Tweet
Now why would anyone want to talk about depression on a survival forum? One reason is that between 33 and 35 million Americans deal with depression. Most likely there is someone on this forum that deals with it personally or has someone in their immediate family that is depressed. If that is the case, then you have probably asked yourself how this is going to affect things when TSHTF. Another reason is that we are supposed to contribute to this forum about the things we know about because it may help someone else. I have dealt with depression all my life. I am not a doctor and will not be speaking as such. I will be speaking from practical experience about the things that I have learned and hopefully may help someone else.
There are several types and many levels of depression. Some depressions are situational and will pass when the situation changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects a lot of people during this time of the year (myself included) due to a lack of sunlight and more gray cloudy days. Bright lighting and a mild anti-depressant usually helps for this. My particular depression is genetic and has to do with the brain not producing enough of a chemical that gives people the ability to cope with everyday life. I am not mentally ill, disturbed, psychotic or anything else that carries such negative conatations. These are the terms that keep people from getting help.
If you are dealing with depression and are not seeking help you should because it usually does not go away on it's own. The major problem with depression and overcoming it is that it attacks the very thing that you use to solve problems... your mind and thus your motivation. It's like taking the engine out of a car and then trying to drive the same car to the auto parts store to buy parts to rebuild the engine. To the one that is depressed it is a bottomless pit. It is a cage with bars that only they can see. We look at normal folks and we wonder how you do your daily task and cope with daily problem which to us seem massive. If you are getting help you already know that you have good days and bad days, even with medication. On the good days you should work your butt off to better understand and get the upper hand on your disease. You can do this through counseling, journaling, exercises, etc. On the bad days you dig your heels in, tie a knot in your rope and just try to maintain your ground. Dealing with depression is a "one day at a time" process. On some days it is a one hour at the time and even moments at a time. I highly recommend "to do" list and as much structure in your day as possible, this will help minimize frustration. In a survival situation you should have two plans: one, have as much medication as possible in stock; two, have a plan for coming off your medication by slowly decreasing your dossage should supplies run out and you are unable to get more. Do not come off your medication abbrutly. Also, you must start making plans for an alternative to your medication. For example; Some people respond well to the herb St. John's Wart, some to DHEA, or SAM-e. I'm not reccomending any of these things, you will have to make these decisions yourself. Do your research now, don't wait till the last minute. You must remember that you are not alone but literally millions struggle with you.
If you are not depressed but live with someone that is, I know how tough this is on you. Your hands are basically tied and you have done all that you know to do and you are frustrated beyond belief. It does no good to tell your depressed loved one to "snap out of it" because if they could have, they already would have. No one wants to be depressed or enjoys it. Patience has to be your mantra. You have to learn to listen and if the depression has been going on a long time you should consider a support group. You should also try to educate yourself as much as possible, this will help. I won't get into a religious discussion here but faith has helped me more than anything. I hope this post will be a help to someone. I will be glad to help in anyway that I can if anyone has questions. Thanks for your time.
Beebopcop :)
There are several types and many levels of depression. Some depressions are situational and will pass when the situation changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects a lot of people during this time of the year (myself included) due to a lack of sunlight and more gray cloudy days. Bright lighting and a mild anti-depressant usually helps for this. My particular depression is genetic and has to do with the brain not producing enough of a chemical that gives people the ability to cope with everyday life. I am not mentally ill, disturbed, psychotic or anything else that carries such negative conatations. These are the terms that keep people from getting help.
If you are dealing with depression and are not seeking help you should because it usually does not go away on it's own. The major problem with depression and overcoming it is that it attacks the very thing that you use to solve problems... your mind and thus your motivation. It's like taking the engine out of a car and then trying to drive the same car to the auto parts store to buy parts to rebuild the engine. To the one that is depressed it is a bottomless pit. It is a cage with bars that only they can see. We look at normal folks and we wonder how you do your daily task and cope with daily problem which to us seem massive. If you are getting help you already know that you have good days and bad days, even with medication. On the good days you should work your butt off to better understand and get the upper hand on your disease. You can do this through counseling, journaling, exercises, etc. On the bad days you dig your heels in, tie a knot in your rope and just try to maintain your ground. Dealing with depression is a "one day at a time" process. On some days it is a one hour at the time and even moments at a time. I highly recommend "to do" list and as much structure in your day as possible, this will help minimize frustration. In a survival situation you should have two plans: one, have as much medication as possible in stock; two, have a plan for coming off your medication by slowly decreasing your dossage should supplies run out and you are unable to get more. Do not come off your medication abbrutly. Also, you must start making plans for an alternative to your medication. For example; Some people respond well to the herb St. John's Wart, some to DHEA, or SAM-e. I'm not reccomending any of these things, you will have to make these decisions yourself. Do your research now, don't wait till the last minute. You must remember that you are not alone but literally millions struggle with you.
If you are not depressed but live with someone that is, I know how tough this is on you. Your hands are basically tied and you have done all that you know to do and you are frustrated beyond belief. It does no good to tell your depressed loved one to "snap out of it" because if they could have, they already would have. No one wants to be depressed or enjoys it. Patience has to be your mantra. You have to learn to listen and if the depression has been going on a long time you should consider a support group. You should also try to educate yourself as much as possible, this will help. I won't get into a religious discussion here but faith has helped me more than anything. I hope this post will be a help to someone. I will be glad to help in anyway that I can if anyone has questions. Thanks for your time.
Beebopcop :)
Comment