Depression

[cgilsing]

Hi Everybody,

I don't know what is going on with me....I'm usually a happy, reasonable, confident person, but lately I'm feeling like a just crashed. Before I was diagnosed, depression was right up there with digestive problems in what was making me miserable. It was really a frightening experience not knowing what was happening to me. I was uncertain in everything from my friendships, to work, to even my marraige. I don't even know where to start on how I fetl. I just didn't feel like I was worthy of anything and at the same time had a paranoid fear of impending doom, or something happening to me or my husband. Before it was over I had myself convienced that I was going to die of colon cancer.

Once I started on a gluten free diet, those symptoms completely disappeared. I have been happy, confident and productive ever since. However, about a month ago I started getting momentary little waves of doom and gloom feelings. I'm not into the deep depression that I experienced before, but it's creeping up on me. I'm starting to worry excessivly for no reason, I'm getting those worthless feelings I had before. I don't want this! I think I am currently glutened because of a stupid waitress who didn't know what she was talking about, but it's not like I have had a long term glutening or anything....at least I don't think so....I don't know what to think. I don't know what to do.....I'm so afraid of being depressed again. Sorry about rambling on....has anyone else had this happen?

[Jnkmnky]

Sounds like panic attacks to me. I had one about three years ago. I am allergic to the benzodiazapine in the meds used in those prescription drugs. I found that out the hard way. In any case, Here's how I handle my body. It may work for you.

Exercise. Walking with your spouse or a friend in the evening is good. Light weights while you watch tv in the evening is good.

Sunlight. Try to get out into the sun a bit each day. Even if it's only a walk around the block during your lunch hour or whatever. A bit of sunshine each day helps.

I just read a book called, "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen. I found it incredibly uplifting and empowering. I would recommend it to everyone.

You need to fill your mind with other thoughts, for one.

Deep breathing. Get a yoga tape, or join a class, or look up deep breathing exercises on the internet. Deep breathing really helps.

Of all of those suggestions, I would really do the exercise, the book, "Your Best Life Now", and the deep breathing the most. I think natural remedies should be explored before pharmeceutical remedies are looked into.

[cgilsing]

Jnkmnky,

Thanks for the quick response! You are probably right that some sunlight and excersize could help....I hadn't even thought about it, but this time of year I don't get nearly as much of either. I don't know why, but this particular winter seems longer than usual to me too I'll try it out and I'll for the book too! Thanks again!

[Guest stef 4 dogs]

Sounds like panic attacks to me. I had one about three years ago. I am allergic to the benzodiazapine in the meds used in those prescription drugs. I found that out the hard way. In any case, Here's how I handle my body. It may work for you.

Exercise. Walking with your spouse or a friend in the evening is good. Light weights while you watch tv in the evening is good.

Sunlight. Try to get out into the sun a bit each day. Even if it's only a walk around the block during your lunch hour or whatever. A bit of sunshine each day helps.

I just read a book called, "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen. I found it incredibly uplifting and empowering. I would recommend it to everyone.

You need to fill your mind with other thoughts, for one.

Deep breathing. Get a yoga tape, or join a class, or look up deep breathing exercises on the internet. Deep breathing really helps.

Of all of those suggestions, I would really do the exercise, the book, "Your Best Life Now", and the deep breathing the most. I think natural remedies should be explored before pharmeceutical remedies are looked into.

Hi!

I also too have felt looming depression for how all of this has effected my life and those around me. I think part of it for me was realizing I'm a certain age and my body has taken control of me! I no longer feel like I'm guiding my health but rather being guided by my body! I am trying new things. Anything on my list of lifelong "to Do's" just because I need to feel alittle more in control of things,. You also may feel the need to take control. Realize you cannot control the situation but rather the outcome and CHOOSE your outcome! Empower yourself to propel foward. Good luck in your quest!

Stef 4 dogs

[gabby]

Hi,

Um, I noticed from another posting that you are 18 weeks pregnant. The changing hormones could really be the cause of your feelings...and not to minimize them, but it might not be that abnormal. Probably best to check with your doctor about your depression and see if anything is off kilter.

Hope this helps, and that sunnier days are ahead. Also, as a small recommendation to brighten your day, I would go to the library and get out every book Erma Bombeck has ever written. Read them all. Do not be drinking anything that can come out of your nose from laughter while you are reading.

gabby

[cgilsing]

Hi Gabby,

Yeah I am pregnant....I have wondered if that has something to do with it. It's just strange because I have been so happy through this pregnancy up until now. I was just starting to get some momentary feelings of depression that faded right away at my last Dr. visit. I mentioned it to him and he said that at this point in pregnancy that your hormones quit climbing so rapidly and that I should even out and feel better, but it has only gotten worse since then.....I have another appointment in a week. I will talk to him again and see what he says now. I guess I am just really afraid of going back to where I was before the gluten-free diet. It was just a miserable period in my life. I just can't feel like this, especially with the baby coming!

[happygirl]

Open Original Shared Link

I thought this was an interesting article---thought of you when I read it.

How are you doing?

[cgilsing]

Thanks for the article Laura! That is really interesting...I had never heard that depression could relapse during pregnancy! I'm feeling some better today....sorry for ranting yesterday. It was just a particularly bad day! I have never taken anti-depressants before. When I was having so much trouble a few years ago, I refused to see a Dr. about it. I was convinced that if I took anti-depressants I would be walking around in a daze. I only have a few months until little Ian is born, so I'm sure I can get through this. If I have trouble after he is born though, I am definatly going to talk to the Dr. about getting some help for it. It is not worth missing out on months of your life!

[StrongerToday]

I just started on an anti-depressant a few weeks ago. I've fought taking them for a long time, worried about side-effects, thinking the anxiety and depression would get better (and sometimes it did). Sunlight is a big factor for me I'm learning, and I do feel better when I exercise - all true.

But right after Thanksgiving, I was really struggling. The food thing was a huge part of it - I was worrying constantly about developing other sensitivites, not eating foods people had made even though they took all the precautions (including Christmas brunch AND dinner!!), and in general not eating much. I was having panic attacks and was starting to avoid leaving the house. Thank God I have a good friend who urged me to talk to my dr. as I confessed to her that I was NOT living the life I wanted. I was anxious all the time, exhausted, worried, couldn't focus, tired...

We did start one anti-depressant that I devloped some side effects to, so I quit that one and started another - and started this one more slowly, just a half pill a day for a week, then a full pill. I had about a day or two where I felt off (but nothing like the earlier side effects from the first prescription), but now - only three weeks later - I am really feeling good! I also started working with a therapist so I can get myself back in control of me - not the food thing in control of me.

Bottom line, and others will give you lots of different advice - is that you have to work with your dr. to do what's right for you. Maybe some talk therapy right now would be helpful? Preganancy is a great thing, but it brings so many changes!! (And just wait until they're older - yikes!!) You're right, you should live the life you want to live and not miss any of it.

[cgilsing]

Thanks Ev

By the way you have a very pretty name! We were going to name Ian Eve if he was a girl! I'm glad to hear that you are feeling so much better! Food really affects my moods too. Why is that? It seems like that would be something totally unrelated, but it definatly isn't! It's good to hear from someone who has taken anti-depressants and had a good experience with them. I have talked to my OBGYN before about my risks for post-pardum depression and he said that considering I have had a previous depression he wouldn't be surprised if I have some affects. He said that he will work to get me back to normal if that does happen. I really have a great OBGYN right now too.....everyone here knows how hard it is to find a good Dr.! I have a lot of faith in his word that he will help me though if I need it. Once again I'm glad you are feeling better and I hope everything keeps going well for you!

[happygirl]

happy to hear you are having a better day! I was on anti-depressants for about five years-this is my first winter without meds. Can be tough!

I hope that you are able to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. Try to get as much (as possible!!) sleep .... being sleep deprived always seemed to 'increase' my depression.

[Lollie]

i can't help but add my comments... I too have been feeling better since going gluten free. I had all the same feelings of impending doom and actually dieing from being so sick for so long. But, yesterday I started feeling bad again. I was in horrible spirits all day and couldn't get on top of it for anything. When I woke up this morning I had a fever and all the usual flu symptoms. Now it makes since but yesterday all I did was question what I had eaten, maybe the effects of be gluten free were wearing off, ect....

I guess my point is, is that after what we've been through with the pain and years of questions and self doubt, it doesn't take too much for us to kinda relapse emotionally. But, at least in my case, when I have times of depression now, I can look back and see what the cause was. And in that there is hope, unlike any I have had in 10 years.

Good luck in your pregnancy! I loved being pregnant but had lots of doubts and fears. Maybe its normal, but try to keep your head up! I'm glad you are feeling better!

Lollie

[jojoe72]

I can totally relate with all of you. One book that has been a incredible help to me is "The Mood Cure". It was recommended to me by Thomas3000 (another member on this board). I was going through horrible depression and anxiety over the past year. I read this book (took me 3-4 times of rereading it for the info to "click") and am now following the protocol. I am seeing very promising results from the suppliments and am close to bieng totally cured. I can't recommend reading this enough. This book isn't one of those "alternative" health books. It has scientific real world treatments using amino acids and other suppliments.

Joe

[jknnej]

Sorry to hear that you are feeling that way and I hope you feel better soon! Most of the suggestions I've read are really good.

I definitely wouldn't take any meds while you are pregnant! Hopefully things will continue to go well!

If you start feeling really bad try and see a doctor who has experience with depression, especially if it's after the baby.

Keep your chin up! Once you see your beautiful child I'm sure it will get better!