Depression and work

Re: Depression and work

jo_g — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:23:15 GMT

Just wanted to say if you really want medication you should ask for it. When I first went to my doctor he just wanted me to have therapy but I broke down and literally begged him for anti-depressants and in the end he gave in and it definetely helped alot.

Re: Depression and work

jo_g — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:17:46 GMT

Thank you to everyone who has replied to my post. You have all been incredible and given me some great advice! I am on medication and also having therapy as well as trying new hobbies and trying to exercise more. Reading what you all wrote made me realise that Im not alone and there are ways of coping with it so thank you :)

I also have days where i get really forgetful or dont feel like joining in and Im glad to realise that this is part of it and not just me. I dont feel my normal self yet but I am learning to cope.

Re: Depression and work

Jenny Cook RVN — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:56:43 GMT

Hi there,

Dont feel ashamed about having depression, read my tagline at end of my posts....

Ive had depression on and off since i was 15. It runs in my family too, and ive now been on medication since January 2011 to help as family and work collegues said i didnt seem myself anymore and i realised i couldnt keep pretending i was ok...

Ive mentioned it to work collegues but it doesnt seem to get in the way, although i do have bad days where i forget simple tasks and ask for someone to double check things or i just have a quiet day where i cant be arsed to join in on conversations during tea break, etc...

Talking really helps, and im pretty sure you can vent anytime here and there will always be someone to chat too, let it all out, dont hold it in!!
Maybe i should try taking my own advice, lol... Althoough i had a school councillor when i was 15 and i hated it... But different things work for different people, get out more with friends and have fun and all that.

Re: Depression and work

funkyfish — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:47:19 GMT

Hi, talking about it is a good step. Its great you have a supportive practice.

I struggle as my boss just says if I can't cope I should leave! Been working there over 10 years but hay they have no idea what its like. I sometimes know I'm having a rough patch as I'm exhausted all the time and have no short term memory, have to get others at work to double check my drawing up injections etc and remind me to do stuff (like forget I'm in the middle of running a blood test etc). Boss says its not fair on the others helping me (they are fine with it and are happy to help) and I just need to get a grip.

Was assessed for counseling but not eligible for it on the NHS as I'm not at risk of self harming/suicide. Doc won't give me meds- not that I need them most of the time, but think it would help sometimes when going through major life stresses etc.

Exercise, sunlight (morning light is best) and spending time with friends helps me along with remembering its just a rough patch and it will pass.

Re: Depression and work

Phrin Vernon RVN — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:35:24 GMT

Thinking of you jo_g

This is a great place to let it all out - by PM if you prefer - theres a few of us on here with similar demons that can lend an ear

I've recently got a kind of support worker - nothing heavy - she just rings me every few days, we chat about all sorts, go for coffee now and then. I know she's being paid for it but she's just so lovely, and I know I can let off steam to her, as she doesn't judge.

Counselling did nothing for me personally, but it works well for lots of people.

Exercise is supposed to be brill for depression, but like Steph I find that gearing up to it and finding the motivation can sometimes just be too much - However, I do find that when I finally do manage to do it I feel tons better. Walking is my thing - Rather than just round the block, I'll set off on a trek, and once you're halfway, the only way back is with your feet

Talk to your bosses or HN - if they are halfway decent they will do their best to help. I found HN to be much more helpful and understanding. Keep touching base with your GP too, just in case things ever do get a bit too much at work, or it goes a bit pear shaped , your GP will be up to date on everything. I see my GP every 2-4 weeks

Above all - don't bottle it up!

Hugs xxx

Re: Depression and work

Katy — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:03:08 GMT

I've had depression for 2 years now. Recently had to up my medication as everyone was on a downer at work, and it was rubbing off on me.

Work were ok about it, and my husband is getting better. Lol.

I can tell when I am getting depressed now, so I knew that I needed to increase my medication.

I have to say I am 100% better on the tablets, and have regular check ups with my understanding GP. My friends are really good with me too, and they can tell if I am having an off day.

Just make people aware that you have depression and can be more easily affected by what people say to you.

Hugs, and everyone on here is lovely if you need a chat x

Re: Depression and work

Steph Worsley — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:58:43 GMT

Hi there, my main advice is don't be ashamed of suffering from depression. I was diagnosed back in 2003 and still have "down" times

Try to eat well, people say exercise is good (however I never have the motivation to go) if you do well speaking to people get sorted with a counsellor, (again not for me but works for others)

I don't think you can stop yourself having bouts of it but learning the signs of it sneaking up on you and taking control at that point is the best thing, dont come straight off meds if you are on some. try to sleep well/dont get overtired.

But most of all you are strong (I know it doesn't feel like it at times) and try and remember that