Hello everyone

[Heididouth]

My name is Heidi and I come from NB Canada. I've been dealing with depression for the last 10 years. I have been on various meds but after a couple of months I start having problems with them, so had to go without. I'm trying to find ways to cope without meds.

[aim]

Hey Heidi!!! Welcome here! It's a wonderful place with lots of great folks around here.

Coping without meds, huh? hm... were you having bad side effects? Is that what happened?

Have you been to therapy? Regular exercise is also supposed to help a lot with depression... I've been doing it myself lately!

Welcome here, and please share share share!!!

(((((Heidi))))) (that's a hug!)

[georgiapeach]

hi there heidi!!! welcome here its a pleasure to have you join our forum!!!! take a look around and i look forward to seeing more posts from you! again welcome here

[Monty]

Hello Heidi,
Welcome to the forums.

Have something in common. I am from Canada too,but quite a ways from you since I am in the middle of western Canada.

I am one of the overwhelming number of those with the bipolarII diagnosis that require both meds and talk therapy.
You dont say in your post whether you are having any therapy or not. Over the years I have had a couple of duds, when it comes to counsellors but the ones that were good, were of immense help to me.

I also find it helpful to post to this forum. I know that all of my postings are read. We really do care out here about what is going on with the members. Dont worry about posting when things are going poorly (though we certainly dont mind when we hear that things are going well)since sometimes one of the members has been through it before. I find the suggestions here very helpful.

Also there is no limit to the number of posts that you send. The more the better.

I often wish that one of these professionals, would be able to wave a magic wand, and make all of us better.

Have one friend that describes her periods of depression as going to hell and back.

[aim]

A magic wand would be a wonderful thing, huh? If you ever find it, could you ask it to please help me out financially??? Could really use it. The governer of New Jersey (where I live) is making us take 10 furlough days before July of 2010... Furlough means taking a day off without pay, for anyone who does not know. These furlough days are really affecting me badly...

Anyway... sorry for the rant. To hell and back... good way to describe it.

On the up side? I did lose 5 pounds!

[Monty]

Must admit that I have never heard of "furlough days" before.

Kind of amazes me that the government can do that.

The magic wand sounds like a wonderful plan, too bad that it can't be impletemented.

At least we have each other.

[aim]

I never heard of a furlough before it happened to me! We're talking a couple of hundred dollars less on my pay check when I take it... ugh. It's been tough but I'll get through it.

And yes... we do have each other!!!

[Monty]

Fortunately for my money situation, I don't bring in too much but it is guaranteed by the government that I will get a disability cheque, until I reach the age of 65. Then I go on regular Canada Pension Plan.

It is fortunate that I live with my mother (is though on my ego to be (52 my birthday is in less than a couple of hours) at least I am somewhat insulated to the housing prices.

I have no idea how I will live on my own, after my mom is unable to live in the house. Figure I should just that one go. Won't do any good to worry about it now, will just drive myself around the bend.

Yes it is true that for the members of the forum "at least we have each other".

[aim]

Nice to see you focusing on the positive, Monty girl! And don't worry too much about the future... things really have a way of working out, don't they? It seems that no matter how much money I have, I find a way to make it work. Don't really know how I do it, but I do. I think that's true for everyone.

And you're right... no use in making yourself crazy about it now. Just enjoy your life, ok? Your daughter is getting married - that's an exciting time for both of you!!

Do you like her choice of husband?

[Heididouth]

Hi everyone..so nice to see all your replies.

I did have side effects from every medication I tried and I'm not having any therapy. Unfortunately, I live in a very small community and sadly, they can't be trusted. I went years ago and had a bad outcome.

One of my biggest problems the last few months is, most of the time I just can't seem to talk...I just can't make myself do it. I spend alot of time alone and don't have any friends really, so it's hard for me.

Also, I had my job cut in June and I've had to go off my other meds as well. I'm just praying every day for something good to happen for a change.

[aim]

Hi again, Heidi! So sorry to hear about all of your troubles... just remember that often, things go badly at the same time, then they go well at the same time too! Keep holding and don't give up hope that good things are coming for you.

Also sorry to hear about the side effects you experience... and it's really a shame that you can't trust therapy. It can really be helpful for a lot of folks.

As for friends - that is painful, I know. Please always remember that you have a lot of new friends on here, who will always read what you post and respond to you, ok? Consider us your friends... we are all here for you!!!

((((heidi))))

[Heididouth]

Thank you so much aim. Much appreciated

[aim]

((((Heidi))))) So glad we could all be here to support you. Are you feeling any better, I hope?

[Heididouth]

It's better just knowing you're here to listen. Thank you again. Really.

[Monty]

Heididouth

Good to see that you are posting. I have been away on holidays for more than a week.

It was good to go away for a bit but also nice to get home. I have to watch how I type this message because I was texting my kids and friends while away (use up time in the car).

Turned out that we went over 3000 kms. but managed to get the best weather when we were out at a cottage in Ontario. We were only there for just over a day, but I swear as soon as I walked into the cottage it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.

I also lived in a small town for many years. I got that I didn't know who to trust, and who not to trust, so I just didn't trust anyone.

I only had a couple of minutes to type this before I have to leave, but just wanted to make sure that I dropped a note to reinforce the statements that you do have friends here.

To me anyway, it doesn't seem like it takes people a long time to become part of our little family. I think that it was back to the matter of trust when I started coming here. Everyone was so friendly, accepting and caring. Hope that you feel that too.

Off for now.