Depression part 2

ScoobyChris · 03-10-2007, 09:13

I didn't want to hijack Mike's thread but some of the posts raised some interesting questions that I thought might be worthy of another thread. It occurs to me that there appears to be a lot of (unlikely?) people suffering depression these days and it got me thinking.

Is it because it's a recognised illness? Because it's a good way to get a couple of weeks off work? Is it a lifestyle change (less exercise more free time?)? Is it our current economic climate with people borrowing beyond their means to keep up with the Jones'? Is it the current gloomy weather? Is it "contagious"? Do other countries have similar levels of depression?

Discuss....

Chris

***ncarring*** · 03-10-2007, 09:16

SAD is a recognised syndrome, and it's that time of year.

People in Britain work the longest hours in Europe.

Depression is recognised now, whereas people used to just "get on with it" for better or worse.

And, I'm sure, a few more.

TeflonTom · 03-10-2007, 09:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyChris

Is it "contagious"?

i think to a certain extent, one persons feelings or emotions can affect sombody else, for example, if your partner is very depressed, thier actions and moods can also make you very down too

swedishskoda · 03-10-2007, 09:33

Good topic. Yes, other (European) countries have high or even higher levels of mental illness and depression is the most common one (and the one that dominates). I think Sweden tops the list, followed by Norway and the Netherlands.

In Sweden depression is often linked to exhaustion ("burnout") and stress, especially work-related. But of course you cannot just isolate work from the rest of your life.

In my opinion there are probably a lot of factors to consider. ScoobyChris has mentioned a few, I think that they all have something to do with it. Lifestyle, yes, but how free is our "free" time? Do we not all share a feeling that ther are a lot of "oughts" that we should have done (more active in various clubs, more time with our kids, taking part in their activities, raising money for their football clubs and so on).
Working life has changed a lot too if we compare with our parents/grandparents back in the 50's or 60's. We cannot be certain that our job or the firm we work for is still there six months from now. Everything is to be done quicker and cheaper and if you can't "deliver" there's someone else to take your place.

No wonder people gets exhausted. And it is just too easy to think that everyone else somehow cope with all these demands. Ergo I must be a loser. And depression waits just round the corner.

This is not the whole story, far from it, but it's a part I think.

mdk1 · 03-10-2007, 12:08

My doctor said more people are suffering now due to the fact people are working longer and not having spare "me time" just to chill out. Myself I normally start work at 4.45am, so up at 4am. Finish work at 3pm which gives me 10min to get round the school to pick my girls up while Lynz does her 9-5 job. by the time we eat dinner help the girls with there clubs "taxi" we don't get to relax until about 8pm, by 9pm it's time for bed.
How do your days go?

cheezemonkhai · 03-10-2007, 12:57

I would agree that the modern way of life leaves very little time for relaxation.

BobTHEDOG · 03-10-2007, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdk1

My doctor said more people are suffering now due to the fact people are working longer and not having spare "me time" just to chill out. Myself I normally start work at 4.45am, so up at 4am. Finish work at 3pm which gives me 10min to get round the school to pick my girls up while Lynz does her 9-5 job. by the time we eat dinner help the girls with there clubs "taxi" we don't get to relax until about 8pm, by 9pm it's time for bed.
How do your days go?

Good god Mike............. Those are terrible hours to work (your not a burglar are you ? ).
Sounds like all bed and work for you mate.

I WORKED 12HR SHIFTS FOR 18YRS, BUT NOW DO 39HR A WEEK DAYS MON-FRI.
less money but better quality of life ! .

But when the kids are young you just gotta do it I guess.

Mr Grumpy · 03-10-2007, 13:07

To be honest, I work as little as possible, and only do overtime when it suits me.
I suppose I am lucky, in finding my job, although stressful, easy.
I am lucky in being able to communicate and sympathise/empathise with my staff, and coming off the 'shop floor' so to speak, I can and do do their job as well, hence I get on well with them.
My senior managers appreciate this as well, and to a large degree leave me to get on with the job instead of interfering
I tend not to worry too much about anything really.
I suppose I am one of the lucky ones

Lynny · 03-10-2007, 13:50

Not sure if this belongs in here or nextdoor but ....

I am in full agreement that there is increased pressure on folks today and personnaly was only able to see that my problems where solvable (and unnessary) during a spell in hospital.

It took the fact that i was admitted 4 times in 3 months, doubled over in pain, with a ropey kidney complaint that was brought on by stress to finally take my foot of the pedal for long enough to realise that relaxation is important.

No doubt that some people are not as lucky as me, to have an amazing support network of friends and family, but the message does need to be hammered home THINGS ARE RARELY AS BAD AS YOU IMAGINE. and even if it is there us help all around.

Just being able to just sit and be is the greatest skill i have learnt in my 28 years and it's one l don't get to hone quite as much as i would like.

It's we all learnt to stop and smell the flowers, this isn't a run through and like a cheesey movie theme - I don't wanna miss a thing!!!

L
xx

pixi · 03-10-2007, 16:03

Social factors can contribute to a reactive depression, chemical factors can also have an influence on depression aswell as genetic factors.

That's my input on this one, short and sweet.

We all get down from time to time, it's normal but depression is diagnosed by a professional.

devonutopia · 03-10-2007, 16:17

I feel that lifestyle plays a big part. I feel privileged to live where I do, work where I do and with whom, have a sociable life (fairly), good prospects, not much money - that would normally be negative but actually for me and my "way" It's not. have a reasonable car that I enjoy.

All the above basically means I'm not often

to any great degree. The worst things which might push me are combining revising for exams with an 8.30 to 5 job. But the job being what it is, helps me with the work outside the job, and the people there also help. Have a great bunch of colleagues who will all help me out - from fellow students to the firm's partners.

Also, any issues with the car (such as recent worries over the clutch pedal breaking, etc) tend to affect me more. I actually got a bad stomach from the tension during the clutch incident.

Never had that with revision worries.

soviet · 03-10-2007, 18:12

robb06210 · 03-10-2007, 21:44

After five years working as a Techie/Trainer I think I've just worn myself out by thinking up last minute solutions to difficult problems and having to listen to people tell me that there computer working again is more important than anything else

Added to the mix my Dad being diagnosed with cancer (his chemo is going well btw) I think I've done well to hold it together so long... I've got no idea what's getting me down... but I just feel glum all the time.

I'd never use stress as an excuse to get off work... but the way things are I think that may be likely unless things change!

Talking about it helps a little though

Kaiserb_uk · 03-10-2007, 21:55

Depression isn't just feeling a bit glum, anxiety plays a huge part (at least in my life). It's very easy to crawl into your shell and ruminate on trivial events and matters until everything no matter how small becomes a huge mountain. Perhaps society is breeding this isolation, perhaps our relatively 'easy' lives in this day and age mean we have time to worry about stuff?

Perhaps it's my mouth full of mercury amalgam which I've had since I was about 8 which is slowly poisoning my brain?

matchmaker · 03-10-2007, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by devonutopia

I feel that lifestyle plays a big part. I feel privileged to live where I do, work where I do and with whom, have a sociable life (fairly), good prospects, not much money - that would normally be negative but actually for me and my "way" It's not. have a reasonable car that I enjoy.

I lived in a beautiful part of Scotland, had a job I loved, a lovely house, drove a 24v Senator CD, had lots of friends and was earning a fairly substantial sum.

Still came down with depression and lost the lot. All in my genes, I think

**robmawer** · 03-10-2007, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezemonkhai

I would agree that the modern way of life leaves very little time for relaxation.

When has it ever?
Looking back over the last two hundred years we have:
1. Social security services that prevent serious poverty (slums, etc.). If you're out of a job you won't starve.
2. Good working conditions - a strong health and safety culture means the majority do not work in unnecessarily dangerous or harmful conditions.
3. Minimum wage means you won't get totally expoited by your employer.
4. The majority of full-time employees expect (and received) at least 20 days paid holiday, and work hours are regulated.
5. Food storage and technology has resulted in an improvement in diet.
6. Electricity, the car and air travel has increased choice of leisure activities.

So...overall I'd say we have it pretty easy. This in turn, however, means we don't really have to struggle with the day-to-day...and as a consequence, we have more time to reflect on our physical and mental condition.

Rob.

anonymouse · 03-10-2007, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by robmawer

and as a consequence, we have more time to reflect on our physical and mental condition.

Rob.

A prime evil, in my eyes, is that we are constantly reproved by 'the media' that we should all be mega-acheivers, have a Mercs ? BMW, a villa in France and California, take 6 hols a year, have the latest phone AND ringtones, have the body beautiful, and on and on ad nauseum.

That coupled to this extra time = many of our present-day problems.

smstext · 03-10-2007, 22:37

i was recently signed off with stress, i didnt feel stressed, i was just exhausted mentally and physically (which is why ive taken emergency holiday from work for last week and next week). Doctor signed me off with stress as he felt thats what my symptons were, when he signed me off a few years ago with depression he said then that they can only go by what you tell them they cant see into your mind to see how ill you are or even if you are. Basically if your symtpons tick the boxes then you have it.

I must admit companies are putting more and more on you. i rarely go out suring the week these days as im shattered, never use to have this but i never use to have to work beyond my limits everyday.

Loz · 04-10-2007, 00:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixi

Social factors can contribute to a reactive depression, chemical factors can also have an influence on depression aswell as genetic factors.

That's my input on this one, short and sweet.

We all get down from time to time, it's normal but depression is diagnosed by a professional.

Can they actually diagnose it properly? Or if someone walks into a doctors and says 'I feel down all the time' Will they just say 'ok, you're depressed, here are some pills'

I often get very down, but would never particularly think to see a doctor for it. Nor would I want to be pumped full of drugs, especially if there's no proof?

matchmaker · 04-10-2007, 00:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loz

Can they actually diagnose it properly? Or if someone walks into a doctors and says 'I feel down all the time' Will they just say 'ok, you're depressed, here are some pills'

I often get very down, but would never particularly think to see a doctor for it. Nor would I want to be pumped full of drugs, especially if there's no proof?

Any decent GP will look closely before they prescribe pills. Being "down" is not the same as being depressed!

anonymouse · 04-10-2007, 00:13

Quote:

I often get very down, but would never particularly think to see a doctor for it.

Aw, Loz - we think you're brill

See my bit above - esp about achieving (might have spelt it correctly this time).

Kaiserb_uk · 04-10-2007, 00:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by matchmaker

Any decent GP

I went to the GP for a back problem - specifically I'd dislocated a rib. Done it before, osteopath sorted me out. Only went to the GP so I could get referred and get it on the NHS instead of paying £30 a visit to the osteopath. GP had other ideas and prescribed anti-depressants!!! His reasoning? "One of the side effects is that they are a muscle relaxant". I didn't know any better and bought the prescription...took one and spent a whole day more depressed than I've ever felt...binned the rest.

I now have a real distrust of 'quacks'.

smstext · 04-10-2007, 00:24

and beleive me the pills are a waste of time, you soon back to square one when you come off them, its down to what you are going to do to change things not what happy pills are gonna do.

Loz · 04-10-2007, 00:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by matchmaker

Any decent GP will look closely before they prescribe pills. Being "down" is not the same as being depressed!

Thats what I'm meaning. I seem to be pretty susceptible to feeling sad, down, miserable, like theres no hope and im stuck in a rut and I hate myself. As I say though, never really looked into it

Just wondered if all the people who are diagnosed - if they have actualyl PROVED they have a chemical imablance etc

03-10-2007, 09:13	#1
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,195 Members Car: Fiat Panda Thanks: 15 Thanked 336 Times in 290 Posts	Depression part 2 I didn't want to hijack Mike's thread but some of the posts raised some interesting questions that I thought might be worthy of another thread. It occurs to me that there appears to be a lot of (unlikely?) people suffering depression these days and it got me thinking. Is it because it's a recognised illness? Because it's a good way to get a couple of weeks off work? Is it a lifestyle change (less exercise more free time?)? Is it our current economic climate with people borrowing beyond their means to keep up with the Jones'? Is it the current gloomy weather? Is it "contagious"? Do other countries have similar levels of depression? Discuss.... Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

03-10-2007, 09:16	#2
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,953 Members Car: 1983 Porsche 928S / 1972 MGB GT Thanks: 16 Thanked 94 Times in 77 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 SAD is a recognised syndrome, and it's that time of year. People in Britain work the longest hours in Europe. Depression is recognised now, whereas people used to just "get on with it" for better or worse. And, I'm sure, a few more. __________________ Nick North Wiltshire RoADAR

03-10-2007, 09:33	#4
swedishskoda Briskadoodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,092 Members Car: Felly Estate 1.6 LXi 1998 Thanks: 50 Thanked 165 Times in 151 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 Good topic. Yes, other (European) countries have high or even higher levels of mental illness and depression is the most common one (and the one that dominates). I think Sweden tops the list, followed by Norway and the Netherlands. In Sweden depression is often linked to exhaustion ("burnout") and stress, especially work-related. But of course you cannot just isolate work from the rest of your life. In my opinion there are probably a lot of factors to consider. ScoobyChris has mentioned a few, I think that they all have something to do with it. Lifestyle, yes, but how free is our "free" time? Do we not all share a feeling that ther are a lot of "oughts" that we should have done (more active in various clubs, more time with our kids, taking part in their activities, raising money for their football clubs and so on). Working life has changed a lot too if we compare with our parents/grandparents back in the 50's or 60's. We cannot be certain that our job or the firm we work for is still there six months from now. Everything is to be done quicker and cheaper and if you can't "deliver" there's someone else to take your place. No wonder people gets exhausted. And it is just too easy to think that everyone else somehow cope with all these demands. Ergo I must be a loser. And depression waits just round the corner. This is not the whole story, far from it, but it's a part I think.

03-10-2007, 12:08	#5
mdk1 go green Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Rochester, Kent Posts: 4,173 Members Car: Roomy 3 & Fabia Thanks: 163 Thanked 132 Times in 116 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 My doctor said more people are suffering now due to the fact people are working longer and not having spare "me time" just to chill out. Myself I normally start work at 4.45am, so up at 4am. Finish work at 3pm which gives me 10min to get round the school to pick my girls up while Lynz does her 9-5 job. by the time we eat dinner help the girls with there clubs "taxi" we don't get to relax until about 8pm, by 9pm it's time for bed. How do your days go? __________________ Mike. Mine Skoda Roomster 3 TDI in matallic Anthracite Grey MKLJK Swmbo's Skoda Fabia 2.0I Elegance in Dark matallic Blue MKLJK

03-10-2007, 12:57	#6
cheezemonkhai Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 15,575 Members Car: Thanks: 111 Thanked 512 Times in 475 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 I would agree that the modern way of life leaves very little time for relaxation. __________________ Cars make CO2 and trees absorb CO2. By driving your car you're feeding a tree and helping the environment.

03-10-2007, 13:07	#8
Mr Grumpy I'm back... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: On bail... Posts: 4,673 Members Car: Office chair..... Thanks: 8 Thanked 159 Times in 95 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 To be honest, I work as little as possible, and only do overtime when it suits me. I suppose I am lucky, in finding my job, although stressful, easy. I am lucky in being able to communicate and sympathise/empathise with my staff, and coming off the 'shop floor' so to speak, I can and do do their job as well, hence I get on well with them. My senior managers appreciate this as well, and to a large degree leave me to get on with the job instead of interfering I tend not to worry too much about anything really. I suppose I am one of the lucky ones __________________ S50 VRS Number Plate for sale..ffs someone must want it....

03-10-2007, 13:50	#9
Lynny Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: I live between Newtownards in Northern Ireland and Andover in Hampshire Posts: 119 Members Car: Molly Mazda - She rocks Thanks: 3 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 Not sure if this belongs in here or nextdoor but .... I am in full agreement that there is increased pressure on folks today and personnaly was only able to see that my problems where solvable (and unnessary) during a spell in hospital. It took the fact that i was admitted 4 times in 3 months, doubled over in pain, with a ropey kidney complaint that was brought on by stress to finally take my foot of the pedal for long enough to realise that relaxation is important. No doubt that some people are not as lucky as me, to have an amazing support network of friends and family, but the message does need to be hammered home THINGS ARE RARELY AS BAD AS YOU IMAGINE. and even if it is there us help all around. Just being able to just sit and be is the greatest skill i have learnt in my 28 years and it's one l don't get to hone quite as much as i would like. It's we all learnt to stop and smell the flowers, this isn't a run through and like a cheesey movie theme - I don't wanna miss a thing!!! L xx __________________ Really??? But no, i mean REALLY??!!

03-10-2007, 16:03	#10
pixi Naughty Pix! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Writing in these boxes is soooo last year! Posts: 6,307 Members Car: 06 Fabia vrs Thanks: 106 Thanked 93 Times in 51 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 Social factors can contribute to a reactive depression, chemical factors can also have an influence on depression aswell as genetic factors. That's my input on this one, short and sweet. We all get down from time to time, it's normal but depression is diagnosed by a professional. __________________

03-10-2007, 16:17	#11
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Exeter / Devon Posts: 30,081 Members Car: Skoda Fabia Mongrel Images: 5 Thanks: 75 Thanked 352 Times in 295 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 I feel that lifestyle plays a big part. I feel privileged to live where I do, work where I do and with whom, have a sociable life (fairly), good prospects, not much money - that would normally be negative but actually for me and my "way" It's not. have a reasonable car that I enjoy. All the above basically means I'm not often to any great degree. The worst things which might push me are combining revising for exams with an 8.30 to 5 job. But the job being what it is, helps me with the work outside the job, and the people there also help. Have a great bunch of colleagues who will all help me out - from fellow students to the firm's partners. Also, any issues with the car (such as recent worries over the clutch pedal breaking, etc) tend to affect me more. I actually got a bad stomach from the tension during the clutch incident. Never had that with revision worries. __________________ Jason - Only a Skoda. Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. Cheesy bonnet lifter video to "raise me up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnGECEi5Oc See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

03-10-2007, 18:12	#12
soviet Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Swindon Posts: 925 Members Car: skoda 2002 1600 lx saloon Thanks: 63 Thanked 19 Times in 19 Posts	dl Last edited by soviet; 05-10-2007 at 20:55. Reason: sp

03-10-2007, 21:44	#13
robb06210 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Liverpool Posts: 1,104 Members Car: Nothing :-( Thanks: 52 Thanked 19 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 After five years working as a Techie/Trainer I think I've just worn myself out by thinking up last minute solutions to difficult problems and having to listen to people tell me that there computer working again is more important than anything else Added to the mix my Dad being diagnosed with cancer (his chemo is going well btw) I think I've done well to hold it together so long... I've got no idea what's getting me down... but I just feel glum all the time. I'd never use stress as an excuse to get off work... but the way things are I think that may be likely unless things change! Talking about it helps a little though __________________ I was just a figment of your imagination! After nearly two years and a hell of a lot of fun, I'm off - all the best to everybody; this is Robbo signing off!

03-10-2007, 21:55	#14
Kaiserb_uk Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Leighton Buzzard Posts: 1,420 Members Car: Fabia vRS Thanks: 10 Thanked 45 Times in 39 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 Depression isn't just feeling a bit glum, anxiety plays a huge part (at least in my life). It's very easy to crawl into your shell and ruminate on trivial events and matters until everything no matter how small becomes a huge mountain. Perhaps society is breeding this isolation, perhaps our relatively 'easy' lives in this day and age mean we have time to worry about stuff? Perhaps it's my mouth full of mercury amalgam which I've had since I was about 8 which is slowly poisoning my brain? __________________ Offended? spEak You're bRanes MCSA:M CompTIA:Security+ Mods:Nearly enough

03-10-2007, 22:37	#18
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,650 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 302 Times in 270 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 i was recently signed off with stress, i didnt feel stressed, i was just exhausted mentally and physically (which is why ive taken emergency holiday from work for last week and next week). Doctor signed me off with stress as he felt thats what my symptons were, when he signed me off a few years ago with depression he said then that they can only go by what you tell them they cant see into your mind to see how ill you are or even if you are. Basically if your symtpons tick the boxes then you have it. I must admit companies are putting more and more on you. i rarely go out suring the week these days as im shattered, never use to have this but i never use to have to work beyond my limits everyday. __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

04-10-2007, 00:24	#23
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,650 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 302 Times in 270 Posts	Re: Depression part 2 and beleive me the pills are a waste of time, you soon back to square one when you come off them, its down to what you are going to do to change things not what happy pills are gonna do. __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here