Discussion & help on depression & mental health related issues

[USABlue]

Im going to start my studies to become a primary school teacher in Finland. 5 years of university to be fully qualified so I am out of the loop for a long time. So very much looking forward to that. Going to study at the university in Helsinki, Finland. Its kinda logical as Im Finnish and live only 50mins away. Language will be Swedish though as I belong to this weird little minority we have over here.

Congrats man! I really considered teaching after working as substitute for a few years after college. Much more rewarding than my current job but I needed to get a full time job elsewhere. I may go back to school someday like yourself! Having a direction and a goal really makes a world of difference

 

[Nymzee]

 

[blue1948]

A little update from me.
I just got into Uni in Helsinki and will start my 5-year studies. Im going to be close to 50 when I get my degree

Its never too late for a change guys! Unless you are over 50, then you are fuxxored

Yes but where do you live ?

 

[Whiteandblue]

Kirkkonummi, Espoon kupeessa

 

[BNJ1878]

Really good interview in todays athletic with Michael Johnson

 

[davids]

Just a quick post for anyone struggling with sleep issues. I've had problems for the last few years with tinnitus and although here in Spain doctors will prescribe pretty much what you ask them for I've tried to stay away from the usual,Xanax, Valium, Zolpadem and only use them as a last resort when I've had too many nights wondering around the apartment. A friend mentioned Niacin and to be honest I thought a vitamin supplement couldn't do much good. But surprisingly it's very effective 500mg an hour before bed and the results have been very promising. The skin flush is an odd sensation but you soon get used to it. Read that if you take it mornings too it can help with anxiety.

 

[Spotty]

Just a quick post for anyone struggling with sleep issues. I've had problems for the last few years with tinnitus and although here in Spain doctors will prescribe pretty much what you ask them for I've tried to stay away from the usual,Xanax, Valium, Zolpadem and only use them as a last resort when I've had too many nights wondering around the apartment. A friend mentioned Niacin and to be honest I thought a vitamin supplement couldn't do much good. But surprisingly it's very effective 500mg an hour before bed and the results have been very promising. The skin flush is an odd sensation but you soon get used to it. Read that if you take it mornings too it can help with anxiety.

David's have you given any thought to sleep hygiene, excercise and a change in diet. Sleep hygiene - good evidence for keeping to a routine, making sure the room is pitch black and if you can't sleep, after 20 mins of so, get up. Diet is important and avoid caffeine like the plague. Have a cup of coffee mid day and it's still in your system at midnight. Eat more healthy and if you can, excercise a few hours before bed. Niacin will affect your blood pressure, temperature and subsequently affect your sleep. If it works for you crack on m8 but sleep problems as you know are very closely associated with your mental health. If your sleep problems persist see your GP and ask to see a dietician, often linked to sleep and good health as you know. Like I say I'm not saying you have mental health problems but this may be informative.

Sleep and mental health

Learn how sleep relates to mental health. Read what kind of problems people have with sleep, and what might cause these difficulties.

www.mind.org.uk

 

[COYBL25]

David's have you given any thought to sleep hygiene, excercise and a change in diet. Sleep hygiene - good evidence for keeping to a routine, making sure the room is pitch black and if you can't sleep, after 20 mins of so, get up. Diet is important and avoid caffeine like the plague. Have a cup of coffee mid day and it's still in your system at midnight. Eat more healthy and if you can, excercise a few hours before bed. Niacin will affect your blood pressure, temperature and subsequently affect your sleep. If it works for you crack on m8 but sleep problems as you know are very closely associated with your mental health. If your sleep problems persist see your GP and ask to see a dietician, often linked to sleep and good health as you know. Like I say I'm not saying you have mental health problems but this may be informative.

Sleep and mental health

Learn how sleep relates to mental health. Read what kind of problems people have with sleep, and what might cause these difficulties.

www.mind.org.uk

I’ve also found that any form of caffeine massively ramps up pre existing anxiety problems too.

 

[Armaghtoffee]

Learning some breathing techniques can often help. I face the person with anxiety arms length apart. Tell them you will do it with them. Hold their hands and together breath in deep and exhale really slowly, three or four times together. Repeat it again. It gives them reasurence that it hopefully works. Have some relaxing music on in background. Another way is swimming which I have said on here before, has a really good evidence base. Just being in the water can be relaxing. Same riding a bike. To he most obvious one is reasurence. Tell them they are safe, your here for them, they have friends and be available to them wherever possible. People who are anxious and experiencing PTSD need to feel safe first and foremost. Tell them it's trial and error until you fall back on the one that works. I'll give you one more which I know has worked for a log of people. Knitting. It's apparently very very relaxing and did you know it was utilised by many of the men returning from combat. It was done in groups, people socialised, took their mind of things. Don't laugh at the knitting one my friend, it has worked for a lot of people and you know what, if it works for you, crack on. So reassurence and exploring what works for the person. If things don't work, leave it and try another thing but fundamentally its about comfort, safety and re assurence. Good luck to you and your friend.

I took your advice mate and it helped. Slow steps to recovery but they are so much better. The Crisis team discharged them today back to Primary Care and were brilliant with all the advice regarding contact numbers etc.

Thanks for answering the post and thank you for giving me a different perspective.

 

[davids]

I’ve also found that any form of caffeine massively ramps up pre existing anxiety problems too.

Caffeine and Everton. Should be a health warning for both.

 

[Spotty]

I took your advice mate and it helped. Slow steps to recovery but they are so much better. The Crisis team discharged them today back to Primary Care and were brilliant with all the advice regarding contact numbers etc.

Thanks for answering the post and thank you for giving me a different perspective.

That's great news and well done, remember, we all struggle in life, there are lots of people who want to help and don't be too hard on yourself. Good luck m8

 

[riddick]

Not an "Im really down" or anything but I really feel like I've wasted my life. It's a bit annoying honestly. Just started learning how to play guitar and am really enjoying it but Im 43. People usually start playing guitar when they are 10. I just listen to some music and think "yeah, no chance I'll ever play that" and get down.

Truthfully I've probably overachieved in my life. No idea how I got to where I am both personally and professionally. Just don't LIKE where I am tho.

Ah well, vent over.

 

[Nymzee]

Not an "Im really down" or anything but I really feel like I've wasted my life. It's a bit annoying honestly. Just started learning how to play guitar and am really enjoying it but Im 43. People usually start playing guitar when they are 10. I just listen to some music and think "yeah, no chance I'll ever play that" and get down.

Truthfully I've probably overachieved in my life. No idea how I got to where I am both personally and professionally. Just don't LIKE where I am tho.

Ah well, vent over.

Keep plugging away with the guitar mate if you’re enjoying it. The only thing stopping you from playing the music is you not your age.

 

[riddick]

Keep plugging away with the guitar mate if you’re enjoying it. The only thing stopping you from playing the music is you not your age.

The thought process in my head is that people in their 30s are at their peak and I would be in my 60s when that happens. Who the hell knows if Id even last that long.

The guitar part isnt the issue, just a part of it. I dunno. just venting which everyone should do from time to time.

 

[AmericasToffee]

The thought process in my head is that people in their 30s are at their peak and I would be in my 60s when that happens. Who the hell knows if Id even last that long.

The guitar part isnt the issue, just a part of it. I dunno. just venting which everyone should do from time to time.

Who cares how long it would last? You keep plugging and get there to find what makes you happy. Some people might never even approach that feeling of nirvana.