The Black Dog Gang

You are right Nonnie of course. It's often just a safe topic of conversation.....What's your name? What do/did you do?

I wish I had the courage to say blah blah but I have depression and it hasn't been easy.

How do we measure success oldbatty? How many people did you help? There are many more ways of being successful than rising up the career ladder.

I can see how the mask helps, we have to wear it, to get through life. Bills have to be paid.

It cannot be good for us though? My career was very patchy due to bouts of depression and when I talk to people you can practically hear the wheels turning in their heads as to why I wasn't successful. People don't always operate in a linear fashion.

Anniebach, Nonnie and KatyK. Thanks. I know there are many, many people in the same boat. If I had a reason to feel like this, I could understand it (and so would others), but I've got a very easy, happy life and a lovely family. Off to work now - they all think I'm jokey, outgoing and chatty 24/7. I am when I'm with them.

There are lots of us Lynne. You are not alone

Lynne, that mask, oh yes! Most people at work would have been so surprised to think there was anything wrong with me. I made so many mistakes but managed to rectify them by working extra hard and long hours which probably didn't help at all.

You will all be pleased to hear that some companies are working to help. DS yesterday went on a Mental Health First Aid course which he said was very good. He will now put his certificate on the notice board with a note telling colleagues he is happy to talk. There is a very senior person who is less approachable who has done the course but I think DS would be trusted more. He has already reached out to a colleague who is off work for no apparent reason but without commenting on what may be the issue.

I am sure there are many Lynne

Thanks, Old Batty. Yes, it's horrible and I've been like it for 30 years now. Keeping up the pretence of being "normal" and alright gets too much at times. Having to "put on a front" is difficult. Today is one of those days, but I've got work later so can't let the mask slip until I get home this evening. I wonder how many people are like that?

Best of luck, Lynn. It's an awful thing.

Nonnie and Wildrose24....thanks. I have got severe depression and anxiety. (no obvious cause for either, just all irrational). I'm on the lowest dose, 15mg, and I'm 59.

I am definitely going to keep on taking it. I'll see how things are. I couldn't go back to feeling as bad as I felt.

It could be both it was the excessive sleeping that was the problem for me. Had been changed over from another antidepressant tried the Mirtazipine for about 6 weeks before I went back to the doctors.The medicine was changed and the sleepiness stopped almost as soon as I I stopped taking the Mirtazipine. Iwould give it a few weeks to see how it goes then go back to the GP and tell them how you are feeling.

Lynne Mirtazapine is prescribed for more severe depression so please give it time to work, a week is not long. What dosage are you on? It is apparently safer for older people than some others.

Wildrose24....thanks for that. I'd been on Citalopram (20mg) for years, but felt it was no longer having any effect. I started Mirtazapine last week, and have slept a lot (not a bad thing as I use to wake 6 -8 times every night).

I feel as though I'm functioning but on auto-pilot, as though I'm not actually here, which is odd. I don't know if that's the tablets or my mental state. I'll see how I get on.

I was on Mirtazipine about 14 years ago.It made me sleep a lot.So changed to another medication.We are all different so it may not have this affect on you.

Has anyone on here been prescribed Mirtazapine? If so, how have you been on it?

Miss A please please don't mess about with the medication. You are quite entitled not to click with the doctor. Go back, see someone else. Change doctor. They are there for you, you have paid your taxes for years, you are owed something. Write down all your symptoms and get help.

Starting a new job is very stressful. Dare I suggest a trip to the GP? I know it's expensive but some alternative treatments are worth a look too.

Well, I really do appreciate you taking the time, and I'm sorry my update was so blooming long, batty
I think I hadn't realised how down I'd got.

Yes, it’s better to talk than sit thinking, thoughts keep going round and around. Better to chat here , or phone a friend X

Yes, you're right of course, Annie.
Oh, isn't it lovely to have a someone to chat to about stuff? Thank you so much for listening. X

I understand you not liking going to doctors, but if you get the sweating sorted out it would be one thing less troubling you and you have more than enough troubling you x

Maybe about 10 weeks or so, I would say.
It took a while for it to sink in, that it was actually becoming an issue.

Hmmm.
Difficult to say, considering how hot it was just a few weeks ago.
I really don't enjoy the hot weather at all, and I had just started a new job.
So, I was pretty sweaty then, back in the summer.
Its still hot here now though. The back door is wide open, my neighbour is out on her balcony, complaining about the heat.

How long has this sweating been troubling you ?

Over a week, I think. Nearer to two.
My dry mouth is totally gone, which I get once they're in my system, so I presume they're out now.