WAAAAAYYYYYYY the F off topic... any HAMBers suffer from depression and anxiety???

Hey Mike... have you ever had a "full panel" run on your blood to see how all of your hormone levels are?

I was going through a lot of issues myself... depression, anxiety, severe mood swings, hot flashes, lack of drive, lack of energy, etc...

After a year worth of getting poked, prodded, and tested... it turns out that my pituitary gland isn't producing any luteinizing hormone, which in turn means "the boys" aren't producing any testosterone.

My doctor politely explained that with the way my levels were, I'd basically feel like a woman on her period, ALL THE TIME!

Anyway, I've been trying several different treatments, and we still haven't figured out the exact dosage and frequency that my body needs, but holy ****... what a diference it makes! I haven't felt this GOOD since I was a kid.

...and, I get to be the straight edge kid on steroids!

 

work in a factory. can feel a bit closterphobic at times. not worried much about the folks who do not understand. i know there are people who do.

 

KB, I can wholehartedly see and know what your going through. I had always been labeled a hot head and my "friends" just ***umed that's what I was. My wife, bless her heart, made me go to the Doctor and I got some "magic" pills thast really changed my outlook and my at***ude. Hell, I wasn't even aware that I was changing, just surprised that I didn't get so outta shape as much. Thought I was just maturing, hah! No side effects and no problems, just a very happy person now that really enjoys life and above all other people and their feelings. And for some of you, if you think this is the wrong place to share your short comings with your fellow bros, then you can just KISS MY cheek cause I'm a lover now, not a fighter. Hang in there buddy, believe my your doctor CAN help you with the stress.

 

Yeah egg shells seems to be popular female jargon. Since I've changed my at***ude, I've seen a 180 degree turn around in our relationship. Takes a lot of hard work, and constant vigilance, but i came to the realization that I'm very blessed and have too much to lose. I'm trying to spend a little less time at work and a little more time with her and my daughter.

 

Dont know what your take on religion is and this is in no means trying to preach to you.But.... My take on it is I let it all ride with the Lord's guidance. I know that that might not change anything visually right away but being born again 5 yrs back, I could tell you that my life has changed dramatically for the better. Not because of any amount of money or things I have aquired but the quality of my life. The relationship with my wife and kids, and most important of all my relationship with God.

Building my car taught me patience which I never had and giving trust to a higher power controlled my wreckless anger. I will be praying that you meet your intended goals on what looks like to become a better person. I commend you for bringing it to this forum, I can only hope that you give this suggestion a second glance.

 

thank you. thank you all. i great bunch of folks you are indeed. off to bed i go. a better day i hope i wake up to later...

 

I read your post, Kustombuilder, and I felt compelled to throw in my ten cents worth. As you can see with the number of positive responses you received, you are not alone with this stuff. I have been down the same road ... and I'm here to tell you that you can control it. Always remember the good things that are in your life and let the unpleasant stuff "roll off your back." Above all, always know that you make a difference in other's lives. Hell, look at the responses you received from guys you never met face to face. You reached to these folks (myself included) and they felt compelled to reach back.

Yea, my friend you matter. Work at keeping things in a proper perspective and when things get a little heavy, just remember you really do have people who care.

 

I've done meds-prescribed and self prescribed. The thing you have to ask yourself is: Am I depressed about something that is perfectly normal to be depressed about? I tried Zoloft for about a year, but realized I had some real **** that was bothering and meds wouldn't make it go away. I had to make some decisions and they weren't easy.
Our society makes people feel wrong for feeling bad and calls them 'emo' and 'pussies' and ****-it's just wrong. Sometimes you have legitmate **** to feel bad about and that's ok. You need to worry though if you feel that way all the time for no reason, even when things are going well. Take an inventory of your life situation and go from there- if everything is functioning, and I mean really functioning (don't ******** yourself), you might want to talk to a doctor.

 

It's very common for above average creative and/or intelligent people to suffer from these symptoms. Even more so than average folks deal with as well.

I often think it's the 'reward' for having all the insights into things that are normally concealed in everyday life, simply to make life flow easier.

It actually helps to realize that you can only ever treat these symptoms. - They will never completely disappear.
It helps to realize that the best situation in life you can be in, can only be obtained by you alone.
We often get frustrated, even depressed because we believe that everybody else has it easier and better than us and that we are so odd and different.
It's too easy to feel sorry for oneself, so we all fall into that hole more often than we would like to admit.
Reality is that everybody has more or less the same feelings and it's all RELATIVE.
It's only a problem if it affects our lives in disabling and in extreme cases paralyzing ways. When we can't even feel happy about the things we normally love to do.

Meds only cover the symptoms, but never help with the inner imbalance.
Finding that balance in your life - defining what the things are you love and dislike helps putting the weight onto the side that needs it to stay in balance.
Life is in many ways like a tight rope walk, for everybody.
How easy it is when you got a large pole to lean on and can walk forward with a clear goal ahead and with a determined mind with only little fear or worries.
Trick is to build yourself that pole, make yourself a goal that is a challenge but you can envision getting there.
You want to build momentum in your life in the direction that you know intuitively is the right one.
That way, whatever comes along the way can be dealt with a hell of a lot easier.
Heck you may even end up enjoying the journey everyone of us has in life.

Remember- Life only comes around once. And it's plenty long to make it more than worthwhile.

 

Thanks for tuning in to the all new, kinder, gentler H.A.M.B.- And now... back to our regularly scheduled programming... -Betruger-

 

If your current meds aren't working for you go back to the doctor. There are about 30 different anti-depressants/ mood modifiers out there and the prescriptions are usually done by trial and error.
Sounds like it might be time to try something different.
Take it easy,
Flatman

 

Hey Kustombuilder, I say screw the idiot that's *****in' about your thread. If we were standing around the shop working on hot rods, I can tell you that the topic would come up if your a**** good friends. Good friends don't flake and such but, will try to help you out. I say it's a combination of things. 1) Get to another doctor. A lot of people are afraid to change doctors but it can make a world of difference. Tell them straight up how you feel. Get the blood work done to include the hormone study. I just went through the same thing and now take a daily for it and feel like a new man. Don't let macho get in the way of feeling good. Then, when the stress is too much, just pray to God and tell him that you can't handle it and your putting in his hands. This alone will lift a ton of weight off your shoulders. Then, give it a while. You didn't get here overnight so it's going to take awhile to change things. I hope it works out good for you and your back on here with another awesome build. Remember, if you don't take care of yourself, no one else will. Good luck!

 

i work with at least 3 individuals who are on anti-depressants and they are absolute bears to deal with...one especially. im thinking they havent got his meds moderated enough to work right. hes inconsistent about coming in (especially if we depend on him to show), once hes into a job he runs roughshod into it (not good in a nuke power plant), and then wants to get back to the shop to sit on his *** and sleep the rest of the night.
several times hes cussed individuals because they irritated him over the slightest things including security, and is continually looking for ways to not do his damn job, whines about what work hes been ***igned to do and who he has to do it with etc etc. i liked him much better before he was on meds, at least he had an even temper...maybe depressed most the time, but he never did anything crazy.
id do what someone else suggested and get an endocrenologist to do a full work up on your hormones and body chemistry before id ever consider long term use of anti-depressants. youd just be swapping highs and lows all over again i believe. hope you get some help.

 

Ya ain't alone man........an OUTKAST a**** outkasts........

 

If you don't have pets yet - you must get one today !

My dogs are the main reason for the good times in my life.
Caring for animals and having them love you back unconditionally is priceless and no medication can give you that!

Nature, Animals, unprocessed diet ..... duh - humans survived and thrived that way for milleniae....!
Modern life and especially constricted and limited city dwelling has created the need for modern psycho ****ysis and our beloved billion $$ profit pharmaceutical industry.

Unless you have a severe case of depression, stay away from chemicals - it doesn't cure anything, just keeps you sick, buy more meds and instead makes others more wealthy and gives them a job.
I can't stand shrinks - it's in their professional interest to keep you sick and come back for more treatment !
They just put a blanket over your head and make you run around narcotized, like an un-dead drug addict. Ask those what they think about their lives.

Drugs take away any chance of your brains capability to be happy by itself. A shrink who doesn't tell you that is worthless.

The brain is like a muscle - it needs work out and exercise and periods of rest, stimulation, etc....
You can train your brain to react how you want under certain conditions and also to be happy.

Nobody said it is easy..... just harder for some.
I just love the rewards you get, if you hang in there and spend more time working on yourself sometimes.


My favorite line I created, coming from the hardest time of my life is:
SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOT TO JUMP OVER YOUR OWN SHADOW !

 

You need to read "A Remarkable Medicine Has Been Overlooked" by Jack Dreyfus. It deals with the drug Phenytoin a.k.a. Dilantin (brand name) that is described as a Bioelectrical Modulater. Really good information. Good luck, David.

 

Hey KustomBuilder, I just got back from the doc today , and my blood pressure is finally about normal. I'm always looking for something to take out the stress and bad karma. For about 15 years I went without T.V., that worked pretty good, until the kids about killed me wanting the internet and what not. I got rid of the telephone, I still don't have one, kids and the wife can't live without it, so they got theirs. I stay away from malls, churches, weddings , funerals, but I don't get stressed being at car shows with my kind of people.Being around car people and the HAMB has helped pretty good.
I use to think having good ***** all the time would help, it helps , but the stress creeps back in. Ever since about 1975 or so, I would grow and smoke my own weed, and that helps as long as I stay high all day long. You can't keep that up, at 47 years old , I can't do that like I was younger, so thats not something you can count on.
So now, other than a occasional joint, don't drink, me and my wife try to walk at least 2 miles every other day, and try to eat right. Those two things have helped more than anything else. I'm kinda of a old hippie so prescription anti-deppresants aren't the thing for me.
So far this is working. A good dose of Robin Williams or George Carlin humor helps too. If your laughing, you ain't crying.

 

<P>just rub one out.</P>

 

I guess I,m the lucky one...I really don,t give a **** anymore about anything. If something comes up I just deal with it the best I can. I,ve lost so many family members that I,m numb to it. I come home from work, have a few beers in the solitude of my back deck and feed my wild animals which soothes me.My wife doesn,t understand why I don,t get emotional anymore....it really doesn,t change anything in the long run. All we can do is the best we can,if that isn,t good enough then **** it.

 

Kustombuilder I'm not versed enough to give advice, but I want to say that I do understand.

 

Sent ya a PM Kustom.. I'll tell the rest of the guys here some of what I told you. I worked in a factory 16 years ago and started having major anxiety. My doc prescribed a med called "Clonezepam" which is the same family of Valium, Ativan etc (They are called Benzodiazpines". Well, the ****er didn't tell me how addictive these meds are and that you should only be on them 6 weeks MAX. Well 7 years later I get what's called "Tolerance Withdrawl" where my brain decides it needs more. I wouldn't give in and went thru a year of pure HELL with withdrawl WORSE than most street drugs. The big problem with this type of withdrawl is people think they have a new health problem and get MORE pills to deal with it. Six years after being completely off these drugs I still have withdrawl symptoms from time to time (dizzy, insomnia, dry mouth, the shakes etc). If you can deal with it in a natural way (therapy, excersise etc) and perhaps get out of the factory you'll be better off. As for depression- a natural remedy called Sam-E works well for people with severe depression.
Old cars are great therapy too! Too bad I can't get a prescription for one of those then maybe my health coverage would pay for it!
Todd

 

Amen and what he said!!!!

**** out on the chopping block?

Boy can I relate.....Here is mine out on the block too....feeling a bit uneasy to let this info out but if it helps at least one person out there so be it....I'm sure someone out there is going through the same thing just hasn't reached out yet

I have never been "mainstream", don't know why, severe depression at every corner, sometimes I feel the funk coming on sometimes it hits me so hard I can get those old "live hard and leave a pretty corpse" feelings. I have been diagnosed with OCD, clinical depression and anti-social personality disorder in my past. I took pills...lotsa pills, some to self medicate to escape my demons and then when that didn't work I went to a Psychiatrist, a mental health counselor, and a Psychologist all working as a team to "Help" me and of course giving me a whole new batch of prescription meds. I felt like ****, I couldn't control my surroundings (Part of my Mental Disorder Stew). I went through a divorce, lost a younger brother due to an accidental drowning, lost job after job (good paying machinist jobs) due to my self induced stress level, inability to control my temper, extreme violent outburst,and still ended up doing jailtime. Nothing like hands and legs shackled together standing infront of a judge and STILL thinking your a bad***

I was in my 3rd day of solitary confinement in a jail cell with no windows (I knew it was my third day because I counted my meals because "the Man" wasn't going to trick me...paranoia too!) when I had what would could be cl***ified as an anxiety attack.... full blown, pale, sweats, palpitations etc. The nice staff in the jail thought I was pulling some kind of stunt and chose to ignore me.....I think I went into what some would call a nervous breakdown soon after that point....hallucinations of being visited by dead relatives that didn't say anything to me but I knew they were there to calm me down. A quick weekend trip to the local psych hospital and extensive testing showed that I had no organic reason for my behavior, no brain tumor, no bad childhood....I was just an ***hole.

I decided I needed a change. I tried to find my own way out of my own hell. I knew meds were making me foggy and actually that sensation triggered more issues than it helped alleviate. I quit all meds cold turkey (something I do not recommend by the way but that is another story)

It took a LOOOONG time...years.... but I think I did it...I still get angry, mad, sad and depressed...these are all natural moods we all have.....I just make strategic "pitstops" when I feel a change in mood coming on. I make these pitstops so that my moods do not go to the extreme.

You punched an electrical box...I did a good job on a steel door once, and another time with a refrig...damn if I didn't break a finger on that one.

Reaching out was almost an impossible task for me....I felt as if I was giving in to the system, admitting I was mentally defective....still kinda gives me a lump in the thoat even when I type it.

The best advice I have read so far is, "If you cant control it, let it go" trying to control the uncontrollable will drive you mad/insane or any othr adjective you'd like to insert here!!!!!

As a glimpse into what I'm like now...I still deal with depression, I can control how I feel though and People do not make me feel a certain way....only I make myself feel a certain way. Jimmy down the street can piss me off if only I choose to be pissed off.

I work a job now where I see MANY psych issues from simple acute depression to full blown multi psych disorders. I see years of untreated/diagnosed psych issues taking there toll on physical health as well as years of powerful psych meds doing physical damage too. From what I see the untreated are declining at a faster rate than the treated but this is only my perspective from my world...not medical fact.

My job is 10-100 times (depending on the day) more stressful than any other job that I have ever had. I'm known as that level headed guy that is so calm and cool, never gets angry. I'm thankful that's how I appear because these are medical professionals, Doctors, Nurses and Social Workers that I see every day. I had to p*** a personality test, background checks (some explaining came along with that) to become employed, I have seen a counselor to try to see my daughter per my ex's request and was told by the counselor that she felt she may be seeing the wrong parent (That felt so good to hear that)

I'm a registered Nurse in an ER.

I remarried, my wife has heard stories and 9 years later she still says she just doesn't see it in me. I have a 2 1/2 year old that always wants to be with daddy....guess I can't be that bad.

Find a plan that works for you....don't think that everyone else got help by going to doctor X or because they took medication Y that it will work for you. We are all different and have different triggers, find your triggers and modify them.

I hated those 12 step programs...they weren't for me. But some of those steps do have merit.

The Hokey one...the first step in fixing your problem...is realizing you have a problem.

Hate to admit it but it's true...but I prefer to reword it so that it doesn't give you the negative vibe of "You have a problem" and try to put a more positive spin to it such as, "You can't help someone that doesn't want to be helped."

I think you are there from what I've read.

I take mental pitstops when one of my tiggers gets hit.

When I do my mental pitstops I ask myself if getting all worked up is really going to be worth the aggravation, will it accomplish anything or make me look like an ***hat? Kinda like taking a time out to "pick and choose your battles" can you realistically control the outcomes? Do you really NEED to control the outcome or do you just WANT to control it for the sake of contolling it.

When I ponder for a second or two (maybe hours or days too) people do not know what's going on in my/your head and if you remain calm they think your insightful, logical, a thinker, calm....anything but an ***hat Explode and they jump to the conclusion you're an ***hat, tempermental, not right in the head etc....even if you were 100% right the whole time....They process the reactions not the issuse.

Believe me Those Mental pitstops were the hardest thing for me to do at first because my first reaction usually ALWAYS involved seeing red and a mouth or fists flying before I could even entertain the idea of a thought!!!!!

With time they become easier, come faster, and as with experience when dealing with anything in life have a way more predictable outcome.

Don't get me wrong and think that I think you should become a big soft ***** in life.

You do something to affect me being able to support my wife/kid and look out...I'll put up a damn good logical fight that will stand up in a court of law...I only hope that the other person acts irrational to further support my case

 

Keep your head up homie, you got friends youve never even met.

Like me!

 

Seems to me that this statement alone has you thinking in the right direction.

Now go find professional help so you can spend more time with your buds on the HAMB. We are all behind you.

Jim

 

I really respect you for starting this topic. If anything posted helps you, great. And I feel this post will help a lot more people which may or may not reply.
Me included.

Thanks again,
Duke

 

First of all any of you ****s that read the ***le of this thread and still pitch a ***** even though you see it says OT...**** off . Mike buck up man you got a good job good car building skills and good freinds. If there is anything I can do for you let me know. Pat

 

why is that funny?

 

Do not try to control the uncontrollable. Something I need to ponder.

 

Hey Man,

This took allot of guts to create this post. Specially the way folks flame other folks on these message boards. You've got my ultimate respect and support, if I can be of any help!

I've had my run-in's with anxiety (runs in both sides of my family), and depression… and I'm here to tell you that they both can be controlled to the point that you can function, and enjoy your life.

Stay Cool!

 

why don't you, and the others who have nothing constructive to add, just SHUT THE **** UP?!

"we" tolerate all the posts wishing for prayers for dead dogs and grandmas and newborn rugrats, nobody is cr*** enough to say anything bad in those threads...mike is having some serious problems, and turned to his friends for help, it takes some balls to come out with this.


that said, mike, i don't know what to say, but i understand and feel for ya, man. the best i can say, is to explore all treatment options, nothing works for everybody, some swear by prescription(or non-prescription) drugs, they turn others into zombies. psychotherapy is probably the most important treatment to consider, find what works for you, either a trained the******, or good friends who will listen. just talking about things can do wonders.
'
you can add me to the list of friends you never knew you had, if you ever need a ready ear or whatever, we're here for ya.