I know, I know . . . Yesterday I did my Mental Health MON post, but I've been down lately, so I decided to share some more re: depression. My source is webmd.org. Another good resource is mayoclinic.org.
I've read & I've been told--most recently by my psychiatric nurse provider--that it is not a all uncommon to experience depression sooner or later after a heart procedure. In my case it seems to be sooner than later. It comes to me in the form of extreme anxiety, & I face an almost overwhelming feeling of apathy, i.e., "What's the use? I'm just going to fail at recovery."
That thinking, to say the least, is counter-productive to recovery. Whether it's the depression talking or me talking to myself, I need to take one day at a time & persevere. Even if I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel yet, it doesn't mean the light's not there, waiting for me to see it.
A reminder: I'm blogging for self-therapy, but I also hope that what I share may be of use to someone "out there."
Forms of Depression
- "Major Depression
- "Chronic Depression (dysthyia): a milder form of depression that affects millions.
- "Atypical Depression: Those who suffer from this don't have typical symptoms; symptoms include weight gain, sleeping too much, & feeling anxious. This could describe my depression.
- "Post partum Depression . . . is increasingly common.
- "Bipolar Depression (manic depression): Typically includes mood swings . . . from elated highs of mania to the major depression lows.
- "Seasonal depression (SAD) Lingering gloomy, winter-like weather may also be having an effect on me.
- "Psychotic Depression: typified by psychosis, hallucinations . . .
- "Treatment-resistant Depression.
Bear with me!
As I emphasized yesterday, after reviewing symptoms & forms of depression you may reach a conclusion that you suffer from depression. [It's also very possible that at some time you were diagnosed with depression. I was diagnosed with clinical depression, which crosses some of the boundaries above.] Before deciding on a strategy to cope with depression, the best thing to do is visit w/a mental health provider & seek an educated diagnosis. This course of action will help determine coping strategies, medication, & therapy options.
Thank you for sharing this Paul. You continue to be in our prayers as you battle this depression, which, as you know I have experienced numerous times, but thankful, with the help of my doctors and friends, got back to my 'normal' self which is generally upbeat as I think is the same with you. This last time, in January, my doctor did up my Fluoxetine (Prozac) and that did help. The other thing that has helped immensely is a regular, daily exercise program, which I think I have mentioned to you before called Grow Young Fitness. Amazing how much better I feel, but, of course, with your heart procedure you must follow the doctor's orders. I have shared this with Carolyn with the hopes that she will evaluate the program based on her knowledge of exercise programs, like Curves. I can honestly say I feel the best I have felt in years. I appreciate your willingness to share though I know this is part of your therapy. Your wonderful sense of humor is also very helpful to the whole process. (Our kids and grandkids think their grandpa is a bit weird at times, but it does make them laugh, so, mission accomplished. Take care now.
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