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.

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adriennem 12/22/2007

I am not sure if I am in a mid life crisis or just depressed because of circumstances. I am currently on a low dose of Welbutrin. Maybe that is making me extra negative. It seems to work at first and then over time it creates more negative thoughts. I have tried natural methods to be positive and it lasts for a while-breating exercises, etc but then when the chips are down I fall back into negativity. Any advice?

deleted_user 12/22/2007

I have the same issues im trying to work on...I seem to come crashing down when I get depressed.

deleted_user 12/22/2007

maybe try writing down some positives and then read them when your down?

deleted_user 12/22/2007

The negative thinking cycle is one of the weirdest but most common features of depression. My negative thinking cycle is always on death...That everyone I love and care about is going to die, that I am going to die, that every animal I look at, every plant is going to die. I hang a picture and think, now, when this comes down it will probably be years from now, and when I hung it, so and so was alive, but now they are gone. I literally spend all my time thinking about and processing the ultimate demise of everyone and everything...even the universe. I HATE it.

I have begun to notice a pattern to my worst times. I was looking at my journal entry smiley/frownie face pattern here on DS, and I see that around the same time each month, I hit a low. This has got to mean that some biological cycle is at work.

I discovered this accidentally, but now I think it is worth paying attention to.

As for stopping the negative thoughts, I believe it takes a monumental effort and lots of discipline. You have to respond to your negative thoughts with a positive spin. You have to force yourself through the process each and every time and hope that it will become second nature. Think of it as re-rearing yourself with a different psychological design.

I use breathing to the point that I get dizzy and lightheaded. Then I use a mantra--ANYTHIING at all that you can repeat easily...something silly, something fun, positive, or a prayer...it focuses my mind...and when you have achieved focus and a measure of stillness in your brain, then you can reboot your brain engine with the positive response effort.

It is hard, and I wish hope pray for the miracle of improved survival skills. I see some people go through so many difficult times and come through like steel...not without emotion, but with the ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I crash and crumble so easily that I am scared for the day when I face some really terrible tragic event.

That is my goal...to grow strong and stable through controlling my thinking. I hope it for you too.

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