Major Depressive Disorder And Seasonal Affective Disorder

[Lola Nocheprieta]

So glad to hear it's all working for you!

 

[Lionheart]

Thank you @Lola Nocheprieta

Things are going pretty good. I made it out for two walks to the store this month which is several blocks away and then back home, when 1 year ago, I couldn't walk around the block without hobbling back home. It was difficult and I had to stop to rest a coupla times, but overall I did really well and am happy about it.

I have not only depression, but CFS, bursitis in my hip, and COPD and these combine to make walking difficult at times, but I have done really well with getting out and about.

I am using my light box every day at least twice per day and am now taking vitamin D, so I hope to kick depression in it's scrawny behind LOL

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

It's hard not to be depressed when you have chronic conditions & chronic pain! My wife & I were hit by a drunk driver almost 20 years ago & our lives have never been the same. I have sciatica, which is literally a pain in the ass and a certain degree of pain just never goes away, plus it flares up periodically. I probably have arthritis in my back and my knees. My wife also has diabetes and at this point, she had arthritis in every single joint, wears bilateral hearing aids, AND also has bursitis in her hip! Oy, I can't kvetch, I know it could be worse. I also have assorted female troubles, ADHD, MDD, GAD, and, of course, your friend and mine, PTSD! Yay, together we win the alphabet contest!

So, yeah, I feel ya. Seriously, I'm sorry you have so much to deal with, my friend. It's great to hear you are getting out and about. Progress!

 

[Lionheart]

Right!!!

My list is something like this; cPTSD, MDD, CFS/ME, FMS, COPD, SAD, Diabetes, and OSA to name the worst of them. Chronic conditions suck but as you have said, it could be worse and I am thankful for the progress I am making.:notworthy:

My sister has sciatica, she calls it her "Psychotic" nerve because she can't pronounce the word. :laugh:

She and I live together. She has end stage COPD and together we struggle daily. However, we do pretty good all things considered. We have a new doctor who seems genuinely concerned for us and is very kind to boot.:)

I am sorry that you also have so much to deal with @Lola Nocheprieta I appreciate your sense of humor and your support. I am happy to call you my friend!

Much strength, peace, and comfort for you,

Lion

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

CFS = chronic fatigue syndrome? What is ME? OSA? FMA?

Im sorry to hear about your sister's COPD, I hope yours is not as bad. I'm glad you have a good doctor. I love that she calls it her "psychotic" nerve! I can't wait to tell my doctor that my "psychotica" has been acting up!!! :roflmao: Do you know that shit (the nerve itself) is as big around as your thumb??!

I'm sorry you have cPTSD, especially. I guess mine would be classified that as well, given that it is from repeated instances of CSA and exploitation from various perpetrators at various ages (starting at least by age 4), including CSA & physical abuse by my bio dad. I'm glad to consider you a friend of mine as well! its good to have friends who "get" you.

Stay as healthy and active as you can, my dear Lion-friend! Have you tried restorative yoga? It is yoga for people with very limited mobility and chronic conditions. I wish I could take you and your sister to my Yoga for Depression & Anxiety class. The teacher says that if you can't do the pose (and I realize that you may not be able to do many of them), just sitting and imagining yourself doing the pose has an impact. Think of it: if you spend time really, truly imagining biting into a lemon, your glands ache and your mouth salivates. Elite athletes imagine the perfect shot. The body doesn't really know the difference between what is vividly imagined and what actually happens, so use that to your advantage.

{{{{{Lion}}}}}

 

[Lionheart]

Lola, I'm sorry for the abbreviations but yes, CFS is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME is another name for CFS= Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

OSA is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and FMS is Fibromyalgia.

I am happy you like my sisters play on words. I laugh every time she says it. and no, I didn't know the nerve was that big. wow!!!

Oh my, that is such a sad thing!!! Multiple abuse events make my heart cry for you, I totally get it. I've had what my "T" called severe, prolonged abuse events. But look at us now...fighting the good fight. I admire your choice to heal and I am grateful for your support.

Restorative yoga. I had never heard of it before but I will look into that and see if I can find any classes available to me. You are kind for wanting to take my sister and I to your yoga for depression and anxiety class. I am sure we would both enjoy it!!!

Thanks again for your support and for encouraging me to heal. You are a blessing!!!

Healing :hug:'s,
Lion

 

[LoneWoIf]

CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE!!!! Isn't it a food group??? Seriously, I've always thought that it should be!!!!

LOL! IT SHOULD BE for sure! I think as long as you're not gouging yourself, chocolate is completely helpful. I think most of us here are especially affected by SAD - or maybe it makes our symptoms worse. It's easy to KNOW what you need to do, but when you're in the complete depressive state, you just don't give a damn. I struggle with this too.

My brain says 'everything is terrible.' My logic says 'go eat chocolate or go do something, you'll probably feel better.' But then my body says "HELL NO. You're going to sit right here and remain depressed because I say so!"

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

I forgot to add sleep apnea! Both my wife and I have that and use C-PAPS. Thank god for my health care. I wondered if you also had fibromyalgia, given the connection between CFS & FMS. Chronic pain sucks, but yes, YAY FOR US, for fighting the good fight.

Take care my dear friend. {{{{Lion}}}}

 

[LoneWoIf]

Right!!!

My list is something like this; cPTSD, MDD, CFS/ME, FMS, COPD, SAD, Diabetes, and OSA to...

Oh Lion!! I have diabetes too, epilepsy, and PCOS. It's stupid right?!!! I don't know which illness to manage right now dammit.

I started a Paleo diet recently. And WOW my blood sugars are finally normal. You should reaaally look into this.

 

[Lionheart]

Hi @LoneWoIf ,

Yeah, it is kinda stupid. It takes a lot to manage multiple chronic conditions and knowing where to start, for me, depends on what is hurting the most at the time, I suppose.

Sometimes I feel like a juggler in a high-wire act, other times I feel like a world class champ. Most of the time, I linger between the two...but today, I feel pretty good, all things considered. Having a good support network of doctors, friends , family etc. can make a big difference.

I had never heard of a Paleo diet I will have to research it., thanks for mentioning it. :)

 

[Lionheart]

@Lola Nocheprieta

I did not mean to minimize your struggles. It truly does suck, I just think we deserve some credit for fighting the battle we were given. That is all I meant by fighting "the good fight". Hope I did not offend.

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

No offense at all, Lion! I didn't take anything you said as minimizing. Just mutual commiserating!

@LoneWoIf, I have PCOS too, and pelvic floor dysfunction. What a joy. Diet & exercise helps, but every month or 6 weeks is a struggle. Life with chronic conditions!