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Posted 1/19/2013 9:10 AM (GMT 0)
I realize I just posted regarding inspiration/motivation two days ago, after reading of the passing of one brother and another not doing well I wonder if anyone might be able to help. I don't know if the cold weather in Michigan has any bearing or physiological factors play part but I have just felt depressed the past couple of days. I don't drink or smoke and I really don't feel any drawing to do that, I just feel sad. Any advice?
Posted 1/19/2013 9:50 AM (GMT 0)
As a New Member to the Club. Being Positive is the Best Advice anyone can give, even from Across the Pond. 11 weeks post surgery I've had my moments of Doubt. Its maybe natural. But this Forum gives access to so much Sound Advice. Be Strong, Resolute, and Keep the Faith. You have a Lot of Support. Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery.
Posted 1/19/2013 10:07 AM (GMT 0)
Sometimes dark winter days make people feel bad without them even having things like PCa to worry about as well; there is often a dip in people's mood about a month after Christmas.
In my own case I read a lot of (funny) books, watched funny films or TV (and therefore also avoided serious drama etc). Drinking warm drinks helps (tea, coffee even hot chocolate) Okay I may be a Brit, but a cup of tea really does work if you ask me. And don't forget to eat plenty, and as with men who want to my the occasional donut, don't worry about eating a little bit of unhealthy food if it's something you really like. (I do probably eat too much choclate though)
And perhaps take comfort from the fact that you're not the only one who can have a bad day or a bad week or longer. The guys and gals at HW know about feeling glum be it first or second hand.

Alf
Posted 1/19/2013 10:50 AM (GMT 0)
If possible - try to get some direct sunlight exposure.

They even make indoor lights that help simulate sunlight which are suppose to do wonders for people this time a year.
Posted 1/19/2013 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I agree with Steve!  It has been cold here in Michigan and then there's that let down from the holidays.  If the depression continues, it would be good to check in with your doctor.  Wishing you the best Eaglekeeper!

Peace,

Aimzee

Posted 1/19/2013 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
If it continues, I would make an appt to see your Primary Dr and ask for them to test your Vitamin D levels. Could be as easy as taking a supplement, or you could just go to the health food store and start taking some extra Vitamin D. Should help to lift the blues!
Posted 1/19/2013 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Researchers who study the relationship between light exposure and mood call the mid-winter blues "Seasonal Affective Disorder." I have always thought that whoever came up with the term was making an ironic comment on pointless technical jargon since the acronym spells "SAD." But despite being a bit on the obvious side it s true that being in the dark all the time can get a man down. It helps to turn on brighter lights but what helps more is to get out where there are people doing things and the lights are on. Alf prescribed occasional junk food and I suspect he is right but will offer the addition that a doughnut eaten in a doughnut shop where there are people about is more therapeutic than a doughnut eaten sitting at home on your couch alone in the dark.

Alf's right about the tea, too. Tea has caffeine and theobromine, two mild stimulants that are also passable antidepressants. When my ass is dragging a cup of strong tea will often help me hoist it up off the ground to get on with my day. The problem with them is that their effects are temporary and occasional. The boost you get from a cup of tea only lasts a couple of hours and a second cup later in the day won't have the same effect. If you have clinical depression, which your doctor can diagnose, then caffeine won't help much.

As I was typing this my wife glanced over my shoulder and offered her suggestion which is to make plans about doing things you expect to enjoy -- make plans for what you will do when a friend or relative comes to visit, look for performers who are coming to your area who you can go see, plan a trip. To some extent this is the same as my "get out of the house and go where there are people" advice but she finds the planning to be helpful in itself since it takes her out of the moment and gives her something to look forward to.

There is a difference between sadness and depression. We have recently had a number of terribly sad stories here on the forum. It's normal to be sad. Depression is not so much about being sad as finding yourself unable to be happy. It is doing things that usually cheer you up and finding that they don't work any more -- a gray, leaden feeling that makes it difficult to do anything. That's when you should talk to your doctor. That can be treated.

For me I think my depression is a side effect of the hormone therapy. I have usually been pretty stable before even when life seemed to suck. But that doesn't matter. I talked to my doctor about it and he hooked me up with medicine that helps a lot. That plus the occasional cup of strong tea (two bags with milk) and I get by.
Posted 1/19/2013 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Many years ago I bought a little sprout of a tree and planted it. It was about a foot tall so it really wasn't anything big and strong. Birds would land on it and break its little branches but the little tree kept on coming back with more. I hit it with the lawn mower a couple times and it kept on coming back. Finally, I figured out that this little guy was telling me what life is all about so I moved the little tree to its own special spot in the back yard that I would see every time I looked out the kitchen window. Now that little twig is over 20 feet tall and a real inspiration to me. Sometimes great inspiration comes in a very ordinary package.
Posted 1/19/2013 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Eaglekeeper,

I have been there my brother for about 12 months and then one day
I turned happy again. I do not know why but it just happen. I have been on HT for the past 16 months and I am sure that played a role in my major depression. I have been walking at work during lunch time and my wife and I go to a water exercise class every Thursday night and I try to remain social with my family and friends. Try and stay positive! This is a long journey with bumps in the road!

I hope the best for you!

Dave
Posted 1/19/2013 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
I get bouts of depression from time to time. It is a natural to have that once in a while. Sometimes just sadness. Sometimes real clinical depression. Sometimes I confuse tired with depressed. Don't worry too much about it. However you should do something about it.

If I lived near you, I'd come over and take you out for a drink - beer, coffee, tea, whatever and just listen for awhile. Maybe you just need to find someone to share a drink with and BS for awhile. Talk about the sad and it will be lessened. (or write a really long post about. I'd read it).

The advice on light is very good. I find getting out into the sun light really helps as does walking - anything physical (just get the body moving). Going be hard for you to do that with short days and winter weather. Getting a full spectrum light will help. Is there a shopping mall you can get to? I don't mean go shopping but in a big mall you could walk around for an hour or so in the warm air. If you have gym membership a good workout will help.

There are times when I just decide to go with the depression for an afternoon and sit and watch old WWII movies, eat popcorn and drink tea. I'll tell my wife, "I am going to be depressed this afternoon." The trick is to not stay in the easy chair for the next three days. Sometimes we just get mentally, emotionally and physically tired. It's okay to give yourself a little room to rest body and soul.

Most often go out into my workshop and make things when I am depresses. It moves my body, part of the shop space gets full sunlight and I get to listen to my favorite music.

My doctor tells me that 80% of PC guys get some depression and some of those get clinically depressed which requires medication. So if the other stuff suggested here doesn't help, well by all means give the doc a call. Nothing wrong with asking for a bit of help.

Hang in there. Positive will come around again.
All the best,
Andrew
Posted 1/19/2013 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
i had to quit reading this forum for a couple of months at first and i also took anti-depressants.  but i also hooked up with a support group and i hung out more with my friends.

the advice to "think positive" sounds great but reminds me of "just say no".  i'm not sure about anyone else but i am wired the way i am.  i don't have an on and off switch or even a rheostat to control my thinking or emotions.

what works for me is to get into action because i know "whatever i focus on will grow".   change for me is a process, not an event.  for me it usually takes action and time.

ed 

Posted 1/19/2013 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the advice, it's all very helpful. I checked into an Ustoo membership locally but couldn't afford it. Just kidding. I haven't found one near me, I think they could really use one around here. I always thought the training that I received for POW survival and enemy evasion tactics in case we were shot down had come in handy in my personal life to overcome obstacles but this crap is kicking my butt. I told my wife I was going to the fitness center to work out which I normally do but I ended up at the library and now I'm at subway eating a veggie 12" on wheat and reading a great book I got for Christmas called Unbroken, I strongly recommend it. I am assessing my physical, mental and spiritual health and finding what resources I have available and concluding I'll be fine, 'just needed to vent. Thank you all for being so supportive to everyone here and you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Eagle
Posted 1/19/2013 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
I went through mild depression and post traumatic stress. I think many do.

I wouldn't shun it. It is what it is, and there is no stigma that should be attached to being depressed or sad.

I know working out always helps. Adventures also help a lot. I went on a year long adventure and still try to have trips every 2-3 months. For me walking and discovering new corners of urban cities in Europe is extremely therapeutic.

There is also medication, nothing wrong with that. I recently found I had very severe vitamin B and D deficiencies along with folic acid issues. once these were corrected both my attitude and energy level changed.

Winter days in suburbia are also a killer. Suburbia can be a drag for guys needing a little energy, optimism and excitement pumped into their daily routine.

I think the fact that you can discuss and verbalize all this is a great sign.
Posted 1/20/2013 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Eagle,
I think Michigan is worse than Wisconsin, but at least we have better beer..Seriously, a hot cup of tea and a "cat" on your lap will do wonders! The last month or so has been "rotten" with so many of our brothers having major problems so you aren't alone in feeling depressed..If a "cat" might be in your future it could make a major difference in your attitude..My old cat who has recently died used to sit in my lap while being stroked and my african gray parrot would sit on my shoulder at the same time while keeping an eye on the cat--really laughable..
If you can recall some memorable or pleasurable experiences you might want to write some "blogs" like Andrew and I have done..It does take your mind to a different plateau. Heck, write about your SERE experiences--I assume that you have some of Tony's genes in you so writing shouldn't be a problem..
If you are an "activist" or want to make a difference, write to your congressman or governor regarding the "recommendation" regardless of what your brother says--lol.
In any event, stay active and don't let the weather get to you--keep your wife happy!
Bill
Posted 1/20/2013 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
EAGLEKEEPER

Brother, lots of great advice provided by our brothers. But sounds like you yourself figured out you needed a break from your routine. Wise Move!

A dear friend in a email this week made mention of; sometimes we are fighting so hard to live, that we forget to live in the process.

Fight on yes - but don't forget to live each and every day. Our brother Sonny always says "Ever Day is a Bonus" - enjoy each and every day in every way you can.

I find to help get out of the dumps - lively music is great. I happen to like the old Motown stuff myself. Put on the Temptations and crank up the speakers - really hard to be depressed!

You will do fine EagleKeeper - hang in there brother.

Hugs

Bud

We will beat this crap

and

No one fights alone - we are here for you.
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