Week 162 :: What Can One Do To Combat Depression?

[webmaster]

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* Note: How can I win? 1. Answer all questions in the order that they are asked. 2. Go over reviews (located at the bottom of past TOTW articles) and see what was said about those that did not win. Good Luck!
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TOPIC: What Can One Do To Combat Depression?

For the week of: May 7th - May 13th
Tuesday @ Midnight Is The Final Cut (Mountain Time, US & Canada).

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Depression is a common but serious issue that affects many people. If gone untreated, it can become a severe threat to one?s health.

What are some symptoms of depression?

What are some treatment options and/or ways of relieving depression?

How can depression affect a bodybuilder?

BONUS QUESTION: Have you or someone you know suffered from depression? How did you/they deal with it?

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Thanks.

Don't discuss any other topic in this section. ONLY discuss the question above.

The best response will get $75 in credit to use in our online store! The other good responses will be used in an article on the main Bodybuilding.com site, with the poster's forum name listed by it. Become famous!

Thanks,
Will
Webmaster
Bodybuilding.com

[josephinedalton]

I am a recovering victim of depression. Mine pushed me to a suicide attemtp. My recovery started when I decided that I owed to myself, my loved ones, my friends and finally, God, to live a better life. I reassed what I wanted out of life and not what I "thought I should want" (dictated by others). I decided to take my own happiness into my own hands and be responsible for myself. Every morning coming out of bed and then when I go to bed, I would find at least one thing in my life that I am grateful for and recited to myself "Lord, thank you for the life I've been been blessed with AND....". I made sure it was something different every time. I rearannged all my priorities... making money last. And I quit stressing over things not being perfect. Lastly, I quit trying to grow up and "act my age".

Most of my unhappiness rooted at my perceived obligation to please everyone but myself; by trying to live up to what I thought everyone (including society) expected of me, which totally contradicted what I actually wanted in life.

Although I cannot say I am 100% happy, at least I know now that I have complete control of it. If I am unahppy because I don't have something; I change my wants so I don't want it anymore or I tell myself to be patient (It's on the way). If something is making me unhappy; I remove it from my world or I focus on something else. And no matter what, I never compare myself or my possessions to anyone else ! Competition is another thing I removed from my world (except for figure/fitness model competitions)

It has been a long journey but well worth the wait. Now, I no longer need anti-depressants, drugs or alcohol and now I find a bit of sunshine in everything in my life... even the cat hair that's covering my pillowcase, getting in my nose and making me sneeze (I love my cat... so I brush her)

Cheers
Live Well
Be Strong
And build lots of muscle

[jdiritto]

expect another essay from yours truly -- i have a BA in psych and Im in sport/exercise psych now -- know alot about depression in terms of the psycho-social and neural functionings, as well as how counseling methods and typical exercise responses..


i just hope i find time in between finals + my gfs graduation + moving across the state

/\/\ good personal response JD

[SyrThjo]

Depression is a common but serious issue that affects many people. If gone untreated, it can become a severe threat to one?s health.

My worst experience with depression began Jan. 1, 2005. Our (my wife and I) first-born daughter, Olivia, died from heart problems at 2.5 months old. Not before or since has anything hit me so hard and done so much damage.


**** What are some symptoms of depression? *****

Symptoms can be a little tricky, sometimes. The trick is distinguishing between the typical mourning and sadness after a loss, and the more long-lasting effects of depression. The overriding feeling I had for so long was that everything was pointless.
Prior to her death, I had been making some small and moderately successfull effort to lose weight. For a while, I abandoned that completely. We'd eat out with no regard for the cost, on a whim. I got to about 280 lbs before I began to address it again.

That pointlessness spilled over into my job as well. There was no real motivation to get anything done, or even to stay at work for a full day. These things, combined with cutting ourselves off from our friends, made up a real pattern of self-destructive behavior. This led to the only time in my full-time career that I was reprimanded for poor performance.

****What are some treatment options and/or ways of relieving depression?****

We employed several methods to try and treat the problem. We attended counseling together. That proved to be more helpful than I, at first, thought it would be. Sometimes, it's hard to talk to friends about a problem this serious, because part of me doesn't want to make them uncomfortable or to drag them into our problem. Talking to a professional helps because they get regular exposure to these types of problems with other people, and will likely have a different perspective on the issue. Plus, I know that the counselor will have a certain amount of detachment and can listen without being unduly bothered by it (that's not to say she was insensitive to our problem).

We also took some anti-depressants. I resisted this at first, fearing a drug dependency. I also felt like it was just avoiding the problem, rather than dealing with the grief. However, I was pleased to discover that they can be helpful, and that they are not just an escape. My doctor explained it to me this way; They don't dull the pain, they just make the resources that deal with it stronger. In other words, they don't make the weight lighter, they make your arm stronger. My experience seemed to support that. I was still just as sad, but was able to more effectively face my problems.

Outside of treatment, I also got into a formal weight-loss program to try and make myself healthier. At this time, it was just restricting food to reasonable portions and a clean diet. There was no exercise involved at this time. I had a pretty respectable amount of success for a while. The onset of the holidays, with all the eating dangers, and the anniversary of Olivia's death, caused a bit of a backslide in my weight loss. After trying as hard as I could with just eating healthier, I decided to give up being thin, and concentrate on being lean. At this point I'm just looking to get quality weight.

****How can depression affect a bodybuilder?*********

Well, at the time I was suffering the most from depression, I was not lifting, so this will be some extrapolation on my part. The first and most obvious effect is a loss of motivation. It's really hard to push yourself to get those last reps in, or to lift just a little more weight when you don't care whether you get out of bed in the morning. In my case, eating habits took a big hit. Even if you aren't suicidal, there tends to be a lack of interest in what the future might hold. So, who cares if you spend all day eating pizza?

Another effect can be the reduced ability to handle stress or setbacks. As depressed as I was, it became really hard to handle stress at work or at home. Thus, little problems can spiral out of control and become bigger problems. With regard to bodybuilding, I would imagine that the first plateau can derail one's progress with lifting, and/or weight loss. It becomes easier to talk yourself into just giving up.

****BONUS QUESTION: Have you or someone you know suffered from depression? How did you/they deal with it?********

The therapy, medication, and setting quality goals for myself were the keys to dealing with the depression such that I am able to be happy and productive again.

Ending on a positive note, I am proud to say that our second daughter, Violet, is nearing her second birthday. She is growing tall, strong, beautiful, and smart. She smiles when I come home from work, and misses me when I am gone. She even enjoys coming out to the garage to exercise with me. She deadlifts a 5 lb dumbell, and has even managed to get a 15 lb dumbbell off the ground.

[AdamJackson]

As a mental health worker and a former sufferer of Anxiety and Depression, one of the best words of advice I've had is,to go for a walk when your feeling down. It's so simple it almost makes me sound ignorant, but it's has a powerful effect on your mood and brain chemistry.

[trellibelli]

Depression is different for everyone. Mine kind of creeps up on me sometimes weather, some type of failure, or just because. the things i do to combat that is to stick to a routine. The most important thing you can do is keep going, get up, take a shower, go to work,gym, bible study. If you stop going and you lay down then it has got you. When depressed you must set you alarm clock and get out of bed! This by far is the hardest part of the day. When you get to your mirror you should have a mantra that you say to yourself everyday. "I am great b/c God resides in me"
Next, you must increase your salmon,and flax seed oil (omega fatty acids) to two to three meals per week. Music is always great therapy, Always have a CD made that is full of your favorite Good Feeling Music, nothing harsh or sad.The gym is essential as well as just a morning walk. You must look at the world around you and pull from that energy. If you have tree and plants near by then walk there or go to a garden or park. You must also get some sunlight and increase you Vitamin D. If you live in cold place plan a trip south even if it is by yourself!
The biggest thing you can do for yourself is realize that things are NEVER as bad as they seem, there will always be someone better or worse, that's life. A great thing to say is "Oh that's no big deal." because honestly, whatever it is it truly is not a Big deal. I know I have been through some thing but I know that other people have also gone through those same things and they are still alive and well. We all deserve to be alive and WELL.
I hope I have help someone
Dr. Frye

[D Train]

Hey guys,

Gonna have to say Josaphine should win. Depression is not something that can be handled by talking about the nuerons and the lack of dopamine running through the brain. So all you guys with "degrees" (I have one too, but I'm not tooting my horn). It's a real thing, and needs to be treated with someone who cares, rather than from reading a text book. Her story is true; and her passion about the subject comes through. I've been there before, and I can relate. It takes something beyond science to help.

[Justwar]

Sorry for replying to this in this format but knowing me I'm nutty and would forget the questions without it...I included pictures of myself, before and after(1 before, 2 after)

BONUS QUESTION: Have you or someone you know suffered from depression? How did you/they deal with it?

I started out with depression at birth honestly. I just didn't know it. I was born with Spina bifida which has confined me to a wheelchair my entire life(I'm 25 now). All thru my childhood I had surgeries upon surgeries which weren't bad but you know now, it explains a lot of who I am. I put weight on at a bad rate my whole childhood because whenever I wanted to heal the pain of actual physical pain I(and my parents) gave me food to make me feel good. That was all fine till when I hit 13 or so, when my metabolism decided that all of this food wasn't good for me. I eventually at 5'3" topped the scales at around 300 lbs(I can't confirm that, but I know when I first started dieting at 18 I was 287 after about 3 weeks of dieting, I figure I had dropped weight and a good amount already because people noticed the differences). Today I weigh 165(had lows of 155 but its hard because I flip flop because its so hard to control stress for me so I just gain and lose all the time). All of this caused depression that hit me around 13 which was when I realized I was unhappy. I was being made fun of at school and eventually I dropped out, because I couldn't handle the stress of school and being the odd man out. I know it was cowardly to do so but it was my only way out I felt. I was taking prozac which helped I guess but mostly what helped later was finding a my niche, which was wheelchair basketball. I began that about 7 yrs ago and this year my team based in Kentucky won our leagues national championship(out of 70 something teams). Prior to that I didn't give a crap about life, and I was violent. It all really came to a head when I decided to punch out a glass window and in the midst of that got a chunk of glass near a important artery in my arm. Had it hit that artery, my guess is I would of been dead. I was alone at the time, and so full of shock when it happened that if it had been worse I wouldn't of been able to call 911. But it made me realize i needed to combat the depression which I believe was caused by sadness that i fixed with food. So I quit eating the bad stuff and cleaned up my diet(it isn't perfect but compared to entire pizzas 3 and 4 times a week, i guess it isn't too bad) I work out 3 to 5 times a week, time permitting at a all accessible gym in Louisville kentucky. Working out I think in my opinion releases a lot of daily frustration which has allowed me to dump prozac. Thanks for letting me write this, honestly i accidently came upon the topic doing a search for dopamine I think or tyrosine but I am glad I did. I didn't read any responses or past writeups because I didn't wanna change my story one bit to be spectacular and hope this has all made sense.

What are some symptoms of depression?
Some signs are when you set yourself out on the sidelines not enjoying other peoples company because you fear what they think of you and worry if people do like you or not. When your attitude effects others around you negatively. When you have no clue when you've hurt someone close to you that you love. When you feel like food makes you feel better. No motivation, or energy. Doing things out of character.

What are some treatment options and/or ways of relieving depression?
Anti depressents work, but the key things are to me are finding friends to confide in. But I do understand not everyone has people to confide in to tell there problems to. Exercise in all forms also help because it lets out your daily stresses. I've found St Johns wort works as a herbal anti depressent but who knows if it works for everyone. A healthy diet also I believe helps depression because I believe it helps create a good natural enviorment for your brain to thrive.

How can depression affect a bodybuilder?

Well, theres pressure to always be better. Just cause your in shape doesn't always ensure happiness. Sometimes your only getting in shape to get others to like you, and if your doing that, then somethings wrong. Some people are just trying to be someone they are not for others approval, be it friends, family or just the general public. Plus I guess if your taking anything detrimental to your body, I suppose it could cause brain imbalances.

[Dan1974]

Vitamin C sometimes helps with depression.

[jdiritto]

my entry, see attachment

[Justwar]

good job JD, that was very well wrote.

[Phosphate bond]

Here is the definition of Major depression that I found (the exact criteria is found in the DSM-IV however).

Major depression is a change in mood that lasts for weeks or months. It is one of the most severe types of depression. It usually involves a low or irritable mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. It interferes with one's normal functioning and often include physical symptoms. A person may experience only one episode, but often there are repeated episodes over an individual's lifetime.

Dysthemia is a less severe form of depression and this involves shorter periods of amotivation and decreased motor activity.

So what causes depression and dysthemia?

Obviously there are many contributing factors, but from a situational standpoint this can stem from the loss of a job, loss of a loved one, or any situation where hopelessness is perceived.

What are the resulting biochemical changes that accompany depression?

Decreased serotonin in the synaptic cleft has been postulated as one of the biggest reasons for depression. In fact, most anti-depressive drugs attack this problem by blocking re-uptake of serotonin from the pre-synaptic neuron.

So the question is why do these people have low serotonin activity and release in their brains? One reason could be cortisol (from stressful life events and/or the perception of hopelessness mentioned above.)

When cortisol is elevated amino acids like Tryptophan are catabolized in the liver for the purposes of gluconeogenesis. Reduced plasma tryptophan impacts Serotonin synthesis because the rate limiting enzyme in Serotonin synthesis (Tryptophan hydroxylase) is usually only 50% saturated (even at normal tryptophan levels)

On top of that Cortisol increases the release of BCAA from muscle which can compete with Tryptophan for entry into the brain (BCAA shares the same aromatic amino acid transpoter as Tryptophan) . Insulin sensitivity counters this by suppressing release of BCAA from muscle. (Often times you will hear of a thanksgiving meal increasing Serotonin. This is because turkey has increased trytophan and the insulin from the meal is suppressing BCAA release from muscle )

What can one do to combat depression? Well obviously trying to safeguard yourself from stressful life events helps (ie, saving money just in case you lose a job would be an example). In the case of the loss of a loved one perhaps counseling from a expert (with extra insight) may help.

Besides these social solutions to stress it appears that exercise helps also. Why does this work? I suspect a lot has to do with improving insulin sensitivity and lowering inflammatory mediators (silent inflammation) from the body. On top of that improved insulin sensitivity is asscociated with decreased glucoeneogensis in the liver. So there may be a serotonin connection there as well for people that had too much body fat to begin with.

[mrkdrt]

mrkdrt's entry:

[Mighty Kev]

Depression is a common but serious issue that affects many people. If gone untreated, it can become a severe threat to one?s health.

What are some symptoms of depression?

Everyone goes through times in their life when they experience extreme emotional highs as well as well as the opposite, emotional low points. Typically, these periods consisting of extreme emotion levels are instigated by natural occurances in life, such as the birth of a child or at the other end of the spectrum, the death of a family member. Feeling sadness for these types of occurrences is a natural and unavoidable part of life; sometimes the sadness can be so unbearable that you feel as if you can?t go on. But then it passes over time. But what if you?re feeling that same level or sadness for no apparent reason, or the sadness from the happening doesn?t diminish over time? This is essentially what can be referred to as a form of depression.
Depression is typically associated with feelings of sadness, but there are a number of symptoms that it can entail. These include, but are not limited to:
? Feelings of sadness or emptiness
? Drastic fluctuations in mood
? Anxiety
? Insomnia
? Lowered feelings of self worth and lack of self-confidence
? Comtemplation of Suicide
? Changes in overall feeling of wellness
? Changes in body composition
Of course this short list does not include every possible symptom and sign, but you can begin to understand that depression transcends the barrier of simple feelings of sadness. Depression is truly a debilitating condition that can be detrimental to living a productive life.

What are some treatment options and/or ways of relieving depression?

There are an abundance of methods to treat depression, and they?re usually based on the underlying cause of the depression. First and foremost, if it has come to a point where you simply can not handle the depression, medical attention should be seen. Doctors have the ability to prescribe an abundance of medications that can immediately and effectively handle most problems. Seeing as you?re reading an article about it here, rather than at your doctor?s office, you are looking for an alternative method to cope. Here?s the best advice that you will be able to find in an article to deal with it: Find what makes you happy in life, and do it. As simple and as silly as that sounds, it makes a boat-load of sense if you think about it. For example, if swimming laps makes you happy, and you never do it, why not join the local gym and actually swim laps a couple times a week? If fishing makes you happy, why not head out on Saturday mornings to watch the sunrise at a nearby lake while catching trout? Truthfully, whether you suffer from depression or not, this type of advice can literally make anyone a happy person, because for some reason people choose not to partake in their favorite events, whether it be because of obligations or as simple a thing as laziness. If you can?t fit it into your schedule, you need to re-prioritize your life, because happiness is one of the most important things to achieve in life. Now that we?ve strayed from the topic at hand, let me simplify what I?ve just said:

Ways to deal with depression:
o Most importantly, see a doctor
o Find what makes you happy, and do it
o Stay close to the people you really care about, and avoid people that you don?t
o Work on self esteem

-Overall, work on being ?you?, and being the person you want to be in life. Striving to reach your goals will help give you direction and newfound meaning to life.

How can depression affect a bodybuilder?

Depression has the distinct ability to lower anyone?s desire to do the things they love. This is also true for bodybuilding. If you are suffering from severe depression, it?s likely you might not even have the motivation to set foot out of the door to head to the gym. Even if you make it there, you might feel like just sitting on one of the benches, hoping that motivation will mystically come. It is really a detriment to someone wanting to achieve a goal, such as a bodybuilder striving for a great physique.

BONUS QUESTION: Have you or someone you know suffered from depression? How did you/they deal with it?

I actually dated a girl who suffered from sever depression. She went through periods of moodiness all the way up to days where she would cry uncontrollably for hours at a time. It was absolutely heart-breaking to witness. She went to the doctor and was prescribed a mood stabilizing medicine. In addition to that, she made a few lifestyle changes, such as joining the YMCA and getting back into shape. The medicine combined with the positive changes caused by her new exercise regimen helped her build confidence which has since abolished the problem almost completely.

Thanks for reading!
-K (Opiewags99)

[Mighty Kev]

Clean version attached here

[josephinedalton]

Originally Posted by josephinedalton

I am a recovering victim of depression. Mine pushed me to a suicide attemtp. My recovery started when ...

I guess I should consider being part of the competition instead of just writing my mini story. Thanks to all who read and understoond. I honestly feel depression is more mind over matter and it takes willpower to overcome it
__________________________________________________ _____________

Depression is a common but serious issue that affects many people. If gone untreated, it can become a severe threat to one's health.

What are some symptoms of depression?
-negative thinking
-not being able to find joy in the things once enjoyed
-physical, mental & emotional exhaustion
-feelings of inadequacy
-loss of appetite or increase of appetite (which can lead to weightloss/gain)
-sleep disturbance
-inability to make decisions
-inability to concentrate
-disturbed relationships with family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, etc.
-physical weakness
-

What are some treatment options and/or ways of relieving depression?
- medication
- group or one-on-one therapy
- exercise & proper nutrition
- finding enjoyable things to do
- pet therapy (this does wonders)
-

How can depression affect a bodybuilder?
- exercise is no longer enjoyable, if bb can even make it to the gym
- can make a bb lose sight of his/her goals
- physical weakness makes lifting heavy impossible
- bad nutrition, if eating at all
- lack of sleep affects recovery
- lack of concentration can ruin the flow of the workout
- overall, BB will idle thru their day with no goals, no drive, no ambition to achieve a good workout; everything the BB needs to drive that workout is completely gone!



BONUS QUESTION: Have you or someone you know suffered from depression? How did you/they deal with it?

Me... see first post of the thread

[Captain Ahab]

I did not know that I was depressed.
I just thought I was going through a down period and that things would turn themselves around. Then, as it kept on going and going and going with weeks turning into months and months turning into years I found I had retreated into myself so far that reality became a depressed state and it was as though I knew no other.
As a man there is a certain stigma attached with depression. It is thought of as something that we should just man-up and get over it, and I felt that I couldn?t even talk to anyone about it or I would appear weak. I had all the classic signs, I felt a real sense of helplessness and that the situation was hopeless. I didn?t even want to watch sports and had lost all interest in everything, even making love. I stayed in bed for days at a time, moaning into my pillow from the pain and waking in the morning feeling crappy because I was still alive. I would only get up to go to the washroom and to binge eat with enormous quantities of junk food and then right back to bed. I felt as though every bit of energy had been sucked from my body and I spent much of the time hating myself and my missing legged, ever fattening body. I couldn?t even concentrate on reading a newspaper article and would lose my temper at the least little thing, even to the point of road rage almost every time I was in the car. Add to this the drugs I was on for my phantom pain and the 2 to 3 bottles of wine per night that I was self medicating with.
Then one day it was as though it all came to a head and I felt that the only way to end this groundhog-day like reoccurring nightmare was to kill myself. I planned it out so as not to make too much of a mess for someone else to have to clean up and went so far as to cover the room in plastic garbage bags so that the blood splatter from when I shot myself wouldn?t get all over the walls. I went to my gun safe and took out my 357 pistol and loaded all the chambers (as though I would need more than one shot but it shows where my head was at) and set it on the coffee table beside the chair that I intended to sit in when I did it.
I previously had a number of conversations with my Pastor about suicide and although he said that the Lord frowns on one taking their own life I had convinced myself that God would understand why I had to do this. I went upstairs to both say good bye to my wife and to get her permission to end my pain and self-loathing. My wife had never denied me anything in all the time I have known her and she knew how much pain I was in and how much I hated myself and I believed that she would say that it was OK to go.
Amazingly and also thankfully she said no. She said that after having just being diagnosed with Lupus she needed me even more than ever in her life, especially to help her fight through her disease and the coming pain and problems associated with it. She also said that the man she married, would never back down or away from a fight this important and she wanted me to fight some more and to even fight harder. With that I went downstairs and took the plastic down from the walls and unloaded my pistol and returned it to the gun safe and resigned myself to living like this for the rest of my life.
To make what is a long story a little bit shorter, my wife did a lot of research into Lupus and learned that even though Lupus sufferer?s had very low energy and almost zero motivation to combat those symptoms they needed to exercise and she decided that not only was she going to join a gym and work out but so was I.
That was the beginning of my salvation.
Once I started to lift weights and eating a healthy diet everything started to change. It was as though a dark film had been removed from my eyes and life appeared to be a better alternative than blowing my brains out.
Each day I became healthier and happier. I started to wake up glad to be alive and looking forward to going to the gym.
My doctor found that after about a month of my working out that I no longer needed to take medication for high blood pressure as well as I was able to cut down on my morphine as my phantom pain resided while I was working out in the gym and for a couple hours afterwards.
After three months of working out and eating right it was as though I was a new man. I was up and happy all the time, never depressed, no road rage issues and had all the patience in the world and happily for both my wife and myself intimacy was renewed and more rewarding for both parties.
I could go on and on and you may not believe that going to the gym is the cure all for depression, and it may not be, but it is the closest thing that I have found and I am living proof that it is at least worth a try and is a better option than blowing ones brains out.

Thank all of you who took the time to read what turned out to be a longer than anticipated post. I appreciate your patience.

[Cr4zYH3aD]

wow, thanks for sharing this

[sixzebra]

wow, that's an incredible story. THanks for sharing such intimate details.

[phusmc]

In 2005 I was a machinegunner with the United States Marines, in the lead HMMWV (Humvee) of my convoy in Ramadi, Iraq. I had just turned 19 about 2 months earlier. I was on top of the world. Within a matter of a few seconds, 3 massive explosions from multiple IED's peppered my face with shrapnel and flipped my vehicle on its back, crushing me underneath and killing my best friend, my driver. I spent 2 months in the hospital, some of it on life support. I died on the flight back to the US from Germany. I spent a year in physical therapy learning to walk again and get along without the use of most of my right hand where I lost my thumb. I was medically retired at 100% disabled by the military and VA with PTSD as well.

I had a choice to make. I was angry about not being back over there with my brothers and blamed myself for everything. I was at the bottom of the depression bucket. Then I realized that my life wasn't going to ever be the same and there were two avenues of carrying out my new life. I could either sit around and cry about it, or I could live my life to the fullest, never letting my injuries and scars get in my way. Now, just over 2 1/2 years later, I go to the gym every day and have gained back all of my weight (lost over 30 lbs of muscle mass in the hospital). Being depressed sucks. But getting over it is a choice that you have to make on your own. Either wallow in your own anguish, or get up and take out your anger/frustration/depression constructively.

[axxem]

incredible

i didnt think depression was a thing anyone could get, everyone thinks im the funniest person in the world and i love it, until about last july when i became depressed. to cut the whole story short basically my girlfriend that i was with for almost year found someone else, its complicated but i never seen it coming. i didnt know what depression felt like since i never have experienced it. it first started out just thinking about her all the time, i couldnt sleep at night, i never was hungry, had no energy. i couldnt imagin how something like could make me feel. after about a week it grew worse. i was averaging about 3 hours asleep a night. i found myself just sitting around, nothing was fun, couldnt do anything to keep her off my mind. i went and got some sleeping pills to help me stay asleep and go to bed faster at night. after never eating i began to lose a lot of weight. i was close to 200 pounds since i was taking lifting serious before this, then within 6 weeks i weighed 155. i remember i would go outside to mow and almost want to pass out. i would go inside and fill like i was about to throw up and then i would lay down but could never go to sleep. i decided i had to start doing something.

of course suicide came into my head, but i could never imagin doing that, though it felt so easy to do. i had to do something. i started lifting again and it was hard cause i lost so much fat and muscle. i weighed less than i did when i was 14 and here i was 18 years old. after time i just started riding a bike and lifting, trying to force myself to eat though it was hard. after 2 months of going through this i decided that it was enough, things had to change and fast cause i couldnt keep going through this. after lifting more and seeing gains it really boosted myself confidence, i would say that was the biggest help for my depression. i just had to come to facts with things and realise that i was to young to deal with first love depression. i had to move on and i did. i havent talked to my ex girlfriend in 8 months. most people when they lose someone try and find other people to mess around with but i didnt. i didnt want to find a replacement.

after about 2 months of depression it took about 3 more months for it to totally go away. im perfectly fine now and have been. but if i had to say the best thing for my depression was working out, trying to find new things, during that time i started playing the piano since i found myself always wanting to be alone, and now im really good at the piano. beethoven kinda did the same and look how well he turned out lol. just gotta keep your mind straight.

[nc9892]

We probably all have feelings of depression from time to time.

The symptoms are not surprising:
lethargy
feelings of despair and hopelessness
dietary trouble
lack of motivation
feeling of seperateness from others

However, there are some great and simple ways to combat depression:

-meditation allows us to calm ourselves and get past our mental blockage

-helping others gives us a feeling of satisfaction and worth in our lives

-reaching out to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones can bring back our feeling of being loved in a community

-reading books by enlightened authors like Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra can help us understand why we feel out of control of our emotions, and also that we are fully in control of our lives, our emotions, and the way others react to us

-listening to music, even singing along to our favorite songs, can make us feel happier!



The most important thing that one must go through in order to conquer depression is to confront one's thoughts as though they are illusions: which in fact they are. Though our thoughts can effect us, they only have the power that we give to them. One of the easier ways to find ourselves cultivating depression is to simply watch ourselves thinking. However, don't judge your thoughts: this takes away the point of the exercise.

By watching our minds, but not judging the thoughts we think, we can learn that all that our mental activity usually does is take us away from experience the bliss of being alive.

The difference between happiness and depression is our perception: we can look at any thing as being bad, or we can look at any thing as being in our favor. The power is in our hands.

The mind might say "NO THIS IS BAD, THIS IS HORRIBLE, I WANT TO DIE!!!" but this isn't what one's true self is aware of. Our true selves are observing the mind, and when we begin to realize the potential we have to evolve from being controlled by our minds to existing in a harmonious state no matter what goes on externally, we change our entire paradime of living.



I've encountered depression in my life. Especially in the gym. One problem I have is that I'm a bit caffeine sensitive; 2 cups of black coffee in the morning get me going, but more than that makes me feel like a crack head! It's just hard to calm myself if there are strong stimulants in me.

I've tried using work out supplements like Myogenix Hypershock and Millenium Sport's Ragnarok, which contain caffeine, and I would find myself worrying about every thing during my work outs. This is NOT my normal self, and I quickly realized it.

The only way to overcome this was to recognize my negative thought patterns as fake, appreciating how good it felt just to be breathing, and lift hard!

Thankfully, Myogenix has produced Hypershock without the caffiene, and I have been satisfied with that product.

Remember, if we can learn to see past our thoughts, our world becomes a place of infinite bliss and possibilities!

For further reading, I'd reccomend Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now," one of Opera's book club books.

[DamnSheSwole]

I don't really have a long reply or essay so to speak, but what I do is basically tend to try and look at things as they can always be worse and look at how many other people are suffering much more than I am with REAL reasons to be much more depressed. Afterwards, I just keep telling myself... it's just a test, and I work through it cause eventually all things will give whether for a good reason or a bad one, and for me pressure and depression tend to fade away if you don't let it get to you too bad.

[Wurtis15]

Originally Posted by Justwar

good job JD, that was very well wrote.

written

[FatboysFatter]

LOL. ;-p

[Aletha]

I'm glad to hear you guys talk about this so openly because that's the first step to recovery. After we've recognized that we've pushed our bodies too far, we must stop and rest.

For me, when my father died, work became too stressful and I over worked myself. I had to take some time off to rest and reassess my life. But, I didn't do it without the help of the Lord and talking to my friends.

For me, saying the Lord's prayer everyday renewed my strength daily.

Good luck.

[no_strain_no_ga]

What are some symptoms of depression?

Many confuse depression to someone having a bad day. Depression can come in many ways and at first it might be hard to tell if a loved one or someone you know is actually suffering from depression. But if you expect someone is depressed and needs help, either talk to this person or get help, before it's too late.

Symptons are sometimes different with other people. A easily detected symptom for depression is social behavior. Most people suffering from depression will detach themself from the outside world. They will become less and less active with social lofe and spend most time inside by themself. I remember when I was going through this, this was easily left un-noticed. I basically covered up the whole problem by a false happiness and saying that I was going to the park with friends, when I actually went by myself. I just believed that staying anti-social was better off than having friends or anyone caring about me.

Another major symptom is weight changes. It differs by people on either they eat more or eat less. Most decide to eat less, believing it is a relief to the depression. And ofcourse, if you eat less, you'll gain more weight. And the same goes with eating less, you'll lose more weight. And this is some what how depression is confused with bipolar disorder, because both deal with weight changes. Going through depression, I didn't seem to go through weight changes. Mainly one of the contributions to my depression was the displeasure of my weight. I was a really chubby kid back in 7th grade and was made fun off it. And even though it wasn't the main reason I was depressed, it did have a big punch and increased my depression.

Now, the most noticiable symptom for depression is suicidal thoughts and behavior. This is the big one, and if the depression is taken cared of at the beginning, the timing to stop this gets smaller and smaller. This is why I say take a closer look to anyone you believe is depressed, because this can creep up from behind you and it will be too late. This is how my parents found out about my depression. I told a teacher at school after a incident that I wanted ti kill myself and decided how I was going to do it and they called my parents. It was hard for me and my parents, but thank god I was treated and didn't have to end my life.

What are some treatment options and/or ways of relieving depression?

There are many ways to find a way to relieving depression. It could be by counseling or through more of a self-help programs.

Couseling could probably be the most helpful thing to do. You're not on your own and you always have someone to talk to with your emotions and problems. You have a good chance staying away from depression through counseling than doing it by yourself. The down points to it could be the money to pay for the counseling. Have to pay for the classes and most of the time they want you to go on medicine to fight the depression. Counseling is the most reliable way to relieve your depression, and even with the price tag, the counseling is worth it, considering you could be in a casket if you didn't get help.

Another way to fight depression is social activities and groups. Making friends and having people that care about you is a huge relief when going through depression. It takes less of your mind and gives you a self-esteem boost. If you are unaware of a support group around you, look in your local phonebook or go here: http://www.healthcentral.com/depress...rt-groups.html

The way I took care of depression is bodybuilding. I believe getting active in something helped me and helps others back away from depression and gives us something else to think about. Joining a sport is a great way to relieve yourself. You get social interaction and you basically forget about whatever is bothering you. Weightlifting just rids my mind from anything bad happening that day and just gets me pumped and makes me happy that I am actually doing something.

But the best thing to do is to do all three. Counseling can takes care of the basics, see what is making you depressed and what can you do to help fix it. Social groups help you realize what others are going through and iyou help yourself aswll as others when you interact with each other. And sports rid your mind of all your troubles and helps with the interaction aswell.

How can depression affect a bodybuilder?

If a bodybuilder or any athlete suffers from depression, it could do a lot to the performace of him/her. They will feel less motivated to lift weights and will give up more easily. Less and less will they workout and this could contribute more to their depression if they begin to gain weight due to lack of exercise. And it' just not bodybuilders affected, it's all athletes and they will suffer the same way. Performance will go down due to the lack of energy and motivation and it will hurt you in what ever sport you're in.

Eating more will also affect a bodybuilder. It happens to many patients suffering from depression and when it hits a bodybuilder, it takes a greater toll on them since they are used to being built and toned. And as stated in my last paragraph, lack of exercise and increase of food intake will only do more to the gain of fat. And it could go the other way around, because if you eat less, your muscles need food for energy and growth and since your stomach isn't getting the amount of food it used to, it will take the protein and energy from the muscles, making you lose muscle mass.

BONUS QUESTION: Have you or someone you know suffered from depression? How did you/they deal with it?

Depression is really bad on my mother's side. My mom has it, I lost my aunt due to depression, and I also have it. It was a shame that my aunt died due to depression and it made it harder for my family to realize what she was going through since she lived in Scotland and we lived in the States. And you really don't realize how devastating it is to someone until you go through it, and only being 7 years old when she died, I really didn't understand why she felt like ending her life.

Than here I am going through depression and trying to hide the truth by a wall of lies. Acting happy, acting like I had a social life, acting like nothing was bothering. I lived day by day telling myself that life sucked and wanting to kill myself. And while these thoughts ran through my head, no one realized that I felt this way. But I was one of the little that tell someone and through everything I went through back than, that's the only I am glad about, that I came out and told someone that I was thinking this.

After telling someone, I went to get counseling. I liked that I had someone to talk to, but I believed that wasn't enough to get rid of the thoughts and emotions, so I took up bodybuilding. As I said about ways to relieve yourself from depression, any sport is a great way to clear your mind and just have a good time. Bodybuilding does that for me, it opens a door and I always enter. And it makes me happy that I am active, I'm changing my body, and nothing can bother me.

To anyone that is thinking about ending your life, please and I mean it, please tell someone, tell anyone actually. Let someone know what you're going through. Don't be afraid what they'll think or do, just tell them. It's hard for someone to know what is wrong with you if you don't tell them, so releasing it will be a drastic turning point for your life.

And to anyone that believes that someone is depressed and suicidal, get help for them. Don't be afraid, don't believe this is gonna hurt your friendship or relationship, because the only thing that will hurt is when you have to go to their funeral because no one helped them. And if you think someone is getting help for the person, still get help anyways. Better for everyone to help than for no one to help.

Thanks Guys

P.S.: And I did start crying during this because it took much for me to write about my life like this, knowing how much it took out of me back than.

[flitcher]

Hi,

COMBATING DEPRESSION:

Dual diagnosis for depression!!!
You may ask it. There can be two types of diagnosis. One is being happy in heart and mind. The other one needs Exercise, Relaxation, Cleansing and Nutrition in good portion to make the mind change.

Do it you'll win over it.!!!

************************************************** *******

Flitcher

Dual Diagnosis

http://www.dual-diagnosis.net

[Fifty+]

It's amazing how many individuals are affected by one form of depresssion or another. I never thought I would be a candidate. 20 months ago I was in a position where I had to put one of my dogs to sleep, or the city was going to take her....I took three days off work trying to come up with any scheme I could. I called organiations and people in four states...and the night before I had to take her in I started smoking again. and drinking a little..more. So I put her to sleep and thought life would just go on, un-noticed. This is where I can relate to Capt. Ahab. I didn't realize I was depressed. I thought I was just in a funk. Weeks led to months and now it's over a year later. I've been going to night school for almost four years. I work 40+ hours a week and I bodybuild three times a week with two cardio session in between...or at least I was. I haven't been in school for two semesters now. I only workout on Saturday. I just stopped caring. My goals don't carry much weight lately (no pun intended). And energy. What the hell is that? Amazing how depleted one can feel. So when you add up all the elements that no longer exist, you can feel pretty empty. As mother nature would have it, my brother had to move from a house to apartment and I wound up with his dog, Hannah. She's a beautiful 3 Y.O. mix of lab and sheppard. Two weeks ago I started getting up at 5 am and working out from 5:30 to 6:30 before work. I stopped drinking during the week. I'm down to three cancer sticks a day. And I'm back on a nutrition schedule. It's not perfect and I still feel a bit empty, but I'm done with rotting away. I've spent the last 13 years building my life, my body and my dreams. I don't know exactly what propelled me to get off my sorry butt, but I have and I'm thankful. And, I have a better understanding of what others have gone through and I wish the best for them.

oldfart

[Beast2Be]

Originally Posted by webmaster

For the week of: May 7th - May 13th

This topic ended far long ago fella's