Discussion & help on depression & mental health related issues

[BiggyRat]

Something interesting I saw on the news yesterday over here. Who knows, maybe some breakthrough is possible?

Did you see this @BiggyRat?

http://www.9news.com.au/health/2017...ent-working-wonders-for-teens-with-depression

Depressed teens treated with radical magnetic brain stimulation

By
Emily Rice
Severely depressed teens treated with radical magnetic brain stimulation

Teenagers have a reputation for being sulky and irritable.

But when occasional moodiness extends into months of persistent melancholy, it can be an early sign a child is suffering depression, according to Monash Health child psychiatrist Michael Gordon.

"Their marks are dropping, they are not socialising, they have withdrawn into their rooms ... their self esteem is low," Dr Gordon said.

Traditional treatment approaches include psychotherapy and anti-depressant medication.

But as veteran mental health nurse Chris Pavlou explained, not all teenagers respond to those options.

"For around 40 to 60 percent this does not work," Ms Pavlou said.

"It is not effective."

Now a team of mental health experts at Monash Health in Melbourne have been given permission by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to embark on a radical treatment approach to adolescent depression.

Known as transcranial magnetic stimulation - or TMS for short - it involves placing a magnetic paddle against the patient's head which emits small electrical pulses.

That energy is thought to stimulate nerve cells in the region of the brain involved in mood control.

So far 13 teenagers have undergone magnetic therapy at Dandenong Hospital in Melbourne's south-east.

The young patients are exposed to the magnetic pulses for five half-hour sessions over a month.

And while still in the early stages of the trial, lead researcher Dr Gordon said most patients have reported a lift in mood.

"A number of people have become less depressed ... when other things have failed or not worked. So we're buoyed by that," he said.

Ms Pavlou has also detected a noticeable change in several of the young depression sufferers.

"It is really really exciting to see the difference in the way these young people feel, how their positivity has come back," she said.

Meg Stewart is one of those to undergo the treatment. (Supplied)

Year 12 student Meg Stewart is among those taking part, after suffering severe bouts of depression since her early teens.

"It is like a dark cloud that follows you 24-7," the 18-year-old said.

"For a long time I struggled with telling a lot of people. I thought it would make me seem weak and vulnerable."

After being prescribed various anti-depressant medications with mixed results, Ms Stewart decided to try TMS.

While her depression has not been cured, she did experience an improvement in how she felt immediately after the sessions.

"I thought 'why not, I'll give it a shot'. And you know it was a regally positive experience," Ms Stewart said.

TMS is non-invasive, painless and some patients find it so relaxing they even fall asleep during treatment.

But some do experience slight side-effects such as headaches.

Studies on adults suggest TMS is effective on about 30 percent of depression patients for whom traditional interventions have not worked.

The true impact on adolescent mental health is still under examination.

To continue their study, Monash Health is recruiting more teenagers with clinically diagnosed depression.

Ms Stewart is staying positive by focusing on her Year 12 schoolwork and her burgeoning business - Meg's Cakes.

"I bake cakes, so that is kind of my saviour. It's my happy place," she said.

She said her best therapy of all is her loving friends and family.

"I've got so much support around me and I'm really lucky with that."

Those interested in taking part can find out more here.


Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/health/2017...for-teens-with-depression#gEyfJ1RMPhuSKtFg.99

Cheers Kithnou. Will definitely look into that & discuss with her Doc.

Actually, her Doc is a decent Lady. My Daughter had an appointment last weekend & we were a little short in the account so I asked prior to attending if I could pay on invoice this one time. I was told it was fine but when I got there, the Doc came out herself & just asked for my Medicare (NHS) card. "We'll just charge you the schedule fee for today!" I was stoked.

I mention that story for others that may not have found the right medical professional for them. Persist! There IS someone out there that will fit perfectly with you & CAN help you!

 

[faddy the blue]

A year ago, I met this woman. At first instant I felt like I have "found the one". As we got to know each other, she told me she felt the exact same connection when we first met. We both belong from Pakistan and generally the culture is that without getting the family's approval, getting married is impossible (unless you run off, which we both didn't wanna do as it would hurt the parents). She didn't have a father and had a single mother who was extra conservative and cautious. Finally after we realized that we genuinely were in love and were sincere with each other, we decided we will tell our families. My folks are very open minded, so I had no problem. She on the other hand knew it will be a big problem. When she told her mother and 3 other elder sister about me, they rejected the idea instantly. They wanted a more settled man for her...as I was the same age as her (25) and starting my career. This idea of her marrying someone she wants was off limits for her folks. She was devastated and ultimately she told me she cannot hurt her mother's feelings, so I respected that and we ended it. We were both deeply hurt and cried when we ended it.

A few weeks later, her younger sister (the only one who wanted us to get together) told me that she's been crying ever since we ended it. I called my girl, and she started crying even more. We both knew our feelings were genuine. So we decided we will try again with everything we've got. She started rejecting every proposal her family got for her...to the point her family started to realise she was damn serious about me and finally agreed to talk to my parents to initiate marriage talks (like the norm in Pakistan). So my parents started the talks and wanted them to progress. But on the other hand, her elder sister snatched my girl's phone and made sure she couldn't contact me. Her youngest sister then used to be my source of contact with her. Her mother's decision making was weak and she relied on her elder daughters judgement, who were all opposing our relationship still.

After months of fighting with her family, staying firm at her end and bearing every possible mental pressure, my girl finally gave up. She called me yesterday through some unknown number to tell me "Maybe we are not meant to be. Maybe god is punishing me for opposing my family's wishes. I do not want to hurt my dear mother any longer. Its over now. I will now accept any proposal they receive for me. You take care of yourself and don't contact me now".

We were both heartbroken. She ended the call as we were both shedding tears. Now I've lost the girl I loved, who I genuinely believed was THE ONE. There isn't an inch of grass that I wouldn't have covered for her. She used to understand me without me saying things. We believed we will pull it off and had planned our lives together. How can I accept that she is gone? I don't think I can ever forget her and how much she loved me and how much I loved her. I feel like a part of me is missing. I love her to the extent that I would respect her wishes. I am absolutely heartbroken and cannot get her face out of my head. So I'm stuggling to pull myself together, been asking God why He pulled us apart despite us praying with so much devotion for us to be united.

 

[COYBL25]

A year ago, I met this woman. At first instant I felt like I have "found the one". As we got to know each other, she told me she felt the exact same connection when we first met. We both belong from Pakistan and generally the culture is that without getting the family's approval, getting married is impossible (unless you run off, which we both didn't wanna do as it would hurt the parents). She didn't have a father and had a single mother who was extra conservative and cautious. Finally after we realized that we genuinely were in love and were sincere with each other, we decided we will tell our families. My folks are very open minded, so I had no problem. She on the other hand knew it will be a big problem. When she told her mother and 3 other elder sister about me, they rejected the idea instantly. They wanted a more settled man for her...as I was the same age as her (25) and starting my career. This idea of her marrying someone she wants was off limits for her folks. She was devastated and ultimately she told me she cannot hurt her mother's feelings, so I respected that and we ended it. We were both deeply hurt and cried when we ended it.

A few weeks later, her younger sister (the only one who wanted us to get together) told me that she's been crying ever since we ended it. I called my girl, and she started crying even more. We both knew our feelings were genuine. So we decided we will try again with everything we've got. She started rejecting every proposal her family got for her...to the point her family started to realise she was damn serious about me and finally agreed to talk to my parents to initiate marriage talks (like the norm in Pakistan). So my parents started the talks and wanted them to progress. But on the other hand, her elder sister snatched my girl's phone and made sure she couldn't contact me. Her youngest sister then used to be my source of contact with her. Her mother's decision making was weak and she relied on her elder daughters judgement, who were all opposing our relationship still.

After months of fighting with her family, staying firm at her end and bearing every possible mental pressure, my girl finally gave up. She called me yesterday through some unknown number to tell me "Maybe we are not meant to be. Maybe god is punishing me for opposing my family's wishes. I do not want to hurt my dear mother any longer. Its over now. I will now accept any proposal they receive for me. You take care of yourself and don't contact me now".

We were both heartbroken. She ended the call as we were both shedding tears. Now I've lost the girl I loved, who I genuinely believed was THE ONE. There isn't an inch of grass that I wouldn't have covered for her. She used to understand me without me saying things. We believed we will pull it off and had planned our lives together. How can I accept that she is gone? I don't think I can ever forget her and how much she loved me and how much I loved her. I feel like a part of me is missing. I love her to the extent that I would respect her wishes. I am absolutely heartbroken and cannot get her face out of my head. So I'm stuggling to pull myself together, been asking God why He pulled us apart despite us praying with so much devotion for us to be united.

Hi mate.

I can only imagine how difficult that must have been for you to post.

Maybe a different religion to yours, but my mate who is a British born Sikh, has a younger sister, who fell in love with a white lad.

The family did everything they couid to keep them apart, even offered to set her up in her own house.

She stood firm and they've been living happily with each other for years now, despite most of her family ( not my mate ) exling her.

I know it's the not the same, but like them, if you truly are in love you have choices and giving up shouldn't necessarily one of them.

In the extreme, there are organisations who can help you be together, although this may involve moving and starting again somewhere new.

It's up to you and your girlfriend mate, not them, no matter what your culture dictates.

If you both give up, they've won and you'll spend your whole like thinking " what life would've been like together ".

This is a story that deserves a happy ending x

 

[efcforever]

Basically the past few weeks have been a real struggle, I've had a lot of negative emotions festering inside of me, some caused by my professional life and some by my personal one, that haven't been able to shake even during my down time. It's caused me to be lashing out at people and wrecked my overall state of mind.

I'm owed holidays in work and booked a week off from June 5th (today) to June 11th, basically this entire week off. It's the only thing that's been keeping me going, the thought that I'd soon have some time away from the place to hopefully put some other plans into action. And here's what's happened.

I filled in the request form 3 weeks ago, I wrote on it in front of the manager and supervisor, they were literally right there and then I handed it to them to put in the holiday book and they said it should be fine. Never heard anything more so I assumed that it was all sorted Then today at 9am I get a phone call from them asking why I haven't come in at 8 like usual? I tell them because it's the start of my holiday week I booked. Their response?

"No, it wasn't officially signed off so it doesn't count. You were put on the rotor as usual so you need to come in."

"Why wasn't it signed off? And why wasn't I told about this?"

"Don't know, it must have been sat on the desk and not looked at."

"For three weeks?!"

"Yes."

"Why did no one say anything to me, why did you just let me assume it was all fine?"

"Don't know. But get yourself in."


Absolutely livid, I've completely given up with the place. It's an asylum being run by the inmates. If it's not outright preferential treatment for mates/treatment it's old men squaring up to me and if it's not that it's cancelling my holidays I booked literally on the day they're supposed to start and giving me a crap, take-no-responsibility excuse as to why.

F them, I'm off. Signing myself off with mental health and going all out to find something else with the time I have. Hopefully that job a friend is confident will come through but even if it doesn't I'm not going back there, I will not be treated like that. It's not a persecution complex, it's literally them thinking they can treat me like a lackey and make the rules up as they go along. Screw them, my conscious is clear because I know I've busted a gut every single shift I've worked for them and only ever complained over legitimate issues yet still they think I'm just an idiot who will put up with anything. No chance. I'll go somewhere else and make a success of it because I know I can, because I have the confidence and work-ethic to do well in a lot of jobs. No job is perfect, no job will not have it's frustrations but there's not many job I'll bet anywhere near as disrespectful and bias as this one.

Really sorry for how you've been treated mate. That really is low of them, allowing you to believe that you had leave approved and then ringing to drag you in.

How's the job search coming along?

 

[anjelikaferrett]

A year ago, I met this woman. At first instant I felt like I have "found the one". As we got to know each other, she told me she felt the exact same connection when we first met. We both belong from Pakistan and generally the culture is that without getting the family's approval, getting married is impossible (unless you run off, which we both didn't wanna do as it would hurt the parents). She didn't have a father and had a single mother who was extra conservative and cautious. Finally after we realized that we genuinely were in love and were sincere with each other, we decided we will tell our families. My folks are very open minded, so I had no problem. She on the other hand knew it will be a big problem. When she told her mother and 3 other elder sister about me, they rejected the idea instantly. They wanted a more settled man for her...as I was the same age as her (25) and starting my career. This idea of her marrying someone she wants was off limits for her folks. She was devastated and ultimately she told me she cannot hurt her mother's feelings, so I respected that and we ended it. We were both deeply hurt and cried when we ended it.

A few weeks later, her younger sister (the only one who wanted us to get together) told me that she's been crying ever since we ended it. I called my girl, and she started crying even more. We both knew our feelings were genuine. So we decided we will try again with everything we've got. She started rejecting every proposal her family got for her...to the point her family started to realise she was damn serious about me and finally agreed to talk to my parents to initiate marriage talks (like the norm in Pakistan). So my parents started the talks and wanted them to progress. But on the other hand, her elder sister snatched my girl's phone and made sure she couldn't contact me. Her youngest sister then used to be my source of contact with her. Her mother's decision making was weak and she relied on her elder daughters judgement, who were all opposing our relationship still.

After months of fighting with her family, staying firm at her end and bearing every possible mental pressure, my girl finally gave up. She called me yesterday through some unknown number to tell me "Maybe we are not meant to be. Maybe god is punishing me for opposing my family's wishes. I do not want to hurt my dear mother any longer. Its over now. I will now accept any proposal they receive for me. You take care of yourself and don't contact me now".

We were both heartbroken. She ended the call as we were both shedding tears. Now I've lost the girl I loved, who I genuinely believed was THE ONE. There isn't an inch of grass that I wouldn't have covered for her. She used to understand me without me saying things. We believed we will pull it off and had planned our lives together. How can I accept that she is gone? I don't think I can ever forget her and how much she loved me and how much I loved her. I feel like a part of me is missing. I love her to the extent that I would respect her wishes. I am absolutely heartbroken and cannot get her face out of my head. So I'm stuggling to pull myself together, been asking God why He pulled us apart despite us praying with so much devotion for us to be united.

I haven't really got anything to say except I hope you resolve this situation, it is so sad. Could your parents initiate some contact with her family instead of you? Or is that not how it works?

I wish you well x

 

[Jokerdan]

Just bloody shocking. Cultures, religion aka Dogma! Heaven preserve us. Feel so sorry for your plight Faddy. Really wish it works out for you.

 

[faddy the blue]

Hi mate.

I can only imagine how difficult that must have been for you to post.

Maybe a different religion to yours, but my mate who is a British born Sikh, has a younger sister, who fell in love with a white lad.

The family did everything they couid to keep them apart, even offered to set her up in her own house.

She stood firm and they've been living happily with each other for years now, despite most of her family ( not my mate ) exling her.

I know it's the not the same, but like them, if you truly are in love you have choices and giving up shouldn't necessarily one of them.

In the extreme, there are organisations who can help you be together, although this may involve moving and starting again somewhere new.

It's up to you and your girlfriend mate, not them, no matter what your culture dictates.

If you both give up, they've won and you'll spend your whole like thinking " what life would've been like together ".

This is a story that deserves a happy ending x

Mate, in our society, having approval of the family matters a lot. We are brought up with very strong family values and sure there are people who ultimately choose each other over their families. That choice is always there. I wish our society was that simple. If we'd have followed that path, we'd have lost both of our families. Even our religion stresses that parents should listen to their children's wishes before marriage. But unfortunately, people these days make it an issue of ego. They believe only they know what is right and wrong. She cared too much about her old mother to hurt her after all the years she brought her up single handedly. To her, hurting herself is better than hurting her mother who she loves. She loves her mother more than me. I cannot have any complains with that. That is exactly the selfless character of hers that I fell in love with. And that is the very reason why she left me as well.

 

[faddy the blue]

I haven't really got anything to say except I hope you resolve this situation, it is so sad. Could your parents initiate some contact with her family instead of you? Or is that not how it works?

I wish you well x

All hope looks lost now. Initially her family didn't even wanna discuss it. We both prayed with tons of devotion for that to change. She tried everything and ultimately her family opened to discussion. My folk were relieved to hear that. However, when the discussions started, we both realised that her folks were still discussing but in the background they still had the same resistance. They were pressurizing the girl that this was not right, her sisters locked her in the house and she wasn't allowed to leave house. They used to tell her that I was of a bad character just to break her trust and used to play good cop. The youngest sister (the only one who was understanding) used to tell me what was going on in the house and used to make my girl talk to me secretely. With every phone call, I could sense her strength diminishing. She was losing the battle. Her folks then politely ended the talks inspite my folks repeatedly trying to convince them to meet us atleast before making any decision.

When her sisters tried to break her trust by saying bad things about me, she ultimately had had enough. She couldn't tolerate those things cos she trusted me with everything. And knowing her, she deliberately backed out so that she doesn't have to hear any more bad stuff about me. She thought I deserved better perhaps. Hence she now will accept whatever her family has decided. Her youngest sister who used to be my link had her phone snatched as well. There is hardly any way I can contact her now.

My folks now tell me that "All problems were on their side. Your girl was great we're sure. But you ought to realise that her folks would have created problems for you even if things had worked out for you both. We tried out best but sometimes you gotta let things go and accept fate. There is no point chasing after love because if it is meant to be then things would work out. Forcing a hand would not yield you in the long run."

 

[COYBL25]

Mate, in our society, having approval of the family matters a lot. We are brought up with very strong family values and sure there are people who ultimately choose each other over their families. That choice is always there. I wish our society was that simple. If we'd have followed that path, we'd have lost both of our families. Even our religion stresses that parents should listen to their children's wishes before marriage. But unfortunately, people these days make it an issue of ego. They believe only they know what is right and wrong. She cared too much about her old mother to hurt her after all the years she brought her up single handedly. To her, hurting herself is better than hurting her mother who she loves. She loves her mother more than me. I cannot have any complains with that. That is exactly the selfless character of hers that I fell in love with. And that is the very reason why she left me as well.

I'm really sorry for you both mate.

I truly hope you can find a compromise x

 

[j77]

Mate, in our society, having approval of the family matters a lot. We are brought up with very strong family values and sure there are people who ultimately choose each other over their families. That choice is always there. I wish our society was that simple. If we'd have followed that path, we'd have lost both of our families. Even our religion stresses that parents should listen to their children's wishes before marriage. But unfortunately, people these days make it an issue of ego. They believe only they know what is right and wrong. She cared too much about her old mother to hurt her after all the years she brought her up single handedly. To her, hurting herself is better than hurting her mother who she loves. She loves her mother more than me. I cannot have any complains with that. That is exactly the selfless character of hers that I fell in love with. And that is the very reason why she left me as well.

I'm with Coybl25. Don't give up yet mate. It's your life and your girl's. You want something hard, you fight for it.

 

[COYBL25]

All hope looks lost now. Initially her family didn't even wanna discuss it. We both prayed with tons of devotion for that to change. She tried everything and ultimately her family opened to discussion. My folk were relieved to hear that. However, when the discussions started, we both realised that her folks were still discussing but in the background they still had the same resistance. They were pressurizing the girl that this was not right, her sisters locked her in the house and she wasn't allowed to leave house. They used to tell her that I was of a bad character just to break her trust and used to play good cop. The youngest sister (the only one who was understanding) used to tell me what was going on in the house and used to make my girl talk to me secretely. With every phone call, I could sense her strength diminishing. She was losing the battle. Her folks then politely ended the talks inspite my folks repeatedly trying to convince them to meet us atleast before making any decision.

When her sisters tried to break her trust by saying bad things about me, she ultimately had had enough. She couldn't tolerate those things cos she trusted me with everything. And knowing her, she deliberately backed out so that she doesn't have to hear any more bad stuff about me. She thought I deserved better perhaps. Hence she now will accept whatever her family has decided. Her youngest sister who used to be my link had her phone snatched as well. There is hardly any way I can contact her now.

My folks now tell me that "All problems were on their side. Your girl was great we're sure. But you ought to realise that her folks would have created problems for you even if things had worked out for you both. We tried out best but sometimes you gotta let things go and accept fate. There is no point chasing after love because if it is meant to be then things would work out. Forcing a hand would not yield you in the long run."

Any news mate ?

 

[wgtwiddle]

"We both prayed with tons of devotion for that to change"

Your actions alone will affect change.

 

[efcforever]

Just an update.

Been back to the doctor today as planned. He's increased my citalopram to 40mg.

It's difficult to describe the way I'm feeling currently. I have points in the day were I feel quite positive but then for no particular reason I start to feel anxious and low. Its odd, I was making tea earlier and I suddenly had this rush of anxiety like I thought something bad was going to happen. I then had to remind myself that there was nothing for me to worry about.

I now have 2 weeks annual leave so I feel like I should be in a really good mood but I'm not. Maybe I'll feel a bit better in a few days when I've had chase to unwind.

Anyway. The doctor wants me to have a blood test to check for vitamin levels and see him again in a month.

 

[COYBL25]

Just an update.

Been back to the doctor today as planned. He's increased my citalopram to 40mg.

It's difficult to describe the way I'm feeling currently. I have points in the day were I feel quite positive but then for no particular reason I start to feel anxious and low. Its odd, I was making tea earlier and I suddenly had this rush of anxiety like I thought something bad was going to happen. I then had to remind myself that there was nothing for me to worry about.

I now have 2 weeks annual leave so I feel like I should be in a really good mood but I'm not. Maybe I'll feel a bit better in a few days when I've had chase to unwind.

Anyway. The doctor wants me to have a blood test to check for vitamin levels and see him again in a month.

Have you started the new dose Citalopram

If so, the anxiety " rushes " could be your body adjusting to the increased dosage.

Use your two weeks to do things that you really enjoy doing, catch up with mates, go to the gym and just generally try not think of anything too hard

 

[Groucho]

Just an update.

Been back to the doctor today as planned. He's increased my citalopram to 40mg.

It's difficult to describe the way I'm feeling currently. I have points in the day were I feel quite positive but then for no particular reason I start to feel anxious and low. Its odd, I was making tea earlier and I suddenly had this rush of anxiety like I thought something bad was going to happen. I then had to remind myself that there was nothing for me to worry about.

I now have 2 weeks annual leave so I feel like I should be in a really good mood but I'm not. Maybe I'll feel a bit better in a few days when I've had chase to unwind.

Anyway. The doctor wants me to have a blood test to check for vitamin levels and see him again in a month.

You can feel a bit ropey when it's increased but this settles once bedded in.