Is it possible to 'kick' depression for good?

[MUMINAMILLION]

Was going to change my name, because I dont tell anyone I suffer from depression, infact most people remark on the fact that I am always smiling! But, its time to be honest now. I have suffered on and off with depression for the last 11 years and as a result have been on and off prozac in that time. PND was horrendous too. Yest I went to the doc with a completely unrelated problem, and had total hysterics in the office!! He was very good, talked to me for ages (before putting me BACK on prozac!). He also gave me a book to read - 'Good Mood' by Julian Simon. I was wondering if anyone had read this book and did it help? Or has anyone used any other method and has managed to conquer depression once and for all? Need some hope - need to know that Im not going to be like this for the rest of my life, please.

Thanks for being frank Chinchilla. You know, you have just made me think of something. It seems that loads of us began to have depression in our teens. I just wondered if it could have been dealt with early, is it possible it may not have continued? I have 4 girls, the oldest is 11. I think I will be keeping a close eye on her from now on. Its difficult though, because teenagers are emotional at that age anyway, so how would you know if it was real depression setting in? Just a thought. I suppose communication is the key, and having suffered it ourselves, we will possibly be more able to spot the signs.

Hi Chinchilla - was really pleased to see a note from you. Did you stop taking the zispin (or have I got everyone confused again)
I saw the question about zispin but couldnt log in for some reason at the time.
Im glad things are starting to look up for you.
Kizziex

does the art help your depression mumianamillion..sometimes?

It does whilst Im doing it. I do relax when Im painting and it stops me from thinking about everything else. But I do find it hard to motivate myself when Im feeling down, and if Im not pleased with a painting I really beat myself up about it. So, good and bad sides to it really! The other thing is that I cant take criticism - not much good for an artist! You need to have a thick skin! Fortunately I havent had anyone saying they hated my work (not to my face anyway!), but if someone tells me that they prefer one painting to another, I go into a panic wondering whats wrong with the one they didnt choose! Stupid I know, but it is hard to be reasonable sometimes.

Hi everyone. I was just wondering where our board was?? Does anyone know when it will be up and running?? As you can see I'm keen to get started!!

Have a good day everyone.

Hi moniker. Not sure - Ill give the powers that be a gentle reminder.

Because I have grown up with my mum being depressed (or "poorly" as my children call it), I find it hard to come across people who are unsympathetic (like one of the psychiatrists my mum sees).

I explain to people that if my mum had a broken back, leg, arm, etc. they would sympathise with her but because, in effect, it is her mind that is broken people just can't see it.

You are so right Bumblelion. It seems to me that it is only those who have suffered depression can really sympathise. To others, I suppose it seems just that we are just in another bad mood, and which we should be able to control and 'snap out of' like they do. If only it was that easy!!

I have sent a mail to MN to ask when we are likely to see the new topic activated.

I just logged in too to see if the new thread is up and running. Hope you're all ok.
Chinchilla - hope you saw my note to you below.
Kizziex

Kizzie - how are you feeling?

Hi all. The site will be up tonight - yippeee! They were thinking about calling it 'Feeling low' as it covers all aspects of depression. What do you think?

Sorry I am just catching up with this thread and havent read it all but having suffered with PND I totally understand and empathise with much of the stuff here. I also went through an extremely bad patch as a teenager with attempts at suicide.

My own feeling is that we need to live with being sad and recognise that this isnt the same as depression. Today everyone has to be happy all the time and life can be pretty unpleasant at times and it is ok to be sad about that and sometimes a good wallow in that is really fruitful.

Depression to me is different chronic and sustained and needs to be treated.

MIAM, I like the "Feeling Low" title. Encompasses all aspects, general sad feelings as glitterfairy says all the way to clinical depression.

See you on there soon

I too like the name 'Feeling Low'so it's got my vote. Well done MIAM for getting it sorted!

'Feeling low' it is then. Would say I hope to see you on there regularly, but perhaps I should say, hope to NEVER see you on there. You know what I mean!!!

Im also only jst catching up , I read sophables posts and thought them spot on about how society condiotns us.

I have suffered with depression for mnay years. It finally peaked after dd birth with severe PND. I had many threads on it back in Jan (dd was born insept 03 I ddintrealise I had ittill jan)

I think a board specific to this subject would be very beneficial. I have certanily felt better for not being alone in this and making friedns thourhg mn who all know our plight. To others withough deprression , we are told to just CHEER UP and look at the lovely stuff , but they dont knwo the dark clouds that decend unwantingly. Im not sure it can be kicked ,but I feel you an learn wasys to reduce its impact. I have hypnotherapy , I try to medidtate every evening. Ive cut out ready meals and increased fresh foods(& thats just the start), Ive nourished my spsiritual interest as it helps with my positivty, I dont watch horror movies or disturbing programmes, I write a positive emtions diary every day(ONLY EMOTIONS NOT TRIVIA) like; proud that I didnt take a comment to heart or excited by a lovely sunny day and fresh air etc. Its much deeper than that and ive only put very basic things. I spent several months with hypnotherapist going thorugh negative emotion diaries 1st. But now Im oonly allowed to do positive. I will continue to read this thread and see how your doing muminamillion.

Thanks so much melsy. Really glad you posted and you've given me such a lot of good advice too. The positive emotions diary sounds like a really good idea. Ive kept diaries before, but they have always ended up full of the depressing bits of my day and made me feel worse!! Positive thinking, although not a cure, has to be a good thing.

Hello Blossomhill - Thanks for the message. Still struggling Im afraid (almost feel guilty writing it - Im always moaning on here.)

I did manage to get off seroxat but unfortunately the depression and anxiety got worse and worse until I really was desperate.
Ironic really - i spent so long trying to get off seroxat but now would take anything (except seroxat)that I thought would help me get better.

Had to sick leave for the first time.

About 11 weeks ago started an old tricyclic (clomipramine) but still affected by crippling depression and anxiety/panic attacks, as well as muscle spasms.

I think Ive got three choices (?).

• Try and increase the clomipramine a bit to 100mg (not sure Ill be able to this - when I tried a few weeks ago my pulse got very fast and my blood pressure really dropped.)
• Try and come off the clomipramine and see how things are without anything
• Switch to lexapro (this is what psych has suggested.) Just v nervous of taking yet another medication.

Oops - sorry didnt mean to rant on so much.

Kizziex