I've always coped with it ---- but I don't think I'm particularly good at fighting it.
Since I hit my mid 40s --- been steadily losing interest in stuff around me. I simply stop caring.
Am also noticing it's impacting my work (something I'm bothered by, as I like my work).
No - I'm not suicidal --- just increasingly empty.
I'm obsessive enough to recognize it - but stubborn enough not to get help - at least not from
the so-called "professionals." I've coped with challenges for over 35 years.
When it comes to "professionals" ---- I don't trust them very much - and I figure there's better ways
to deal with problems than chemicals and incarceration. I don't really want to get doped up
(it impedes free thought) --- and I sure as hell don't want to be confined (Literally or figuratively).
As silly as it sounds - I enjoy shooting (target shooting is therapeutic) - and am not about to give it up.
My rifles are for hunting elk and target shooting - and I'm lucid enough to understand that. Am not really in the mood
to explain it to some city-raised do-good shrink that gets all worried, and has them taken away.
I'm struggling with me - nobody else.
In any event ---- If you've been there and done that - let me know......
Try St John's Wort. I am a sceptic when it comes to herbal remedies, but this one was recommended to me by my doctor. I tried it and it work well to keep the edge off the emptiness and agitation.
I'm in the same boat as you... 40's, low interest, boredom, but not enough to try depression meds. The St John's wort does it for me. Doc said to look for 'standardized' on the label - I buy Nature's Bounty from Walgreens. They have sales on it sometimes
Other advice I've gotten but don't follow is more exercise. They say endorphines make you happy. I don't have the energy to coax them little endorphines out of whatever hole they're hiding in. When I do get around to working hard on chopping wood or some other active chore, it's true - I do feel better afterwards.
Or, just chuck it all, get a convertible and a young blonde and blow the retirement in one hellova road trip.
"Whatever you are, be a good one." ~ Abraham Lincoln
I am going through the same thing right now, might be a seasonal thing. I just think I need to develop a new interest. I am thinking about adopting a dog my sister is having issues with and turn it around with training.
I think once it gets warmer and I get outdoors more often, I will improve.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
It's refreshing to see that OTHERS (male or female) are progressive enough to be OPEN about depression.
It runs in my family (altho I am certain it was Undiagnosed for several of my relatives). Winter is ALWAYS the hardest,
because I like being outdoors,but not so "keen" on cold,snow and frozen toes. (Spring skier here, sunny skies, no "chattering skis" and no frozen toes).
I recognize when I start slipping into the abyss and it is ALWAYS a temptation to get the doctor to right a script for
Prozac.....it ONCE was my saving grace when I was diagnosed as "clinically depressed" after 3 deaths within 1 year or so.
These days I just recognize the feelings and attempt natural methods of elevating my mood.....foods,herbs and a REALLY
good project to get lost in. Most times I can bounce back.
I believe it REALLY is just being weary of the world events,pending problems on the national level.......it's all CUMULATIVE
and it takes it's toll.....(psychically and physically)......we are SO VERY LUCKY to live here in the Rocky Mts of Colorado
and NOT be subjected to "high density" living.....THAT is my saving grace and I attempt to be KEENLY aware of just HOW
privileged I am......Hell, I had a bobcat on my ELEVATED deck,he climbed up the deck posts and was peering thru my
floor to ceiling windows,just curious (seemed to be a juvenile cat)........walked around for a bit,trying to figure out how
to get down (now that he was up here).....finally I opened the deck door and he decided the QUICKEST WAY down was to jump and jump he did,ran off across the road and into the trees. If that glimpse of glorious nature doesn't elevate your mood,NOTHING will.
I agree with Nobody that Matters, exercise is always good!! So is yoga and meditation
http://www.royalyogabailey.com/1/post/2 ... ssion.html
and the right nutrition
http://www.ehow.com/about_5387671_foods ... ssion.html
. I also believe that if we have something in our lives that we are really passionate about and that gives us a purpose can dramatically help with depression. For some that can be a pet, for others their grand children, a volunteer project, gardening, writing, cooking... just find something that makes your heart sing and see where it takes you. Wishing you the best!!!
Mine is somewhat seasonal. I see a lot of folks who turn to prescriptions and the cure is worse than the illness.
I am a firm believer in diet and exercise. Clean fit body equals a clearer head.
Another small piece of advice.....Turn off the TV. The news is enough to depress anyone.
I find exercise, out in the fresh air and sunshine helps enormously. Also being useful. Volunteering really makes a big difference in my quality of life.
I forgot to mention Sam'e. It has been used and studied in Europe for a very long time. Here is an article about it
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/3 ... epression/
however, they say the participants in the study took Sam'e plus their regular antidepressant. From my research that is not a good way to do it and on the label for Sam'e itself it even says "to not take it along with any other depression meds"; here is another good resource
http://www.raysahelian.com/sam-e.html
I, too, have coped with it almost all of my life (about to turn 40 soon). All I can suggest is what I've found works best for me: finding something to do that makes me feel like I make a positive difference in the world, that my life has some meaning beyond just sucking up valuable resources before my body goes back into the earth. I loved my career as a scientist, but I truly came alive when I bought this business. I have more energy than I've had since I was a child, and I can tell that because I used to be perpetually cold (consequence of having too little body fat) and now I'm not, and I've pulled more all-nighters in the last year than I ever could've possible done while in college, and I'm happy and energized coming back from Chamber functions and meetings, planning even more to do despite not having enough time to do what I am already responsible for. So mainly I've found solace in my job/work, but I find peace in the few hobbies I enjoy most as well - pilates, reading, having wine with friends, singing and dancing. Exercise does definitely help, as does a good diet (although I've found that hard to measure since I've always been a good eater, not so good at being active).
I also wholeheartedly endorse seeing a professional - they are not experts, they just provide an outside, objective, educated viewpoint for us to bounce problems, ideas, and thoughts off of. Find someone with whom you click, but who challenges you - they are not all the same, but human also and you will get more benefit out of some than others just based on their personality meshing with yours (moving around and changing insurance, and having to change doctors, really helps you figure this out). You may very well find a therapist who shares your love of hunting, but even if not, they should understand how it helps you and encourage that - if they don't, find another therapist. I've always been upfront that medication is an absolute last resort for me, and I've never taken any, but that's not to say that it doesn't help others - it's personal preference.
Good luck bailey bud, and thank you for opening up and sharing.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
