Anyone got any tips to stop myself from feeling so down?

[LaverT]

Recently I just feel so lifeless... I have had a bad year... lots and lots of drama. Recently I have dropped out of uni.. and I am giving it a good think about what to do.. I don't know whether to give it another shot or not. I don't think I can trust myself to do the work.

I keep getting migraines and vertigo as well because of the worry.. which really doesn't help me.. and I can't even be arsed going to the doctors. Its as though I want to suffer.. kinda wierd. I do need to go though because it is obvious I'm depressed as well.

Joy at the moment feels like it has to be chemically induced which isn't very good. Such as... I had some pills on saturday and I was well wrecked and I had a really good night but other than that I feel as though I havent been happy being normal for about 2 months now. Its so bad that I cant even be arsed with any sexual activities... this is the part that really scares me.

Anyway I need to shift this mood! Im okay when Im busy.. at work or with friends but then I have my moments where I just want to be alone... then it comes back :cry: I also quit weed a few weeks back but now Im smoking loads again helps me feel numb for a while.. but I know that doesn't help!

I NEED MY MOTIVATION, SELF ESTEEM AND HAPPINESS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:hopeless:

Sorry for sounding so negative.. I know people have had a lot worse lives than myself... thought I share how I'm feeling because it easier to say it to some who I don't know than to people I do.

[Digital-A]

Do not worry my dear friend ...

life is a crazy, magical and sometimes horrific thing. You are experiencing a low patch, we have all had them. It may last for weeks, months or longer but it is a 'patch'. At the moment you do not no what to do, life seems a little against you and you cannot be bothered with anything ... i have had the exact same thing.

I pulled myself out by quitting the drugs, alcohol and keep (if you do) to smoking tobacco. people who dont smoke will prob disagree with the keeping to fags/bacci but the ones who do can maybe agree that if your giving up drugs/alcohol your fall back is smoking.

start a fresh mate, sit down with a cup of tea, coffee or pepsi and think ''where do i want to be in 10, 20 or 30 years?'', again others may disagree with this but seeing the destination helps your plan your route to it.

everything will improve mate, just you wait and when it does youll be a newer, fresher and happier laverT ...

always there if you need a chat bro. just send us a PM

Tomm :-)

:group_hug

[SD]

It just sounds like classic depression to me, ill probably get shouted down for reccomending pharmaseuticals (i cant spell) but ill tell ya something venlaflaxine saved my life, i was suicidal/over using recreationals/ended up on heroin etc... I still take venlaflaxine (prozac/seroxat etc.. all the ssri's never helped) mine is a seratonine noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, that is it also works on dopamine (im sure my over use of opiates wrecked my endorphine system).. but hey, im going off on one.. give it a thought anyway, thers nothing wrong with admitting your unhappy, society today is bound to cause humans stress. speak to ure gp anyway... (i wont say pick yourself up and smile cos i always wanted to smack people that said that to me lol) :love:

[MisterDuck]

I pulled myself out by quitting the drugs, alcohol and keep (if you do) to smoking tobacco. people who dont smoke will prob disagree with the keeping to fags/bacci but the ones who do can maybe agree that if your giving up drugs/alcohol your fall back is smoking.
definately. i know a guy who has come off a heroin addiction, gone clean off all drugs and booze, and my god, he chain smokes, he's like a fuckin permanent ashtray. but it works.

i would like, do something really out of the blue. summat with the potential to be life-changing. just walk to the bank, empty it, and go backpacking in europe or asia (do it proper, live skint!). volunteer to help in africa. work with kids in the UK who are a bit fucked up. go and live in a squat a hundred miles away.

if you really feel you are at a deadend, then just go out there and do somethin really fuckin far-out. start again completely. if just for the summer, do summat crazy.

[SD]

I think in short what i was saying is it depends on wether ure low mood is caused by ure living situation/life in general (emotional) or is actually a physiological chemical imbalance, if it is the latter then medication may help. If you are just at a low point then something life changing may be just the ticket.:love:

[Tank Girl]

Pretty much to same as Mr Digital,

If your feeling down, prob best to give your emotional state a break but cutting out pills, weed, alcohol etc, as the highs and lows (come downs) may exasserbate feeling bad.
It may be worth sitting down quietly and thinking if there have been any triggers to this - or if its been a general build up.
Is there anything that is happening to you / worrying you for the worse that you feel able to change ?

It may be worth going to your GP even if you dont want to consider medication as they can refer to 'talking therapies', Not sure if you've heard of cognitive behavioural therapy as this can be of help to people trying to take controll of their thoughts.
also if your into alternative therapies - St Johns wort is said to be a natural antidepressant - (however I'm not sure if your a guy or a girl but if your a girl on the pill - dont take it as it can stop it working) or a massage (if you have the funds is a nice way to help you feel better)
a good and trusted friend to talk to....
hope of help - as everyone feels dont be a stranger and dont apoligise -we all need help at some point! :group_hug :group_hug

[General Lighting]

I wouldn't worry too much about not being in University - I only lasted two years there myself as I never wanted to be there in the first place.

there are still other forms of employment.

Unless you do a complicated scientific degree or some specialist subject in demand in business like accountancy - or you are very lucky finding job opportunities you are only going to end up in an office in 3-4 years anyway for not that much more money than a non-graduate (often not enough to pay your debts).

A similar situation happened to me when I was partying hard and not looking after other aspects of my life. The only way to get round it is to calm down the substances for a bit and deal with the other life problems as the drugs only give you false euphoria and as then the comedowns make things worse. They only put away the worries for a few hours, they keep on coming back.

I would suggest seeing the doctor though at least for treatment of the physical illnesses you are suffering..

[LaverT]

Cheers for the replies.. I am going to try to cut the drugs out for the time being... but I find it so hard.. I have a really addictive nature and being normal is just damn plain boring and misarable at times. However it needs to be done I guess. I am gonna go to the docs... although I think hes getting pissed off with me cause I keep making appointments and not turning up. I definitely need some medication for my migraines today has been a nightmare I feel like I need to cry a river because of the blood pressure behind my eyes. Counseling seems like a good idea.. I went through a lot of therapy when I was 15-18... it sort of worked... however I did get put on prozac which had a negative reaction with me.. and made me feel worse and I came dependent to it as well.. so I'm going to avoid them at all costs...

[LaverT]

I think in short what i was saying is it depends on wether ure low mood is caused by ure living situation/life in general (emotional) or is actually a physiological chemical imbalance, if it is the latter then medication may help. If you are just at a low point then something life changing may be just the ticket.:love:

I do think a dramatic life changing event would make me happier... obviously it would have to something positive... its just really hard to make that happen at the moment when I can barely be arsed to pull myself out of bed...

[SD]

I know, I was just saying though that lethargy, low mood, pessamistic outlook on life, insomnia etc are all CLASSIC symptoms of depression...prozac didnt work for me, there are quite a few different classes of antidepressants ssri's/snri's/maoi's/tricyclics etc..

[TEK Tonic]

I too have been where you are mate.

I can highly recomend self-hypnosis, but if you think that is a bit wishy-washy go for something that works for you. I hate the idea of doing more drugs (even prescription pharmaceuticals) in order to get me out of a bad mood.

I also know that I suffer very strong SAD (I get totally depressed in winter) and spring has ONLY just sprung. Maybe you need a holliday.

The last time I felt the way you feel I did smoked some Salvia Divinorum and took some laughing gas. I wouldn't recomend it unless you have a strong head, but it certainly sorted me out.

Hollidays and life changing experiences can both happen right there in your head too.

If all else fails grin and bear it until you feel better (it will happen), but above all else - don't let the bastards get you down! :groucho:

[jed_22]

Been a bit down myself lately but i find having something to look forward to helps u get past it. If u can afford it try n go somewhere 4 a bit, doesnt have 2 be somewhere that nice just where u can relax and sort ure head out! Once uve figured out what u wna get out the next couple of years just go 4 it!

[phogeyman]

sorry to hear you are down . pill come down are shit when things are going well .so have a break . if u do smoke some dope dont stay in go for a walk :love: also doing some charity work might help .helping someone worse off than you can be a big LIFT when youre low .LOVE AND PEAS MATE:group_hug

[Raj]

Recently I just feel so lifeless... I have had a bad year... lots and lots of drama. Recently I have dropped out of uni.. and I am giving it a good think about what to do.. I don't know whether to give it another shot or not. I don't think I can trust myself to do the work.

I keep getting migraines and vertigo as well because of the worry.. which really doesn't help me.. and I can't even be arsed going to the doctors. Its as though I want to suffer.. kinda wierd. I do need to go though because it is obvious I'm depressed as well.

Joy at the moment feels like it has to be chemically induced which isn't very good. Such as... I had some pills on saturday and I was well wrecked and I had a really good night but other than that I feel as though I havent been happy being normal for about 2 months now. Its so bad that I cant even be arsed with any sexual activities... this is the part that really scares me.

Anyway I need to shift this mood! Im okay when Im busy.. at work or with friends but then I have my moments where I just want to be alone... then it comes back :cry: I also quit weed a few weeks back but now Im smoking loads again helps me feel numb for a while.. but I know that doesn't help!

I NEED MY MOTIVATION, SELF ESTEEM AND HAPPINESS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:hopeless:

Sorry for sounding so negative.. I know people have had a lot worse lives than myself... thought I share how I'm feeling because it easier to say it to some who I don't know than to people I do.
:group_hug :group_hug :group_hug :group_hug :group_hug :group_hug

I know exactly what you mean :flowers:

What I found helped me most was realising that I didnt have to deal with all the issues I had all at the one time...
I made a list of all the stuff that was bothering me and dealt with the issues one at a time. You can get very bogged down if you flit from issue to issue worrying about them all but resolving none of them.

Migraines can be caused by both physical and psychological things as can the panic attacks.....the more worked up you get about having them the worse they will get.
:arrow: Did you know that the aftermath of a migraine often leaves you depressed? [I didnt until recently and wish I had known about this years ago as I always suffered from self loathing and depression after the migraine attack and never knew why.] If you are having more than one a week you are on an emotional seesaw which seems never ending...

There are things you can do to reduce the number of migraines you have which are mainly dietary - avoid caffeine and fizzy drinks, avoid chocolate, red wine and cigarretes, eat a lot more dietary fibre [a bowl of muesli a day is good] and drink lots of water and/or green tea. Here is a quote from the wiki on migraine triggers:


According to the National Library of Medicine's Medical Encyclopedia, Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
• Allergic reactions • Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes • Physical or emotional stress • Changes in sleep patterns • Smoking or exposure to smoke • Skipping meals • Alcohol or caffeine • Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills • Tension headaches • Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami) • Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods.


I found a vitamin B complex tablet a day helped with my migraines and also the depression side of my problems - might be worth a try for you?

Depression can be a real :hopeless: :hopeless: :hopeless: and its not a nice place to be :group_hug - its well worth going to see a Dr and maybe get medication for it - helped me immensely when I got really depressed [had to try several different tablets before I found one that worked for me] and my only regret is that I didnt get treatment for it sooner :wink: as it helped me turn my life around and I was able to come off the tablets afterwards after a discussion with my Dr.

Talking to strangers about what is upsetting you is often easier than talking to people you know [they may have opinions on the matters which a stranger wont]. :wink:

If you want us we are here for you :group_hug

[LaverT]

Migraines can be caused by both physical and psychological things as can the panic attacks.....the more worked up you get about having them the worse they will get.
:arrow: Did you know that the aftermath of a migraine often leaves you depressed? If you are having more than one a week you are on an emotional seesaw which seems never ending..

Oh dear that isn't nice to know because I have them pretty much everyday... I'd say I've had them at least 4-5 times a week for the past 2 months... which is when uni work started to cripple me a bit and I started panicing... I do get slight panic attacks too... I get really nervous.. then my mood swings and I get really angry lol.

[I]According to the National Library of Medicine's Medical Encyclopedia, Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
• Allergic reactions • Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes • Physical or emotional stress • Changes in sleep patterns • Smoking or exposure to smoke • Skipping meals • Alcohol or caffeine

There the possible things that could be affecting my migraines out of all them I guess... my sleeping pattern, the amount I smoke and my diet are really bad at the moment. There things I need to sort out anyway.. I guess.. other than my emotional problems :S

[Raj]

I had cluster migraines too :( and I did wonder if you were suffering from them too from your posts.

I had one for 5-6 days out of 7 for 3 months and it was horrible :hopeless: - mine were partly dietary, partly stress amd partly due to medical treatment which was unavoidable :hopeless:

:group_hug:group_hug

[Raj]

Try increasing the water and fibre in your diet for starters and seeing how you go LaverT

One step at a time :wink: and nice and steady does it

[Agent Subby]

It just sounds like classic depression to me, ill probably get shouted down for reccomending pharmaseuticals (i cant spell) but ill tell ya something venlaflaxine saved my life, i was suicidal/over using recreationals/ended up on heroin etc... I still take venlaflaxine (prozac/seroxat etc.. all the ssri's never helped) mine is a seratonine noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, that is it also works on dopamine (im sure my over use of opiates wrecked my endorphine system).. but hey, im going off on one.. give it a thought anyway, thers nothing wrong with admitting your unhappy, society today is bound to cause humans stress. speak to ure gp anyway... (i wont say pick yourself up and smile cos i always wanted to smack people that said that to me lol) :love:

Hmmm sounds interesting to me. Nice one matey.:wink:

[tarifa]

Hey LaverT,

Lots of good advice on here already, no need to add to it

Just wanted to say hang on babe, things DO get better

an to give you lots of :group_hug :group_hug :group_hug s

you know where we are . . . :wink:

[mikeid22]

How u feelin these days mate?

Try to take time out from the parties and drugs... anything that comes up... - the last thing you need is your seratonin levels to yoyo (sorry... bad speller!)

Try chillingout, eating well and generally looking after yourself.

find something you like to do... swim? - read...

Talk to people lots... we all go thru these things... stick in there!

[mikeid22]

Recently I just feel so lifeless... I have had a bad year... lots and lots of drama. Recently I have dropped out of uni.. and I am giving it a good think about what to do.. I don't know whether to give it another shot or not. I don't think I can trust myself to do the work.

I keep getting migraines and vertigo as well because of the worry.. which really doesn't help me.. and I can't even be arsed going to the doctors. Its as though I want to suffer.. kinda wierd. I do need to go though because it is obvious I'm depressed as well.

Joy at the moment feels like it has to be chemically induced which isn't very good. Such as... I had some pills on saturday and I was well wrecked and I had a really good night but other than that I feel as though I havent been happy being normal for about 2 months now. Its so bad that I cant even be arsed with any sexual activities... this is the part that really scares me.

Anyway I need to shift this mood! Im okay when Im busy.. at work or with friends but then I have my moments where I just want to be alone... then it comes back :cry: I also quit weed a few weeks back but now Im smoking loads again helps me feel numb for a while.. but I know that doesn't help!

I NEED MY MOTIVATION, SELF ESTEEM AND HAPPINESS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:hopeless:

Sorry for sounding so negative.. I know people have had a lot worse lives than myself... thought I share how I'm feeling because it easier to say it to some who I don't know than to people I do.



You feeling any better mate?

[quietRIOT]

push yerself to excercise....pick something you like to do,ie,swim,run,weight train,climb,badminton,football,theres gotta be something...it will be hard but once you see the benefits an the feeling of those endorhins released you will feel a whole lot better


it wont be easy but it can be done...excerice is proved without doubt to lift mood an help with depression.......good luck honey.....x:group_hug

[quietRIOT]

p.s....dont eat lots of sugary foods ...eat fruit an veg....white meat prozac can help .... ...x:group_hug

[Cinimod]

About 1.5 - 2 years ago, during my A-levels, I was very depressed, and at times, did had lots of suicidal thoughts. It ended up getting to the point where I took lots and lots of paracetamol, and nearly killed myself. Even to this day, my parents don't know about this, but for me when I was there, what really made me feel happier, was that I realised that no matter how bad my life was back then, there was always someone out there who had it worse than me, and so over time, I realised that although there were alot of problems in my life at that point (drug addiction was never one of them in case u were thinking it), it could be alot worse. I think that it was that perspective which allowed me to get better.

I think that dropping the drugs, at least until you're better, is a very good idea. I don't think pills (or other drugs) can help with long term happiness. Although I never got professional medical attention for the way I felt (because I didn't like the idea of being called a nut-case), I think that professional medical shouldn't be ignored.

P.S. I've only ever told 1 of my best friends about this little episode of my life before. But I'm over it now. I feel sad from time to time, but nothing even close to what it was like back then.

I've heard people in the past say stuff like "depression is such a lame thing. Depression is just feeling a little sad, it's not serious", but that's a load of crap. It is very different from sadness, and much more serious.

I don't know if you are properly suffering from depression or not, but it is quite easy to go from long term sadness to depression. Hopefully it's just sadness, rather than depression, but depression isn't a joke, so if u think that it may be getting more serious, then go see ur GP. (that was 1 thing I do regret not doing).

[General Lighting]

what really made me feel happier, was that I realised that no matter how bad my life was back then, there was always someone out there who had it worse than me, and so over time, I realised that although there were alot of problems in my life at that point (drug addiction was never one of them in case u were thinking it), it could be alot worse. I think that it was that perspective which allowed me to get better.

thats definitely true.

During a dark patch in my life (I wouldn't recommend it now as its illegal and you can't do it anyway) I was spending a lot of time listening to the radio scanner on comedowns (partly because I was involved in more "outside the law" activities than I am today).

I heard loads of harsh shit, shootings, rape, violence, domestic incidents, road traffic collsions. Often the names were people I knew.

A lot of people say "doesn't that make you more depressed and paranoid?"

For me it was quite the opposite. Not only did I realise a lot of people had a far worse life (I stil had a good job and supportive family for one thing), it eventually also made me address my hatred of authority and put it into perspective, as I realised also the other stuff that the cops had to deal with, they can be bastards sometimes but they also pick up the pieces after a lot of a lot of other peoples stupidity and malice..


I think that dropping the drugs, at least until you're better, is a very good idea. I don't think pills (or other drugs) can help with long term happiness.

thats definitely true, you can't run away from problems with drugs, you just end up having to face them on a comedown.

[Cinimod]

btw, feel free to pm me if you want to chat about depression. I'm only to glad to help.