Quote:
Originally Posted by sconnie892
My t and I have been discussing dysthymia. My main symptoms are sleep issues (mainly initial insomnia), hopelessness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and craving/overeating carbs and sweets. I don't really know what "phase" I would be in as it is a long term depression. I have good days and bad days. I've known I had something "depressive" on and off since I was 13 but didn't seek help until my 30s. I guess my relationship is somewhat of that old "friend" (I used friend loosely here) that is around for awhile, then moves away, then comes back to town for a few years, then moves away again. We are familiar with each other.
I mainly manage through talk therapy. We discussed meds as a possibility, but I would like to try to work through it without meds. I am not sure how successful that will be. Things haven't been very good the last few months. I take melatonin to help with the sleep issues. I've also been trying to get more exercise and eat better. But when I am really down, exercising and making healthy meals seems nearly impossible.
|
I'm sorry you've been struggling for so long; so have I and it's awful - but I think we build our depression management tool box up as we go along. Talking about insomnia and medication, my son told me that he had been not sleeping for 4months and was worried that he might have depression like me. I took him to the doctor - and I LOVED what the doctor had to say. He told my son that he was too lazy and he had to get out there and mow some lawns to tire himself out. My son did, and he's been sleeping like a baby since. I LOVE IT when doctors consider lifestyle factors first and take it from there
I thought he handled the consultation brilliantly. (Of course I would - it was what I had been telling my son but he'll listen to a doctor, not his mum
) I hope you don't mind me diverging a bit... I thought your post indicated that you are interested in lifestyle factors so I thought I mention our recent trip to the drs