Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
Hello all
My name is Denny, I am 70 yrs old and I live in South Africa. On the face of it, this is a bit of a challenge because our time difference leaves a mile wide gulf between posts. I was diagnosed with COPD emphysema in 2005 and graduated to permanent 24/7 oxygen therapy in 2007. Almost 11 years ago so I had better explain why I’m here on your panel.
My husband and I owned a civil engineering laboratory that used a whole raft of noxious industrial chemicals for the many tests we carried out. Our neighbour on the right was an enormous paint factory and a thundering diesel workshop for agricultural machinery on the left. And we took a breather now and then on the forecourt for a quick ciggie completely innocent of the toxic environment that was a part of our lives for almost 14 years.
Of course, my diagnosis came as a mind numbing crunch which I initially spurned given my active life style, particularly at the gym with my boys and running around the netball field in earlier years as a school teacher.
I don’t exactly remember when my depression set in but I felt the need to seek the comfort and knowledge of like-minded people in an appropriate support group. Even then, the word “depression” sounded utterly ridiculous as I had absolutely nothing to be depressed about. Happy as a lamb, ready to show that I was on top of the world and in complete control of my life. Yeah sure.
I became the class clown, always with a joke and a bunch of generic words of wisdom I nicked from YouTube. But after three years of hiding behind a mask of giggles and wise cracks, my barrel of jokes was running dry and the enormity of maintaining my facade threatened to expose the real me. No one asked about my health status or state of mind and was accused of kicking the team to the curb, especially as they needed me to lift their spirits. I beat a hasty retreat when one of the girls trashed my FB page and sent me into a dark cold corner to lick my wounds.
Now I don’t know how much more of my story to tell you or even if this one has grabbed anyone’s attention, but I now realise I should have joined a depression group from the get-go. Perhaps too much time has already been lost to help me get out of this dang hole but I need to try.
Thank you.
I'm in your hands as I am a total greenhorn about mental health issues and never in my wildest dreams would have admitted to anyone, least of all myself, that anything was off-beat with my mental health. I don't know if there is a kick off whistle but I'm ready to play the game to win.
I am in the UK so I think the time difference is not too great. I know Joburg is two hours ahead as I have friends there.
I will be at the computer all day today checking DS every half an hour or so if you need the company.
Anyways I am glad to know you and am going to send you a friends request which I hope you will accept, but if not that's quite okay too.
Of course, depression treatment and COPD therapy do not complement each other so I will address only the depression.
Medication is the PRIMARY treatment for depression, and I am a firm believer in it. The trick for the DOCTOR is to select the right medication on the right schedule (dosage). Sounds like this was missed somewhat with the Zytomil.
My research took me from Zytomil to Lexapro ... as being the same thing. Since I am not a doctor, all I can say is there are HUNDREDS of antidepressants and no 'magic' way to find the right combination immediately. I STRONGLY suggest you give it another try with your prescribing physician ... being sure to explain the problems you had with the Zytomil.
And .. most certainly, ... welcome to DS.
I have to admit I was not really aware of your level of mobility until the last comment you made. And that you can only do so much at a time before your energy is drained and you need to lay down again. You seem pretty positive given how tired you must be all the time.
I have had a day at the computer doing what I usually do and drinking copious amounts of tea and coffee. I will be hear for another two hours and then I'm calling it a day for today. Smiles I am glad you found DS and I look forwards to learning more about you in the coming days. Hot chocolate breaks here we come.
I also mentioned this issue to a friend who has some medical background and she also strongly suggested I report back to my GP for a toned down/alternative drug. Jeepers, I'm so tired of all these inhalers and drugs, half of which my medical insurance refuses to pay. I'm covered for just hospital plan that excludes consultations, non-chronic COPD approved drugs, scans, MRI's and bone density x-rays, dental, optical and councelling. And at $416.66/mth one would expect a better service. So, after utility bills, my meagre pension is stretched to the limit. But I'm not unique in this merry-go-round so the best I can do is muck in and take it on the chin, or chest as in my case. :-) I've scounted around for cheaper medical aids but none will accept new patients with pre-existing conditions and COPD is just too much of a liability for any of them. As one man said, I've got a stick that's shitty at both ends. Heehee, hit the nail on the head. Thanks again for your suggestion. Take care.
Good luck, .. and keep us posted. We are glad you have joined us.
Welcome to the group. I'm glad you found us, keep posting.
Take care. I pray for good health and you will have the strength for every day. Thank you for sharing. God bless.