Recurring depression? Can't decide whether to see GP

[TheChewyToffeeMum]

I have suffered several episodes of depression (usually in winter or during shift-work) for the past 6 years or so.

This winter I thought I had it cracked. I have been using my lightbox, taking multivits, vitamin d, fish oils and St John's Wort. It is nearly Spring but I am now feeling rubbish. I don't know whether to try and keep going in the assumption that Spring will make it better.

The main issues: lack of motivation (I would stay in bed all day given the chance), intrusive memories of unpleasant events, crying at the slightest thing, major carbohydrate craving, bingeing and weight gain.

Anyone had experience of this with SAD?

[cheekeymonkey]

Try walking for 20 mins each day, hate excercise but really works at getting the happy hormones pumping. Try if only once - see if it works. Anti-depressents made me worse

[TheChewyToffeeMum]

I do walk alot already - 20mins twice a day for nursery run and I run 3 times a week. It certainly helps but I don't have time to do anymore.

I know antidepressants work for me I just don't like the idea of being a patient and having to bother the GP to get them.

[cheekeymonkey]

Sorry, sounds like you are already doing what you can for yourself(ob not as lazy as me) so I think you need your doc, esp as you know they work for you. You are entitled to help so shy do you think that you are 'bothering' the gp?

[TheChewyToffeeMum]

I don't know why I am reluctant to go to the GP. I suppose I think I should be able to deal with this myself. The depression is not as bad as it has been previously.

I suspect the very fact that I am posting this suggests I probably do need help. Thanks for your input.

[cheekeymonkey]

Sound like you are a coper? Well if it not as bad as previously then this is an ideal time to get it nipped in the bud before it escalates. You DESERVE help, just go or I will send the boys round!! Good luck, hope you feel better soon. hugs

[NanaNina]

I think depression/anxiety is a very deceitful illness and one of the symptoms is making us feel that we should be able to do something to get rid of the illness. We don't feel like this if we have flu or chest infection or any other physical illness.

Agree with cheekeymonkey - you need to get to GP ASAP and get some meds. You are mentioning some of the symptoms of depression (wanting to stay in bed all day) oh god I know that one so well and crying (yes know that one too) and lack of motivation (tick. I have suffered 2 major episodes of dep, one many years ago and one last year (hospitalised for both episodes) am still trying to recover fromone last year and have many "blips" along the way when I feel terrible and have to get through it best way I can. I am on meds but they haven't stopped the blips.

SO - off to the gp with you - as you know you won't be telling him/her anything they haven't heard hundredsof times before. Do you know what meds suit you? Why don't you want to be a patient - it's called being human to need help from a GP from time to time that's what they are there for and paid very well too!

Sending warm wishes

[cheekeymonkey]

Well said Nina

[earwicga]

AD's don't really work for mild/moderate depression anyway. Look up recent studies. But your doctor will be able to advise you much better than I when you are face to face and tell him all.

How long per day do you use your lightbox? Could it be you could do with a bit longer?

Well done with doing so well this Winter - not long to go now until Spring. I can't bloody wait!!!

[TheChewyToffeeMum]

Feeling a bit better today due, in no small part, to sunshine.

I don't like being a patient because I am used to being on the other side of the desk!

I have a new lightbox this year (an LED one) which recommends 15mins to be sufficient - it certainly feels alot brighter than my old one which needed 40 mins.

I have just got myself a copy of Paul McKenna's I can make you happy. I have had great results from his I can make you Thin book so I think I will add in his CD every day and see how it goes. I think I will give myself a week and if no better see my GP.

Thanks all for your input.

[ArfurBrain]

there's no shame in seeing your gp. Your symptoms sound a little more than 'just' SAD to me.
Keep doing what you are doing.
In addition, can you do some form of exercise? I know this sounds hard, when you are struggling to get out of bed, but those exercise endorphins are magical! Just a brisk walk outside will help.
In addition, chuck out stuff you are likely to binge on and replace them with things which are not going to be so bad, like fruit, juice ice lollies, nuts and seeds.
Good luck, and remember the brighter days are coming.

[NanaNina]

Chewytoffeemum - me too - was used to being on the other side of the "desk".....but that doesn't protect us from this illness as you well know, but I do understand how you feel.