topic Re: A question about depression in Wellness

A question about depression

panda1234 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 02:41:22 GMT

My daughter suffers from bipolar. She is telling me she can feel the depression coming on a week or so before it hits her full force. My question is, has anyone else experienced this as well? If so, is there anything you do to head it off?

Re: A question about depression

Ann52 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 02:49:02 GMT

I'm sorry your daughter is suffering from this dreadful disease. Does she take medication? If not, I suggest going to a reputable doctor. Your primary care doctor can suggest a good doctor. Bi-polar can be controlled with the proper meds that are taken as directed. Best wishes.

Re: A question about depression

phoenixbrd — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 02:57:27 GMT

I am sorry your daughter is dealing with Bi-Polar. I know what I would do, but you have to find what is right and effective for her. My appproach would be a natural one. I wish you the best and much love.

Re: A question about depression

panda1234 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 02:58:09 GMT

@Ann52 wrote:
I'm sorry your daughter is suffering from this dreadful disease. Does she take medication? If not, I suggest going to a reputable doctor. Your primary care doctor can suggest a good doctor. Bi-polar can be controlled with the proper meds that are taken as directed. Best wishes.

@Ann52 Actually she takes a cocktail of meds. Her diagnosis is schizoeffective disorder, a combination of bipolar and schizophrenia. She has a very good psychiatrist which we are thankful for.

Re: A question about depression

Ifeelwicked — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 03:11:24 GMT

My takeaway from your post, and I wish I had a great answer for you but I have no experience here, is that you are a wonderful and caring mom. I wish you and your daughter the answers you are searching for and the peace you both deserve. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving❣️🦃

Re: A question about depression

Nugbucker — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 03:31:45 GMT

@panda1234- I am not bipolar and I’m not schizophrenic. But I’ve had issues with depression for the last 25+ years. I also can tell when it’s getting bad- my husband knows when it’s bad, too. I go into fight mode, that’s the best way I can describe it. I avoid the news, I make sure to exercise more, and I take my vitamin D3. I avoid some social situations since my anxiety can get the best of me and that makes the depression worse. I do a lot of knitting because that keeps my brain focused on that and not on sad thoughts. My cats each have at least 5 blankets that I’ve made over the last few years, and I don’t know if I should laugh at that or be grateful that I’m still here making blankets. And I talk to my husband about things. Every single day is a struggle for some of us, but I just try to think only about ‘today’. Get through today, don’t worry about tomorrow. And I tell myself what I’d tell a loved one who’s feeling bad- things will get better. They will.

My heart hurts for your daughter and for you because I can only imagine how it is for our loved ones who have to go through this right along with us. It’s a painful thing, depression. It’s painful for everyone. But please know that you and your family are not alone. Hugs to you.

Re: A question about depression

IMW — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 03:38:49 GMT

My dh has bipolar. Sleep is the best way to regulate biochemistry in the brain. At least 8 hrs nightly- disruptions can lead to an episode. Adequate sleep can head off an episode.

Make sure the room is dark, quiet etc.—it is crucial.

Re: A question about depression

IMW — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 03:40:31 GMT

P.S.

Try to reduce stimulation and stress.

Re: A question about depression

Katcat1 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 03:41:25 GMT

@panda1234 You have a lot on your plate. If her current medication is not controlling her depression, it is best to see her dr. The dr. may change medication. Hopefully, with the right medications your daughter will lead a normal life. Take care and I hope your daughter gets better.

Re: A question about depression

Warrior2022 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 03:52:53 GMT

My brother suffers from Bipoar disorder and he tells me when things don't feel right, so yes, I hink she knows in advance.

Re: A question about depression

brandy77 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 04:05:38 GMT

I know exactly what your daughter means, it is a feeling I dread so much, I have treatment resistent depression. I'm 43 and have struggled since childhood, I wish I could suggest something, but nothing has helped me. I just wanted to tell you I know what she's talking about.

Re: A question about depression

ruthbe — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 04:32:24 GMT

I have been diagnosed with being biploar for several years. You sound like a very caring and loving mother. Thank you.

My suggestions. Definately continue with the psychiatrist. and medications.

Never listen to people who think they are experts, but are not...ie., Tom Cruise.

Continue with your love and support. A loving, caring support system helps a great deal!!!!!

One thing that I found helpful was try to keep a consistant schedule as possible. (very hard to do when working, children, and husband) but so helpful. And I mean getting up and going to bed at the same time, eating meals at the same time, the same daily routine. And plenty of sleep.

Don't forget...your daughters family..including you, need to take care of themselves. They are of no help if they get sick, depressed, lack of sleep, etc. Its a team effort. You are a family. And she needs all of you. So, take care of yourself (and if there is husband and kids..they need to be taken care of also)

Best of luck to all of you.

Re: A question about depression

Laura14 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 10:50:09 GMT

Yes and I try and get back to me.

I am constantly doing for others without much reciprocation so taking a me break can be helpful but I would never suggest leaving her alone. Just letting her set the agenda for the day without judgement or comment could be extremely helpful. It makes you feel more in control of things.

Many well wishes to you both. ♥️

Re: A question about depression

panda1234 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:32:27 GMT

@brandy77 wrote:
I know exactly what your daughter means, it is a feeling I dread so much, I have treatment resistent depression. I'm 43 and have struggled since childhood, I wish I could suggest something, but nothing has helped me. I just wanted to tell you I know what she's talking about.

@brandy77 Your story is her story. She has been going to her doctor since she was 5, I knew something wasn't right. Her depression is resistant to meds so she did 6 weeks,

everyday of a treatment called TMS. New technology, lots of $$$$ and it didn't work for her. She did DSPT for 18 mos. twice a week, that didn't help. Thank you for sharing.

Re: A question about depression

panda1234 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:17:13 GMT

@ruthbe wrote:
I have been diagnosed with being biploar for several years. You sound like a very caring and loving mother. Thank you.
My suggestions. Definately continue with the psychiatrist. and medications.
Never listen to people who think they are experts, but are not...ie., Tom Cruise.
Continue with your love and support. A loving, caring support system helps a great deal!!!!!
One thing that I found helpful was try to keep a consistant schedule as possible. (very hard to do when working, children, and husband) but so helpful. And I mean getting up and going to bed at the same time, eating meals at the same time, the same daily routine. And plenty of sleep.
Don't forget...your daughters family..including you, need to take care of themselves. They are of no help if they get sick, depressed, lack of sleep, etc. Its a team effort. You are a family. And she needs all of you. So, take care of yourself (and if there is husband and kids..they need to be taken care of also)
Best of luck to all of you.

@ruthbe Very good advice.

Family is judging on how I deal with this. They are always suggesting if she had a job that would be the answer. She could never hold a job as we never know when depression will rear it's ugly head. I think it bugs them that she is not working.

Re: A question about depression

panda1234 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:22:23 GMT

@Katcat1 wrote:
@panda1234 You have a lot on your plate. If her current medication is not controlling her depression, it is best to see her dr. The dr. may change medication. Hopefully, with the right medications your daughter will lead a normal life. Take care and I hope your daughter gets better.

@Katcat1 She has a standing appointment with her doctor every 2 weeks. She has used all of the current meds at some point in her life, her body just resists them.

Re: A question about depression

panda1234 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:24:32 GMT

@IMW wrote:
P.S.
Try to reduce stimulation and stress.

@IMW We are doing just that by staying home for Thanksgiving.

Re: A question about depression

panda1234 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:26:50 GMT

@IMW wrote:
My dh has bipolar. Sleep is the best way to regulate biochemistry in the brain. At least 8 hrs nightly- disruptions can lead to an episode. Adequate sleep can head off an episode.
Make sure the room is dark, quiet etc.—it is crucial.

@IMW I forgot to mention she also has insomina.

Re: A question about depression

panda1234 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:34:59 GMT

@Nugbucker I love the idea of knitting. I always thought something along those lines would be good and worth a try. She says it is hard for her to focus when she feels this coming on.

Re: A question about depression

apple1964 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:42:57 GMT

I suffer from depression and I can say that people think that you only feel sad. Wrong with depression you can feel tired or angry or anxious. I am under medication and have been through therapy and I am feeling much better. The first step is to have good caring doctors who are welling to work with you. The second step and final step is to be on your medication if need be.