather hasty decision. He also referred me to a counsellor who visits the practice weekly.

I've never doubted a doctor before, but to be honest I really don't want to start taking medication needlessly. However, if it helps, I suppose that's what matters.

So, in a quandary. It's citalopram.

 

[Bazzer]

IME the drugs help keep things stable. You will still get down times, just not as low. As said in this thread exercise helps some of us.
The drugs take a while to work so the sooner you start taking them..........
Also read about the side effects so you know.

 

[Milzy]

I've also found that too much exercise on top of work can burn you out so you still feel low at times but can get to sleep at least. Having young children to care for makes things so much harder.