The Black Dog Gang

batty, great that you are getting out and about , keep doing it x

How about you Annie, how goes it?

Still haven’t got to the end of the front path batty but will keep trying untill I do, then will set another goal , rain and cold doesn’t help does it? Try the path or stay in the warm and dry

Hello Batty, really pleased to hear you are able to get out and about now, having the confidence to go out alone is such a big thing and it can only get better from here.

I had become quite agrophobic again but I am pleased to say that the meds seem to have kicked in and I too have been able to get out again and go back to my classes.

Annie, in the past I have found that ‘props’ , for want of a better word, have helped. Taking a shopping trolley out or a rolled umbrella to lean on, pushing my grand daughter’s pushchair, anything really to make you feel less vulnerable. I know it sounds crazy to anyone who has never suffered in this way.

Wishing everyone a good weekend.

I find if I am cold or too hot it affects my anxiety

Anannymous, I use a walking stick , great you are able to get out again.

I can't believe how much better I feel from just a week ago. I've been on Mirtazapine for about 2 weeks now, and apart from feeling a bit drowsy (I take the tablet at night), I feel so good.

I'm keeping busy, also going out, doing jobs, seeing the GC as well. I am purposely not reading about, or watching, anything miserable. In fact, at work today, we've all been laughing a lot. I'm astonished at how well these tablets are working. I hope everyone else is getting on alright too.

Hello everyone and, thank you oldbatty for suggesting this group. I have been battling depression and anxiety for many years, on and off, I know only too well of the pain, loneliness and sheer wretchedness of these twin demons. If it is OK with you all, I'll write more on my experiences and my journey to recovery which I am still travelling. I have tried several therapies and am currently on the online CBT therapy called Silver Cloud, which is proving to be the best I have had. I am also on a course for mindfulness which is also working well for me.

I have hit a low. Can’t find help , feel swamped by problems

Well done for reaching out Annie. A packet of pills isn't the answer but PLEASE Annie, go to the GP , talk, deal with this nasty nasty thing and you will have a window on the world.

Get a taxi, get a friend to accompany you. Ring Mind. Ring the Silver line. There is help out there.

emj, we would love to hear about your journey.

Our Helpline – 0800 4 70 80 90
The Silver Line is the only national confidential and free helpline for older people open every day and night of the year.

No question too big
No problem too small
No need to be alone

batty, I cannot go to the surgery, not ready to see the bridge yet. Have been looking for counselling in this area but so expensive . I will work through it x

Forget to say batty, MIND has let me down badly, this is the local MIND, many get help from MIND

Right so pick up the phone, now today.

Demand a home visit.

old batty.... antidepressants ARE the answer for some people. They are certainly working for me. The depression I've got is Clinical depression (was previously known as Endogenous depression), for which there is no reason....

Anniebach... are you the lady whose daughter died? If so, then oldbatty would be correct in saying that antidepressants wouldn't be the answer. Grief and loss (especially a tragic ending) take time and the process is horrible. x

I would beg to differ.
My daughter also died, and I was determined to just take my grief as normal, which of course it is.
However, when I couldn't get out of bed, keep myself clean, or even speak because it was just too overwhelming, I decided to take whatever help I could get.
I really think I wouldn't have ever been able to function again if I hadn't made the move to get some medication.

Not a sufferer myself but living with someone who is so this thread might give me more understanding. I am reaching the end of my tether as he refuses to try any of the coping strategies doctor/counsellor have suggested.

Lynn, I absolutely agree antidepressants are the answer for many people. They give you a window on the world, they enable you to function and begin to make some small changes. They are a very useful tool. I don't know about the grief /depression situation. I do know if a person is barely functioning for what ever reason, they absolutely must do something about it.

I know I need counselling but can’t afford it. Can’t get to the surgery to see a counsellor there.

Phone the GP. Get a home visit. Phone Mind. Phone the Silver LIne.

batty, I can’t have a home visit . local MIND has let me down. I will get through this. Oh how I long for my sisters .

Nobody should have to " get through " things. We live in a country where help is available. It may take several attempts but it is there.

Regarding Mind, I once had a horrible meal out, so do I never eat out again?

batty, i have a supporter from MIND, haven’t seen him for three weeks, he keeps forgetting to turn up, doesn’t help with very low self confidence when someone can forget you three weeks running .

Hello Annie, I am so sorry that you are struggling. I can completely understand your fear of facing the bridge, and how difficult that is for you. Have you tried SANE or CRUSE for support.? Our local health authority provide a counselling and therapy service which we can access directly without referral from the G P. I know other areas that have a similar service and most of it is provided by phone. Is it worth asking your GP’s receptionist to see if your area provide something similar? Yes, of course your grief will lessen with time along with all the horrible feelings that go with it, but I think we all need a bit of help in the meantime to cope day to day.