Depression

[Lauren]

I'm driving myself crazy lately, all i seem to do is cry. I'm tired and feeling a bit of depression. I have to go see my cardiologist again next week and i am dreading it. Maybe it's the weather, is there a such thing as seasonal depression? I really need to get outta this FUNK!!! I hope she has some good news for me or at least listens to what i have to say this time. I am definitly going to push the getting off meds subject..Okay hope all is well w everyone else! :rolleyes:

[Caramommy]

Do I know how you feel! I'd say the past month I have been progressively getting worse about being depressed and not even wanting to move. There are tons of reasons that I won't bother getting into, but I DO feel part of it is the weather...and my inactivity and eating poorly.

Let's make a pact to get out and walk each day a little, cut back on the bad foods, and soak in more sunshine so we can feel better!


Cara

:)

[Natasha]

Lauren,
Sorry you are feeling so blue! There is a seasonal form of depression. I know that here in Minnesota, some have used special lights to help them deal with it. Also, depression is very high among people with heart conditions. In fact, I learned when I was at my symposium at the Mayo Clinic that soon the standard treatment for heart disease that includes an ACE inhibitor and a beta blocker will be expanded to also include an anti depressant.

If you think this is more than a temporary thing, I highly recommend talking to your doctor. Depression can hinder healing. If you have clinical depression, you would be much better off by having it treated.

I went on anti-depressants in October and feel a million times better. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a very real piece of dealing with heart disease. If I can help, please send me an e-mail!

Hope you feel better soon!

[SusanD]

Lauren, I don't know where you live, but I'm thinking somewhere cold ? I have to tell you, I get a mild form of this every year when our Texas weather gets gray, rainy and colder. I can usually get into a better rhythm and mood and get going once spring time hits, and sure enough today I was back on the treadmill instead of in front of the computer with a bowl full of M&M's in front of me !

I think one of the best cures for depression really is to get moving...is there any type of fitness center or rehab center you can find that will get you out and about each morning ?

So far the best prevention I've found for not having to move up north (Dh is from N.Dakota) is to tell him I would be MUCH heavier and probably medicated if we lived up there, LOL ! Hang in there and try to get some answers, start slow, get a little structure and get out and get moving. Of course, talking it over with your healthcare provider is always a good option....they have lots of different options and interventions. The good thing is you recognize it and want to take action.

[Yvonne]

It's like you read my mind, girls. I was just thinking about posting a thread about depression. The last weeks I feel quite depressed and want to come out this state of mind. In my case the weather and especially the light does a lot for me (maybe that's why I feel worse in the evenings). So I know for sure now I have to treat myself with a little holiday in a sunny place.

[margaretinva]

I too am on the depression train - it happens to me every year - it's like I just about make it through winter. I know that seasons play a roll in it for me - dark, cold, dreary days. Try to keep your chins up and know that summer is coming soon! I also know that the meds I'm on make depression worse so I take prozac daily!

[momoftwoboys]

I've fought the depression/anxiety thing for a few years before I finally did something about it. I think in my case it was the anxiety and fear that PPCM caused which also caused a slight depression. I've always had a slight anxiety problem even before PPCM. I finally started taking a medication called Celexa about 6 months ago, and let me tell you, I should have been taking it sooner. About a month to six weeks after I started taking it, most of my anxiety just seemed to disappear. I didn't worry about things every waking moment anymore. I'm still only taking half a pill a day and if I start getting worse, I may go to taking a whole pill a day. So, see if you "snap out of it", so to speak, after this dready weather passes. And, if you don't, maybe you can go and talk to your doctor about it.