Depression,by Henry

[AngelZ]

Hang in there Henry! Depression can be overcome. Take it one day at a time.

[LadyPain]

Hi Henry,

I'm bipolar. I live mainly at the high, strung-out end, but when I crash it is spectacular. I have had days in the past before I learned how to cope where I was sitting on my hands, or I'd go for the knives.

Henry, I use exercise to help with the moods. I got hooked on the endorphin rush. I also find that talking helps sometimes. If you ever need an ear, I'm one of the willing ones. People do need to understand it is an illness like cancer and not a crutch. Now, those with cancer may get their backs up about that comment, but depression eats holes in your soul and drains you. It's not easy, it won't be easy, but you will have to find your own way out. It's a hard path to take, but it IS possible. I've learned to ride very violent mood changes. You have the strength to do this as well. You just need to tap into it.


(((HENRY)))

[smooth operator]

Henry ~ believe me, I know what depression can do to you. I have been where you are more than once. My best advice is not to be alone. Your dogs can provide better company than many people, but you also need the company of other people now and then. Loneliness almost killed me a few times. I know what terribly hard work it can be just to get up, go outside, and face the world. Often, it feels like it is impossible. Try. If nothing else, call a friend, or post a message on the board. We will be here for you.

[tillyn]

Henry, take care and hang in there.

[blunthead]

Hi Henry. I've had Clinical Depression on a number of occasions. In my case, these times have been triggered by external events, so I can't say I've been where you are, unless this is also the reason for your current depression. Meanwhile, I believe, since adolescence, I tend to have low-grade depression on a daily basis. Currently, I'm off anti-depressants; however, actually as of today, I've begun to consider trying a medication again.

Regardless of the reason of onset of depression--external event(s) or congential chemical imbalance--don't despair. If the med you're taking isn't helping, ask for a different one. Finding the appropriate med, or med-combo, is notoriously difficult in the case of depression and other emotional diabilities, as well as other conditions (hypertension, for instance). Therapy which includes a cognitive behavioral approach is helping me.

So, as the others have said, don't give up. I attend a 12-Step program which has an anxiety/depression group, which is sponsored by my church, and through which I've gotten an excellent referral to an inexpensive therapist.

Thanx, Henry, for your openness and honesty, and for reaching out to this forum for help. Sometimes just one step gets you half the way home.

[Born In Sin]

Henry, I am thinking about you all the time and know that we miss you here! Give the pups a BIG kiss for me. Like Poisonbat said LEAN ON US, we are here for you! There is a reason why you came here to the message board, to help us, help you. (((Henry)))

[kingricefan]

Hi Henry!! I hope things are getting better for you since your posting of almost a week ago! Please don't do anything rash, things will be (and hopefully ARE) getting better for you? I've felt like you at times throughout my life also, but one thing I've learned is you gotta MAKE yourself get on up out of that bed and at least make an attempt to change things. I just went thru being unemployed for nine months and feeling like crap and worthless everyday. Can't even tell you how many times I was passed over for jobs that I was OVERQUALIFIED for!! Times are tought right now, but things will get better! They ALWAYS do!! Just have faith in things and in yourself. You were put on this plain of existance for a reason, seek it out and do ggod things with the life you have been blessed with. Your dogs depend on you for their lifeline, don't let them down by doing something dumb. Take care of yourself and let the rest of us know what's up, OK??

[Drawn to Ka-tet]

Dear Henry-
I am so happy to see you on the MB today !
You sparkle mon ami! We love to see you in print.
Please take of yourself- remember we need you.
Take joy from the little things in life.
Long days and pleasant nights,Sai!!