Anyone treated depression themselves?

[essbee]

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do you think this is pnd or just depression brought on by circumstances essbee? I don't know much about your situation but I treated my depression with counselling as I really didn't want to take ad's.

I have just finished almost a years worth of this counselling and I feel great - totally back to myself, very self aware, feel like I have gained the skills I need to step outside things and work on myself. Also really pleased I got away without ad's.

Is this an option for you? Not sure you may already be going down this route but your gp should be able to give you a list of counselling services in your area - some free. Or he/she may be able to refer you.

Big hug to you essbee.

xxxxxxx

Yes now someone has

I cnat remmebr who,,,,
< coddy puts thinking hat on>

I don't want to harp on about it as there are a few threads about this, but have you tried Homeopathy? It won't effect you're coil. My GP recommended Sepia to me when I finally admitted I had PND. I was over the worst of it by then.... purely by existing in despair for almost 18mths of ds's life.

Sepia really helped me. Could you phone a registered homeopath perhaps?

no apologies essbee - most of us have been there.
i don't know your story so forgive me if the suggestions seem unsuitable. i tried counselling 4 times with little success.what i have found that helps are the following:

1. lots and lots of walking - beach, moors, woods somewhere you can walk through the pain. a bit like dental floss for the heart and head. 2.transcendental meditation - really is life changing! if you do a search for april or may mumsnet you should find a thread about how to do it. there is an independent organisation which charges about £250. i will try and find link for you if interested. 3.'buddhism - pure and simple' book by steve hagen has had a dramatic effect about how i think about the the past and the present. i have read hundreds of books and this is the book i would take to the grave with me, i feel that strongly about it. written by a zen buddhist priest - cuts out all the nonsense associated with buddhism and has really helped me to heal. hope it helps xx

I haven't really posted much on the ad medication threads because my own experience of ad was so bad.

I think coping yourself is possible but maybe it depends what lies behind your depression. It may also depend on the severity but I have come through severe depression on my own, although I rarely feel it's permanently gone and can suddenly reappear.

I'm loathe to offer any advice because I'm not qualified and it's considered good practice to consult the professionals.

But some suggestions to think about would be analyze your sleep patterns and energy levels. Are you able to function at a level where tasks are completed. Can you motivate yourself or plan ahead. Do a brainstorm on how to improve these areas. I believe in the omega 3 oils in seeds and fish, drink more water. This probably sounds trite as I don't know your situation but I've done better on a lot of my own small steps than I did with psych. Maybe it's to do with believing yourself to be in control of your own life even if you do it badly you do it yourself.

essbee would be interested to know what the link for that test is? do you have it please?

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found the links meditation thread and \linkwww.tm-meditation.co.uk/txt/independent transcendental meditation org{}got to pick up my ds1 now too....

essbee are you sleeping ok or are you waking early hours of the morning - I think I would try counelling before Ad's and possible a bach flower remedy depending on your symptoms - exercise is good as is planning what you want to achieve in whatever time span you feel suitable - I find sleeping for 7 hours has made a big difference to me - You go to bed as usual but get up after 7 hours apparently too much sleep can cause depression so if you can balnce your internal clock it helps also find chocolate, a good book and bed do wonders as does going to virtual spiritual home on here

bah! try againtranscendental meditation independent org
i really have to go so if this link doesn't work try google uk

also says on website they charge from as little as £90. i'm late....

I went to a naturopath.. gave me my own personal herbal pick-me-up connocotion - was very good.

Dorothy Rowe's the way out of your prison is supposed to be a v good account of how to start tackling depression.

lemonice - what probs did u have with ad's
Kizziex

I made a new year resolution at beginning of 99 to see gp and tackle recurring depression. I was prescribed Prozac which then changed to I think Seroxat (but haven't got diary so Not absolutely sure) and became manic and suicidal in fact totally bonkers. After living a completely bizarre life (during which i somehow managed to still be a mum) for a while i managed at last to get into psychiatric hospital and spent three months there. Took all sorts there including venlafaxine Would never take ads again or lithium. The only good that came from all this was i split with exh and met dp but life changed utterly and forever as they say. And lots happened that I regret.

Essbee - do you think your depression could be in any way connected with the Mirena coil - has it only started after you took the coil? Just that I had bad PMT and depression when taking the progestogen only pill, so wonder if you might be sensitive to the hormones in the coil. Would you be willing to have the coil removed to see if that makes any difference? Other suggestion - there is a good australian web site called moodgym which has a self help programme of cognitive therapy - helping you think less negatively about yourself - i'll find the url if you are interested.

mummysteven that link sounds really good - essbee sorry for hijacking your thread!!

Hi Gothicmama - the link is moodgym.anu.edu.au

Not quite sure how I happened on it. A few months later I saw an article in the BMJ which found it an effective treatment for depression.

Thanks for that I keep trying different things to keep it all manageable

mummytostevensmoodgymsite

lemonice - im so sorry you had such a horrible experience.
Reading between the lines hope all much better now.
Kizziex

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Hypnotherapy? It can be very relaxing...

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I had a bad patch (bereavement/boyfriend/housing crisis) a few years ago. What really helped was going to the gym, yoga and singing lessons (which I would really recommend - same category as buddhist chanting I think). Also reading a few self-help books including the Dorothy Rowe one mentioned earlier.