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

[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

[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

[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?