Good luck to you both trying to find the non Pharmocological way
To be well. Unfortunately or fortunately for me I find drugs or antidepressants are the only thing that really helped me . Non pharmacalogical was just a
Pipe dream, and a waste of time. So the difference is amazing and I just
Wonder why you prolong the agony of Depression or Addh? I'm interested
It's a good question but antidepressants don't seem to work for a lot of people, and the difference for me when I take them isn't amazing (although they have been helpful). I want to get to a point where I know I am doing everything I can to feel well, naturally. If I reach that point and still can't enjoy life, then I'll take ADs again, definitely.
I self-medicated with alcohol for years, which worked up to a point but then caused a load of other problems - I don't want to be relying on chemicals again if I don't have to.
Hannah, you're lucky the drugs don't have any negative effects on you. I had a plethora of negative effects (notice I say "effects"—not "side effects" because they're all effects). With me, Ritalin increased my blood pressure dramatically (which then required blood pressure medication), caused nervousness and anxiety (which then required anti-anxiety meds (Klonopin), etc. Taking one medication prompted 3-4 others to be added—and those had additional effects... Despite the frustration of having ADHD, I feel much more stable without them. I do see a psychotherapist every week and that helps quite a bit.
"the last point was a surprise." The reason I say I am understanding of others and patient is because I don't like it when people are impatient with me—and I don't want to do the same to others.
Hi, MMMMMmmmmmm how do I reply to this post well!! I could start by saying who is a fully functioning person!!!!I think it is important to know yourselve and understand personality assests- and remember it should be emphasised that we do not treat an impersonal thing, this group/post, but are supporting individual persons in a group setting. Listen your list is not a bad one if I had to write one down it would be double the size ---- you have got all that off your chest but remember your list may alter from day to day and you may change your mind did you think of that.... if it made you feel better writing it then good.
What an interesting post. Can I ask some questions, do you want to change some of these aspects, or are you just saying thats what you are like?
I'm a Dyslexic and so when Im tired my attention span is low and I often make mistakes. My mother accuses me of not listening though she can talk for a hour without taking a breath...lol...which would tax most 'listeners'.
I have tried to explain to her that I interrupt because I have poor short term memory skills and if I don't make my point or ask there and then the thought maybe lost forever. However since mainly she is only interested in expressing herself she's not really interested anyway..lol.
So for my ease I have transposed your list.
• I have poor attention skills (I often tune people out).
You listen if you want to listen if you find the subject interesting if you want to nurture listening its like a muscle you have to practice. You can play games with yourself whilst you practice by repeating most of what someone says to you, back to them, even better if you explain thats what your attempting to do.
• I have difficulty with instructions (I pretend that I'm listening)
If you are Dyslexic like me or have something like 'ADHD' (which I know little of), then Im afraid for you to listen all the time you will need to be mindful it will take some effort on your part. We aren't like other people for us, my being dyslexic I have to listen carefully to make sure I have understood not only what is being said but more importantly meant. It can be fun you learn and awful lot, need not be a task, make it a game.
• I have deficient impulse control (spend money I don't have)
Again why are you spending money is it a stress relief thing more than impulse control, could you turn something over n your hand and ask, do I really need this thing. If I buy this thing will it clutter up my house and so clutter up my life and make me unhappy. Maybe the new game could be how much stuff can I get rid of and can I make any money on Ebay selling it
• I slow down under pressure (almost paralyzed)
That's okay thats your brains natural survival instinct, if your brain thinks you are under attack n anyway it will slow down the information so you can deal with it.
Eg if you fall off your bike the over the handle bars it happens in slow motion. I know what you mean that you think your experience is extreme but try this for size. I have a lot of energy and race through life, when Im tired I power down and I cope with things much better; so watch yourself, yes you maybe come paralyzed but when you come out of that I bet in the long term you make better decisions or in some form it works out better for you (I stress in the long term).
• Negative experiences do not necessarily make me learn lessons
Lol we are all like that
• Coffee somewhat elevates my mood and averts my depression
Coffee apparently helps migraines sometimes so it could be true it helps, dont drink coffee so wouldnt know, check out the medical side of this, it might be fine?
• I am highly interested in photography and creative expression
Now get this young lady, you are like me and creatives are extremely attentive, we notice everything, we are interested in everything because it feeds our creativity. So your perceived lack of listening or attention etc I believe has far more to do with you simply not being interested in that moment or in that subject. WELL DONE on being creative..hoorah...such fun. P.S. Im a rubbish photographer...lol. So I love it that you are interested and doubtless good.
• I'm very patient and understanding of others
Wonderful!
Sorry my reply is so long. If I had the smarts like Hannah I'd say all this in 5 sentences probably...ha ha.
You are doing a wonderful job, the only way is up
BIG HUG and thank you for sharing XXX
In my quest to be relentlessly truthful to myself, I thought I'd throw this out.
Awe thanks Henry, its not often I get such praise, can I have it writing better still can I have a neon sign put above St Pancras Station and a letter in The Times... ha ha
The 'Scoob' is what I meant yes. I think you may have stumbled on a great idea Caroline for possible future research, namely: Depression and what kind of pet you have (or not) may depend on what kind of depression you have. If there is anybody from King's or Imperial out there get in touch ASAP.
Hi SB, you sound like a very interesting person with a good perspective on life. I cannot give out advice on Mental Health issues as I am not a trained professional although that doesn't stop some people on this site. But I will offer this there is being 'truthful' to yourself and being hard on yourself. Often the two are not related.
I meant that sometimes we can give out information that we may think will help but we must remember that often because we don't know all of the story of that particular person that it might make their situation more difficult. When I said "although this doesn't stop some people on this site" I meant that I have read people giving out advice about increasing medication or decreasing and even giving their 'diagnosis' on what someone may be suffering with. And as I said unless you are a trained Mental Health professional you(and I mean anyone)shouldn't be offering up bespoke opinions but opinions that are more general like eating well, listening to calming music etc. I wasn't saying people are unsupportive or being deliberately nasty just that (me included) sometimes you can say and do things without realising the full implications of what those things you are saying or doing have on the other person.
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Just ignore me please
My wife left me
Really irritates me
Me
I Don't Feel Like Me Sometimes 
