Depression and anxiety

Posted by eggsmint (169 days ago)

in the latter part of last year, i began to suspect i was suffering from depression and anxiety. i had the full support of friends and family who actually took it quite seriously. eventually, i sought help from a GP and got a prognosis of a year, with the necessary drugs. i was supposed to start looking into meditation when i spiraled downwards again after my disaster of a break up with an ignorant person who believed i was imagining my condition and that my doctor was a drug pusher and fraud. now the doctor has prolonged my prognosis and wants me to seek a counselor, saying that i am a 'crisis case' and needs immediate help. as a condition such as mine is not covered under insurance policies, are there any free counseling out there for people like me? i'm already spending a fortune on prescription drugs everyday to counter the chemical imbalance in my brain.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by ozcalgal (169 days ago)

Sorry to hear of your problems. I am and have been through the same thing. Try St Johns Counselling service, they should be able to help you and won't cost you a fortune. Goodluck, you sound like your Dr is taking good care of you and understands that these are serious conditions that need treatment.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by eggsmint (169 days ago)

yes. thank you very much. i will look into that immediately. not one day goes by now that i don't contemplate suicide. i desperately need a professional.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ausman (168 days ago)

Don't give up. I myself have been suffering this for the past 7 years after being bashed to near death on the streets of St Petersburg in Russia. Like yourself, this disease ended up costing me my 15 year marriage due to lack of understanding. Please do not give up, unfortunately I cannot reccommend anyone here in HK in terms of a counseler, but with the right meds and the right person to talk to, you can beat this! it is daily struggle, Do Not Give Into to It!!! if you wish to talk more in further detail, please do not hesitate to PM me. Please take care.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by eggsmint (168 days ago)

i have called the st. john's counseling service and they will set up an appointment as soon as possible. thank you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by yuhana (168 days ago)

hi sorry to hear about ur situation , u can go ahead with counseling as suggested by the good people here , but try to give sometime in the day to God (whatever religion u from) it will help surely , trust me..all the best..PM me if u need someone to talk too...br

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by abl (168 days ago)

Hi please know that you are not alone and I hope that the counselling works for you. I have suffered from anxiety attacks myself after a loss and although it may seem counter-intuitive, my personal experience is it helps tremendously if we help someone else. It helps to take the attention away from our own negative thoughts and keeps us occupied in a virtuous cycle. For example if you like animals or kids you can try volunteering some time towards these causes. For me after I started volunteer work the attacks just melted away.. It may not be the whole answer for everybody but it can surely help in some way. Here's hoping you get well soon!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by eggsmint (167 days ago)

i've always known that i wasn't alone and i've always believed that this was a real illness. but that doesn't stop ignorant people trying to convince you otherwise, especially when you are already having difficulty dealing with social issues. but i'm taking it one day at a time and i am grateful that my work is fulfilling and stimulating. i don't see when i will be fully recovered or if i ever will and that is a bit distressing. but everyday, i'm considering organizing a depression and anxiety anonymous group of some sort to help those like me. i'm just not sure how to go about it or if one even exists. people suffering depression and anxiety need to know that they are not alone.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by abl (167 days ago)

Yes it's not easy to imagine that we can get better when we are in the middle of it. But keep telling yourself that it is a temporary condition because everybody suffers from some kind of mental imbalance at some point in their lives and you are going to get out of it. Keep talking to supportive friends and family. Hopefully your counsellor can let you know where to get group therapy.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by chilled (167 days ago)

yes it is very hard to see light at the end of the tunnel when you are in the middle of it. You'd be surprised how many people suffers from depression these days, no matter where you are, so you are not alone there in that sense. Never give up hope. In my and people I know's experience it can take up to a year to recover. Find a good acupuncturist. Its not for everybody but it did help me come out of it a few years ago. Don't give up.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by FIFIB (167 days ago)

Hi,

Yes you are not alone. My problem started early this year. I was having chest discomfort so although I'm a young woman (early 30') I though I was having a heart attack, so every night I wanted to go to the hospital.

Then I was having tingling sensations and I thought I was having a stroke, it was everyday one or the other and having panic attacks in the street.

Not like screaming or crying but a lot of anxiety, I was from one doctor to the other and having all kind of tests done to rest assure me there was nothing phisically wrong with me.

I was taking Xanax twice a day to prevent the panic attacks

So eventually I end up with a psiquitrist and I'm on medication but what has helped me the most is daily exercise, 30 minutes running and sweating as much as you can bear. I became vegetarian and increased my social network.

I don't even know how this started, I'm happily married, have lovely kids, have a part time job that I like.

Now I'm taking only medication before going to bed, I have made great progress, no more panic attacks. I hope I can wean myself off medication in 1-2 months.

If you need someone to talk to send me a pm.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by eggsmint (167 days ago)

i so appreciate all the messages that i am receiving here and i know all of you want to make sure i am helped. my friends are concerned and try to call me every other day to check in on me. but even that, i accomplish with difficulty. i don't want to talk. and i don't know the answer to 'how are you today?' it's so hard.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by abl (167 days ago)

We all send our good wishes to you! You have to find some activity that will take your mind off "how are you today" since the answer is not going to be good for sometime. Whether it's meditation, exercise, volunteering or anything else that you enjoy and can get you to the next day and the next week, and before you know it, you will be surprised at how far you have come, but you have to start now..

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by rozza (167 days ago)

excercise is surprisingly effective in dealing with these issues. Please just try half an hours proper excercise every day for 1 week and if it doesn't work there is nothing lost, if it does work then just continue. I virtually guarantee you that you will feel better than you do now after a week. It is vital that you quit all smoking and any alcohol consumption as well.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by missmomo (167 days ago)

Hi Eggsmint,

I totally understand where you are coming from, especially when you said "an ignorant person who believed I was imagining my condition and that my doctor was a drug pusher and fraud". I went through the same thing, and am still facing it. Some people don't understand and don't bother to find information about the conditions before they voice their "brilliant" views and suggestions. They think you're making things up and tell you that plus that you should not be on medication (because you're only "imagining it" and medications are "bad for you".) They mostly do a great job at making you feel ashamed/ embarrassed for something you have no control over. I've been coping with this for years and now when I get a "I'm concerned about the meds you're taking/ the depression you 'say' you have/ just swing out of it" and etc., I cut the person off and tell him/ her to look up depression and anxiety before the conversation continues. It's rude, but it works. Don't let anyone make you feel $h!tter than you already do. I don't understand it either... if a person takes meds for a common cold, which a relatively healthy person can recover from naturally with time, rest, and plenty of fluid intake, people don't question it. When someone goes through chemo/ radiation/ removal surgery for cancer, they are "brave" and are "fighters". When people suffer from mental illnesses/ disorders, however, they are often labelled and discriminated against... and if they take medication for it, they are "weak" and are "making excuses".

You are doing the right thing by seeing a doctor, taking prescribed medicine, and seeking counsel.

In case you urgently need to talk to someone when no one is available or it's outside counsellors' office hours, you could call The Samaritans Hong Kong's hotline at 2896 0000 (non-religious and 24 hrs), their website is http://www.samaritans.org.hk . Another 24 hr hotline is Suicide Prevention Services at 2382 0000, website http://www.sps.org.hk . They will not ask for your personal info.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by andyny (166 days ago)

Try Lee Du Ploy. 9185 8755. He does different types of therapies and has been working in HK for many years in bigger practices. He's just begun his own centre in Central so should be very inexpensive.
For a calmer mind that you can be in more control of, you may also get in touch with Shakti Healing Circle on Wellington Street - 2521 5099. Stephen or Pervin can help you out.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mx (166 days ago)

I suffered the same previously. Thank G-d that my depression, anxiety, panic attacks,chrostophobic (I have had those) hasn't come back for 2 months now, such a nasty feeling. First I thought I had thyroid and heart problems but after some few tests I was fine physically. Like what FIFIB said Xanax really helps, but after doing some research about Xanax, our body/brain may develop a physical dependence on it within 4 weeks of daily use. so I stopped using it and went to another alternatives. I tried Hypnotism for only two sessions and it really works!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Thehillsarealive (165 days ago)

Mate- after my first panic attack I thought I was going mad. It was the worst thing ever. After talking to a few of my friends I realised it was pretty common. Maybe not as bad as I had it.. but definitely common. Ironically the thing that makes it worse is worrying about it. Three years on and after a year of meds, I feel fine and haven't looked back. Good luck and things do change.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ed (164 days ago)

Naming a person on the forums in a derogatory context will result in a ban. Please refrain from this

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by flashback (164 days ago)

When one realises that ultimately depression is the self turned against itself, then one finds the clue to recovery. Strong people fall victim to depression because they turn their enormous resources for self-analysis and perfection against themselves... give yourself a break! Try each day to do something nice for yourself. Talk to yourself like you are another person who you care about. Parent yourself... Tell yourself you deserve to be happy and that you are or will be soon. Over and over again. Do what makes you feel happy. Remember that it is you who is against yourself... and once you allow yourself to be happy, you can be. Believe me it works. It takes time, but you can and will overcome this, and learn to love and care for yourself on a day to day, minute by minute basis. You are wonderful. You must believe this. Each life is a miracle. Yours in no exception. Choose to live it happily.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by wellington (98 days ago)

Is depression a state of mind?
-----------------------------------
Since the last post some months ago, many people have phoned me and I was able to help.

There are a few things which medically one should check before embarking on the "journey" its helpfull to know..Go to have a blood and urine test,blood sugar levels and blood pressure is important.

In my experience people suffering from depression will have had all sorts of test to determine the problem,but if not go and have the routine tests, like blood and urine..

There is hope do not despair.

Take a second to digest what I say here and see if you feel better.



Sit comfortable and take a few minutes to regulate your breathing,just take your time,there is now where to rush to and you need to make time for you.I want you to "accept " this time,to fit it into your mind so that it becomes your time, your Zone.

Each time you feel some form of anxiety then go to the Zone or your space,the space that you have created just for you.

You don't need permission to go there and its all yours.

Implant this into you mind,you don't need any body's permission to go there and you can do so anytime it suits you.
Its your space and your time.

So if youre sitting comfortable.
In the middle of the chest is the Thymus gland , you fill find it by placing your pinkie and thumb on your nipples,now use your pointing finger to the middle of your chest.You need not be too accurate, now using all the fingers not the tumb, start gently tapping onto it.
You are tapping in a regular rythm ,its not importants what but regular helps.

Close your eyes, see if you can visualize your space by still tapping gently, see where you want to go.


I like lto use the analogy of being on my bike riding somewhere where I am safe and completely in control.I can steer my bike and ride with the wind in my hair and safely go to my"space" which in my case is the beach.

Still gently tapping and listenning to my breathing; I lie down on the warm sand ,the sea is near and I can hear the lapping of the waves.I am aware of the wind and gently sound of the trees.

I am complete safe and in control, in my zone.

Still tapping gently I say this your self" I am in a quiet zone ,its my place, I am safe and in control.

Put your hands on your lap and for the few minutes as you sit see if you can associate a colour with the peace that you find in your place.If the colour is intense then see if you can vary it,ie. make it lighter or darker.

You are stll sitting in your safe place,you are in control and nothing can harm you.THIS IS EXCLUSIVELY YOURTIME"

Once you see the colour, play a little with it; lets say its blue, you may want to increase the density while you think of the calmness of the sea;if its green with the grass etc.

You are still in your time and your space.

Sit quietly ,enjoy the peace and the control you have.

Think in terms of destiny and think of you controlling yours.

Anytime you want you can roll over,or move closer to the sea,you are in control,try to make this a physical thing,ie associate it with the fact that you can control what you do.

Once you have played with the colour and feel you are at peace with it,then try to find a number for the colour;its a little difficult to explain here but we are looking from one to ten a value of the colour of the intensity of the colour.

Lets say 8 is a dark blue, then a 4 would be a light blue and do on.

Try to find a formula for you to use, and try and make this a habit,do this each day.

In pshycological terms we are looking for you to become comfortable with your zone , a place that is all your own,that you can go to at specific times of you choosing over which you have total control and sellect only peace with in that zone or place.

There are many methods and techniques but all roads lead to Rome and you need to find the solution now, do not linger in the depths.


Please do not dispair,if you find what I had to say usefull and I can help, even for free then call me or get in touch.
lee.duploy@googlemail.com.
91858755

Finally now that you have created and have control over the zone use it anytime.
Let someone else push the elevator buttons,try to elimate as much onbvious stess from you life,walk more, eat more fruit ,become reasonable,become part of society,become what people use to like about you.
And don't believe material things will change your life in spite of the adverts promising free entry to the after life;they would say that would'nt they.

best of luck on your new journey.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by zandro (95 days ago)

hi there,

I suffered from anxiety and depression a couple of years back due to health worrying and had panic attacks most of the time.... which lead to a full blown nervous breakdown. Thankfully I was able to discover this website http://www.controllinganxiety.com/dsp_downloads.php which greatly helped me recover. It has the recording of Dr. Claire Weekes, it's for free so you could download it and listen to your ipod. Give it a shot, I hope it could help all those who are suffering out there on their way to full recovery.

zandro

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Savant (93 days ago)

We've had great results with the following www.TheReleaseEffect.com The whole family have done it and we can all see the results in each other. Best of luck.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Myke (88 days ago)

eggsmint (and anyone else on this thread) - PLEASE order and read the following book:

http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Fourth/dp/1572244135

Dont spend any money on anything until you have read this and read it ASAP. I had problems for 6 years earlier in my life and tried everything - finding this book was a godsend. Also, and as the book mentions, you are going to exercise quite a lot, that is a large party of recovery.

What does not kill you makes you stronger, once it is all behind you, you will find that you appreciate life more.

Also anyone having medications should read this book PLEASE.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by viper342 (84 days ago)

Find something you are interested in, either as a hobby or as a game. Playing bridge is a good way for pasting time......also to keep the mind clear and enjoy the company of friends. My therapy is mahjong. It really helps.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by HKXPatGal (76 days ago)

I had the same problem and I read all the books I could find on it, it helper a little but not enough - finally I went to seek help. I highly recommend Nikki Green at www.healthierrelationships.com she helped me get out from under depression (with no drugs) and also got my marriage back on track which was suffering a lot due to my depression - she is also a sex and marriage therapist and I think I would have certainly lost my husband if it wasn't for her help. Good luck and remember there is hope.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by annie roger (68 days ago)

I suffered something similar and I worked with Anisa at the Vitality Center: www.vitalitycenter.com.hk, She is a Kinesiologist and it helps with going to the root cause and addressing the underlying issues. I'm more empowered person than ever before, give her a call and see if she can give you a free 20mt consultation, Good Luck

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Jupiter105 (68 days ago)

I second HKXpatgal's comments on Nikki Green

She is a fantastic therapist and one that I would highly recommend for any anxiety, relationship or general issues

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Suzhen (45 days ago)

I have a brother that used to suffer from depression and he is okay now with family and a cute looking kid! Just to share something with you all:

"In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all and it often comes with bitter agony. Perfect relief is not possible except with time. You cannot now believe that you will ever feel better. But this is not true. You are sure to be happy again. Knowing this and truly believing it will make you less miserable now. I have had enough experience to make this statement" Abraham Lincoln

Dont Give Up! It doesnt matter how slow you go as long as you dont stop!

Cheers & Good day

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by timtsoi (38 days ago)

hi eggsmint
Stand up to battle the feelings
You have got what it takes to be strong
Look at all the loving people who are concerned for you
No tablet is gonna give you the strength that you can muster up yourself
Do not fear the suffering
You will come out stronger
I have been there too......
Much as every one love and encourage you
Be COURAGEOUS and be STRONG
Advance ahead and face the difficulties, you will come out better than before
Remember YOU HAVE GOT WHAT IT TAKES be strong, you can do it well.
now leave the computer and do what you need to do for yourself
GREEN FOR GO

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by omigod (23 days ago)

try pet therapy

http://www.holisticonline.com/stress/stress_pet-therapy.htm

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Raydoggy (21 days ago)

We've had great results with the following www.TheReleaseEffect.com The whole family have done it and we can all see the results in each other. Best of luck.

(I am based in Hong Kong)