Last night on PBS there was an interesting documentary on depression that examined some of the underlying brain chemistry that’s often involved, and talked to many different people suffering with some form of the disorder, from mild to severe. A lot of it was fairly grim but overall I found it quite hopeful. I’ve been using alternative methods – St. John’s Wort, social support, and lots of exercise – the last six months or so for my own occasional low moods, but to be honest about twice a week I still think about going back on prozac. I do fine without it but 2008 so far has definitely been a tougher year than last and some of it is no doubt because I’m not on the pills. It would be so nice to do it without the meds, but I still may go back on them.
If you’re interested in the subject PBS actually has the entire show online here.
Also a shorter preview here.
They also talked to Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon, which is one of the best books on the subject that I’ve read. He suffered a very severe case several years ago and I was amazed to see the number of different pills he takes everyday to keep himself together.
I know depression is not anything to be taken lightly. I thank God every day that I am not afflicted with this terrible and frightening disorder. I had a very close friend of the family, I’d known her since childhood and never had a clue, kill herself in a low moment. Isn’t a day I wish she wasn’t back and somehow I knew. I understand it isn’t about encouraging words or any of that, but you still wonder if maybe a few more comments about her worth to me as a friend and human being might have helped. So anyway Sandra, I pray for relief, and that you find a way without the meds. My friend was off hers when she committed suicide so please be careful. And again I know it’s really not about affirming statements, it’s deeper and often chemical, still I want to tell you I think you are an incredibly together person, in the way you live and conduct your life, and in the inspiration you have given to me and I’m sure other trannies who love to be in trouble. Take care and God Bless you
I watched a part of that special. It was kinda like being back in my OCD group watching everybody telling stories far worse than your own (at least that’s how I felt). I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve been off the meds for nearly 3 years but it’s not easy sometimes. Being a cd, and being into bondage has caused me all kinds of anxieties and low moods at times. Mostly from inactivity and feeling left out. But there always seems to be some type of support when you least expect it right around the corner. Hang in there Sandra. When you have friends who understand where you’re coming from it really helps. Anytime you want to contact ol’ Andre whenever you’re feeling low is no problem.
-Andre
I have a family history of depression and while I was in the service I was introduced to the study of meditation , I was skeptical at first but after making a consorted effort I do believe it works for me ,, drop me a line if you would like to discuss this further I am no authority by no stretch of the imagination but I know what worked for me ,, be well
Hi Sandra,
I remember leaving you a comment about 2 months ago regarding another of your posts about depression.
You really should be extremely proud of getting through 2008 (and we’re almost half way through the year already!) without the aid of meds.
It shows great determination and will power, both of which are traits that depression usually dulls. So I think this is a sign that you’re on the way to getting towards a ‘normal’ mental well-being.
Well done girl and keep going! And I think your crossdressing/damself in destress lifestyle is an ideal therapy, because it’s complete escapism from the humdrum of day to day life.
Always feel free to email me, your supportive friend (and fellow depression battler) in the UK,
Boy in eyeliner :)
I’m not generally speaking, depressed but suffer from low self esteem, anxiety attacks and irritable bowel. So they had me try zoloft, prozac and a couple others. They didn’t help the panic attacks or the irritable bowel so I stopped taking them. I just discovered Celexa which quite ironically is usually only prescribed to women. I was also prescribed wellbutrin but didn’t help my symptoms but quite serendipitously, it really helps me lose weight. I’m not overweight but my bowel and the pictures I take are both happier if I keep the weight down as much as possible. Bondage trannies I’m quite sure have many more problems then non bondage trannies or non trannie bondage lovers. Living with such little support or understanding can’t be good for you. Thank goodness there are blogs and forums where you can get support. xxxooo BB
Thanks so much, everyone, for all the supportive and understanding comments. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share. I sometime feel wary about talking about my moods or anything like that because of the stigma of such things, but then whenever I do usually I hear from lots of other people dealing with similar things. So it’s always nice to know we’re not all alone out there…
Anyway, just getting ready for a shoot tomorrow, and I’ve been out of town for a few days with my good friend K. from Colorado, doing some nature visiting, but I’ll try to do some more blogging in the next few days. :-)