Depression Days - Off for a week
Today I am spending about 5 minutes online as we are off camping for a week. So excited!!!
Actually its caravaning really, we purchased a caravan a couple of months ago and have only used it for one weekend so far, so now we are having a whole week in it, its going to be fun. The boys are so excited too.
A great therapy for depression going camping!! Except the drive there and back that can be quite worrysome.
Well have a good week all
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Side Effects of Anti-depressants
There are a few side effects of anti-depressant medication, most are more of a nuisance than actual dangerous side effects.
Side effects may include:
Nausea
Dizziness
Insomnia
Headache
Dry Mouth
Blurred Vision
Altered Bowel Function
Teeth Grinding
Jaw Clenching
Some side effects only occur for the first week or two, mainly the nausea and dizziness, once your body adjusts to the medication these side effects usually disappear. Although in many cases medication will be started on a low dose and gradually increased over time until your GP feels you are at the correct dose needed. These symptoms can re-occur each time the dose is increased.
Insomnia is quite a common side effect of anti-depressant medication and because of this it is best to take the medication in the mornings with breakfast. If taken in the morning insomnia should not be a problem.
Personally I suffered the nausea and dizziness each time my medication was increased and also when it was decreased. It soon passed though and was not a major issue. The side effect that has been the most annoying for me personally is the teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This has affected me to the extent that I have problems with my teeth and problems with my jaw bones and my ears. I get lock jaw which can be quite painful and I can have problems with my jaw locking and/or hurting when eating hard foods. I also suffer from headaches caused from the constant jaw clenching, it can affect the muscles in your face, head and neck and because the joints of the jaw bone are near the ears I have problems with my ears feeling blocked and having to 'pop' them all the time.
I have had a mouth guard made to fit to try and relieve the jaw clenching although I haven't found this all that successful, I just clench on that, and even though it was made to fit, I still find it quite uncomfortable. I have found probably the most effective in relieving the jaw clenching is relaxation. Yoga is good and also jaw and facial exercises. I have reduced my medication slightly as the higher the dose the worse the jaw clenching was and it got to an extent that the effects from the jaw clenching were making me more depressed and kind of defeated the whole purpose of being on medication. So I have reduced the dose just enough that it has reduce the jaw problem a bit but am still having the benefits of the medication also.
So if side effects of anti-depressants are to an extent that you can't cope with them, see your GP, you can change your doses (under GP supervision of course) until you get the right dose to help with the side effects, or even try a different medication, some effects vary with different medications. Also try relaxation such as yoga or exercise to help with side effects.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Feeling Blah
Feeling Blah
We are not going to discuss 'clinical depression' here. Today we are discussing general run of the mill depression - feeling blue - feeling down - feeling 'blah'.
There's a sort of heaviness to depression. You feel lethargic and sluggish. You feel down and out, you have the general feeling of "I'm depressed". You feel heavy and tired and just want to stop fighting with gravity and just lie down and stay there for as long as you can.
What is the best cure for feeling like this?? Lying down and resting? No!!! The best thing is physical movement - some activity. Get up, take the dog for a walk, wash the car, clean the house. I know when you are feeling like this, these are the last things you feel like doing, but amazingly enough you DO actually feel better after doing them.
You need to get your energy moving, it definately helps the feelings of depression to get your energy moving. Doing something productive helps even more, that way you have a sense of achievement when you've finished which will lift your spirits a bit. You will get the boost of accomplishment as well as the boost of movement.
But you don't have the energy to get up and do anything!! Trust me I know how you feel! But you can't wait for the energy to come - it wont, so don't wait until you feel like you have the energy to do it - start moving and then the energy will come. Its a bit like the supply and demand theory, energy follows demand. When we demand the energy by getting up and starting a physical activity, it is there.
DEPRESSION?
'MOVE IT TO LOSE IT'
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Taking The Kids Shopping
Today I made the silly mistake of taking my oldest two boys - aged 8 and 7 - to the shops with me. I tell you what, if you're not depressed already, taking two boys like mine shopping will certainly make you depressed. Oh my goodness did they play up. I can tell them til I'm blue in the face to stop mucking around but do you think they listen to me. Of course you can't smack your kids in public these days either or you'll get reported for child abuse. I'm sorry, but in my opinion kids need disciplined. Perhaps if it was acceptable to smack your children, they wouldn't act so feral when you take them to the shops since they know you wont smack them there.
So did they get any punishment??? Of course, no smacks I'll admit, I think the punishment they got was much more annoying to them than a smack anyway. They had to write out their times tables, all of them. Actually for the 7 year old, not such a problem, he's the smarty pants and quite enjoys anything like that, and of course he thinks he's very good since he knows them. The 8 year old however just really can't be bothered with learning anything like that, and literally sat at the table for hours because he didn't want to do it. Well, I wonder if he'll think twice about the way he acts next time we're at the shops.
Although, I have vowed never to take them to the shops ever again. But now that I have, and am still not completely calmed after the experience, I might go out for a jog and release that negative energy.
Question is, to take the dog or not to take the dog, he'll never forgive me if I don't. Big dog though, I have a really sore hand from the last time I took him a few days ago.
Well, over and out. Have a lovely day.
Shezz
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Anxiety Depression
Many people who engage in various multi-tasking activities tend to exert too much of their brain power and as a result usually exhaust not only their physical strength, but they also tend to over extend their brains to the extent when it obviously needs some good old relaxation time. Busy people sometimes ignore the need to relax and take time off work, as well as their worries. It is these people who tend to start having nervous breakdowns, anxiety depression and other mental illnesses. Fortunately, if you're one of those poor unfortunate people who are unable to de-stress and is constantly fussing and worrying over things, there are various treatments available for treating anxiety depression.
Anxiety depression symptoms can vary from person to person but are usually characterized by irregularities and erratic behavior, this can be due to certain stress triggers that may tend to cause a person undue jitters and stress. Some people are naturally more nervous people and don't handle stressful situations as well as others, these people are more prone to having anxiety depression. They need to teach themsleves to be strong-willed when it comes to facing difficult and stress-prone activities. This is easier said than done and may be pretty hard to overcome at first, but trying to be calm and cool in times of extreme pressure is what will actually save your mental health from going in a totally downward spiral.
You will not be able to be cured from mental illness unless you are willing to admit that you have a mental illness in the first place. You have to be honest with yourself and assess what kind of depression or mental illness you actually have, go to your doctor to get yourself diagnosed correctly and to be placed on the right treatment for your condition. Here are the various types of depression:
Manic or Bipolar depression - symptoms include sudden and extreme changes in one's mood. One minute he or she is in an elevated state of euphoria while the next minute (day or week) he or she is feeling to be in a personal hell.
Postpartum depression - characterized by a prolonged sadness and a feeling of emptiness by a new mother. Physical stress during child birth, uncertain sense of responsibility towards the new born baby or over tiredness can be factors that can contribute to developing postpartum depression.
Dysthimia - characterized by a slight similarity with depression, although this time, it's been proven to be a lot less severe, but of course with any case, should be treated immediately.
Cyclothemia - characterized by a slight similarity with Manic or Bipolar depression wherein the individual suffering from this mental illness may occasionally suffer from severe changes in one's moods.
Seasonal Affective Disorder - symptoms of falling in a rut only during specific seasons (i.e. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall). Studies have shown that more people actually fall in to a rut more during the Winter and Fall seasons. Mood swings, wherein a person's mood may shift from happy to sad to angry in just a short time.
Anxiety depression has proven to be one of the most common types of depression and quite a high number of the population suffer from it. Anxiety depression is characterized by the state of being overly anxious about things. Anxiety, a supposedly normal behavior that actually helps a person adjust more to a certain stressful activity like first date jitters or a grueling exam the following day. Anxiety actually helps you get psyched up towards facing certain "difficult situations"; and therefore anxiety is actually a good thing. Anxiety depression however, is simply the opposite, not to be easily dismissed as a "case of the nerves"; Anxiety depression is actually an illness that can be caused from the biological makeup of an individual, or in other words, a hereditary illness.
Also, there are actually various types of Anxiety depression, each having its own unique characteristics. Take for example Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD, this kind of Anxiety depression is a lot more complicated than the average Anxiety depression, in spite of possibly being a day-to-day habit for those who suffer this kind of Anxiety depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder can make a person more paranoid than usual, anxiety attacks are more frequent, even absurd at times. They can even be anxious when there is no apparent reason that calls for them to behave in such a way. People suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder actually show a lot of symptoms, from lack of sleep, to being unable to relax, getting tired easily, cannot concentrate on what they're doing and even suffering from depression. This kind of Anxiety depression is curable but takes a bit of work to be cured.
Consult your doctor or therapist who will help give you the therapy that you need to help you loosen up. They may also prescribe medication to help with anxiety and help to calm and relax you.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Steve Irwins Memorial Service
What can you say??
I have just finished watching Steve Irwins memorial service. I don't think I have ever watched a more emotional service, my husband and I both sat and cried. How can such a strong, energetic, passionate man be taken from this world.
He said he was put on this earth to save and protect the animals, then why was he taken so young, why wasn't he kept here to keep on saving and protecting them. He had such an important job, such an important part in conservation of this world, could anyone ever compare.
I feel for his lovely wife and children. He was their world and they were his, now their whole life has changed in the blink of an eye.
I know when you suffer from depression it is a very hard disease to take control of. But you know Steve Irwin in his death has inspired me. When I look at how fulfilled his life was, at how much he could fit into every day. To live on the edge - I am so the opposite, too scared to do anything - but he enjoyed his life, he had so much energy and was so happy and made such a difference to everybody. He truly LIVED his life to the fullest. It is such a tragic, tragic loss, but at least he LIVED. How many of us spend our lives depressed and stressing and worrying over everything, instead of being out their really living our lives and enjoying every minute of them.
Even knowing this and having Steve as inspiration, I know it will still be hard to overcome depression, but he had made me more determined to do so.
Shezz
www.depressiondays.com
Depression days - depressing dressing
No site update today, instead today I went out shopping with my Mum.
She wanted to take me out to buy me some clothes for my upcoming birthday. Man oh man thats depressing, I hate trying on clothes.
Generally I'm not overweight, its just that tummy flab that you get after having babies, that I have been too slack to get rid off yet. Its got to go though. So I came home, picked the kids up from school, then as soon as my hubby got home I took the dog for a walk. Didn't jog today, don't know why maybe because its hot, just wanted to walk - a fast walk though I worked up a sweat.
No more depressing dressing at the shops for me - soon anyway hopefully. Tummy flab your days are numbered, soon you will be no more.
Then I can go happy shopping!
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Hypothyroidism
Today I was reflecting on the page I added to my website yesterday. It was a page on post natal or post partum depression. In my blog yesterday I commented on whether you can get post natal depression outside of the suggested time of 1 year following birth. I didn't suffer from depression until a couple of years after my 3rd birth.
As I was thinking about this today, I thought about part of my content yesterday in which I talked about hypothyroidism, and how this can cause depression, also has similar symptoms to depression and how pregnancy and hormonal changes to your body can bring the onset of hypothyroidism.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last year also, probably a couple of months before I was diagnosed with depression, although I suffered from depression for a while before I saw my GP.
Anyway, my thinking now is although I didn't suffer from depression until a couple of years after the birth of my 3rd child, I also have the underactive thyroid - which was possibly brought on by pregnancy hormonal changes, which could have caused or contributed to the depression. So if this is the case, then the pregnancy ultimately did contribute to the depression - therefore post natal depression in my opinion can occur over 1 year after the birth.
Or it could all just be a big coincidence and the fact that I had 3 reasonably close pregnancies may have had nothing to do with either the hypothyroidism or the depression.
I wonder
Take care all
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - No clicks with adsense
Today I have updated my site, I have added a page on Post Partum or Post Natal Depression. With my research everything I came across says that postpartum depression can happen within a year after childbirth. I personally wonder though whether it can take longer. Or does it just mean that if you get depression 18 months after childbirth that its then considered normal depression as opposed to post partum?? I don't know the answer to this. All I know is my depression started probably a couple of years after my last child was born.
I'm beginning to wonder if its worth having a site for adsense, what am I doing wrong???? I am getting visitors to my site but I'm not getting any clicks. I have changed my adsense around so many times, according to ebooks and advice on forums but NOTHING seems to be working.
I have stated in previous blogs that I am going to start doing everything that I say to do on my site. I took up jogging last week, I went jogging with my big puppy for 3 days in a row, then it stopped because my kids have been sick so I haven't managed to get out. I'm going to start again today though.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression days - depression blues
I've had a reasonably constructive day today. I added an article onto my website called Depression Blues as well as submitting it to some article directories. I came across a program called Article Submitter, which saves a lot of time.
I have changed around my adsense a bit on the site, after asking for advice on a forum as I wasn't getting many clicks. So with the advice I received I have changed it a little. I have started reading Joel Comms Adsense secrets, although there are so many different opinions. I changed it around a week or so ago to what Joel Comm said but still not getting the clicks, so have changed around slightly again. I am only about 1/4 way through Adsense Secrets so will keep going and see what else I can learn.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression day Tribute to Steve Irwin
A fitting tribute to one of the good guys from Oz
THE CROCODILES ARE CRYING by Rupert McCall
Endless visions fill my head, this man as large as life
And instantly my heart mourns for his angels and his wife.
Because the way I see Steve Irwin just put everything aside
It comes back to his family, it comes back to his pride.
His animals inclusive, Crikey light the place with love!
Shine his star with everything he fought to rise above
The crazy-man of Khaki from the day he left the pouch
Living out his dream and in that classic 'Stevo' crouch.
Exploding forth with character and redefining cheek
It's one thing to be honoured as a champion unique.
It's one thing to have microphones and spotlight cameras shoved
It's another to be taken in and genuinely loved.
But that was where he had it right, I guess he always knew
From his father's modest reptile park and then Australia Zoo.
We cringed at times and shook our heads but true to natures call
There was something very Irwin in the make up of us all.
Yes the more I care to think of it, the more he had it right.
If you're going to make a difference, make it big and make it bright!
Yes - he was a lunatic! Yes - he went head first!
But he made the world feel happy with his energetic burst.
A world so large and loyal that it's hard to comprehend
I doubt we truly count the warmth until life meets an end
To count it now I say a prayer with words of inspiration
May the spotlight shine forever on his dream for conservation
My daughter broke the news to me, my six year old in tears
It was like she'd just turned old enough to show her honest fears
I tried to make some sense of it but whilst her Dad was trying
His little girl explained it best, she said "The crocodiles are crying"
Their best mate's up in heaven now, the crocs up there are smiling!
And as sure as flowers, poems and cards and memories are piling
As sure as we'll continue with the trademarks of his spiel
Of all the tributes worthy, he was rough but he was real
As sure as 'Crikey!' fills the sky
I think we'll miss ya, Steve .. goodbye
RUPERT McCALL 2006
www.depressiondays.com
Depression days - bad day
Haven't done a thing on my site today, feeling rather depressed and panicky again. My oldest son is still not 100% but my 4 year old is sick now, headache and fevers, why do I panic as soon as they get sick. Its so hard to explain how it makes me feel, I feel sick to my stomach, when my husband came home from work I just burst into tears, I wish I didn't feel like this.
Does anyone ever beat depression and panic attacks??? Or is it something I'll have to deal with forever.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Panic
I haven't done any work on my site today, I have one child whos been sick. He's had a headache and fever for 2 days, now the headache has gone but still has the fever and been vomiting all morning. Vomiting seems to have stopped now, hopefully that will be it and perhaps his fever might come down too.
I hate it when my kids get sick, I'm waiting for the others to get it now. I wish I could deal with sickness like normal people. I panic, I feel sick to my stomach and can't eat, I have thoughts going through my head constantly wondering what exactly is wrong, why does he have a headache, what is causing the fever, I hate not knowing exactly what is wrong because I worry incase its something serious. I know all parents worry when their kids are sick but I think I go beyond normal worry. My husband tells me to get over it, kids get sick it happens, he's ok. I wish I could have his attitude. It doesn't seem to matter how hard I try I just can't help feeling this way when they are sick. I come very close to having a panic attack, which I use to have before I was on antidepressant medication.
Why can't they have a miracle cure than can just change feelings instanty????
Tired, I slept with my boy last night and he tossed and turned and moaned and groaned all night, I got up at 3:30 and went to my own bed so I could get some sleep, managed 4 hours before my other son came in to tell me Ben was vomiting all over his bed. - Yuk. I think I'll have an early night tonight.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
depression days - positive thinking
After a couple of days off I am back on track now. I have added a page on positive thinking to my website. I am a big believer in how our thoughts affect our lives, although I know if all in my head, putting it into practise is another thing alltogether. I have a book called "you can't afford the luxury of a negative thought" by John Roger and Peter McWilliams, and it is the most fantastic book, I have had it for years and gotten through quite a few rough times with the help of this book. I have a link on my site to where you can purchase the book, it is the only book I have recommended because in my opinion its the best. I know my problem is one of forever thinking negatively and even overthinking everything - don't get me wrong I don't want to imply that the book can't be that good if I still think negatively, my problem is I don't stick to things. This book has gotten me out of my negativity a lot of times, unfortunately I put the book away and stop doing what they say and slip back into it, even though it stressed in the book not to do that. I'm going to make a super huge effort to get back on the positive track.
I noted in my story on my website that I hoped building this site will help me in my recovery from depression and that I am going to start doing everything that I write about. So far I've been a bit slack until a couple of days ago, I got off my butt and went for a jog, I went again yesterday and intend to go again today. I'm going to get fit and healthier and feel better for it. Mind you it helps when you have a large dog that can pull you along too.
As my final word for today, I just wanted to give my condolenses to the family and friends of Peter Brock. Another tragic loss for Australia, we have lost 2 great men in one week.
RIP Brocky.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Logo
Not a big day as far as the progression of the site goes today.
Although I did work out how to make a logo, so the logo on my site has now changed
Actually getting the logo was the easy part, getting into all the pages in the right spot was harder than making the actualy logo.
Have also been doing a bit of work on another site which I will hopefully get up and running soon. I know I should probably just concentrate on just one site at a time, but I just can't help myself.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.comPS - Germaine Greer I was a fan of Steve Irwin, if that makes me an idiot then so be it. At least I'm not an inconsiderate cow who picks the most insensitive time to make stupid, pathetic, insensitive and untrue comments about a person while their family are grieving for them.
Depression days - natural treatments
Today I have added a page on the natural treatments that may help with depression. This has probably been my hardest page so far as far as content goes, but I am fairly happy with the result. I learnt how to use anchor points today too, another achievement!!!
Now I need to start putting into practise all that I have published on the natural treatments page, good information for everyone whether you suffer from depression or not.
Back to work - bye
ShezzP
Depression days - natural treatments
RIP Steve Irwin
Australia mourns the loss of our 'crocodile hunter' Steve Irwin.
Such a tragedy for such a brave man, who loved animals and nature and devoted his life to it.
Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
May you rest in peace Steve.
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
Depression Days - Looney Tunes
I had an email sent to me by my sister and it was really cute. It was some lovely quote and each one had a looney tune picture background, real cute. I couldn't help myself I had to add them to my website. So now I have a whole page called Looney Tune Quotes.
Thats about all I have done on my site over the last couple of days though. I must try and get back into it a bit more this week.
Take care guys
Come and visit me -
www.depressiondays.com - and check out my new looney tunes quote page!
Depression days diary
Well how did today go??? This morning I got a bit depressed when I was told that all my head tags were all wrong on my website, I really don't know much about tags, hey I've only been working on websites for about 3 weeks. I'm learning every day though. Thankfully it all came good fairly quickly, I met a lovely lady on a forum who talked me through fixing it all up, so all is good now.
I haven't had much of a chance to work on the site today though other than fixing the head tags but I didn manage to add one article to the site.
I am thinking of adding a page where I can publish peoples stories about depression. So if there is anyone out there who has suffered from depression and would like to add their story to my site you can contact me via my site -
www.depressiondays.comWell thats all for today.
Goodnight
