New Here!

Hi April,   Glad to see you are using the tools on the program. Work through the sessions and keep posting..........we are all here to help and support you.     Faryal, Health Educator

Why is getting help for depression important

Why is getting help for depression important

Members,

MDD is a serious problem. The good news is that there are many effective treatments available. In fact, over 80 % of people with MDD are eventually able to manage their depression with proper therapy or a combination of therapies. Many feel much better just weeks after starting treatment.

While bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that currently has no cure, staying on treatment, even during well times, can help keep the disease under control and reduce the chance of having recurrent, worsening episodes.

Do not let these or any other reasons stop you from getting the right kind of treatment. If you have MDD, it's very important to get help, just like you would for any serious medical illness. For example, most diabetics will do what they can to get proper medication and make required changes to their diet and lifestyle. Most people with heart problems do the same. MDD is just as serious as diabetes or heart problems, so you should do everything you can to get medical help.

Don't be discouraged from getting help by anyone who says, "It's nothing to worry about," "It's just stress," "It's all in your head," "Snap out of it," or "Get over it." While the person may mean well, the fact is that people who have not had depression often have trouble understanding how serious the problem is.

Common Reasons for Not Seeking Help

• People manage to convince themselves that their depression isn't serious
• People think that their depression is their "personality"
• People often feel embarrassed about talking about depression and anxiety
• People often blame themselves for their problems
• Others dislike the idea of medication or therapy
• People often say that they've sought help but are frustrated because their condition was not diagnosed or treated effectively

Do not confuse your depression with your personality. You're not a "miserable person" - you're a person with MDD, and help is available.

Are you receiving outside assistance? If not, what is holding you back?

  Faryal - Bilingual Health Educator

 

 

interview today!!!

Hi Minnesota,   That's great news.............I'm so glad to hear you managed the interview "anxiety-free" and were able to walk around the stores afterwards on your own.   Good luck with the job search.........I'm sure you'll land something soon.     Faryal, Health Educator

New Here!

Good Evening Autumn,   Thank you for sharing your story and support with us. There are many people within this support group that share the same questions and concerns as you.  We are all a group of individuals who support each other.  

If you look to the left of the screen under "TOOLS" you will find many supportive tests.  These tests are not diagnostic tools and are not a replacement or substitute for a physician's advice. The purpose of these tests is to prepare you with information that you can present to your physician. When you're finished the test, you can either print your Final Report or email it directly to your doctor.

We also have developed a Panic Program.  This program is 12-weeks and involves the tools mentioned above.  Each session is based on the previous session, so we strongly advise that you work slowly through the program and not jump ahead.  

These tests may or may not be for you but they are "free".  If you have any question or concerns with our “TOOLS”, you can contact us at support@paniccenter.net.  We are the Support Specialist for The Panic Center and are open to any questions or concerns you may have.

Please continue to strive forward and lean on us for support.     Faryal, Health Educator

Bleurgh !

Hi there CD,   It is certainly hard work for you to deal with panic attacks and anxiety as well as gallbladder pain AND the responsibility of being a full-time mom.   Have you tried deep breathing exercises as you feel the anxiety creeping up? This may help to calm you down and avoid an attack if you practice regularly. Also try journalling daily before bedtime............writing down all your feelings, thoughts and reflections of the day. This may help to organize your thoughts so they don't build up into a panic.   You're doing a fabulous job juggling everything!     Faryal, Health Educator

Panic resurfacing

Hi Kdawg,   Having worked in the healthcare field myself I totally appreciate your concerns and fears.  I too have thought many times, "what if I harm this patient unknowingly"? It would not be an easy burden to carry on my consciensce. But then I also realize that many have been saved and aided by the health care provided and have been enabled to live their lives to the fullest.   Would it be possible for you to focus on the positive aspects of your work and all the good that is coming out of the work that is done at the hospital? Certainly with you around, the hospital must be a better place not only for the patients, but also your coworkers.   I admire your integrity and compassion. Focus on the positive and do your best.........you are only human.   I welcome you also to the program and I believe that if you work through the sessions you will make great progress.   Faryal - Bilingual Health Educator

Car Crash

Hi Genejockey,   Glad to hear you are doing great today!   As you work through this program and post here, you will find that your anxiety will become easier to handle and you will learn effective coping techniques. Deep breathing has been mentioned...........get into the practice of doing it often. The great thing about that is that you can do it anywhere..........even while driving!!   Your high blood pressure is of concern to me also. Deep breathing will help with that. Also stay away from caffeine and alcohol as these contribute to high blood pressure. Instead, drink more green tea or oolong tea which are known for their beneficial effects on heart health.     Faryal, Health Educator

Newbie! Any other Christians here??

Hi Faith and Birdie,   Thank you for sharing your thoughts and how your faith has helped you to find the strength and comfort you need to be able to overcome the fears.   As for the msn function, you need to click on Support Groups under the Community tab once you sign in. Then you will see a "Launch" tab just above the forums for discussion board. Click on that to activate msn..........this is a great way to stay connected with each other and keep the support coming.   Good luck,   Faryal, Health Educator

How do I manage my depression?

How do I manage my depression?

Members,

In order for things to get better, you are going to have to take action. The first step towards recovery is to seek appropriate treatment. Appropriate treatment for depression is medication, psychotherapy or both. No matter what type of treatment you choose, you will be asked to "get active" in your treatment. Medications only work if you take them as directed and let your doctor know how things are going. Psychotherapy only works if you're willing to do some hard work.

Healthy living habits may also help you to overcome depression. Exercise, a proper and balanced diet, moderate use of caffeine and alcohol, and learning how to reduce stress are important. In order to make these kinds of changes, you will need to do some work.

The help and support of family and friends can be an important part of recovery. Friends and family can also play an active role in the treatment process. However, if you want support and help, you have to be willing to ask for it.

Medication and Therapy Compliance

Treatments for MDD work well. However, treatments for MDD do not work right away. It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks before people notice that things are getting better.

If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as prescribed. It's important for you to let your doctor know if you have any problems or side effects. It's also important to let your doctor know if the medication is working. If the medication is not working after 4 to 8 weeks, don't give up. Talk to your doctor again. There are likely other options including increasing the dose or switching medications. If the medication seems to be working, make sure to tell your doctor that too.

Your doctor needs to know what is going well and what is going not so well. Communication between you and your doctor is extremely important. Keeping detailed records of your symptoms and sharing that information with your can help you get the best results possible.

If you are involved in psychotherapy you'll be asked to do a lot of work. For example, in CBT and CBASP you'll be asked to set goals for treatment and you'll be asked to do "homework" that helps you to work toward your goals. You'll be asked to keep detailed records of your symptoms, to record what you are doing and feeling, and to record what you're thinking about when you feel depressed. You'll be asked to share all of this with your therapist.

Treatment for MDD is hard work. However, the only way for you to recover and get back to your life is to get active.

What kind of treatment are you currently following?

 Faryal - Bilingual Health Educator 

short setback, back in the saddle

Hi JohnnyO,   That's great news and definitely a step forward in the right direction!   Beware of drinking too much caffeine...................however enjoy the accomplishment!     Faryal, Health Educator