General Depression Amongst Carers?

[Shoka]

Hello everyone,

I'm wondering if any of you find yourself feeling depressed as a result of being a carer.

I've been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder which bothers me from around November-February 1. I use a light box and regular cardio vascular exercise to deal with the disorder.

Now Spring is here and I am finding that I am recently battling with depression. I know it's related to the relationship I'm in.

Any tips?

Shoka

 

[Deleted member 541]

Shoka,

I suffer from S.A.D also, so the winter is hell on me. Throw in some PTSD and it can be awful.... I exercise 40-70 minutes of Cardio a day, and I take 4000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily. I think this has helped the most.

What most people do not understand is that 60% of the people in the U.S that live above the Macon Georgia line, is vitamin D deficient. I suggest that the next time you see your Dr, ask for a vit. D test to see if you are deficient. The best vitamin is D3 as it absorbs better than reg. D.

Living/dealing with someone that has PTSD can't be easy. I know having it, is harder than hell. All I can suggest, is possibly getting into therapy for you, and your mental health. Try not to take things to heart. Be kind to yourself, and do something special for you every now and then......

Hang in there....

 

[kaydee]

Hi Shoka

Yes, yes and yes. I realized too late and the depression became ambivalence, with self esteem dropping to nothing, I let myself become isolated and frustrated, I became more of an enabler which in turn made everything worse, and round it goes.

If I had to do it all again two things would be set up right at the start -

A support network and Counselling for me

Counselling for the two of us

Setting boundaries and trying to change the patterns need to be done together, both of you have to want to make this work.

There are a lot of excellent threads here that I have read - maintaining a healthy relationship, trust issues, and the five precepts for starters.

Also I see now that we lost the ability to have fun, laugh and smile together - try to find that balance too (especially for yourself).

You are not alone Shoka, remember that you are a worthwhile person, good luck with everything, and take care of yourself.

 

[amethist]

Hi Shoka

As you can see you are definatley not alone with this. There must be so many of us carers with some level of depression, i know i am one of them and after 18 months, which is not very long compaired to some i am finally getting myself some proffesionell support for myself. I should have done it months ago but with working looking after my husband and everyone else's problems i did'nt so now i am going to have someone i can moan at knowing i won't upset them.

The best thing we carers can do is be a bit selfish somtime and say " i could " not " i should". That way you don't feel as guilty if you have to say no.

I went to the doctors on friday for an injection in my duff elbow and ended up haveing a bit of a winge about all this. I felt so much better after because i had let it out instead of keeping it hidden.

Take care do things just for you and keep talking to friends where you can go have some fun for you . You will then be able to carry on.

Better still the days are getting longer and the clocks go forward next weekend so more daylight for you to enjoy.

Keep strong and healthy

Amethist