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Posts created by Teleea

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

Disclosure to work

I am just wondering what people's experiences are to disclosing their mental health to their workplace. I am bi-polar. I have worked for this employer for a full year. Major depression, PTSD, and anxiety are major symptoms I deal with. While dealing with these are a constant in my life, an event in my work place has triggered a major occurance of these symptoms. Having some difficulty, I DISCLOSED MY MENTAL HEALTH TO MY EMPLOYER. They responded by cutting my hours in half. Frustrated, I have asked for a complete leave and sought help from my doctor. What have been the reactions from your employers?

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

Shock Therapy (ECT)

Has anyone else had ECT? I just want to say that I have. For a number of years my Depression was debilitating. I could not function at all. ECT was NOT scary and I credit with giving my life back. It was performed as a last resort (2 years of medication and unsuccessful therapy). Although my mental health symptoms are more about Anxiety, I do to a lesser extent occasionally still suffer from short periods of Depression. It just doesn't take over my life anymore. I credit the ECT with my ability to function - to stop the self-isolation and take care of myself again (get out of bed, clean my home, do groceries, get together with family, and other basics of day to day life).

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

my intro: Hi!

Hi! Yes, 'self-isolation' is a big part of Depression. People try to be helpful by inviting me out, but they don't understand.

As Ive tried to explain to them: I WANT to get out, I know I NEED to get out, but there is an invisible barrier PREVENTING me from getting out.

Sometimes I want to get out so badly I can't bear it. That is usually when a good cry starts.

I think Self-Isolation goes hand in hand with the inability to do things we love. For example, I have been an avid hiker, climber, and kayaker. There was a time I would get out my kayak 3-4 times per week. I only got out 2 times this summer and it was a fight to do so.

If you read my earlier post, my psychiatrist addressed my serious Depression with some pretty serious means. It really quite helped. I continue to have Depression symptoms but they are no longer as extreme and occure for short periods of time (I had been seriously depressed to the point I was not longer caring for myself). Today I can at least function - but self-isolation remains to badger me.

For the last year I have belonged to a Mood Disorder support group. It was hard to get myself up and going but today I am glad I did. I actually look forward to it as my only time I get out and it has become my only social event of the week. I don't know what I would do without my group and the other members.

Good luck and take baby steps. I began with walking the block around my building. Today I have my group and I have the ability to go to my group or meet some of the members for coffee. Even answering the phone has become easier.

Robin

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

My Intro Got Eaten, Starting Over

Good morning Shannon,

So much of what you wrote rings home.

I think it is common to have concurrent disorders under the Mood Disorder umbrella. I myself have been diagnosed with BiPolar and Pschyzoid Affective Disorder. MY SYMPTOMS INCLUDE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY. PTSD has exaggerated these symptoms. There have been times in my life I have been unable to function.

Coping mechanisms: I journal, which is a great stress relief (a journal will never criticize you back). I have several internet 'penpals' whom are there to listen. Shannon, my chief way of coping has been joining a MOOD DISORDERS SUPPORT GROUP. Yes, it was hard to go at first. But now, I look forward to getting out to attend the weekly meetings. They are the closest thing to socializing I have in my life. I also try to do art (although I find I lack the motivation and inspiration I once had to do so. I blame my medication).

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

Hello

I am sorry about your dad. I think the first Coping Mechanism is to reach out, which you have done here. Attending a Mood Disorder Group has really helped.

As my psychiatrist has explained, the long cold winters tend to exaggerate Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder). My Depression is at it's worst during winter, the symptoms peaking about Christmas time when the days are the shortest. He has directed me to use light therapy. In fact, as he has prescribed it, one is covered under my health care plan. It is on order now.

As my doctor has explained, and contrary to people's belief, you don't stare into it. You simply have it next to you for a half hour while you do your usual activities (computer, read, journal, etc). I am looking forward to this. My depression is minimal now but I don't want to slip back into the severity it has been in the past.

And yes, getting out, exercising, and eating which they tell you to do seem like the hardest things to do in your life. I simply find it impossible. Thank goodness for the group. We sometimes go for a walk together after our meetings. It is a start.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

Abilify 1mg

I am on 10mg of Abilify a day. I started out at 2mg and gradually increased to 10mg.

I also take mood stabilizors; lithium, lamotrigine, and seroquel (which I think is for anxiety).

I don't know what I would do without the Abilify. I noticed a difference almost immediately. Twice I have gone off it for a week (prescription came to an end and doctor wasn't available for new one). I almost cracked up.

I do have side effects from my medication but I couldn't pinpoint if any one is the sole source. I experience some tremors, especially in the morning right after I take the Abilify. I feel a bit dopey at times - which is worse in the mornings. I also have some problems multi-tasking. These could be side effects or they can be part of the disease.

My Depression was once so bad I couldn't even take care of myself. I credit the coombination of meds and ECT with giving my life back. It is still a battle but I seem to be winning it.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

Stepping Outside Boosts your Self Esteem and Mood

Stepping outside is great; but first, you've got to get yourself outside. There are times when all I want to do is self-isolate. There have been times when I lived a very active lifestyle but the last few years it's all I can do to get outside.

A great part of it is that I have become embarrassed by the person I have become. Gaining weight due to medication is the biggest factor preventing me from getting outside. I feel like everyone is watching me and being critical of my appearance.

I was once proud of the way I looked but now I don't even want to go out to do the things I have to like groceries.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

Making decisions and depression

I am finding the opposite. At times I will procrastinate. At times I will make a rash decision. Either way it seems what decisions I do make are what I feel I'm obligated to make and not neccessarily the decision I want to make or is best for me. Yes, those automatic thoughts seem to dictate what I decide.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

Depression and Anxiety - Not always easy to differentiate

I suffer both, and yes it's at times hard to differentiate.

This is how it was explained to me: Depression is the feeling of loss. You feel defeated and discouraged because of something bad that's already happened. Anxiety is the feeling of fear. It has to do with the future.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 22

Do You Tell Your Human Resource Person

I right now am dealing with the same thing. Some weeks back I disclosed to my boss that I am dealing with mental health issues stemming from the workplace. He responded by cutting my hours in half. I went straight to Human Resources but there was no change. The ensuing loss of income has only increased my anxiety. I too am under doctor's care and he too has directed me to take time off work and enter a program. My employer has not taken this well. In fact, his actions have rather frightened me and cause more anxiety with his 'how-dare-you-put-me-in-this-position' reaction. Now I have been thrust into the shadow of depression which I have long battled to varying degrees. The thing is I once liked my job and want to keep my foot in the door. Instead of feeling support, I fear that I will never be able to return to the job I once loved.

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