The Black Dog // Mental Health Discussion/Support.

[HunterScott]

This is just a topic that I thought may benefit someone, or no-one, within this community. I've been debating starting a thread on the topic of mental health for a few months now, but I've been doubting its reception for various reasons.

1) Many people, including myself, are very cautious about speaking up about their own mental health out of fear of stigma;

2) It is not an easy topic to approach, and it would be reliant upon the engagement of the community.

 

BUT, I have finally decided to start a thread. I feel very anonymous within this community, which is fantastic for me as at times, I like to speak without the fear of my comments being linked back to myself (never in a degrading, hateful way may I add!) If my experiences and/or comments can make even one person feel less alone, then I would feel tremendously happy with myself.

 

I have struggled with depression and anxiety for a few years now, this was exacerbated by the arrival of my son in October 2016. I was diagnosed with post-natal depression and was informed that it would be wise of me to attend some form of talking therapy, i.e. CBT or counselling. Being the male that I am, I discarded all suggestions that I was going through a mental crisis and went on my not-so-merry way. I've often found it incredibly hard to open up to people, whether that's my parents; partner or friends - it's just something that I've always steered clear of doing. My mother often states that it'd be 'easier to extract blood from a stone' than get me to open up about my emotions. To me, I associate opening up about my emotions as a weakness, and that if I just avoid it altogether, it isn't legitimate.

 

Has anyone else struggled throughout their life? What has been your saving grace, and what words of encouragement would you provide to others who feel like they're in the same boat?

[Bhav]

2 hours ago, HunterScott said:

Has anyone else struggled throughout their life? What has been your saving grace

Clown porn.

 

Tbh I really wouldn't suggest such a thread being a good idea here, there are plenty of subreddits that people can use and they usually have much better protection and rules and such stuff.

[PhantomJaguarr]

3 hours ago, HunterScott said:

Has anyone else struggled throughout their life? What has been your saving grace, and what words of encouragement would you provide to others who feel like they're in the same boat?

Definitely struggled. Had to take a break for nearly 2 years from school because the medicine for my condition had debilitating side effects.

 

My saving grace was writing tons of fan fiction of an anime character that I've known since I was a kid. I would pour my pent-up emotions into the words. Sometimes I would end up with 20 pages.

 

It helped to be around people even though you want to be alone. And this is coming from someone who was paranoid to the point where I thought everyone was out to get me. Things like support groups, accountability partners, and sponsors were also a saving grace to me.

 

[Bhav]

Well my venlafaxine alone wasn't good enough. So I added:

 

- Vit D 4000 IU (Also for joint issues)

- Panax Ginseng

- Cordyceps (caterpillar fungus), also containing Mara root, and vitamins B3, B6, B12.

 

Now my brain is uber high and perked up and wow. But only need all that cos they won't give me anything stronger than venlafaxine.

[EPENEX]

I have major depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. My medication helps only a little. 

[Teddy07]

I was addicted to online poker for ~6+ years and didn't do anything else basically. I played in total ~10 years or so

[MindUnited]

I know this would be a bit dumb or like "are you serious or not" 

 

and I'm not sure if theres only one person in the world and that's me that having things like..Depression on PC

 

Like whenever any "not a good sign" sound occurs , it keeps me Overthinking/overworried and it haunts around me for almost a year now. Try fixing things by having new one replaced and another one starts to happen. Depression keeps adding into me further more

 

I am not even dare enough to create a thread about this, and many Mental Health Forums will not understand this, Gladly theres a thread like these in LTT,which is a tech forum

 

all of these are still now,not history. I still suffered from all of these, I will be very smiled if I know someone having this kind of issue I'm currently facing.

 

Sometimes it feels like myself not being a good person enough. Everything around me are fragile and everything I own is too easy too broken, : (

 

Maybe because I'm sitting here with my computer throughout most of my life. It brings me new world and being myself. Staying with something too long could be too hard to lose it for me

[HunterScott]

On 29/01/2018 at 11:58 PM, Bhav said:

Clown porn.

 

Tbh I really wouldn't suggest such a thread being a good idea here, there are plenty of subreddits that people can use and they usually have much better protection and rules and such stuff.

Threads surrounding talk about mental health can be a touchy subject in any format. I guess some people may be like myself, I rarely browse Reddit, and instead would rather speak to individuals on this forum. I completely understand where you're coming from mind you!

[HunterScott]

On 30/01/2018 at 12:39 AM, WhiteJaguar77 said:

Definitely struggled. Had to take a break for nearly 2 years from school because the medicine for my condition had debilitating side effects.

 

My saving grace was writing tons of fan fiction of an anime character that I've known since I was a kid. I would pour my pent-up emotions into the words. Sometimes I would end up with 20 pages.

 

It helped to be around people even though you want to be alone. And this is coming from someone who was paranoid to the point where I thought everyone was out to get me. Things like support groups, accountability partners, and sponsors were also a saving grace to me.

 

I flatly refused medication when I was younger, I don't know if that has helped or made matter's worse in later years. My form of medication was channelling my emotions into songwriting and singing - I also had a dabble with writing slam poetry which I found incredibly therapeutic.

 

I agree, company is the best medication for depression. I'm currently attending a 'stress control' 6-week course, and they continually reiterate that on the day's when you want to be alone, you should never turn down invitations to meet up with friends/acquaintances. It's these moment's that drag you out of that 'pit of despair' that you find yourself in, and for a moment, you feel human again.

 

When people ask me how I feel, my answer is simply that, I feel like my get up and go and just got up and gone. It can be tremendously difficult some days, but I appear to be having more good days than bad recently!

On 30/01/2018 at 1:16 PM, Keith W said:

@HunterScott Well done on taking the brave step of starting this thread, I for one support you in that.

 

I have suffered with a mental illness for most of my life and it has been the cause of much upset during that time.

 

My saving grace, if you can call it that, is my medication - It keeps me well and that's what matters to me (Although there are other issues to contend with)

 

Unfortunately it took a very very long time and lots of visits to hospital before I was placed on my current medication but once I was on it my life changed, it was like someone turned on a light switch and I got my life back.

 

Thanks for starting this thread and if ever you want to chat off thread then please feel free to drop me a PM.

Thank you Keith, I appreciate it!

Once you reach the correct combination of medication or single medication, and the correct therapeutic dose has been found the effects are brilliant. I've managed to stay clear of medication so far other than the odd PRN prescription for Propanolol to combat anxiety, but even from taking the single medication in my time of need I understand the huge increase it can provide to an individuals quality of life.

 

Thank you for the offer to chat if required. I also extend the invitation to you - my inbox is always open!

[HunterScott]

On 30/01/2018 at 2:06 PM, Bhav said:

Well my venlafaxine alone wasn't good enough. So I added:

 

- Vit D 4000 IU (Also for joint issues)

- Panax Ginseng

- Cordyceps (caterpillar fungus), also containing Mara root, and vitamins B3, B6, B12.

 

Now my brain is uber high and perked up and wow. But only need all that cos they won't give me anything stronger than venlafaxine.

I often feel like my mind is slightly cloudy at times, do your vitamins and minerals help? I've been taking a general multi-vit for a few years now, but have recently peaked interest in expanding my horizons par se.

[HunterScott]

On 30/01/2018 at 9:37 PM, EPENEX said:

I have major depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. My medication helps only a little. 

Have you explored forms of talking therapy at all? Being given the chance to explore your own thoughts and speak through them with someone can provide huge insight into your thought process and how to make any dark and bad thoughts into productive thoughts.

[HunterScott]

On 30/01/2018 at 9:53 PM, Teddy07 said:

I was addicted to online poker for ~6+ years and didn't do anything else basically. I played in total ~10 years or so

I assume you play a good hand?! The only addiction I have ever had is smoking (3 years clean). I can only assume an addiction to something like Poker provides the same sensations to a chemical addiction such as nicotine. How hard was it to whittle down your play time, if you don't mind me asking?

[HunterScott]

6 hours ago, MindUnited said:

I know this would be a bit dumb or like "are you serious or not" 

 

and I'm not sure if theres only one person in the world and that's me that having things like..Depression on PC

 

Like whenever any "not a good sign" sound occurs , it keeps me Overthinking/overworried and it haunts around me for almost a year now. Try fixing things by having new one replaced and another one starts to happen. Depression keeps adding into me further more

 

I am not even dare enough to create a thread about this, and many Mental Health Forums will not understand this, Gladly theres a thread like these in LTT,which is a tech forum

 

all of these are still now,not history. I still suffered from all of these, I will be very smiled if I know someone having this kind of issue I'm currently facing.

 

Sometimes it feels like myself not being a good person enough. Everything around me are fragile and everything I own is too easy too broken, : (

 

Maybe because I'm sitting here with my computer throughout most of my life. It brings me new world and being myself. Staying with something too long could be too hard to lose it for me

Unfortunately, technology is easily broken, but in the same sense, it can be easily replaced!

I get where you're coming from completely, I don't know what I would do if any of my equipment broke. Us technology and computer enthusiasts dedicate a lot of time, passion and money into our hobbies, and to see your creation and passion in a state of disrepair can be upsetting. I'd liken it to having a car or motorcycle that you've spent time building and caring for, and one day you end up in a crash. It's all the same emotions and I can guarantee many people on this forum would feel the way that you do towards your computer! You're not alone, don't worry!

[MindUnited]

8 hours ago, HunterScott said:

Unfortunately, technology is easily broken, but in the same sense, it can be easily replaced!

I get where you're coming from completely, I don't know what I would do if any of my equipment broke. Us technology and computer enthusiasts dedicate a lot of time, passion and money into our hobbies, and to see your creation and passion in a state of disrepair can be upsetting. I'd liken it to having a car or motorcycle that you've spent time building and caring for, and one day you end up in a crash. It's all the same emotions and I can guarantee many people on this forum would feel the way that you do towards your computer! You're not alone, don't worry!

Thank you very much, this is what makes me feel better. I'm not the only one having this trouble in a very deep state (some could be just "ok its broke im gonna replaced")

[mr moose]

Suffered debilitating depression in 2000, trying to run my own business, dealing with shit and being a new parent.    Best thing for me was watching interviews with people who also have been there.  Bill Odie is a great one.  In this clip he is so candid, Like all things in life that effect you, just own it.  Don't let social constructs decide whether you should talk about it or not.

 

And remember, when walking through a long black tunnel and you can;t see a light at the end, just keep walking, if you stop you will never see the light.

[Skanky Sylveon]

On 1/29/2018 at 1:19 PM, HunterScott said:

Being the male that I am, I discarded all suggestions that I was going through a mental crisis and went on my not-so-merry way.

 

On 1/29/2018 at 1:19 PM, HunterScott said:

To me, I associate opening up about my emotions as a weakness,

Sorry if I come off as dickish, but that was, without a doubt, the dumbest fucking thing that you could have done in your situation.

 

Being a man is fucking irrelevant, and not seeking help is a sign of weakness, not strength, it shows that you were too afraid of being judged.

It shows that you care too much what others think, and not enough for yourself.  Who cares if someone thinks that you are weak?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and if either body or mind isn't well, then you will not be capable of helping yourself or those that you love.

 

I'm a man, and I have dealt with depression and the like, but I talk about it with those who I care about, just as they talked about their hardships with me.

We are all stronger because of it.

 

Anyway, @HunterScott you showed bravery and strength in making this thread, and I hope that it ends up helping you, and many more.

[Teddy07]

13 hours ago, HunterScott said:

I assume you play a good hand?! The only addiction I have ever had is smoking (3 years clean). I can only assume an addiction to something like Poker provides the same sensations to a chemical addiction such as nicotine. How hard was it to whittle down your play time, if you don't mind me asking?

 

Online poker is I assume like smoking or a drug problem but I have luckily no first-hand experience with them. I really never realized that I had an addiction problem during that time. I knew I played too much but it kept my mind occupied. You also do not make rational choices when you are addicted as you probably know.