Mental Health Depression MEGA Thread - DepressionTalk + Over 100 Links of Info

[ocean]

i think i need help. how do i get this in australia. i have health insurance and shit. no gp's or meds. just help to cope

i cant get by without anti depressant meds benzos liquor and drugs
morning is the worst, all my thoughts about my situation are overwhelming

am getting paranoia and night terror .. i can say now that it is just that .. but try telling me that when i wake up at 4am to the most real vivid crazy motherfukers banging on my door or kicking through my windows or shooting my house. shits crazy))

i have such repetetive negative thought processes.. painful images of cheating lovers, vengeful enemies, dead friends, currency ill never see

i went to jail recently for a week and denied my meds which undid pretty much all the progress i made with curing my depression
i now feel back to beginning except the 150 venlefaxine i take each day does nothing it used to so i get liquored up and smoke a bunch of weed to get through my day. this is dangerous and hrd to keep up because i drive a car and carry guns in my job ad deal with rich folk and i cant make any mistakes. i talked to my doc and he just tell me to get into a sleep pattern and prescribed a heap of xanax and valium but its shit i just wake up all tired and groggy

this isnt living man

You may try-
http://www.mhca.org.au/
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/mentalhealth/Publishing.nsf/Content/Home-1
http://www.goodtherapy.com.au/

I am not sure where you are in Australia but those sites (which are for all of Australia) may help you to find info on getting in to see someone........
If you want me to look in your area for you more, just let me know.......

As far as your doc just prescribing benzos-
It sounds like you might have PTSD and should be in counseling as well as on medication......
If you feel completely overwhelmed and need an ear I am sure there are hotlines in Australia and they also may be able to point you in the right direction as far as getting help.......
And of course, We're always here for you

 

[panic in paradise]

here are some more links that may be helpful.

 

[spork]

It looks like I'm going to be starting dialectical behavioral therapy along with the CBT. Does anyone have experience with DBT?

 

[Lifeonthepharm]

I highly reccomend seeing a competent pdoc

My GP didn't want to refer me to a pdoc, thinks it's a counter-productive idea. Instead he referred me to a psych for therapy.

I've got every single manic symptom there is, that's for sure. Looking for a specialist bipolar pdoc for now...

 

[BeckyLee]

^hmmm i know in ca things r different; u need a reccemmendation to see a specialist? sounds lame to me. you could just find a pdoc, then tell them u just moved and so thats y u dont have a gp yet?

I donno too much about how u canucks handle healthcare; ask ParanoidAndroid, tho; he'll know what to tell ya 4 sure!

 

[dilated_pupils]

Hey, PiP and Ocean, if you two can send me some links that you have added in your posts in this thread, and label them for me letting me know how they should be labeled on the main page of this thread, that would be awesome. I've been looking for some help to continue making this thread grow, so any information, actually anyone who wants to help, please do I and everyone here in TDS would appreciate it.

Really, it's amazing that a link to a website can help someone out very much, for example you guys helping someone find the doc, or meds they need is exactly why I made this thread and put the links in it I did. So I hope we can continue to make it grow and help as many people as we can!

On a side note, my bipolar has been extremely well... I have to admit lamictal has been a Godsend so far, although I could be speaking too early. I'm on a pretty low dose still, and have just been on it now for almost a month, but the effects were noticeable within ~4days believe it or not (I know it takes time for medications to build up in the system but every body is different, and mind reacted quickly to the lamictal).

I have had a few recent manic episodes, however they were short lived (like half the length they used to last!) and they were more controllable. I'm very thankful for that, although somehow my nortriptyline ran out like 7-10 days after I filled my script so I went cold turkey off that. Which is why I believe I had the manic episodes in the first place, so the lamictal really stood no chance in keeping them away at first.

Everything else in my life right now is really tough I have to admit. I've had to be very responsible lately, for some very serious situations, which I don't want to get into. Although I wouldn't mind sharing with someone if they care enough to PM me, but I'm not in dire need to release this information to anyone, but I wont turn down a friend wanting to talk (as I myself am always available 24/7, or close to it, to everyone for anything, via phone if need be and it's happened a lot recently I've needed to use my phone to help people... or specifically one person who needed it more than anyone).

Anyway sorry for the long post everyone, I'm just giving you all an update, and will continue doing so as my live proceeds forward.

One thing I want to tell you all is that my life style has changed almost overnight drastically. I am now viewing life as one day at a time very much so, and before I always thought about the past/future constantly (like an unhealthy amount). I don't know why it happened, maybe it's the lamictal, but I can't see a medication making a change in my life like that, because it's just so drastic... although I agree that the new med could be playing a roll in all of this. So any thoughts on this anyone?

-dp

P.S. - I apologize for not responding to everyone's posts specifically as much lately, I've been having a tough time in my personal life the last week or so, and have been very busy with my life in general. So please forgive me for not being around as much, I promise I will try and be around more to help now that things are settling down a bit... we all have times like this I know but I just wanted to explain.

 

[panic in paradise]

the links i posted are from the sticky thread treatment services and help lines above and are for Oz Land. i just wanted to point them out to valetudo at that moment - so they dont need to go on your front page, or fit really with the general theme of your thread.

" don't know why it happened, maybe it's the lamictal, but I can't see a medication making a change in my life like that, because it's just so drastic... "

well, stick with it, some meds do wonders for people, and then they stop taking them thinking that the problem is isnt there anymore or it never really was, thats when trouble starts. it was one hell of a ride when i weaned myself off of risperdol.


Life,Laughter, & Laughter!


oh and ~
HEY! why bring up things that you cant talk about?!? :-x

 

[zephyr]

i think i need help. how do i get this in australia. i have health insurance and shit. no gp's or meds. just help to cope

i cant get by without anti depressant meds benzos liquor and drugs
morning is the worst, all my thoughts about my situation are overwhelming

am getting paranoia and night terror .. i can say now that it is just that .. but try telling me that when i wake up at 4am to the most real vivid crazy motherfukers banging on my door or kicking through my windows or shooting my house. shits crazy))

i have such repetetive negative thought processes.. painful images of cheating lovers, vengeful enemies, dead friends, currency ill never see

i went to jail recently for a week and denied my meds which undid pretty much all the progress i made with curing my depression
i now feel back to beginning except the 150 venlefaxine i take each day does nothing it used to so i get liquored up and smoke a bunch of weed to get through my day. this is dangerous and hrd to keep up because i drive a car and carry guns in my job ad deal with rich folk and i cant make any mistakes. i talked to my doc and he just tell me to get into a sleep pattern and prescribed a heap of xanax and valium but its shit i just wake up all tired and groggy

this isnt living man

Hey Vale,

I know your situation is a lot different to mine, but I can relate to the fucked up sleeping patterns and negative thought processes- it does help a hell of a lot to get your sleep patterns down pat. Its the first step to getting better.

Im on 600mg effexor per day, taken first thing in the morning. I see a shrink for this kinda thing, not a gp. 600mg is getting into the high doses for a female, 150mg is clearly too low a dose for you but I suggest you see your doc before taking more per day. Not only should you follow their advice rather than mine but they can ring the PBS and make the doses the same cost no matter how much you need.

Effexor is not that great with anxiety, really it isnt but it does have some effect on it if your depression is driving the anxiety. This doesn' seem to be the case for you though, you have lived through some terrible times and the position you find yourself in now is most likely anxiety based with depression and grief and sorrow being second thoughts.

Have you tried hypnosis? Maybe there are things you need to face that you are trying to block out. They will keep coming back to haunt you if you dont file the memories away like all your other past thoughts.

Im sorry you are having a tough time. You are a wonderful, caring person and could use people around you who love you and would not hurt you for the world.

Living is enjoying your daily life and sleeping like a baby. Not many people achieve this constantly throughout life. I sure haven't anyway.

Damn, its coming time for me to visit Victoria in a couple of weeks. Check your phone hun, lets catch up and spend some time having a few laffs!

 

[dragonslayer428]

I have been suffering from anxiety (with slight depression) for about 18 years. I just moved to a small town where I don't know anyone (we moved because my wife got a good job here). Before I left, I was doing a lot of opiates. Well, now that I don't know anyone here, I can't get them. Roxis made me feel happy and alive.

Anyway, so I started drinking again (after not drinking for 6 months...I am an alcoholic) and now my depression and anxiety has sky rocketed. I feel so helpless and alone. I don't have a job and I just sit around all day drinking. Now (hopefully) I have decided to just quit drinking and see how I feel.

In the mean time, I am in a huge funk. It really sucks.

 

[paranoid android]

My GP didn't want to refer me to a pdoc, thinks it's a counter-productive idea. Instead he referred me to a psych for therapy.

I've got every single manic symptom there is, that's for sure. Looking for a specialist bipolar pdoc for now...

Umm wtf? Thats insane! How the fuck is it counterproductive? If it wasent for a psychiatrist that actually got my meds straightened out id either be dead or in very hard shape by now. Id have no doubt done something to warrant being locked up in a mental hospital by now because sanity was not my strong point.

Anyway go back to your goddamn GP and demand that he/she/it reffers you to a pdoc. If that doesent work go to another GP.

And ya beckylee you do need a refferal to see a specialist here. Kinda lame but hey it's free . Psychologists well most of them arent though .

 

[Lifeonthepharm]

Umm wtf? Thats insane! How the fuck is it counterproductive?

The med combination I'm on is controversial I think. But it's worked better than the others I've tried so I don't know.

He's worried we would back peddle by having an issue with the med situation, and would prefer to keep working in the current direction since substantial progress has been made and nobody's dead.

I had to cancel the psych appt cuz I lost my job so have to reschedule with a hospital psych. I was clear with my manager at work about the whole situation too. She kinda threw me into the fire (bitch!).

Looking to get my own pdoc appointment since my GP is away on vacation, and reluctant anyway. Left message with admin person yesterday but no callback lol. Must be busy.

 

[Lifeonthepharm]

^hmmm i know in ca things r different

It would be nice to ensure that a mood stabilizer would not be beneficial to my situation, that's for sure.

 

[dilated_pupils]

the links i posted are from the sticky thread treatment services and help lines above and are for Oz Land. i just wanted to point them out to valetudo at that moment - so they dont need to go on your front page, or fit really with the general theme of your thread.

" don't know why it happened, maybe it's the lamictal, but I can't see a medication making a change in my life like that, because it's just so drastic... "

well, stick with it, some meds do wonders for people, and then they stop taking them thinking that the problem is isnt there anymore or it never really was, thats when trouble starts. it was one hell of a ride when i weaned myself off of risperdol.


Life,Laughter, & Laughter!


oh and ~
HEY! why bring up things that you cant talk about?!? :-x

I have all intentions of staying on the lamictal, it is doing wonders for me and I hope it stays because I truly need it especially now more than ever in my life. And I now see what you mean about the links, I didn't pay enough attention to what I was talking about my bad. I kind of just looked over everything said in the posts and wanted to add the links because I thought it would be helpful in this thread, but I now understand what you mean.

And sorry lol about bringing things up I can't talk about... I hate when people do that, and I did it myself, that was dumb of me. I will eventually be able to talk about it, just need to wait for now... because legally I could incriminate myself and/or others and that is not something that needs to be done obviously.

I have been suffering from anxiety (with slight depression) for about 18 years. I just moved to a small town where I don't know anyone (we moved because my wife got a good job here). Before I left, I was doing a lot of opiates. Well, now that I don't know anyone here, I can't get them. Roxis made me feel happy and alive.

Anyway, so I started drinking again (after not drinking for 6 months...I am an alcoholic) and now my depression and anxiety has sky rocketed. I feel so helpless and alone. I don't have a job and I just sit around all day drinking. Now (hopefully) I have decided to just quit drinking and see how I feel.

In the mean time, I am in a huge funk. It really sucks.

I'm sorry to hear things aren't going so well for you. Stopping the drinking will be the first step to making your life better. Getting a job, or at least a hobby will give you some substance in your life to hold onto, other than your relationship with your wife. We all need those 'simple pleasures' that make every day life feel like worth living. Trust me I know that all too well, and have learned the hard way going down the wrong road for almost my entire life... I still have trouble myself finding that right road to go down but I'm slowly making the transition to the correct course I need to be following.

I know how it feels to feel alone, even when surrounded by people who care about you, for you as an example you have you wife, for me it's my friends/family. The only thing you can do to help yourself in this situation is seek out people who understand you and can relate to you. Maybe some sort of social gathering that approaches something you like would be a good step for you. Or maybe simply typing on bluelight and expressing yourself will be enough, I can't tell you but you need to figure this out for yourself.

You should also seek some professional help, usually in small towns you can quickly find a good doctor from a recommendation from a physician/friend/anyone you meet, which is a major plus. Once a good doctor is found, I would attempt to talk about your depression and anxiety and get some therapy alongside medication if the doctor decides it is needed, but please, don't go seeking anxiety meds just to cope with life. I am on benzos the rest of my life now (unless I decide to stop) because of my anxiety disorders, and honestly it sucks having to rely on a medication to make me feel better. I really wish I could be happy without having to take anything, so therapy is the best bet when it comes down to it. But medication is sometimes a must, so I understand that some may need it.

I wish you the best of luck with everything in your life, and hope you can find yourself fully again. It seems you have the will power to do so, but it's hiding a bit behind some depression. That's the best assumption I can make from everything you have said in this thread so far. Put your mind to something and you *will* be able to accomplish/overcome whatever comes your way. You have it in you, remember that!

-dp

 

[ValeTudo]

I am done with benzos. My doc keeps forcing xanax and valium on me and it's making me sick.
i cant even remember what i did most of last week? relying on medication for self control and peace is ridiculous. i need to take up kung fu or something.

 

[dilated_pupils]

I am done with benzos. My doc keeps forcing xanax and valium on me and it's making me sick.
i cant even remember what i did most of last week? relying on medication for self control and peace is ridiculous. i need to take up kung fu or something.

Your doctor is trying to force you to take benzos? That is ridiculous and get away from that doctor ASAP! You can live life without them and it will be a much better one, and I'm glad you see that. Take advantage of the fact that you have realized this on your own and give yourself a pat on the back.

-dp

 

[Sweet P]

I think I'm entering another major depressive episode. I first noticed it a week ago, and it's been getting worse and worse ever since. My anti-depressants aren't doing shit. And I'm desperately trying to avoid meth, as it's only making me more bitter and twisted. So instead I've been resorting to large amounts of benzos and opiates, which will probably undo all the progress I've made reducing my benzo usage, but frankly I just don't care anymore. My life has been constant shit from the day I was born, and it ain't gonna get better.

 

[dilated_pupils]

I think I'm entering another major depressive episode. I first noticed it a week ago, and it's been getting worse and worse ever since. My anti-depressants aren't doing shit. And I'm desperately trying to avoid meth, as it's only making me more bitter and twisted. So instead I've been resorting to large amounts of benzos and opiates, which will probably undo all the progress I've made reducing my benzo usage, but frankly I just don't care anymore. My life has been constant shit from the day I was born, and it ain't gonna get better.

Half the battle is will be won by simply having faith in yourself, and in the fact that life can get better. I used to feel, and sometimes still do feel, the way you do, but I realized deep down that this just isn't true. Plenty of others have it way worse off no matter what you're going through, although I know our pain can feel like it's so overbearing that it's the worst ever. Trust me I've been there and I'm kind of there right now. But like I said, deep down I still know that things should/will get better. Keep your head up and stay away from the drugs, they will just dilute your progression like you said, and all of reality as a whole.

Good luck to you, and PM me if you need to talk anytime.

-dp

 

[Lifeonthepharm]

I think I'm entering another major depressive episode.

Good that you can notice it coming on. What AD do you get?

 

[Sweet P]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Faith in myself is something that I struggle to find. Last night my depression got the better of me... I took a large cocktail of drugs and alcohol, and was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance, where I experienced the joys of having my stomach pumped. I was released today, but I'm under close supervision. I'll be getting assessed tomorrow by a psychiatrist, who will probably increase my meds (currently I'm on 20mg of citalopram daily, and 50-100mg of seroquel as required) or he might even send me into a psyc ward for a few days - depending on how I'm feeling at the time.

 

[dilated_pupils]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Faith in myself is something that I struggle to find. Last night my depression got the better of me... I took a large cocktail of drugs and alcohol, and was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance, where I experienced the joys of having my stomach pumped. I was released today, but I'm under close supervision. I'll be getting assessed tomorrow by a psychiatrist, who will probably increase my meds (currently I'm on 20mg of citalopram daily, and 50-100mg of seroquel as required) or he might even send me into a psyc ward for a few days - depending on how I'm feeling at the time.

I'm sorry to hear this... But I can easily say I feel your pain, or more so, may be feeling it more realistically sometime soon... My bipolar, shitty life, and just all around shitty everything is getting the best of me right now. I don't know what's going to happen or where I'm going to end up but I hope I make it to my doc appointment tomorrow to get my meds...

-dp