FabSwingers.com forum: Mental health problems and medication.

By *opsy Rogers OP Woman
over a year ago

London

I'd like the collectives opinions please, to support my understanding.

I'm a retired Midwife with some knowledge of mental health and indeed, have suffered issues of my own and have taken medications but I have never had depression.

For those of you who successfully manage your drepression, was it a long journey of trying different therapies and meds?

Even if managed, are there times it simply becomes overwhelming and you cannot function normally?

I'm trying to understand a family member and support him.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Depression is part of my bipolar. Sometimes the meds take the edge of it but i still go into pits of despair.

There are different types of depression and different medication/therapies can work for different people.

The thing is it can take a lot of trial and error to find out what works for that individual.

But my combination of medication has been the best that keeps me functioning. But it took many years

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I myself have been suffering for quite a while.

it has been a long journey for me with lots of different meds tried,the ones I take now work 90% of the time but still have bad days.

it depends how bad it is,and what caused etc, everyone is different.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 08/06/17 17:41:01]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I myself have been suffering for quite a while.

it has been a long journey for me with lots of different meds tried,the ones I take now work 90% of the time but still have bad days.

it depends how bad it is,and what caused etc, everyone is different."

you have to look at side effects,personal confrontations etc. I suffer parnoia and since dec I have gained 5stone in weight because of meds

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By *appy squirrelWoman
over a year ago

Norwich

not every medication suits everyone and it can very much be a case of testing until you find the best one for you. some people are unlucky and medication can have a very limited effect. but in any case, meds are not a magic wand and make everything better, it it a bit like a stepping stone that enables you to climb out of the hole yourself. but getting out of that hole is still a lot of effort and at times can be too much and its too exhausting.

hope this help!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's been over 17 years for me (I've stopped counting). I was giving a few different medications before the one I'm currently using, with one of them making me feel much worse.

I manage my way, with bad days and ok days. I never have great days, but I accept that.

I had relaxation therapy that taught me about breathing. That's the only thing that isn't chemical that has helped me.

When I'm low I'm low, and no therapy helps; I'm just a sad, crying person out for a walk or whatever else they recommend.

I was physically ill at the beginning, going from 9.5 ish stone to under 8 in a couple of months, then rocketing up to 17 stone in a year; after being told my medication will make me put on weight.

I struggled almost alone with my problems, because I don't like burdening my family, but my husband was my saving grace. He kept calm and focused me when I needed it. I kept telling myself I will get better; which I did. I just haven't gotten back to who I was before I got ill.

I take the minimum amount of medication I can get away with to get me through each week. It's tiring and a struggle, but my family and their happiness are worth it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have depression and anxiety issues but I think the depression's mild now. I was on antidepressants but I stopped taking them as, although I was on a very low dose, they made me feel emotionally numb. Therapy's helped, exploring those negative feelings by keeping a journal helps too.

I have my own coping mechanisms where my anxiety's concerned, such as adult colouring which is akin to meditation, and understanding what makes me anxious, why it makes me anxious and how I can work with it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

the worst thing is when people who don't understand tell you to suck it up and get on with it, or there's nothing wrong with you. I have encountered this from family and now ex friends.

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By *amissCouple
over a year ago

chelmsford

My sister in law has terminal cancer and obviously struggled to cope, so became very depressed, understandably. She went to hypnotherapy and this has been fantastic for her, she's so positive now.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'll post my usual response I have ready for when someone posts a thread around mental health -- some of it may be of use to you in provision of support. The thing is how mental health will manifest from person to person is different even with the same diagnosis, and the most effective tools of use to manage with, minimise impact or recover from will also differ.

In addition, I'd recommend looking at WRAP (or equivalents) Wellness Recovery Action Planning as a tool for them to help build the best support package for them, with professional input for support options as the start of a journey.

"Link in with GP and local services and get qualified clinical advice and support, have a buddy (friend or family) and tell them how you're really feeling, lots of fresh air outside, find your particular coping strategies and be conscious of particular triggers for you -- everybody is different -- check out resources on Mind website, be gentle with yourself and be conscious that feelings are just that, not actuality but your current response to your circumstances and can change, talk to people and if you can't talk..be with people, eat well, sleep well, excerise like walking, mindfulness, talking therapies, find your useful "things", but above all else know you are not alone. You really aren't. And being honest about how down you are with others is liberating for them and you. Be buoyed in the knowledge there is support, others will relate and you are very much worthwhile. Hugs.

Samaritans have a helpline you can call anytime. Please use it if you're in crisis."

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

As others have said, different things work for different people and you need to keep trying (hard though it is) if you haven't seen any change at all after a few months.

I'm very sensitive to medication so small doses have a big and immediate effect on me - good or bad. For other people the dose may need to be larger and/or taken for a longer period before any change is felt.

My depression has been with me since I was about 10, but I only recognised it after a massive breakdown when I was in my early twenties. It took another twenty years for me to be sure I could recognise when my depression would be overwhelming and need medication. I try and manage without whenever possible as I like feeling the full range of emotions.

If my depression is not yet at the darkest stage, where all I want to do is curl up and die, I try and up my time outside in green, leafy surroundings or get myself to the sea where the air helps to lift my emotions. The advice to do more exercise doesn't work for me, but it does for others.

Mental masturbation through colouring books, wordsearch and simple games also act to calm me.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"the worst thing is when people who don't understand tell you to suck it up and get on with it, or there's nothing wrong with you. I have encountered this from family and now ex friends."

The problem is often that people may have experienced sadness but not depression and think that they are the same.

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By *amissCouple
over a year ago

chelmsford

"I'll post my usual response I have ready for when someone posts a thread around mental health -- some of it may be of use to you in provision of support. The thing is how mental health will manifest from person to person is different even with the same diagnosis, and the most effective tools of use to manage with, minimise impact or recover from will also differ.

Samaritans have a helpline you can call anytime. Please use it if you're in crisis.""

Thank you, very helpful!

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By *ANDA2Couple
over a year ago

Henley Arden

"I'd like the collectives opinions please, to support my understanding.

I'm a retired Midwife with some knowledge of mental health and indeed, have suffered issues of my own and have taken medications but I have never had depression.

For those of you who successfully manage your drepression, was it a long journey of trying different therapies and meds?

Even if managed, are there times it simply becomes overwhelming and you cannot function normally?

I'm trying to understand a family member and support him.

I've sent you a direct message. I trust this was acceptable.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got some nice tasty pills from my GP a fortnight ago. I'm supposed to do some talking stuff to, but I haven't got round to it.

Anyway the pills. I've not been on them long enough to have a significant effect on my mood, but everything seems to have moved up a notch, so intolerable is very bad, very bad is just bad etc.

I have however felt like I've been sedated most of the day, I'm always tired, and yawning.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got diagnosed with phycosis (which dr and myself agree was total bull.

And while being low the only thing that pushed me was the forces. Which because of previous "diagnosis" got me discharged.

As for meds I stopped taking them just told them it worked

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"the worst thing is when people who don't understand tell you to suck it up and get on with it, or there's nothing wrong with you. I have encountered this from family and now ex friends.

The problem is often that people may have experienced sadness but not depression and think that they are the same.

totally agree, as you probably know you don't need that sort of negativity as there is enough there with your mindset

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got diagnosed with phycosis (which dr and myself agree was total bull.

And while being low the only thing that pushed me was the forces. Which because of previous "diagnosis" got me discharged.

As for meds I stopped taking them just told them it worked

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By *amissCouple
over a year ago

chelmsford

"I got some nice tasty pills from my GP a fortnight ago. I'm supposed to do some talking stuff to, but I haven't got round to it.

Anyway the pills. I've not been on them long enough to have a significant effect on my mood, but everything seems to have moved up a notch, so intolerable is very bad, very bad is just bad etc.

I have however felt like I've been sedated most of the day, I'm always tired, and yawning."

(((hugs)))

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"I got some nice tasty pills from my GP a fortnight ago. I'm supposed to do some talking stuff to, but I haven't got round to it.

Anyway the pills. I've not been on them long enough to have a significant effect on my mood, but everything seems to have moved up a notch, so intolerable is very bad, very bad is just bad etc.

I have however felt like I've been sedated most of the day, I'm always tired, and yawning."

Give it a bit of time. Let yourself sleep, when you can, as it can be part of the healing... unless you sleep too much.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got diagnosed with phycosis (which dr and myself agree was total bull.

And while being low the only thing that pushed me was the forces. Which because of previous "diagnosis" got me discharged.

As for meds I stopped taking them just told them it worked.

I woke up in the morning and had no drive it was "get up do what you needed to" go back to bed at the end of the day chat was few words and I became involved in alcohol (only that) and then it was threw the week during the day when I was off on holiday I was drinking Monday to Sunday in between work and college. It's a struggle but don't listen to NHS OR DOCTORS ITS NOT A DISEASE.

it's all in the head ironically worded, basically your in the middle of a war zone in your head all the time support them BUT don't push them to respond or anything.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I got some nice tasty pills from my GP a fortnight ago. I'm supposed to do some talking stuff to, but I haven't got round to it.

Anyway the pills. I've not been on them long enough to have a significant effect on my mood, but everything seems to have moved up a notch, so intolerable is very bad, very bad is just bad etc.

I have however felt like I've been sedated most of the day, I'm always tired, and yawning.

(((hugs)))

Thank you

*Hugs* back

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By *amissCouple
over a year ago

chelmsford

"I got some nice tasty pills from my GP a fortnight ago. I'm supposed to do some talking stuff to, but I haven't got round to it.

Anyway the pills. I've not been on them long enough to have a significant effect on my mood, but everything seems to have moved up a notch, so intolerable is very bad, very bad is just bad etc.

I have however felt like I've been sedated most of the day, I'm always tired, and yawning.

(((hugs)))

Thank you

*Hugs* back "

Xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I got some nice tasty pills from my GP a fortnight ago. I'm supposed to do some talking stuff to, but I haven't got round to it.

Anyway the pills. I've not been on them long enough to have a significant effect on my mood, but everything seems to have moved up a notch, so intolerable is very bad, very bad is just bad etc.

I have however felt like I've been sedated most of the day, I'm always tired, and yawning.

Give it a bit of time. Let yourself sleep, when you can, as it can be part of the healing... unless you sleep too much.

I will, I mean I got another 14 days till I go back to my gp, then I may get a repeat prescription.

Thing is I'm not tired, the yawning is a side effect that you cant control. Its really annoying

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got depression after a breakdown. O tried a few antidepressants untill I found one that helped. I take twice a day and if I miss it by a few hours I can feel the difference. Meds arnt for everyone but there are lots of options out there. I hope your family member feels better soon

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"I got some nice tasty pills from my GP a fortnight ago. I'm supposed to do some talking stuff to, but I haven't got round to it.

Anyway the pills. I've not been on them long enough to have a significant effect on my mood, but everything seems to have moved up a notch, so intolerable is very bad, very bad is just bad etc.

I have however felt like I've been sedated most of the day, I'm always tired, and yawning.

Give it a bit of time. Let yourself sleep, when you can, as it can be part of the healing... unless you sleep too much.

I will, I mean I got another 14 days till I go back to my gp, then I may get a repeat prescription.

Thing is I'm not tired, the yawning is a side effect that you cant control. Its really annoying

What are you on, if you don't mind saying? Citalopram works for me, but I gain weight. Fluoxetine used to work for me but doesn't anymore, and I always lost weight on it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"the worst thing is when people who don't understand tell you to suck it up and get on with it, or there's nothing wrong with you. I have encountered this from family and now ex friends.

The problem is often that people may have experienced sadness but not depression and think that they are the same.

I've known a few people who went to their doctors saying they were depressed or threatening to kill themselves, be given medication and appointments to see a specialist and then not taken the medication or gone to their appointments. They recovered very quickly, which makes me think they weren't ill in the first place, just struggling to cope with a problem.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"...I will, I mean I got another 14 days till I go back to my gp, then I may get a repeat prescription.

Thing is I'm not tired, the yawning is a side effect that you cant control. Its really annoying

What are you on, if you don't mind saying? Citalopram works for me, but I gain weight. Fluoxetine used to work for me but doesn't anymore, and I always lost weight on it. "

It's okay, I'm actually on Citalopram too. I take one 20mg tablet a day, normally when I wake up. I have thought of moving it to the afternoon as I get hit by sleepiness around 3/4 hours after I take it.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"the worst thing is when people who don't understand tell you to suck it up and get on with it, or there's nothing wrong with you. I have encountered this from family and now ex friends.

The problem is often that people may have experienced sadness but not depression and think that they are the same.

There is that too. Reactive depression is also tricky as people usually get through it but it feels horrendous when they're in it.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"...I will, I mean I got another 14 days till I go back to my gp, then I may get a repeat prescription.

Thing is I'm not tired, the yawning is a side effect that you cant control. Its really annoying

What are you on, if you don't mind saying? Citalopram works for me, but I gain weight. Fluoxetine used to work for me but doesn't anymore, and I always lost weight on it.

When I'm on it I take my Citalopram in the early evening and it helps me sleep through the night. Sleeplessness dogs me when I am depressed.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"...What are you on, if you don't mind saying? Citalopram works for me, but I gain weight. Fluoxetine used to work for me but doesn't anymore, and I always lost weight on it.

When I'm on it I take my Citalopram in the early evening and it helps me sleep through the night. Sleeplessness dogs me when I am depressed.

See I sleep too much. It's been so long I cant remember if that's just "me" or my mental state. When I first started I stayed awake till 3am, and slept till around 8am. And I couldn't change it. Now I get about 8/9 hours again.

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By *ANDA2Couple
over a year ago

Henley Arden

"I got diagnosed with phycosis (which dr and myself agree was total bull.

And while being low the only thing that pushed me was the forces. Which because of previous "diagnosis" got me discharged.

As for meds I stopped taking them just told them it worked.

it's all in the head ironically worded, basically your in the middle of a war zone in your head all the time support them BUT don't push them to respond or anything."

Are you saying depression is not a disease?

If so you are dangerous wrong. Depression and bi polar are most definitely 100% a clinical illness just like a broken leg or cancer or PTSD.

Unfortunately depression and bi polar the hardest illness to treat.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Meds didn't and don't make me happier, they make me feel calmer and less overwhelmed. Not on any at the moment, but when i had my last lot (which were different to the ones i'd had previously), my dose was upped gradually over a few weeks by my Dr, as to how he thought i was doing. They were more effective than the last lot i was on too, and they didn't make me feel numb. Just calmer. Took a few weeks to kick in, which was when i was on the right dosage for me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I got diagnosed with phycosis (which dr and myself agree was total bull.

And while being low the only thing that pushed me was the forces. Which because of previous "diagnosis" got me discharged.

As for meds I stopped taking them just told them it worked.

it's all in the head ironically worded, basically your in the middle of a war zone in your head all the time support them BUT don't push them to respond or anything.

Are you saying depression is not a disease?

If so you are dangerous wrong. Depression and bi polar are most definitely 100% a clinical illness just like a broken leg or cancer or PTSD.

Unfortunately depression and bi polar the hardest illness to treat."

Ok yes fair play but it may be an illness but it's treated like disease and often taken the wrong way.

I told a lass about this once and when I explained what was in my head at the time see looked scared and literally stepped away from me. If you see what I mean. Its the hardest to treat but it's like cancer we all have it each and every single person has depression.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was on citalopram for a few years

I hated it....made me numb and feelingless

I manage with no medication now

I deal with it in my own way

Anxiety is my main issue these days and it does sometimes trigger the depression

I have just sort of learnt to live with it really

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By *candiumWoman
over a year ago

oban

The easy answer to your question is yes.

I had 10 years of trying different medications until something worked well for me. Now so long as I take the right tablets I function apparently normally. If i even forget once though, utter panic anxiety meltdown a few days later.

I'm fairly sure my reactions to things aren't 'normal' but normality is overrated.

I choose medication over therapy and that choice is not the same for everyone.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm on setraline

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By *ANDA2Couple
over a year ago

Henley Arden

"I got diagnosed with phycosis (which dr and myself agree was total bull.

And while being low the only thing that pushed me was the forces. Which because of previous "diagnosis" got me discharged.

As for meds I stopped taking them just told them it worked.

it's all in the head ironically worded, basically your in the middle of a war zone in your head all the time support them BUT don't push them to respond or anything.

Are you saying depression is not a disease?

If so you are dangerous wrong. Depression and bi polar are most definitely 100% a clinical illness just like a broken leg or cancer or PTSD.

Unfortunately depression and bi polar the hardest illness to treat.

Ok yes fair play but it may be an illness but it's treated like disease and often taken the wrong way.

Not sure what your trying to say.

My line is.....the medical line

It is an illness but it can be very complex and hard to treat.

No. Not everyone has depression but anyone can suffer from it. There's a small but significant difference.

It's a very hard illness for a lot of people - no suffers - to understand. Just like men can not comprehend the feeling of pregnancy or motherhood.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have anxiety and mild depression. I've been given Citaroplan

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Depression is part of my BPD, I've been on medication for years, different ones but I'm now at a point where it's balanced and controlled and I've just come out of three years of therapy, I'm a very different person now, for the better.

There are times when depression does hit and I just want to go to bed and not face the world but through the therapy I've had I can prevent this from going on for more than a day or two, sometimes the depression can be 'situational' sometimes it can be for no fkg reason at all but I can tell myself and believe it that's sometimes it's ok too feel this way.

I don't believe medication works for everyone, it's a lot to do with what you tell 'yourself' I believe therapy works a whole lot better than medication but because I've been on mess for years I think it's caused a chemical imbalance.

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By *opsy Rogers OP Woman
over a year ago

London

Thank you to everyone who has posted here and offered help by PM, it's hugely appreciated and hopefully, I will gain the understanding I need.

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By *inky-MinxWoman
over a year ago

Grantham

Treatment starts with the unwell person wanting to get better. Without that most else can fail.

As has been mentioned one size does not fit all but a combination of therapies, medication and a healthy lifestyle can all work.

Don't underestimate some people's reactions to additives in food too

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Treatment starts with the unwell person wanting to get better. Without that most else can fail.

As has been mentioned one size does not fit all but a combination of therapies, medication and a healthy lifestyle can all work.

Don't underestimate some people's reactions to additives in food too

they also have to admit they're ill, biggest thing to help get better

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By *elnkazCouple
over a year ago

cheshire

Medication and a new start have been a factor for me.. but my depression was caused by grief but now moving on. Good luck helping your friend .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm reluctant to go into too much detail about medication, but here's my thoughts.

Medication can be over prescribed, I remember when speaking to a GP once about my depression she was filling out a prescription before discussing it with me.

But medication has been very helpful for me. Therapy? Still on the fence about that.

I think medication isn't enough on its own, but it can give you that boost to find out other methods and sustain them. I can elaborate further.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Meds didn't and don't make me happier, they make me feel calmer and less overwhelmed. Not on any at the moment, but when i had my last lot (which were different to the ones i'd had previously), my dose was upped gradually over a few weeks by my Dr, as to how he thought i was doing. They were more effective than the last lot i was on too, and they didn't make me feel numb. Just calmer. Took a few weeks to kick in, which was when i was on the right dosage for me.

People assume that medication for depression and anxiety are happy pills and you'll take one and be the life and soul of the party. They don't understand that they enable you to just about function.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"I'm reluctant to go into too much detail about medication, but here's my thoughts.

Medication can be over prescribed, I remember when speaking to a GP once about my depression she was filling out a prescription before discussing it with me.

But medication has been very helpful for me. Therapy? Still on the fence about that.

I think medication isn't enough on its own, but it can give you that boost to find out other methods and sustain them. I can elaborate further. "

I think you have to be ready for therapy, and medication can help you get to the stability to engage with that. You also have to find the right therapist and the right type of therapy.

My earlier attempts at therapy just didn't work. When Lickety came into being I had just started therapy again and this time I was ready. Many £000s later and I felt able to stop therapy and medication and I haven't been back since.

I will add the obvious, though. I spend more time on the forum when I am little bonkers than when I am not.

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By *appy squirrelWoman
over a year ago

Norwich

oh just an afterthought- things can get worse when you start medication for a bit so your friend might need extra support!

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By *unshine05Man
over a year ago

for me it was trying to find what worked best,

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By *im_66Woman
over a year ago

Bradford

Citalipram made me feel like I was in a constant out of body experience. I'm on Sertraline now which is better. I had a great and understanding doctor and also had counselling as there are still bad days and I try to apply the strategies we worked on.

Fresh air and a laugh with mates is my best medication. Mindfulness, Oh and chocolate.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i'm on 3 different types of meds, 2 at maximum, they help alot but still have bad days.

having someone to talk to is good, especially if it's someone who has been there.

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By *eardedSilverFoxMan
over a year ago

Colchester

"I'd like the collectives opinions please, to support my understanding.

I'm a retired Midwife with some knowledge of mental health and indeed, have suffered issues of my own and have taken medications but I have never had depression.

For those of you who successfully manage your drepression, was it a long journey of trying different therapies and meds?

Even if managed, are there times it simply becomes overwhelming and you cannot function normally?

I'm trying to understand a family member and support him.

I tried to reply to you in private but couldn't as you have blocked single men.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm reluctant to go into too much detail about medication, but here's my thoughts.

Medication can be over prescribed, I remember when speaking to a GP once about my depression she was filling out a prescription before discussing it with me.

But medication has been very helpful for me. Therapy? Still on the fence about that.

I think medication isn't enough on its own, but it can give you that boost to find out other methods and sustain them. I can elaborate further.

I think you have to be ready for therapy, and medication can help you get to the stability to engage with that. You also have to find the right therapist and the right type of therapy.

I will add the obvious, though. I spend more time on the forum when I am little bonkers than when I am not.

Oh yes, very true. It seems so obvious now but back in 2012 I wasn't ready for CBT, plus I'm on the autistic spectrum and the practitioner was unwilling to take that into account.

I've referred myself back to the same service as they've made a lot of changes, so fingers crossed.

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By *opsy Rogers OP Woman
over a year ago

London

"I'd like the collectives opinions please, to support my understanding.

I'm a retired Midwife with some knowledge of mental health and indeed, have suffered issues of my own and have taken medications but I have never had depression.

For those of you who successfully manage your drepression, was it a long journey of trying different therapies and meds?

Even if managed, are there times it simply becomes overwhelming and you cannot function normally?

I'm trying to understand a family member and support him.

I tried to reply to you in private but couldn't as you have blocked single men.

No, I haven't, I only meet single men

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By *candiumWoman
over a year ago

oban

Oh yes, very true. It seems so obvious now but back in 2012 I wasn't ready for CBT, plus I'm on the autistic spectrum and the practitioner was unwilling to take that into account.

I've referred myself back to the same service as they've made a lot of changes, so fingers crossed. "

I was offered CBT about 20 years ago...I guess it must havd been in its infancy in those days or something but it seem to be based on a different universe to the one i live in. It was never going to work for me when it's premises did not compute for me. I think different people need different things. I'm not interested in being taught how to think, in fact I'm very resistant to the idea, so therapy will be a long journey for me. For me medications work very well and I'm lucky that i like the few side effects I get.

The 10 years it took to find the right medications did fuck my life over though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ive had it since childhood but only had an official diagnosis in 2006. Im on my 3rd different medication because of the way it changes. Each person has different symptoms and ways of coping. The best thing you can do is just let the person know you are there for them. When they want to open up and talk, they will. Dont pressure them though.

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By *londieddWoman
over a year ago

fife

not even reading any other posts, you need to get professional help. not help from a swinging site

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By *laytimenowMan
over a year ago

Essex

Did you hear the one about the

Who are you calling a schizophrenic ?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Treatment starts with the unwell person wanting to get better. Without that most else can fail"

I take your point but that's not wholly true in all cases regarding mental health, it's a little different to substance or alcohol addictions where oft it has to start with intrinsic motivation to change, I've known many cases where actually professional intervention unwanted actually did end up starting a process of support and increased awareness and help for the sufferer of severe depression.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"not even reading any other posts, you need to get professional help. not help from a swinging site"

Maybe you should read them. Also OP is gathering some info and not making a diagnosis nor asking for one or anything like but asking people's individual experiences to inform her wider knowledge (she has some already) of how people have coped themselves -- there's rich info here and everyone is clear there's no one size fits all.

You seem to miss the benefit of a forum and also underestimate the OP's intelligence.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Did you hear the one about the

Who are you calling a schizophrenic ?

Seriously? Pffft.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm not a fan of medication as most cause more problems than they solve.

I would say take vitamins an as it's a he magnesium an vitamin D an B. But as he does have medication he will need to check with a herbalists that they don't interfere with medication or any other medications. An this is from experience.

Yes this is a swingers site, but when you want advice an to help someone, you ask anywhere an everywhere.

He may need to look at stress too an ways to ease that. Hope this helps, an he feels better soon.

They're are mood boosting foods too you could try. Every little helps.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Mental health is a very common thing that no one talks about but one in four will have it at some point in life some may be diagnosed some may never be diagnosed but in my opinion it should be talked about more as people here mental health and.

Automatically think Dr jekyll and Mr hide when in fact very people who suffer from it have that.

I was in a metal health hospital because of a mishap anyway long story short is if you ever visit someone in a mental health building or hospital you will have a lot more understanding about it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Exactly awesome statement

People assume that medication for depression and anxiety are happy pills and you'll take one and be the life and soul of the party. They don't understand that they enable you to just about function. "

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