Depression

[Benny&Co]

Oh Scoobs I'm so sorry to hear what's happened overnight.

Here's hoping that your mum and you all are getting the support that you need

[Scooby88]

Well I am pleased to say things are finally looking up. The doc has been out every day. The meds she has been given seems to be working. She has slept through the night, is dressing herself and has even emptied the dishwasher and done some hoovering! We are taking things day by day but with the right medication and the support of family and friends she is getting better. Thank you for your king words and support.

[Mad Chick]

Phew. I hope she continues to improve

[rubyhen]

Hi Scooby

Your post caught my eye - I am a fellow sufferer and have to keep an eye on myself incase I get over stressed which can lead to an episode. It's also in my family and just before xmas my Dad started going downhill again. He's got a very good community psychiatric nurse who keeps an eye on him but I, like you, go round and see what I can do. I feel so helpless that I cant make him better - but I think being there and being able to understand how your Mum feels is very important. I really do believe that unless you've had depression you cannot begin to understand how it feels. Dad is now in hospital (has been since 3 Jan) and is much improved. He's coming out for a weekend on Friday.

I also think that walking is very good for mental health. I would also suggest anything that can stop you for ruminating for a while - some sort of distraction, however small, is good. It can be difficult if your concentration is poor when you are down though. With Dad he finds he can't concentrate enough to read or watch TV so we try to find something to do around the house together.

I haven't had an episode for just over a year now - although I am still on medication (and have been advised to stay on) and I have found Mindfulness to be really good in helping prevent relapse. It's now recommended by NICE and sometimes available from the NHS. It's not recommended to start mindfulness while in the middle of an episode but when you are well - and it helps keep you well. There are some really good books with CDs out there - let me know if you would like the names. It may be helpful for you - and then later for your Mum when she gets well.

And do remember that depression, horrible though it is, is very treatable. Sometimes it takes some sorting out of the right meds but people do get better - and your Mum will too. If your Mum hasn't got a community nurse assigned to her you could always ask the GP - and keep badgering them until they take notice. Some GPs are not expert in mental health so may need you to tell them how they can help. Your local mental health team will know all the resources available. Again you may have to keep asking (and this can be knackering in itself).

Take care and look after yourself too. I think it's an excellent idea to have a break - you need to keep your own wellbeing topped up at the moment.

take care

Ruby

[rubyhen]

It's me again - I am SO SORRY - I only saw the first page of posts and have now read the other 3!

What a nightmare for you - I will say a prayer and light a candle for you and your Mum. I really hope things are going in the right direction now.

Take care
Ruby the not very techno
xxx

[HappyBob]

So pleased your mum has made a bit of a forward step , I hope it continues for all concerned.

[MissEllie]

So glad she had a better night, that's an answer to prayers. Will keep thinking of you all, make sure you're looking after yourself as well as your mum.

[LittleBrownFrog]

glad things are improving for you - take care x

[Meredith]

Keep putting the pressure on, Scooby. The ones who shout loudest tend to be the ones who get attention.

I was a listener for the Samaritans and I am saddened by the lack of support for mental health. Very often, support services would shut down for the weekend and those in distress were told to ring the Sams. We did what we could but quite often it wasn't enough.

[manda]

I'm glad to hear things are making a turn for the better by the sounds of it.....

[Benny&Co]

So glad to see that things are picking up Scoobs, you're so right in taking each day at a time

Ruby

[LittleBrownFrog]

How are things?

[Scooby88]

Getting Better each day. Mum has no recollection of her 'episode.' hopefully in time she'll get back to normal. She is getting there, slowly but surely.

Thank you for your concern. The kind words and encouragement from the lovely people of DTL have been a great boost and comfort during this hard time :)

[LittleBrownFrog]

[Bollybarb]

Glad to hear things are improving long may it continue