Depression and Autism

[MisterBubbles]

Glad someone picked up on that fact. It's not as easy as doing some breathing and trying to relax because when I feel this bad nothing helps me to relax. Even something like watching a film or playing a game turns into a 30 minute what should I / why should I / will I enjoy / what's the point exercise. I really wish it was just that little things got under my skin and made me feel a little blue but it's more an under lying feeling of hopelessness which is suddenly replaced by an all encompassing rage. I got in from work today at 5.30pm and sat on the bed in tears. Next thing I know it's 8pm. I just fell asleep. Now I just feel amazingly groggy and empty.

Well if you want to understand your depression and get better, you should have some coping strategies in place for days like this.

[dvdx2]

I am not autistic, but I suffered from severe depression/ocd for several years and am only now starting to really get my life back on track. A good woman, great family and understanding employer all were essential. Video games/internet dont help depression unfortunately and detract from helping you build confidence, meeting real people, keeping fit and improving your general well being.

You MUST have some form of counselling support as a sounding board to challenge irrational thoughts. Its all about breaking the safe routine (although I know this is really hard to do)

Also, don't rely solely on antidepressants to make you feel better. They are only one small piece of the jigsaw in recovery.

Video games have brought alot of pleasure to my life, but the obsessive/compulsive behaviour that comes with the addiction, was the start of a down hill spiral which I believe contributed negatively to my mental health (as well as nearly f*cking up my hands). Too much of a good thing really is bad for you....

[MisterBubbles]

Plus just google coping strategies for depression and loads of advice will come up. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm and ive always found the Samaritans a great resource and outlet if you need somebody to talk to and its FREE.

[EDDIE M0NS00N]

Well I've been off the Citalopram for about 14 months now, & its funny reading Teddy's posts because I had exactly the same thing happen to me about 2 wks back - the sudden tears & upset just came out of me 1 morning, & I had to go to the toilet to hide it from my missus. Same again last wk but this time in the afternoon. For me I've got to learn why this is happening. Learn to read the signs, look at what happened b4 to find out what is triggering it, BUT it is very hard to read early signs. Maybe its the weather or stress. Dunno what right now.

It can strike from nowhere, so trying to deal with it before it hits hard really is very difficult so theres no way of combating it.

Maybe that type of Anti D isnt working anymore Teddy? Give it a while longer & if this situation continues then maybe you need to speak to your GP about trying something else.

Anyway take it easy & look after yourself mate

[dvdx2]

I was on prozac for 1.5 years, and in retrospect it did more harm than good. Its all about getting yourself to a good place, were you feel more confident and your well being is improved. Then go to your doctor and try to see if you can reduce the dosage, then phase out the AD's with time. Worked really well for me.

[J0e Musashi]

Well since stopping my medication I've spent over ?6000 on clothes in the past eight weeks. I'm guessing that I'm having an extended manic episode. Everybody around me seems to prefer me when I'm not on meds. They all say they don't like the "false" happiness that I display.

Bipolar is so awesome, it sucks.

[egparadigm]

Yes, me and my friends with the condition have all experienced the same thing. It's a question of moderation I would say, in terms of the dosage as obviously it has its drawbacks, but is usually imperative in the long term treatment of bipolar. It is no doubt that mania can be enjoyable to a point for the person experiencing it, but it will catch up with you in the end, and your friends won't have to live with the personal consequences. Most people only have to deal with warding off sadness and therefore can't comprehend that one can be too happy.

EDIT: Also, J0e, I would assume you cannot afford to spend ?6000 on clothes, so this is a sure sign that things are out of control and you need to address it sooner rather than later. This could have very serious consequences if not dealt with.

[J0e Musashi]

No Pat, I can afford it. In fact, I'm having quite the time riding this wave of mania. I've given all of my old clothes to charity, and seemingly become a new man in two months.

Someone will no doubt get an idea in their head that I need leveling out soon enough, and then I'll be back on the sofa telling yet another new shrink about my childhood. ?_?

[dvdx2]

?6000 on clothes in two months?

are you kidding?

[J0e Musashi]

No. It was rather easy to do actually.

[dvdx2]

joe - is there no one close to you to explain how irrational that is? You seem to realise its irrational, but talk like its normal

[J0e Musashi]

I see your point, but it's not particularily irrational to me. My parents are to be considered powerful people, and I've worn expensive clothes my entire life. If I had have come back from shopping with ?60,000 worth of new items then my Mom would probably have had something to say about it.

I am heavily guarded by my family, and especially my Sister. I'm not allowed to step too far out of line or they send me to rehab quick smart.

The problem here is what I'm doing, not how much it is costing.

[egparadigm]

Hm... Sounds like a book I've been reading. Paris In Springtime: An Episode. The guy ended up fleeing the country, thinking himself a subject of persecution. Within two weeks he was living in an underground garage in Paris with no food or drink and on the verge of death. He talks candidly about using the sand pit used for emergencies as his personal toilet.

Similar in the respect that he was paranoidly changing/buying new clothes. He also disposed of his passport and credit cards, which is how he winds up homeless.

[QualityChimp]

I'm blessed enough to have none of the issues being discussed in this thread, but I know plenty of people who suffer from stress and depression, but there's some kind of stigma attached to it and it's only when one person comes out and says they were struggling or prescribed antidepressants that loads of other people come out and say they've been through similar things.

I just wanted to say I admire your honest discussion in here.

I hope you feel better soon teddy and get your head around what's triggering your current mood.

If I hang around J0e long enough, I'm hoping he palm off some sweet stuff he no longer wants. Especially those Back to the Future trainers (joke)

[J0e Musashi]

It's rather a taboo subject TBH, Funnily enough, this is the only place I feel comfortable talking about it. I don't know any of you personally, but my digital persona must be kinda cool else you wouldn't entertain me.

I bought an iPad today. Got it home. Opened the box. The ****er fell out and smashed to pieces. What luck.