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Depression...

Discussion in 'The Premier League' started by Libby, Jul 3, 2017.

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  1. Libby

    Libby 9-0

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    Known as the unseen illness, used to suffer badly with it as a teenager though have been fine for years now.

    But feel like I might be starting to suffer from it again now, but I'm using drink (used to be weed) to block it out.

    Problem is you drink cos you feel low, but in long run (I know this as an ex heavy drinker) it makes it worse.

    A vicious circle...

    Any personal experience out there n some decent* advice?










    *A serious topic from me on this board for once <ok>
     
    #1
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2017
  2. Archers Road

    Archers Road Urban Spaceman

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    Depression is a treatable illness, but as you are clearly aware, treating it with booze is a dead end, as alcohol is itself a depressant.

    I can't say I have ever suffered from clinical depression, although I am no stranger to the low blues. The abuse of alcohol, on the other hand, I have a lot of experience with. What was once my best friend, my shield and my armour for dealing with life and for quietening my own head, became the instrument of my destruction. Bacchus boomeranged, as a great man once said, and nearly cut me down.

    Life without booze, which once seemed unimaginable, is ten times better than having to contend with hangovers, blackouts, shame, self loathing, and constantly having to clear up messes of my own making, I no longer have to duck into doorways to hide from people I have upset, or who I owe money to, and I don't make phone calls in the middle of the night which I forget having made the next day.

    If any of that sounds like you, you might be an alcoholic; there is no minimum age for alcoholism, and it isn't a moral weakness or a lifestyle choice, it is a chronic illness. An illness, incidentally, that often goes hand in hand with depression.

    But no one can tell you whether or not you are an alcoholic - no one wants to hear that about themselves, for a start. There is a saying in aa, that you can always tell an alcoholic, but you can't tell him anything. The best way to decide for yourself is to go to an aa meeting, got to a few even, and make up your own mind whether you think you fit in there. The only places I ever really felt at home was the pub, a crowd of Saints fans after Channon, LeTiss, SRL etc smashed one home, or alcoholics anonymous.

    Of course, being a Saints fan would drive anyone to drink.

    Good luck whatever you decide to do, but if you feel like you're on a slippery slope, don't just do nothing. Change something.
     
    #2
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  3. Bwood_Ranger

    Bwood_Ranger 2023 Funniest Poster

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    Exercise is key. Doesn't matter what it is really even if you just go for a walk but if you can get yourself in a routine of gym or swimming it'll be a huge help.
     
    #3
  4. NSIS

    NSIS Well-Known Member

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    Gym is a big help when you're feeling down. Gets those endorphins flowing.

    And, you don't drink because you're depressed. You're depressed because you drink.
     
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  5. Lovearsenalcock

    Lovearsenalcock Homeboy
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    Drinking and it's negatives are issues I have not had to deal with since it's something that was nipped in the bud due to upbringing. I reckon a lot of people suffer from forms of depression but since you are not famous and have not been diagnosed by a white coat you might need all the help you can get in convincing people that you are depressed or getting there.

    Best of luck Lieb...you can chat to me about anything you want anytime you want mate if talking is an avenue that helps.
     
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  6. gooner4ever

    gooner4ever once a Gooner always a Gooner
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    At least you are very aware of what is happening to you, which is a good sign so go see a doctor and get some help.
    Cut down/out the booze and start some form of exercise- tell people you are trying to get in better shape, and when you do you will feel better.
    Is work an issue as it could be stress rather than depression

    anyway mate good luck

    you can use PM if you want privacy
     
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  7. The Ginger Marks

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    Black Dog is a terrible thing people have, I have a nephew who has it bad but with the right help and the love of his extended family he has found a crutch to help him through the bad days. Try to keep positive and actively fit as these will help. Good luck fella. <ok>
     
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  8. Sharpe*

    Sharpe* Senior Member

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    Drinking is about the worst thing you can do.

    As others have said - exercise. It releases endorphin's and you'll generally feel better about yourself.

    Comedy, mates and good music all help.

    Get rid of the things/people which trigger negative thoughts.
     
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  9. Bodinki

    Bodinki You're welcome
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    Lots of exercise, socialising, some St Johns Wort.
     
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  10. NSIS

    NSIS Well-Known Member

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    G4E has a good point. Sometimes stress can be mistaken for depression.

    I know all about stress from what I used to do. And yes, we used to hit the bar as soon as we got out back in the day.

    If you think it's stress, maybe change jobs - if possible, of course.
     
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  11. Lovearsenalcock

    Lovearsenalcock Homeboy
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    How do you know the difference? Surely one leads to the other and through stress you feel depressed.
     
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  12. NSIS

    NSIS Well-Known Member

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    No.

    Clinical depression needs no underlying reason. People who suffer from it can seemingly have no good reason to be depressed. But are all the same.

    Stress always has a cause.
     
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  13. Lovearsenalcock

    Lovearsenalcock Homeboy
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    So everyday issues don't lead to depression? or every time you feel depressed with work, people, life in general it is 'stress' and not 'clinical' ?

    Not being obtuse, I'm genuinely interested as I believe depression can hit anyone yet if you have a lot of personal issues then that is bound to be a factor which takes you from being 'stressed' to some where darker.
     
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  14. Bodinki

    Bodinki You're welcome
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    From what I understand there is depression, like if you have lost your job, your wife has left you, you lose your house, you are raped etc
    Then there is "clinical" depression, which has no cause, and is a mental illness.
    I suppose you could say both types are I suppose, but in the case of Clinical despression, as NSIS says, there could be nothing wrong at all, yet you may still feel suicidal and whatnot.
     
    #14
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  15. Lovearsenalcock

    Lovearsenalcock Homeboy
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    Yeah I think depression can hit you from nowhere..I just think everyday life, work, partners, kids, bills etc etc and modern life in general are massive contributors.
     
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  16. NSIS

    NSIS Well-Known Member

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    True. But clinical depression is a brain chemical imbalance. Sufferers can feel like **** for no apparent reason.

    It's one of the reasons it wasn't taken seriously for a long time. 'What's he got to be depressed about', etc
     
    #16
  17. brb

    brb CR250

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    The first thing i would recommend giving up if you have any form of mental illness is alcohol. I don't mean completely, just maybe restrict yourself to non working days ie weekends. It's important to create yourself some routine where drink is concerned, because all it will do is give you the high followed by a complete crash and that is not good if suffering with MH.

    I never agree with NowsufferinginSpain but on this occasion he has got it spot on, stress and depression are two completely different things, for the reasons he has highlighted at #12 and #16

    Only YOU can gauge what treatment you need to seek, but as said it certainly is not at the end of a bottle.

    You state that you feel like you are starting to suffer with it again, then you probably are, so listen to the early warning signals and get yourself down the docs, they can decide what course of treatment to start you on.

    However, you need to be honest with the doc, are you feeling suicidal, do you have feelings to harm others, do you have voices in your head, be open and up front about all this stuff and it helps the doc decide what route of treatment is best for you. I'm not wanting you to answer these questions, just stuff for your GP.
     
    #17
  18. NSIS

    NSIS Well-Known Member

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    I'd be seriously worried if everybody agreed with me!
     
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  19. brb

    brb CR250

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    You made some sensible points <ok>
     
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  20. The Ginger Marks

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    I'd be fcuking amazed. :bandit:
     
    #20
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