Help with clinical depression (done, thx)

[Ghost of the dead horse]

Huh, thanks for replies. I had the walk, drank some more, I met some friends .. which was really nice afterall. I scheduled myself a meeting with a professional, even though it's gonna cost me some.

Your input is gonna help me to avoid cancelling that meeting. Thanks. Sorry that I can't do nothing about the alcohol.

Also, thanks for pointing out that no-one here can undo my depression. Kind of figured out that myself, but it's good to be backed up by other opinions as well. Few years back I would rather have had internet drama about this, not a solution. But yeah, two days I can manage.. and meet that man then. Oh wait, three days.

And also.. kyuuei's suggestions seem okay. My wife suggested similar kind of stabile activities to cut down the depression: regular sleep cycles etc. I had also considered about drinking or exercising. I do both atm - perhaps I should continue exercising, even though it seems useless right now.

If I were just able to find good food to eat. I'm not sure if any regular food works as an anti-depressant. Vegetables and fruits feel fresh and give you a nice feeling, but if you (I) don't eat fatty foods, there's gonna be hunger and tiredness nevertheless. I'm not sure what kind of food would help me.. but somehow I feel I find instant comfort from eating foods that aren't good for me, but I'd have to find how and what.

And yeah, I'm sorry for bringing this up here. I'm just tired of all this.. and all the . everything.. for two weeks now. And no, I'm not a guru who can perfectly self-diagnose myself and by my own astronaut and whatever, as someone suggested. I'm just trying to find best explanations for everything and following the leads. Depression is my best guess.

I'll fill my next 2 days with some activities to dismiss my feelings of emptiness.

 

[miss fortune]

Sorry that I can't do nothing about the alcohol.

can't or won't?

 

[Ghost of the dead horse]

can't or won't?

Won't, I guess.. a few beers is just that relaxing. But yeah, perhaps it's good you (and others) mentioned it. Now I recall having read somewhere it's not good for mood, except for the instant you drink it. Perhaps I'll cut it down a notch.

 

[SilkRoad]

You sound soooo much like a Finnish man here! (I'm half Finnish.)

I'm sorry you're going through difficult times. Talking to a professional is certainly a good idea. And I'm sure you know that drinking too much is not wise, even if you're not currently willing to change that.

 

[miss fortune]

Won't, I guess.. a few beers is just that relaxing. But yeah, perhaps it's good you (and others) mentioned it. Now I recall having read somewhere it's not good for mood, except for the instant you drink it. Perhaps I'll cut it down a notch.

well... it IS a depressant...

 

[Siúil a Rúin]

Hi, I'm declining into clinical depression as of right now. I'm philosophical enough to avoid most of the problems associated with low mood. Yet, some remain.

What to do with lethargy?
Low motivation?
Tiredness?
Altered sleep cycle?

Good part - I *DO* feel I'm up to the task of doing all my duties next week. Something might change though.

Any medication that can't be used with alcohol is out of the question. I use alcohol regularly, 2 or 3 units per day and I'm not looking forward to stop the practice.

You may want to see a sleep specialist. If your primary struggle is with being tired, then you may not be sleeping well. I don't think being philosophical is any protection against low mood, and has every potential to make it worse. I agree with those who said to go see specialists, and you may want to begin with a medical doctor.

 

[Ghost of the dead horse]

I'm so relieved to have a break from all the projects till the next year. Being a team leader doesn't work so well for me this time, but then I've done good work in other details. It's a disappointment though.

Feels like I can handle this. There's just an exam week, which is not nearly as stressful.

But, what's with complaining about alcohol? From where I come from, drinking moderately (or even excessively) is regarded normal.. and also, perhaps it's a depressant chemically, but if it brings good mood when you're enjoying with your friends or family, how can it have a total depressive effect? I mean, if it's supposed to depress, but brings you good mood, what am I supposed to believe? I would believe that excess alcohol surely induces depression in anyone, but moderate use?

But fia, you're probably right.. I should do something to improve my sleep.

 

[FDG]

But, what's with complaining about alcohol? From where I come from, drinking moderately (or even excessively) is regarded normal.. and also, perhaps it's a depressant chemically, but if it brings good mood when you're enjoying with your friends or family, how can it have a total depressive effect? I mean, if it's supposed to depress, but brings you good mood, what am I supposed to believe? I would believe that excess alcohol surely induces depression in anyone, but moderate use?

Well, I don't know what 2-3 units mean. If it's 3 beers a night, maybe in a timespan of 2-3 hours, then it won't cause depression. If it's half a liter of vodka, it will cause long-term brain fog, which can lead to depression if mental faculties are important for you.

 

[Red Herring]

Since 2006 Alcohol is the number 1 cause of death among Finnish men, even before heart deseases.

Here's a paper on the special role of alcohol(ism) in Finnish culture: http://www.finnresearch.fi/rfs_Hirschovits-Gerz_et_al_2011_final.pdf

Other than that, I can only agree with the other commenters. It was a smart thing you scheduled that appointment. That's an important first step.