The Black Dog Gang

pm with pleasure, hopefulXXXXXX

May I join please?

Lurking for a while, joined mostly because of this and the SAD thread.

Come on board matey.

I had a curious sensation today of " it's gone" Does anybody else ever get this, like there is you and there is the depression.
I have decided whenever I get this feeling to notice it and savour it. Even if its only half an hour.

That's it exactly oldbatty - sometimes it completely lifts and you feel "normal", even if it's only for ten minutes. It's weird isn't it? And then the black dog descends again. Like you, I try to notice and savour the "lift", however long it lasts. And try to remind myself during the dark hours that it will lift at some point, although it's not easy when I'm very down. Having an up and down day today, been to see my GP, cried buckets, now feeling calm again. Wouldn't wish this awful condition on anyone.

What a shame nanny....was the GP helpful?

When I go to bed I talk to my dogs, how low I have felt but always follow it with a positive or several positives no matter how trivial they would seem to anyone.

She's very supportive oldbatty but there's only so much she can do, isn't there? She can't resolve family issues. Seeing my counsellor tomorrow.

Good Nanny. Good that you are not suffering alone and have things in place to support you.
Do you find this time of year challenging?

Yes very challenging, will be glad when it's January - Christmas is over, spring is on the way and daylight last longer. I've bought myself a SAD light, will give myself a couple of hours of it tonight .

it is a very tough time of year and we are supposed to be Merry and Bright!!

Hello all, sending my usual good wishes.

Well, I have been physically unwell since mid October, bronchitis and chest infections. Was sort of getting over the first bout, with the worlds worst antibiotics and steroids, then Mr P got a nasty cold/virus, which of course I picked up. His tends to be mainly the runny nose thing, but of course with the COPD, mine goes straight to my chest. So, another course of both.

As I'm sure others have said, being physically unwell plays havoc with one's mental state

I was supposed to be off work for 2 weeks, but being indoors, unwell on one's own (Mr P being at work) wasn't good for me.

Fortunately, work are very understanding, so I was able to go in, come home when I started to feel worse, so am hoping to be on the way to feeling back to par.

I think that many people don't realise that being physically ill has quite a detrimental affect on your mental well being, do others agree?

phoenix definately agree with you, quite often illnesses like flu and infections can make one depressed, get well soon x

Oh definitely, Phoenix.
I'm aslso on high dose of steroids and antibiotics at the moment for lung problems.
I know exactly how you feel. Steroids in my case, do not make me high, as people expect, but very low emotionally and mentally. As chest infections leave you feeling low anyway, it's not a good combination. Add to that, being off work and being on your own, gives you plenty of time to think of things.
I hope you feel better soon. ?

Just wanted to send some good wishes to all those on this thread who are afflicted with depression.

I can identify with that sense of indescribable lift that happens when it goes away, however briefly. It is very hard to put into words.

I haven't read all this thread, so don't know if this has already been mentioned.
One of my aunts, and an elderly male friend, became depressed as they reached old age. They had both been normally cheerful and positive people.
Excluding the expected aches and pains of growing old, and loss of friends and relations.
They were both diagnosed with a form of clinical depression, chemically based, related to ageing. And responded well to some medication. (don't know which.)
I'm usually a cheerful person, but have been much more negative lately, lacking in confidence. So wonder if it's 'just' old age, or something more.

Thanks, oldbatty. Here now.

I wish HQ would set up a place for us to chat?

Would like that too.

Maybe a few folk could message and ask?

Will try to do so, but for now wishing everyone well.

Oldbatty, trying to message you. Hope you've received it?

Thoughts to all who are having problems.

wol, received loud and clear, over and out.

I read this thread every day and have written a couple of posts. Being a fellow sufferer it has really helped me knowing I'm not the only one who suffers from this horrid 'thing'. Have had a good run recently but unfortunately I'm feeling really down at the moment, just feel so empty, no feelings and feel I'm in some sort of bubble. On medication. Hoping this is just a blip and will feel better soon.
Oh to feel 'normal ' and well balanced must be amazing..I've always thought that happiness is lent to me......
My love and good wishes to you all.

phoenix i totally agree with your comment about physcial health having a bearing on your MH. I have recently been given treatment for back pain. It has worked and after suffering for a year the difference in how it has made me feel is amazing, i didnt realise how 'down'i was feeling being in constant pain and taking so many painkillers. I havent had to take any since having a nerve block injection into my spine last Sunday and i feel happy and positive once more. Just hoping it last for a long while.

The black dog lurking since August and the deep seated anxiety has just proved to be my inner self saying all is not well in your world.
The deep seated cold fear and anxiety in pit of stomach proved to be the bombshell that was dropped on Monday.
My partner of 15 years has been having an affair for last 6months with someone he met on plenty of fish.
He has lied cheated and denied over that time,and even denied it after the woman ,also taken in...contacted me,my whole world fell apart on monday.
Here I am back again [