Depression

[Notts22]

I have recently been diagnosed with Depression. I was advised to try Talking Therapy. I phoned them and told there was an 18 week wait to get any help. it can take me 3 or 4 hours to fall asleep. So doctor said medication best option. I just keep going over the thoughts of a bleed on brain Does anyone else have problems with Depression how do you cope?

[James1984]

Going for a walk in the evenings and sitting down in the park helps me with settling down for sleep despite issues I may feel anxious of over the course of the day.

Nutrition is another important factor in helping me feel myself. Has your Doctor talked about this at all? Have they done blood tests to confirm your not deficient in anything?

The reason I say all this is because these factors can all contribute to making a problem worse.

I've experienced depression many times in my life and it was usually the result of feeling 'stuck' with no real help in my life to resolve it.

I was just reading some of your post history and it seems you have a lot of issues with temperature regulation/smell/taste/nausea. You are having issues with what's called your 'Autonomic Nervous System'. Most of us with a brain injury do to some extent. You need to speak with your Neurologist about the issues your having, and if they're not helpful then I recommend you find one who is.

Long story short, find a Neurologist who understands the Autonomic Nervous System and will test you to either confirm that it is 'acquired' (from which it could be a wide-range of issues, not necessarily a brain injury), or due to inherited genetic disorders.

I know that is tough having depression, but perhaps if you are struggling this much to sleep then perhaps it is best to go on medication for a bit?

[Notts22 in reply to James1984]

Thank you so much for the reply. It helps when someone understands what you are going through. That's why I feel so angry when you feel as though ignored when ask for help at doctors.

At least I have messaged now. If they don't work I will do as you suggest

[StaceM8 in reply to Notts22]

Hiya, funnily enough, I came back today Pat after about a year, well for as long as I can remember anyway (tbf I might have been within th last couple of months - U kno how it is.

But seeing this, after seeing a head injury specialist, I have come to realise that Dr's & psychiatrists have 2 options - look into what is actually going on with your brain & why you're getting depressed or should I say goin down (takes effort, time & money) or they can push drugs down your neck. Which is easier ???

.

A classic symptom of people who have had some kind of head / brain injury is something called inertia. The complete inability to do anything. It's difficult to even get out of bed or get off the couch t make a drink. It makes no sense & U even know it makes no sense whilst you're ' depressed ' -

Is this how it feels for u too ???

.

If U haven't started the drugs (anti depressants, mood stabilizers) JUST SAY NO

.

As James said , there are lots of things without takin drugs that u can do t boost your mood. Think of things U really enjoy doing. I love Tv Comedy so during the day when everyone's at work, stick on the Tv and watch things like Modern family, the Simpsons, Cheers etc & just laugh. I also love Richard Osmonds House Of Games, so stick that on for a few hours.

Don't feel guilty that you're doing that cos at the end of the day, YOU WILL COME OUT OF IT, U always do .........

[StaceM8 in reply to StaceM8]

& re the sleep or should I say, lack of it, it's definitely worth giving this a go cos if my brain starts feeling foggy I kno it's time for a ' Power Nap ' - a big thing with th Yuppies in the 90's, but it really does work if U do it properly. Just having an afternoon siesta probably isn't gonna work unless u wake up within 25 mins. Have a look at my previous posts cos that will explain, but make sure 100% u give it a go. But as I said, u have to follow the instructions Xxx

[skydivesurvivor]

I have suffered a TBI in 2000, loads of crap since. Tried talking therapy but my brain injury has left me emotionally numb. Couldn’t sleep properly for 20 years. Saw a lady at age concern who said I should try anti depressants. Was on them when I was pinned to the canteen floor with a gun pressed into back of my head in 92. Took them for a week, they were awful so stopped. Lady said loads of people are on them these days. Much better nowadays. 1st lot bad, would just burst into tears . Next load work bril. Sleep quickly, all night. Go see doctor.

[Notts22 in reply to skydivesurvivor]

Thank you for replying Slept better last night. Just hope no side effects

[StaceM8 in reply to Notts22]

By the seems of it, U have started on the drugs route. After reading what James n myself have said u might ween yourself off them - shouldn't be too much of a problem as you've only just started. U may well be able t just stop & if it was me tbh, that is what I'd do & then take mine & Jame's option.

Up to U, but U can always go back to taking drugs if U need to.

Xxx

[StaceM8 in reply to skydivesurvivor]

No disrespect but I totally disagree from first hand experience. Don't get me wrong, anti depressants could & often do work. There is a lot of trial & error to see which one suits U, but do U really want drugs bein pushed down your neck, when that should be a last resort.

Read what I have written & what James says before goin down the drugs option.

.

Also look at my previous posts on how t do the power nap effectively which might well solve the constant tiredness, brain fog & inability to do anything - hope this information is beneficial ;o)

[skydivesurvivor in reply to StaceM8]

Sadly because of mt TBI I just waffle, unable to explain my position to position. Have tried so much chat therapy. Even tried to write it all down to remind me. Loose track of conversations. Why. Tablets work so well, sleep all night, no longer drinking coffee at 3am because brain won’t shut up!!

[Pairofboots]

Hi, been there, done that, still experience depression. Talking therapies can help, but they are not a quick fix and they can't fix something when the main driver is still active.

Often medication can help and is needed even with talking therapies. As with talking therapies, medication isn't a quick fix, it can take some time to find the right medication and the best dose.

As well as a neurologist, other specialist that may help are neuropsychologist and neuropsychiatrist, they take into account how the brain injury impacts on mood and function, and they will be able to advise about medication.

As James said it is worth having a chat about physical problems that may impact the automatic nervous system. Also hormones can be effected, these only need to be slightly out of range to have quite a profound impact on mood, temperature control etc.

[Notts22 in reply to Pairofboots]

Thank you for replying. Good to know I am not only one suffering. I am also trying Mindfulness which Headway suggested

[StaceM8 in reply to Pairofboots]

The majority of ' specialists ' within the health industry will go down the drugs route, try this, try that until they get something that works. That is the easy option & it's what they've learned from books, by people who have read & written books who have been written by other people who have written books. Do U get my gist & because drugs work to some extent, they think they are correct in what they are saying. I'm 31 years on & have only come to this realisation within the last 6 months thanx to the head injury therapist I've been seeing.

Luckily, my brother & his wife in the position to be able t pay for it, cos U certainly wouldn't get that advice from the NHS !!!

[Pairofboots in reply to StaceM8]

Everyone has to learn somehow. Drugs have there place as does any therapy. The NHS has some excellent staff, and many people you pay to meet in the private sector are also employed by the NHS, and have been trained by the NHS. The NHS isn't perfect, but without it many of us wouldn't be here......

[Teazymaid]

hi .. I have depression and take antidepressants which very much helps .. this is something I have taken for years before my TBI ..

I also worked as a mental health support worker before my accident so I can see it from several different angles .

Councilling is very often helpful and it was for me as well .. even chatting on here is a positive thing to do .. with sharing our experiences we not only help ourselves but also help others .. the old saying a problem shared is a problem halved is so true .

For me I am waiting to see a councillor who specialise in TBI as I’m struggling with a lack of emotion , changed concept of what life is all about and I also feel like I (the old me) died ..

something else I am doing is using the Headspace app for meditation and am finding it helps a lot ..

if you can go private for counselling I would as the nhs waiting is not good ..

life after a traumatic event can cause lots of problems with depression , anxiety, ptsd, etc but with help it can get a lot better .. Sue x

[Nemo24]

Think it can be common for your mood to be effected with ABI and all changes it brings. Been overwhelmed in past too. Have used low level meds to take edge off. Is there a group you could talk to? Have a look on Headways website.

[TheGimba]

Hi, have you tried a keto diet and melatonin?

[Notts22 in reply to TheGimba]

Thanks for reply, no not tried keto diet or melatonin will look into that

[TheGimba in reply to Notts22]

Keto has done wonders for many types of mental illness. Brain needs fat/protein to function properly. Exercise and sun also really important, if you can do it. Stay as social as you can as well.

[Notts22 in reply to TheGimba]

Thank you Gimba. I love this site people are so helpful

[StaceM8 in reply to TheGimba]

So take heed of myself, James & Gimba. As I said, drugs can work, but so can natural alternatives if U don't want to become a drug dependant addict.

[JPBeeves]

hi,I am sorry to hear about your depression,I suffer from anxiety,stress and depression,due to a cerebral palsy infarction + T.I.A’a, (strokes with out the physical deformities),2016 it was.ive sort on slowly descended into these since then, however I have tried talking therapy and I had a couple of referrals to them and I’ve found that because I have mentioned my stokes, they seem to want to go down the C.B.T Direction which is cognitive behaviour therapy, doesn’t help me.i have had basically, no or very little support.i have been pro-active in trying to get help which I got a 10 weeks with a councillor. I need more than a 10 week session..i was waiting some 11 months.

Mental health is on the rise. I find gardening helps.,but I realise this is not for everyone.have you any hobbies or want to try something new?

[Notts22 in reply to JPBeeves]

Thank you for replying I used to garden and do art. But I an not interested in doing either

I find it difficult to see since the bleed on brain which caused double vision horizon and vertical. So difficult to paint. Lost interest in gardening.

Not really interested in anything

[sashaming1]

There are many Depression meds out there I take Citlopram.

[Notts22 in reply to sashaming1]

Do they work for you

[sashaming1 in reply to Notts22]

Yes but my dose is pretty small since my depression is probably fairly small. So, major depression may require a stronger med.

[StaceM8 in reply to sashaming1]

Sash, beneficial to yourself & Pat, there are alternatives to drugs as well ............ Until they've got u hooked & then it takes a long time to ease your way of them.

[cat3]

Hi Notts..

Sadly, treating depression (whatever the cause) is a slow process ; not only throughout the treatment but, as you've already found, the wait to be seen.

So as you wait, the holistic route is worth trying, whether diet, exercise, supplements or mindfulness to start regaining control.

It's a massive challenge when you're already dreadfully low, but try to keep talking with us. Until counselling becomes available you can air your troubled thoughts here without judgement.

It's essential to keep in mind how there is a way through this.

Since childhood I've tried all the standard therapies over the years ; even hypnosis. I was prescribed the old type antidepressants of the 60s, progressed to Amitriptyline in the 70s, but it was an SSRI antidepressant in the 80s which finally put an end to the misery.

SSRIs are often maligned as having dreadful side effects, mainly because doctors often fail to explain how finding one most compatible with an individual's own brain chemistry can take longer for some folk than others. It took me many attempts to hit upon the one but, once I did, I began feeling the benefit within days.

They've helped me through some dark times, including breast cancer and brain haemorrhage, with surprising resolve.

Stay in touch m'love . . . . Cat x

[Notts22 in reply to cat3]

Thank you Cat3 you have given me some hope.I do feel very low at times. Feeling medical profession doesn't care.

I have been out for couple of hours this morning., with a friend we always have a laugh. What good medicine is that

It's the best.

[cat3 in reply to Notts22]

Absolutely ! My daughter & I were saying on the phone earlier how, whatever life throws at us, humour (often quite dark) always creeps into the situation . . . . .

So good to hear you found some welcome relief today Notts . 🙂x

[sashaming1 in reply to Notts22]

FYI: My nephew visited a psychologist to get the med that helped him with his significant depression.

[StaceM8 in reply to cat3]

Hiya Cat, hope you're well. I'm back & feel better than ever. I have been seeing a head injury / BI specialist who has opened my eyes to what you're told by people that really haven't got a clue. Well they have to some extent cos the drug pushing does work when u find the one that suits U, but there are better alternatives (But then again the drugs companies aren't gonna make money if they advise u to go down that route are they ??? Xxx