depression

[Hand of Blood]

I know there is prob lots of threads on this!

But how do u all tackle it if you have it??

ive had it for ages and its getting worse! i seem to hate everyone and everything around me! i feel its effecting my home life!
But docs have told me that anti depressants effect my tabs, so they havent put me on them, i realy dont want to go on them!

Im scared to fully say how i feel to a doc! ive went to therapy and i just felt i was treated like a child there! i dunno what to do.... any ideas?

 

[Nakamova]

Hey HOB,

Not all therapists are the same -- and as with meds it can take while to find the right fit -- so you might try that route again. A good therapist can make a huge difference in helping you vent, giving you useful feedback, and providing the tools and support to help you move forward. Regular exercise can help, even just walking outdoors or dancing in front of the TV. Getting involved in group activities like volunteering can also make a difference.

 

[Cint]

I agree with Nak, not all therapists are the same..... the same as all docs are not the same. Some are good listeners and some are not. I've suffered with depression also, and have found that to be true so had to keep searching for a good therapist. I prefer not just any therapist, but a neuropsychiatrist, who can help find the right anti-depressant and let you vent. Also, some mild exercise like walking gets those endorphins in the brain going and helps with the depression.

 

[Havok]

Google cognitive behavioral therapy. You can use the idea of it to try to stay positive. For instance, if you consistently work to change your thought process to a happier note, then on days when it's not so bad you can actually bring yourself to rise against the depression. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn't. I don't like antidepressants because they made me out of it. Same thing with anti-anxiety medicines. I just tell myself I'll get through one way or another.

Also - If you're not looking for meds and you're just wanting someone to talk to, all of us are here for you

 

[qtowngirl]

I agree with Nak and Cint - there are good therapists out there, just hang in there until you find the right one (and same as me, when you do you'll know it).
Also, the exercise. Takes a bit to get the 'ol ass off the couch but once you're home from a great walk it feels sooooooooo good.
And Havok's right too - hit the padded room and vent away to all of us. We can be good little therapists too, your E friends. We may not have a diploma on the wall but we all know what it feels like to live with E, and that's more than enough.

 

[MuayThaiFighter]

I find it useful to just find a place to vent, whether it is on pen and paper or anywhere. Let your feeling come out through written word. Surprised how much it helps when you do it. Everyone else has had good suggestions. If anything remember that things might be horrible, sometimes unbearable at times. But look to the future and know the strangest things can happen. Who knows, maybe everything will work out for the best. Oddly enough if you keep your eyes on the prize of having positive things happen, they seem to happen.

 

[Hand of Blood]

ive had depression for about ....4ish yrs now and its just getting worse and worse, i dont think talking to a person who is paid to listen to u and doesnt care is gonna help me! Also doping me on more meds i think will just make me worse! because side effects make me depressed! i dont know what to do!

its came to the point i can hardly even play with my kid or be bothered with him! and i dont even feel to much towards my OH
I actuallly had depression in my teens b4 epilsey so it may not even be fully from the tabs or the epilesy
grrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[MaeDae]

tell your dr, just the way you told us. let them know, ok, and see if they will get you the additional help/support/med or whatever it takes to help you get thru and pass this. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Keep us posted.

A Hug just in case you need one, and even if you don't!!

I know how you feel and I too will seek the help I need. Thanks for sharing, it has encouraged me to take action. : )

 

[RunningGirl85]

I find it useful to just find a place to vent, whether it is on pen and paper or anywhere. Let your feeling come out through written word. Surprised how much it helps when you do it. Everyone else has had good suggestions. If anything remember that things might be horrible, sometimes unbearable at times. But look to the future and know the strangest things can happen. Who knows, maybe everything will work out for the best. Oddly enough if you keep your eyes on the prize of having positive things happen, they seem to happen.

:agree:

For me writing is a huge release. Find something you do (or even did) enjoy and let yourself get wrapped up in it. I know sometimes when I'm depressed I will pull out my flute or do some singing or go for a run (when I'm not injured) and focusing on something else usually helps - especially if it is something you are good at, and even if you may not think there is anything (I don't know if this is the case or not), you can learn new skills, which always helps me when I'm feeling really down. And while I understand not wanting to pay for someone to vent to, it really CAN be useful. They are trained to give you a better perspective of things you might be struggling with. While some aren't so good at it, and while you may not be a fan of going back into your childhood (stereotypical), some will help you deal with what is going on NOW and actually give you ideas to help you cope. At least that is what mine has done. Even breathing techniques when I am stressed, and writing down good things, etc. etc. I still get depressed, but those things DO help in the long term

 

[MaeDae]

:agree:

For me writing is a huge release. Find something you do (or even did) enjoy and let yourself get wrapped up in it. I know sometimes when I'm depressed I will pull out my flute or do some singing or go for a run (when I'm not injured) and focusing on something else usually helps - especially if it is something you are good at, and even if you may not think there is anything (I don't know if this is the case or not), you can learn new skills, which always helps me when I'm feeling really down. And while I understand not wanting to pay for someone to vent to, it really CAN be useful. They are trained to give you a better perspective of things you might be struggling with. While some aren't so good at it, and while you may not be a fan of going back into your childhood (stereotypical), some will help you deal with what is going on NOW and actually give you ideas to help you cope. At least that is what mine has done. Even breathing techniques when I am stressed, and writing down good things, etc. etc. I still get depressed, but those things DO help in the long term

for me too. I cant stop rymthing , I cant spell it either.

 

[Autumn Breeze]

Yes to all of it!

You can find someone (paid) that will listen, but that usually takes a lot of time and effort. Not saying it isn't worth it, just saying, if that's what you really want you'll have to really hunt. (Says the girl who needs to get on the phone and find a neurologist that isn't a dick)

And of course, getting out of the house..walking/running...or singing or playing music. I sing, a lot. And lucky for my husband it's on key

And keep coming here

 

[Sheripark]

Keppra put me in hell and I pulled everyone down with me. Keppra should not be given if someone already has signs of depression (my opinion). Research Keppra; it is a tough one.

 

[Hand of Blood]

i know i hate keppra it made me lots worse, even tho im only on 500mg its felt no different since i was on 1000mg

 

[Loopylil]

From a personal view I wouldn't recommend antidepressants. I'm on a 45mg dose and it only makes me sleep. They only seem to work for short periods of time too then need to be changed.
Maybe being refered back to the original mental health people who start the process and decide what you need etc. and go in with a very positive attitude. There is so much more they offer that many don't know about

 

[qtowngirl]

i know i hate keppra it made me lots worse, even tho im only on 500mg its felt no different since i was on 1000mg

Yeah HOB we've talked about this for you in other threads - get off that damn keppra. It's just a matter of taking control over your doctor - if you're uncomfortable being on it, which you are, make it clear to them and slowly taper off. I think we talked about upping your original drug for extra seizure control and eliminating keppra completely.
Getting to the point where you don't want to play with your son... the drug controls you now and that's bullshit!!!! Not only are you strong because you live with E, but also because you're a woman, you can do this. Don't even take the time to make an appt... call his office and tell him you've had enough and you aren't letting the depression take you down any longer. Go for it!

 

[MuayThaiFighter]

I agree with Qtown, Keppra can be a downer for a drug. I got back on it because it seems to be the only thing that will control my seizures. I've learned not to spout out with rage, but it can surely lower your moods. So its a catch 22, but if you have a drug that can keep the seizures at bay, I would start decreasing the Keppra. You might be surprised at how fast you feel your moods change for the better. Best of luck, I hope things start working out for you.

 

[Sheripark]

Try and get off kepra and see if it makes a difference

 

[EmilyZ]

I know there is prob lots of threads on this!

But how do u all tackle it if you have it??

ive had it for ages and its getting worse! i seem to hate everyone and everything around me! i feel its effecting my home life!
But docs have told me that anti depressants effect my tabs, so they havent put me on them, i realy dont want to go on them!

Im scared to fully say how i feel to a doc! ive went to therapy and i just felt i was treated like a child there! i dunno what to do.... any ideas?

I think different people find different things helpful. I also chose not to take anti-depressants and I tried to control it with changes in diet, a very regular sleep pattern, meditation and certain activities that took me away from the habits that reminded me of being depressed. I went for lots of walks, spent as much time as possible in the countryside, tried to remove as much stress as I could (for example, by making fewer commitments, or dropping a subject when I did A-levels). If you find that negative thoughts about life are making it worse, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) can help.

I know lots of people have bad experiences with patronising psychologists/psychiatrists. Is there any way you could see your GP and ask for a referral to somewhere else? Sorry I don't have a better suggestion!

 

[Hand of Blood]

yeah keppra is bad but thing is its all came from my tegretol, i was depressed with the same feelings b4 i went on keppra! it was bad then keppra added to it! i wanted off both drugs, but n matter what its controling me and they dont care about side effects!
i mean i have went in to the docs and told them i had bad thoughts ( i know ur not allowed to say it but u all know wat i mean) and they done nothing! they just blanked it out, on the leflet of these tabs its the first thing they tell you to change or soething like that if u feel it!

 

[Hand of Blood]

its a bad day today! first of the only thing i asked for ever was a lay in this morning, and no i never got it, im so tired and on the war path! i dont have a penny to my name but i want to go on a shopping spree and buy stuff anyway coz i never anything! i feel like not doing anything my oh wants me to! coz i always do and i never get to do anything! i feel like im a walking sim! where everyone is controlling me telling me to do this and that, and i dont get to make my own mind up! if i do say no its a war in the house!
I dont even care i just want a me day! i wish i could drive so i can just go away myself somewhere its what i need! i wish i also had a job to have money so i dont have to ask for money like a wee kid! I just feel trapped! i want to make everyone happy but i want everyone to make me happy in return, but i dont get it!

sorry for the rant just need someone to talk to, i know ima explode today with keppra rage and my own rage, i can feel it building up! and it always leads to me smashing plates and well anything that will brake!