Black dog gang

Hi everyone. I liked the documentary, he was very engaging, honest and relatable. I thought it was interesting that he found the advice from the genetic counsellor the most useful. We all have a jar which initially gets filled up with our genetic predisposition to mental illness and is then topped up with all our life experiences until it's full. We can't do anything about emptying the jar but we can make it bigger by having certain things in our life. Alistair's were music and exercise amongst other things so we need to make sure we have protective factors in place. For me it would be nature, social support, being creative etc etc.

It's sobering though that he found this the most useful because it's so simple and doesn't involve medical treatment. Does it mean that all the pills and therapy in the world just can't help some people and it's all down to us?

Hello Anniebach,
I thought it was a very honest account of his specific depression. I was surprised to see that he has regular visits to a psychiatrist and has been for thirteen years and yet despite all the help he is able to access, he is still suffering.

The young man who underwent the magic mushroom experiment was a revelation! It’s a pity there is no more funding for the study to continue. The jar was a very interesting concept.

But I do think it’s all very well people suggesting to do ‘things’ to keep busy and occupied, but it’s not always easy to join in with various groups and getting out the door, can be a challenge in itself. I also find it difficult to listen to music and appreciate or do anything when I have one of ‘those’ days.

Marilla i agree...if i could go out and "do things" i would...i cannot cope with meeting new people..yes i walk my dogs but i am unable to go to the same place every time i have to change it up as i have shocking paranoia i drive 15 miles to do a food shop so nobody local sees me...so yes ill pop to the church to meet others..or i;ll join the wrvs. Those two were just used as examples. I feel that mental health issues are the poor relation

what is this documentary you guys are talking about ?

nanna the Alastair Cambell programme on depression, I posted when I post about the Nadia programme.

Maggie he was very honest, I knew he would be .

The jar certainly explained much for me. Not now being able to work in the garden has certainly affected me. I need it.

I think medication can help, but not a cure all . Yet a poster said recently medication had made a big difference in her
life .

Marilla , hello

He has suffered for years , I remember the incident in Scotland when he was working with Neil Kinnock.

Magic mushrooms, they grow wild in some areas here, doesn’t make sense why no more funding, one thinks of
Willow - Asprin. Digitalis.

Alastair didn’t exercise but perhaps not when very low, perhaps it helps to prevent deep lows.

ah yes annie i saw that post. Is alastair the MP with those big eyebrows. I saw a little part of the actor who had psychosis..i,ve forgotten his name

nanny Alastair isn’t an MP, he worked for Kinnock and Blair. Alastair Cambell.

How are you nanny ?

annie i was thinking of Alistair Darling?..i,m ok my lovely....each time i dont have anything preoccupying my brain it thinks of my fur baby. However i have bought a little plastic kennel and heat mat for mouse today. so he can live outside if he doesnt want to be my friend but he will be warm and dry. x how are you xx

nanny I hope mouse will adopt you x

Animals give us such solace, don't they Nanny? I would be lost without my dog. Annie, yes medication does seem to help some people. I wish it worked for me! Does anyone have any experience of Pregabablin? It's mainly used for neuropathic pain but can now be prescribed for anxiety. I'm desperate to find something but am running out of options. I feel so sick with anxiety, that I can't go to work today.

I meant Pregabalin.

Maggie I have no knowledge of that medication but someone here may.

Are you having support from your GP?

Thank you Annie, I'm seeing her this afternoon. She started me on Venlafaxine a month ago but I feel worse than ever so will see what she says.

Maggie try not to let the anxiety prevent you from telling your GP how you feel, ask about Pregabalin, and do let us know how you feel after your appointment, good luck x

Good morning friends

Thank you so much Annie. I do hope you have a good (or better) day and that everyone else does too.

Maggie a few weeks ago I had a letter from the surgery informing me I had a telephone appointment with my GP,

GP phoned, I was so anxious about the call , she asked ‘how are you? My reply ‘ fine thank you ‘, ! How stupid was that ?

Maggie I think you may need to give the meds a little longer to see if they suit you. I think there are many different ones but tailing one off before you start another can be very difficult.

I have had a glimmer of hope. I had a light bulb moment and wondered if the antihistamines the doc had given me to take on alternate nights might be making me feel worse. I halved the dose and took something from Holland and Barrett as well as my sleepy tea. Yesterday I felt as 'normal' as I have done for a very long time. Can't think of any other reason so hope it lasts. By 'normal' I don't mean cured, just improved.

Hope the sun is shining on you all.

hi all x I have been to the drs for MOT results..bmi high lol as i knew BP high but lower than last time so hes happy and he has doubled my anti depressants so fingers crossed...maggie i adore my animals 3 dogs and 1 cat.

ANNIE last night the feral came into my garden to eat..it swaggered up and IT WASNT MOUSE ha ha ha it was a little black and white one..we both looked at each other as if to say...who the hell are you ha ha

What breeds are your dogs Nanny? I went to the GP earlier and just felt stupid. Told her I was more anxious than ever, not sleeping, eating, functioning and on the verge of tears quite often. She smiled at me and sort of sighed. She has at least agreed to start me on Pregabalin so I'll give it a go because I'm feeling so awful. GPs can do so little when faced with patients like me who have an ongoing mental health issue that seems resistant to drugs and therapy. I suppose it's because I'm just about functioning and working. Sorry for the moan, how is everyone this bright spring evening?

nanny cats seem drawn to you and you have so much love to give them. Do tell us if mouse pops by again.

maggie no apology please, you are not moaning you are sharing .we can all hope the medication will help you

awww maggie i hope they help xx my dogs are mixed breeds not one upper class one between them ha ha annie mouse was on the wall yesterday but he ran away. Black and white one is braver but still very scared. Ive bought them a dog kennel and heat mat for the garden so even in the winter they will be nice and warm

Thank you Annie. Nanny my dog is a mutt too and I wouldn't want him any other way