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This is INSANE!

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3043

"The mindful way through Depression"
by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zingel Segel, Jon Kabat-Zinn

A must read for those who have 3 or more episode of depression.

The book may be helpful for you.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 60

I do feel a bit better today....at least not crying....but really ...hmmm...withdrawn. I don't really want to do anything....just lay around and read or something...anything that is solitary! Sure, I know it will pass; my depression always does. I'm just tired of it coming back! And I can't figure out WHY. Nothing "bad" has every happened to me. I don't have any deep childhood trauma or premature death in the family. In fact, I poop out lucky stars! When money gets low I FIND money on the ground, or someone gives me what I need, or I win a contest. Maybe that is why I must suffer....to balance out all the good luck I have :( ? I really want to eliminate the depression but I can't seem to figure out what is causing it. It comes randomly, yet everyone tells me there must be a trigger. I can't find a trigger. I could be in the middle of the happiest day of my life and just start getting irritable and more drained until I crash in a fit of rage. WTF?

It's not like I feel back to square one. I just feel hopeless that there can be an end when I have spent so long and done so much to "cure" myself and nothing has worked (medication, counselling, herbs and vitamins, naturopathy, hormones, CBT, mindfulness, yoga, working out, different diets etc.). The depression comes no matter what I do. It is like I was BORN this way!

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2606

Hello brightsunnyday,

Often when people experience a setback they feel like they’re back to square one. This is definitely not the case, and like all negative thoughts, thoughts like this can and should be challenged. In reality, if you completed sessions 1-9 and did the homework, it’s almost impossible to go back to square one. You’ve learned too much and accomplished too much to ever go back to where you started. Your symptoms will likely never be as bad as they once were and they’ll most likely never have the same control over your life as they once did.

When you experience a setback, understand what’s happening to you and why. Then, work your way out of the setback by using the same tools and techniques that have helped in the past.

If you experience a setback, return to the program and:

review the sessions that seem most important
talk to someone in the support group
use the strategies that you found most helpful
use the general problem solving skills discussed in session 7
consult with your family doctor or other mental health professional

Samantha, Health Educator

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3043

Use CBT.

Change your thinking.

Instead of thinking " I have to feel good and be comfortable all the time".

Think " I can take the discomfort sometime in order to get better ".

Think " I can consider myself ignorant sometimes in order to learn something new".

Think " I can take anxiety sometimes in order to live a life that I want".

That is think something helpful.

You can have uncomfortable feelings and sensations, but don't let your thinking drag you down to deeper pit. That is don't dig a hole deeper by thinking unhelpful thoughts. Try to find and look for helpful thoughts despite uncomfortable feelings and sensations.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3043

Consider this episode as a "common cold in your brain". It is similar to common cold. You feel the discomfort and it will pass in a few days. We know the cause of common cold, but we are not sure of the cause of "common cold in the brain". Just rest and relax. Assure yourself you will be your old self very soon, unless you get pneumonia, then you may have to go to the hospital to see a doctor.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 60

I have been trying so hard to beat depression. Lately I had hope that it was within my power to be well. I have been very mindful of my feelings and kept a Mood Journal noticing any events that might trigger a depressive episode. 2011 was finally going to be my year! As the best description of my "episode" is the same as someone who might be stressed and creating high levels of cortisol to cope until they collapse. The few days of catatonic state are enough to "rest" and start over. So I have been avoiding stress at all cost. Exercising, eating well, got more credit from the bank so I don't need to stress over our lack of income right now, hubby has been home and has helped with the kids, I took some time to relax, enjoy a movie, got lots of rest, been more assertive, spent time with friends etc etc. I was watching my moods carefully, noticing any changes...and all was well when I went to bed last night. I was very tired but I felt "happy". When I woke up this morning I could barely drag myself out of bed. I was so drained I cancelled my work and activities to rest. So I have been resting and then I start crying...WTF....crying? But I am not sad! I start feeling irritable. When I can't get something to function I feel frustrated....but not normal frustration....I am short-tempered, annoyed with my daughter's hugs...I just want to be left alone. I am depressed. Why? I wasn't stressed but my body seems to be reacting as if I have been stressed. Other than physical discomfort (I have a bad back, sinus pain, sore jaw and periodic abdominal pains) there has been NOTHING to stress me at all...and it's not like I "missed" it...I was paying close attention to everything I felt! I feel so hopeless. How can I do everything right and yet still get an attack of depression! I can't keep living like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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