This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
I'm being anonymous for obvious reasons but post fairly regularly on here.
My 15 year old brother has been very down for the last few months and last week our GP said he was "mildly depressed" but could do nothing about it due to him being under 16, so he would need to go and see a specialist. He went along to see a shrink and she said he was "severely depressed" and proscibed him prozac. However prozac does not kick in for 2-3 weeks so during that time he was not to be left on his own and all drugs in the house were to be hidden.
Today I got home from work at 2pm and my mum went away to work and left me with him. I was downstairs buggering about on the PC and could hear him pacing around upstairs. Eventually he came down and asked to use the computer for 5 minutes so I let him. After he finished he went back upstairs and a few minutes later I went up to see what he was doing. He said he had done something very stupid and needed to go to hospital. I asked what he had done and he said he'd overdosed on paracetamol, which he had obviously found from our hiding place. I was going to drive him to A&E but decided to call 999 instead as they would be quicker.
He's being kept in overnight and will then talk to another shrink. It's not unlikely that they will then admit him into their care until the prozac kicks in in a couple of weeks when he'll come home.
I don't think he actually wanted to kill himself though. I looked through our internet history to see what he looked at for those 5 minutes before he did it. He had looked up how much paracetamol you have to take before it becomes dangerous for your kidneys/liver. The website said 30 tablets but hospitals use 24 as a safety margin, he took 24, he could have taken more but he didn't.
I was just wondering if anyone else has been in this position or if there are any medical people on here who can offer advice. How effective is Prozac? Will it make an obvious difference in a few weeks? Just looking for as much advice as possible, what I can do to help etc.
Cheers.
My 15 year old brother has been very down for the last few months and last week our GP said he was "mildly depressed" but could do nothing about it due to him being under 16, so he would need to go and see a specialist. He went along to see a shrink and she said he was "severely depressed" and proscibed him prozac. However prozac does not kick in for 2-3 weeks so during that time he was not to be left on his own and all drugs in the house were to be hidden.
Today I got home from work at 2pm and my mum went away to work and left me with him. I was downstairs buggering about on the PC and could hear him pacing around upstairs. Eventually he came down and asked to use the computer for 5 minutes so I let him. After he finished he went back upstairs and a few minutes later I went up to see what he was doing. He said he had done something very stupid and needed to go to hospital. I asked what he had done and he said he'd overdosed on paracetamol, which he had obviously found from our hiding place. I was going to drive him to A&E but decided to call 999 instead as they would be quicker.
He's being kept in overnight and will then talk to another shrink. It's not unlikely that they will then admit him into their care until the prozac kicks in in a couple of weeks when he'll come home.
I don't think he actually wanted to kill himself though. I looked through our internet history to see what he looked at for those 5 minutes before he did it. He had looked up how much paracetamol you have to take before it becomes dangerous for your kidneys/liver. The website said 30 tablets but hospitals use 24 as a safety margin, he took 24, he could have taken more but he didn't.
I was just wondering if anyone else has been in this position or if there are any medical people on here who can offer advice. How effective is Prozac? Will it make an obvious difference in a few weeks? Just looking for as much advice as possible, what I can do to help etc.
Cheers.
In reply to Anonymous: Had an almost mirror incident with my brother when he was about that age as well.
He was at our grans and came down the stairs and told our Dad what he had done. Firstly Dad was like "Don't be so stupid!" then he saw the look in his eyes and got him to hospital tootsweet.
They kept him in overnight under observation and it turned out he hadn't taken as many as he thought.
He did it due to him being severely bullied at school-so bad he had to move schools.
By moving schools he got a new life and has upped it on the bullies by becoming an extremely successful actor in musical theatre and leads a bloody charmed life now!
So if you're one of those bullies...i think Lynden has had the last laugh.
My heart goes out to you, mate and to your brother as well.
He was at our grans and came down the stairs and told our Dad what he had done. Firstly Dad was like "Don't be so stupid!" then he saw the look in his eyes and got him to hospital tootsweet.
They kept him in overnight under observation and it turned out he hadn't taken as many as he thought.
He did it due to him being severely bullied at school-so bad he had to move schools.
By moving schools he got a new life and has upped it on the bullies by becoming an extremely successful actor in musical theatre and leads a bloody charmed life now!
So if you're one of those bullies...i think Lynden has had the last laugh.
My heart goes out to you, mate and to your brother as well.
In reply to Anonymous: Here is a hug!
In reply to Anonymous:
oh - god sorry to hear that..
He needs proffessional help - it sounds as though its a cry for help & that he's taking an overdose that he knew would probably not kill him & the fact he told you is encouraging...
Prozac is just one of many types of anti-deressants and is often tried - first. It may not work & he may need to try a number of medications before any difference.
He'll need support through counselling too - which the hospital can talk to you about - good luck!
Si
oh - god sorry to hear that..
He needs proffessional help - it sounds as though its a cry for help & that he's taking an overdose that he knew would probably not kill him & the fact he told you is encouraging...
Prozac is just one of many types of anti-deressants and is often tried - first. It may not work & he may need to try a number of medications before any difference.
He'll need support through counselling too - which the hospital can talk to you about - good luck!
Si
In reply to Anonymous:
Well done you. You kept your head, you did the right thing and you had the extreme canniness to check the browser history.
I don't know anything about medical stuff, so will leave that to the wise, but in the midst of all the worry for your family, don't forget to look after yourself. Make sure you talk to someone about how you feel, make sure you eat properly, and try to get enough sleep. I hope and expect you have someone you can talk to about how you feel ... splurge on them and lean on them as necessary.
I think you should be really proud of yourself. You certainly impress me.
Good luck, and keep being brave.
Well done you. You kept your head, you did the right thing and you had the extreme canniness to check the browser history.
I don't know anything about medical stuff, so will leave that to the wise, but in the midst of all the worry for your family, don't forget to look after yourself. Make sure you talk to someone about how you feel, make sure you eat properly, and try to get enough sleep. I hope and expect you have someone you can talk to about how you feel ... splurge on them and lean on them as necessary.
I think you should be really proud of yourself. You certainly impress me.
Good luck, and keep being brave.
I am not a medical person but I have tried to commit suicide myself in the past and I understand what he is going through. There is a lot of rubbish (at least in my opinion) talked about when it comes to attempted suicide often by people who don't undersatnd it at all. I have posted anonymously too as I am a regular poster on here and I don't really want to reveal my identity but if you want to send me a personal email I will be very happy to offer any advice I can. Just reply here and I'll put my thinking cap on to work out a way to give you my email address without revealing who I am.
Prozac does take a while to "kick in". In the meantime your brother may act irrationally and in my experience this is where people have trouble understanding what drives someone to contemplate suicide. Often people think it is a rational process where you think "I have reached a point where I have decided to end it all" but really inside the person's head who has depression they are actually thinking "help, I can't stand this situation anymore I just want it to stop and then will do something silly to end it all". Thsi isn't what they really want deep down but depression makes you think that "noone cares and locks you in a viscous cycle that makes you think "I can't tell anyone because noone cares about me" even thought people such as yourself care very deeply about that person. The depressed person finds it impossible to see that however.
The fact that your brother took less than a fatal dose is a good sign. It definitely is a cry for help, even if that is a cliche. 90% of what he is thinking is "I feel so terrible that I just want this situation to stop". But there is a 10% in there that knows that you andyour family and friends love and care for him very deeply. It might be hard for him to fully accept that in his depressed state but there is a quiet voice inside telling him that.
The good news is that this is almost all down to a deficiency in serotonin levels in his brain. I conquered my problem by first taking ant-depressants to stabilise my brain chemistry (such as prozac but it was another brand) but then I chnaged my diet to include more omega 3 (oily fish and the like) and I have been able to control it ever since.
To sum up what I have said. If you have low serotonin levels you convince yourself that noone loves you and noone cares and it becomes so intolerable that you want to end it all. With the help of antidpressants and a better diet (and avoiding things like ecstacy and dope) you can turn this around. To the point where your brother will have trouble thinkign in a suicidal way. I.e when your serotonin levels increase you find it hard to imagine how you thought "suicical thoughts" in the first place. <I am not explaining myslef very well> But basically when you are depressed it is very hard to imagine ever feeling happy. Whereas when your serotonin levels are better you have a hard time remembereing what it was like when you were depressed.
So rest assured that Prozac and other anti-depressants take a littel while to work but suicidal thoughts are related directly to how much serotonin your brain is producing. Prozac will increase the levels of serotonin and your brother will feel a lot better. Then diet and other factors will bring about a permanent change. He will get better, believe me I know.
I feel for you at this difficult time but rest assured he knows you love him, his brain is just having difficulty computing that at this time with his off kilter brain chemistry but it will improve.
I am sorry about my typos and poor spelling but I tried to type this as quickly as possible upon reading your note.
Prozac does take a while to "kick in". In the meantime your brother may act irrationally and in my experience this is where people have trouble understanding what drives someone to contemplate suicide. Often people think it is a rational process where you think "I have reached a point where I have decided to end it all" but really inside the person's head who has depression they are actually thinking "help, I can't stand this situation anymore I just want it to stop and then will do something silly to end it all". Thsi isn't what they really want deep down but depression makes you think that "noone cares and locks you in a viscous cycle that makes you think "I can't tell anyone because noone cares about me" even thought people such as yourself care very deeply about that person. The depressed person finds it impossible to see that however.
The fact that your brother took less than a fatal dose is a good sign. It definitely is a cry for help, even if that is a cliche. 90% of what he is thinking is "I feel so terrible that I just want this situation to stop". But there is a 10% in there that knows that you andyour family and friends love and care for him very deeply. It might be hard for him to fully accept that in his depressed state but there is a quiet voice inside telling him that.
The good news is that this is almost all down to a deficiency in serotonin levels in his brain. I conquered my problem by first taking ant-depressants to stabilise my brain chemistry (such as prozac but it was another brand) but then I chnaged my diet to include more omega 3 (oily fish and the like) and I have been able to control it ever since.
To sum up what I have said. If you have low serotonin levels you convince yourself that noone loves you and noone cares and it becomes so intolerable that you want to end it all. With the help of antidpressants and a better diet (and avoiding things like ecstacy and dope) you can turn this around. To the point where your brother will have trouble thinkign in a suicidal way. I.e when your serotonin levels increase you find it hard to imagine how you thought "suicical thoughts" in the first place. <I am not explaining myslef very well> But basically when you are depressed it is very hard to imagine ever feeling happy. Whereas when your serotonin levels are better you have a hard time remembereing what it was like when you were depressed.
So rest assured that Prozac and other anti-depressants take a littel while to work but suicidal thoughts are related directly to how much serotonin your brain is producing. Prozac will increase the levels of serotonin and your brother will feel a lot better. Then diet and other factors will bring about a permanent change. He will get better, believe me I know.
I feel for you at this difficult time but rest assured he knows you love him, his brain is just having difficulty computing that at this time with his off kilter brain chemistry but it will improve.
I am sorry about my typos and poor spelling but I tried to type this as quickly as possible upon reading your note.
In reply to Wes & Simon:
Some of his mate's took the piss out of him because of a girl he is seeing(one of his mate's ex's) as a laugh, as 15 year olds do. But my bro has blown it all out of proportion, apparently something which happens with depression, and it just went on a downward spiral from there, he seems to take everything to heart when people are just mucking around and pissing about.
Si- he had OCD before and councilling, without any drugs, sorted that out reasonably quickly but he seems very reluctant to talk to anyone about this situation, obviously when the councillor(sp?) see's him tomorrow he/she'll be able to start to change that.
Andy
Some of his mate's took the piss out of him because of a girl he is seeing(one of his mate's ex's) as a laugh, as 15 year olds do. But my bro has blown it all out of proportion, apparently something which happens with depression, and it just went on a downward spiral from there, he seems to take everything to heart when people are just mucking around and pissing about.
Si- he had OCD before and councilling, without any drugs, sorted that out reasonably quickly but he seems very reluctant to talk to anyone about this situation, obviously when the councillor(sp?) see's him tomorrow he/she'll be able to start to change that.
Andy
In reply to Anonymous:
Thank you, heard a lot of that from the professionals. It is very weird because I just keep thinking, why are you like this, people are only having a laugh and taking the piss, they aren't trying to hurt you. It's hard to see how he doesn't understand that but I guess no one can until you are in that situation.
Kate- second time in a year I've had to call 999(1st was for an accident) for the wee bastard, starting to get used to it.
Thank you, heard a lot of that from the professionals. It is very weird because I just keep thinking, why are you like this, people are only having a laugh and taking the piss, they aren't trying to hurt you. It's hard to see how he doesn't understand that but I guess no one can until you are in that situation.
Kate- second time in a year I've had to call 999(1st was for an accident) for the wee bastard, starting to get used to it.
In reply to Anonymous:
I was nothing like as bad as your bro seems to have got, but you're bang on about depression sending you in a downward spiral. Something that you'd normally shrug or laugh off becomes a nasty, needling thought that you cannot get rid of. It gets worse and worse and before you know it EVERYTHING is wrong. (It isn't really, it just feels like it!)
I recently had a short stint on anti depressants - in hindsight I think I probably benefitted more from having a really supportive doc who I could speak to without feeling like a malingerer. She was great. Hopefully your brother will find he can talk things through with the counsellor assigned to him - it DOES help! (I was of the 'it's complete mumbo-jumbo' school of thought before I found myself on that slippery slope!)
Good luck to you both - it can't be easy on you either. Remember you need to take a break from all this too!!
T
I was nothing like as bad as your bro seems to have got, but you're bang on about depression sending you in a downward spiral. Something that you'd normally shrug or laugh off becomes a nasty, needling thought that you cannot get rid of. It gets worse and worse and before you know it EVERYTHING is wrong. (It isn't really, it just feels like it!)
I recently had a short stint on anti depressants - in hindsight I think I probably benefitted more from having a really supportive doc who I could speak to without feeling like a malingerer. She was great. Hopefully your brother will find he can talk things through with the counsellor assigned to him - it DOES help! (I was of the 'it's complete mumbo-jumbo' school of thought before I found myself on that slippery slope!)
Good luck to you both - it can't be easy on you either. Remember you need to take a break from all this too!!
T
In reply to Anonymous:
Very sorry to hear about this. Yes, have had distant experience of this with one of my cousins. My (completely amateur) advice is talk, talk, talk, talk to him. Let him open up completely, thrash it all out. Don't just rely on the drugs - in fact, don't rely on them at all is my gut instinct. At all costs, don't let him bottle up his feelings and problems within himself.
Very sorry to hear about this. Yes, have had distant experience of this with one of my cousins. My (completely amateur) advice is talk, talk, talk, talk to him. Let him open up completely, thrash it all out. Don't just rely on the drugs - in fact, don't rely on them at all is my gut instinct. At all costs, don't let him bottle up his feelings and problems within himself.
From the anonymous who posted later and not the OP.
In reply to Gordon Stainforth: You are right Gordon talking really helps a lot, talking this stuff through can show strategies fro not talking yourself into a depressive cylce. But you would be surprised how much of it is about brain chemistry. I have been clinically depressed and with the correct treatment it can be like a switch where suddenly you feel 100% better and then you are not really able to properly recall how you felt when suicidal. They are like two completely separate brain states, each of which cannot understand the other.
This is why Andy you are having a hard time understanding what your brother is going through. He is having a purely irrational battle in his head which decides for him that the ribbing and mick taking is such a serious problem for him. The outside situation is the same but low serotinin levels means your brain interprets a situation as very bad whereas someone with higher levels interprets the very same situation much less harshly. Normally neither party can understand why the other person thinks like they do because that situation they perceived was "reality" for them. Coloured in different ways for each person by the "efficiency" of their brain chemistry.
Although depression can have purely emotional and mental symptoms the casues can be purely physical. By eating regular amounts of Omega 3 I have not had a recurrence of clinical depression for 8 years. I remember the pain of those experiences because I promised myself I would but I cannot fully remember what they were like just because I try to eat a good diet and "manage" my serotonin levels, like a diabteic maybe.
I agree with Gordon in his gut instinct to not trust pharmaceuticals. But I believe it is slightly misplaced. Some doctors hand out pills willy nilly meaning that the patient takes no responsibility for their own health. It is not wrong to rely on drugs when they can easily cure a toxic imbalance in the nervous system. BUT it is wrong to believe it is a no effort answer. IMO depression begins mentally and this can lead to chemical imbalances. You must take responsibility for your mental and physical health to try and get better any way you can. I think this what Gordon is getting at when he refers to westerners reliance on being prescribed something to cure their ills. But make no mistake anti-depressants for people who are properly depressed make a HUGE difference as your brain chemistry is sorted out. But long term dependence to the drugs is a possibilty if the emotional problems that may be the route cause are not tackled as well. So counselling is very important once your serotonin levels have settled down so you feel calm enough to start to work your way through things.
I have been either side of this situation on a number of occasions, but thankfully only one side for a while! The doctors have told you the truth and you are not being fobbed off with the same old story. Your little brother has worried the hell out of you and you family and your are rightly angry with him as you care so much. But all that said he will get better, with the right care and support very soon.
He sounds like he is in good hands and the doctors, you and your family and his friends will provide all the care and love that he needs. He actually probably feels a little relieved now. He really wanted you all to know about the stress and pain he was feeling on the inside but he thought that you would all think he was stupid for feeling that way. This is the nature of depression. The more you want to tell someone about the hurt the more you bottle it up and so on.
Now he knows that you know how he felt and he will be able to open up and start to feel better. Much like an alcoholic who admist they have a problem. Someone who is depressed needs to admit how they feel. I am thankful that he let out how he feels without actually killing himself.
All the best.
In reply to Gordon Stainforth: You are right Gordon talking really helps a lot, talking this stuff through can show strategies fro not talking yourself into a depressive cylce. But you would be surprised how much of it is about brain chemistry. I have been clinically depressed and with the correct treatment it can be like a switch where suddenly you feel 100% better and then you are not really able to properly recall how you felt when suicidal. They are like two completely separate brain states, each of which cannot understand the other.
This is why Andy you are having a hard time understanding what your brother is going through. He is having a purely irrational battle in his head which decides for him that the ribbing and mick taking is such a serious problem for him. The outside situation is the same but low serotinin levels means your brain interprets a situation as very bad whereas someone with higher levels interprets the very same situation much less harshly. Normally neither party can understand why the other person thinks like they do because that situation they perceived was "reality" for them. Coloured in different ways for each person by the "efficiency" of their brain chemistry.
Although depression can have purely emotional and mental symptoms the casues can be purely physical. By eating regular amounts of Omega 3 I have not had a recurrence of clinical depression for 8 years. I remember the pain of those experiences because I promised myself I would but I cannot fully remember what they were like just because I try to eat a good diet and "manage" my serotonin levels, like a diabteic maybe.
I agree with Gordon in his gut instinct to not trust pharmaceuticals. But I believe it is slightly misplaced. Some doctors hand out pills willy nilly meaning that the patient takes no responsibility for their own health. It is not wrong to rely on drugs when they can easily cure a toxic imbalance in the nervous system. BUT it is wrong to believe it is a no effort answer. IMO depression begins mentally and this can lead to chemical imbalances. You must take responsibility for your mental and physical health to try and get better any way you can. I think this what Gordon is getting at when he refers to westerners reliance on being prescribed something to cure their ills. But make no mistake anti-depressants for people who are properly depressed make a HUGE difference as your brain chemistry is sorted out. But long term dependence to the drugs is a possibilty if the emotional problems that may be the route cause are not tackled as well. So counselling is very important once your serotonin levels have settled down so you feel calm enough to start to work your way through things.
I have been either side of this situation on a number of occasions, but thankfully only one side for a while! The doctors have told you the truth and you are not being fobbed off with the same old story. Your little brother has worried the hell out of you and you family and your are rightly angry with him as you care so much. But all that said he will get better, with the right care and support very soon.
He sounds like he is in good hands and the doctors, you and your family and his friends will provide all the care and love that he needs. He actually probably feels a little relieved now. He really wanted you all to know about the stress and pain he was feeling on the inside but he thought that you would all think he was stupid for feeling that way. This is the nature of depression. The more you want to tell someone about the hurt the more you bottle it up and so on.
Now he knows that you know how he felt and he will be able to open up and start to feel better. Much like an alcoholic who admist they have a problem. Someone who is depressed needs to admit how they feel. I am thankful that he let out how he feels without actually killing himself.
All the best.
In reply to Anon/ Gordon:
I, like G, am terribly sorry/distressed to read a post like this!
I do not have a solution but my heart goes out to you!
I believe other more experienced posters in this area (of which there are a number) WILL be able to offer genuine help.
P
I, like G, am terribly sorry/distressed to read a post like this!
I do not have a solution but my heart goes out to you!
I believe other more experienced posters in this area (of which there are a number) WILL be able to offer genuine help.
P
In reply to Anonymous: I have been in the same state as your brother ?
With me it was a cry for Help !
My wife & kids helped me go forward and made be believe in Life !
just tell your brother that there is light at the end of the tunnel and just be there for him.
i thinking about you all
flock
With me it was a cry for Help !
My wife & kids helped me go forward and made be believe in Life !
just tell your brother that there is light at the end of the tunnel and just be there for him.
i thinking about you all
flock
In reply to Anonymous:
A new anonymous. I haven't been in your situation, but I have dealt with depression. There's some good advice here, I want to back it up. When you're depressed everything - and I mean absolutely everything - is different. You can't see the positive and the negative is magnified a thousand times. You may realise yourself but you just can't stop and everything spirals downward. People who tell you to "snap out of it" or "smile" or that "you're just being silly" aren't helping. You can't be happy about anything. Happy no longer exists. Everything is against you. Your mindset is just not normal and you may even realise it (which makes it worse because now you know you're being silly but you still can't do anything). It's very difficult to describe, but I was once told that there's feeling sad and then there's feeling really sad. At worst, you might even feel really sad about something for quite a while. And then there's depression. Depression feels so far beyond this. It's not just about feeling sad. It's when the sadness gets to such a point it is actually affecting your daily life - lack of sleep, loss of appetite are common.
I don't believe anyone can understand it truly unless they have been there. But coming out the other side can be an extremely empowering thing. You know that there is nothing anyone or anything can ever do to you that will ever be close to how bad depression was, so if you can get over depression, there isn't anything you can't do. If you can conquer depression, you feel like you can conquer anything.
The drugs - like prozac - reduce the really bad negativity and let you start to see things how they really are and maybe confront the problem. Talking to a counsellor helped me a lot - totally independent and someone who didn't judge you because they didn't know you. For me, I would never have been able to talk with the same freedom to friends or family.
A new anonymous. I haven't been in your situation, but I have dealt with depression. There's some good advice here, I want to back it up. When you're depressed everything - and I mean absolutely everything - is different. You can't see the positive and the negative is magnified a thousand times. You may realise yourself but you just can't stop and everything spirals downward. People who tell you to "snap out of it" or "smile" or that "you're just being silly" aren't helping. You can't be happy about anything. Happy no longer exists. Everything is against you. Your mindset is just not normal and you may even realise it (which makes it worse because now you know you're being silly but you still can't do anything). It's very difficult to describe, but I was once told that there's feeling sad and then there's feeling really sad. At worst, you might even feel really sad about something for quite a while. And then there's depression. Depression feels so far beyond this. It's not just about feeling sad. It's when the sadness gets to such a point it is actually affecting your daily life - lack of sleep, loss of appetite are common.
I don't believe anyone can understand it truly unless they have been there. But coming out the other side can be an extremely empowering thing. You know that there is nothing anyone or anything can ever do to you that will ever be close to how bad depression was, so if you can get over depression, there isn't anything you can't do. If you can conquer depression, you feel like you can conquer anything.
The drugs - like prozac - reduce the really bad negativity and let you start to see things how they really are and maybe confront the problem. Talking to a counsellor helped me a lot - totally independent and someone who didn't judge you because they didn't know you. For me, I would never have been able to talk with the same freedom to friends or family.
In reply to Anonymous: You have had an awfull day! Find the time to talk yourself about how you feel too! It helps... kind of processes what has happened and what did I do etc so it doesn't keep replaying in your head! I had this as a problem after a masive gas explosion 2 doors up. Had to `rescue' the lady (with lots of others) n first aid till ambulances arrived... horrific images and then feelings for months after...( she died) the need to talk about it so I could process it some how is what has kept me sane!
I really do feel for you... it must be scary to see someone you love on such a path... hope it all pans out eevntually. Don't keep smiling! Sometimes you do just wanna scream and shout... cos life really is shitty!
I really do feel for you... it must be scary to see someone you love on such a path... hope it all pans out eevntually. Don't keep smiling! Sometimes you do just wanna scream and shout... cos life really is shitty!
In reply to Anonymous: Well, my brother died, and we were never sure if it was suicide or an accident. If it happens, you'll be suffering from it for the rest of your life. Do every goddamn thing you can think of to keep him alive. Once he's gone, every little chance is wiped out. All time is gone. Very best of luck. Didn't work for me, and I'm utterly heartbroken. Do it better.
In reply to Anonymous:
Well there is a new twist in the story. I passed out on my bed at about 10.30 last night and felt like I'd been sleeping for hours when my mum burst in and woke me up at 11. The police had just called and my brother had gone missing. He had got up, got changed and walked out A&E without being questioned and was now wandering the streets, and it was bloody baltic last night.
So me and my dad got in our cars to go look for him, hospital security and Police were already out.
My dad found him not far from the hospital just walking around aimlessly. He got in the car and my dad asked him where he was going, what he was doing etc. He just stared out the window and shrugged his shoulders.
The police said we had to take him back to the hospital but we decided to take him home and then sort it out from there. As far as I know he is still in bed but I think my mum is taking him back this morning.
Also just found out he has been cutting his wrists. No one had realised because he has been wearing a sweat band on his wrists for a few weeks now, we just thought it was a fashion thing.
Well there is a new twist in the story. I passed out on my bed at about 10.30 last night and felt like I'd been sleeping for hours when my mum burst in and woke me up at 11. The police had just called and my brother had gone missing. He had got up, got changed and walked out A&E without being questioned and was now wandering the streets, and it was bloody baltic last night.
So me and my dad got in our cars to go look for him, hospital security and Police were already out.
My dad found him not far from the hospital just walking around aimlessly. He got in the car and my dad asked him where he was going, what he was doing etc. He just stared out the window and shrugged his shoulders.
The police said we had to take him back to the hospital but we decided to take him home and then sort it out from there. As far as I know he is still in bed but I think my mum is taking him back this morning.
Also just found out he has been cutting his wrists. No one had realised because he has been wearing a sweat band on his wrists for a few weeks now, we just thought it was a fashion thing.
In reply to AndyH1710: big hugs. I hope he'll be ok. As a teenager i self harmed, and did take a paracetamol overdose once, but eventually sorted myself out and became the well balanced individual you see before you today (). It must have been so hard for my family at the time, but i just didnt see that, from where i was, the world just looked a bleak place. Give your bro all the love andf support you can. He doesnt need condemnation-especially not form siblings/peers, but to be treated as normally as poss (at least thats how it was for me) Hope its all ok eventually, ceri.
In reply to AndyH1710:
You might have to seriously think about hospitalisation if he's repeatedly putting himself in danger. That or have someone at home with him monitoring 24/7. The treatments are inplace - there's nothing more a doctor can really do now. You're waiting for the meds to kick in fully (probably a few weeks yet). The counselling/talking is a more lifelong therapeutic approach that will help him in a longer term way. If you're worried about his safety even over the next week or so (which sounds justified) then you should be talking to a psychiatrist today about what's happened. You can then come up with a plan for how to deal with his current breakdown. The main objective being to keep him from doing himself any more harm. Good luck.
You might have to seriously think about hospitalisation if he's repeatedly putting himself in danger. That or have someone at home with him monitoring 24/7. The treatments are inplace - there's nothing more a doctor can really do now. You're waiting for the meds to kick in fully (probably a few weeks yet). The counselling/talking is a more lifelong therapeutic approach that will help him in a longer term way. If you're worried about his safety even over the next week or so (which sounds justified) then you should be talking to a psychiatrist today about what's happened. You can then come up with a plan for how to deal with his current breakdown. The main objective being to keep him from doing himself any more harm. Good luck.
In reply to AndyH1710:
Hi, like Ceri, I also took a paracetomol overdose as a teenager. I was really depressed, suffering from bulimia and trying to come to terms with my parents splitting up after 20+ years together. It is a cry for help. I was admitted, tum pumped and spoke to a psychiatrist and let out the next day, but had to go every week for further sessions. The one thing no one has mentioned here is, it's ok "not" to want to speak when ur depressed, sometimes I just couldn't be arsed speaking to people, yeah, it's good to talk, but when ur having an off day and just want to be quiet, then that's ok too, and it doesn't mean ur having bad thoughts.
Anti depressants can be a good thing, but remember they carry lots of side effects, so be careful and investigate whats best, the first one they administer may not be the best one long term. I agree with an earlier posting, diet is a REALLY big part of getting your brain back in psynch.
He will need lots of support, but he will need his space too, u can only do what u can, remember, it's not your fault, it's not anyone in your families fault, your brother has a medical condition, he needs help and you can do what you can, but don't make yourself ill over it.
Hugs, Spudsy
Hi, like Ceri, I also took a paracetomol overdose as a teenager. I was really depressed, suffering from bulimia and trying to come to terms with my parents splitting up after 20+ years together. It is a cry for help. I was admitted, tum pumped and spoke to a psychiatrist and let out the next day, but had to go every week for further sessions. The one thing no one has mentioned here is, it's ok "not" to want to speak when ur depressed, sometimes I just couldn't be arsed speaking to people, yeah, it's good to talk, but when ur having an off day and just want to be quiet, then that's ok too, and it doesn't mean ur having bad thoughts.
Anti depressants can be a good thing, but remember they carry lots of side effects, so be careful and investigate whats best, the first one they administer may not be the best one long term. I agree with an earlier posting, diet is a REALLY big part of getting your brain back in psynch.
He will need lots of support, but he will need his space too, u can only do what u can, remember, it's not your fault, it's not anyone in your families fault, your brother has a medical condition, he needs help and you can do what you can, but don't make yourself ill over it.
Hugs, Spudsy
In reply to AndyH1710:
Symapthies mate, hope all goes well for you all.
I've been on the 'other' side if you like and have suffered from depression on and off for the past 2 years. Its difficult to give any advice as everyone's different. I've had great support from friends and family but I had to take it on my own terms, I don't like it when folk try and force themselves on me (ie constantly asking if I'm ok, wanting to 'chat' etc). But at the same time I needed to know that I could sound off without being patronised and told to 'buck up'.
I found it helpful having someone disconnected from all of it that I could speak to. My GP was also a trained counseller and he was fantastic. You've got the security blanket of confidentiality and I found I could be really brutally honest about things and he would help organise things in my own head. Most of all he reassured me that the way I felt was not silly or irrational, I was ill and there were people that could help.
I'm alot better now although occasionally the grey cloud does come along and push me down, but I now recognize it for what it is and have coping mechanisms to deal with it. (bizarrely swimming helps!).
Its difficult to put into words as its all a bit of a haze.
For what its worth, if you need any help or advice feel free to mail me.
Symapthies mate, hope all goes well for you all.
I've been on the 'other' side if you like and have suffered from depression on and off for the past 2 years. Its difficult to give any advice as everyone's different. I've had great support from friends and family but I had to take it on my own terms, I don't like it when folk try and force themselves on me (ie constantly asking if I'm ok, wanting to 'chat' etc). But at the same time I needed to know that I could sound off without being patronised and told to 'buck up'.
I found it helpful having someone disconnected from all of it that I could speak to. My GP was also a trained counseller and he was fantastic. You've got the security blanket of confidentiality and I found I could be really brutally honest about things and he would help organise things in my own head. Most of all he reassured me that the way I felt was not silly or irrational, I was ill and there were people that could help.
I'm alot better now although occasionally the grey cloud does come along and push me down, but I now recognize it for what it is and have coping mechanisms to deal with it. (bizarrely swimming helps!).
Its difficult to put into words as its all a bit of a haze.
For what its worth, if you need any help or advice feel free to mail me.
In reply to AndyH1710:
My heart goes out to you. My sister also tried to commit suicide while at Uni. I will never understand how you can get so low, nor would I ever want to, but I know that it happens. All I can share with you is my own experience from this side.
I remember feeling angry and confused, and I actually went to speak to my own doctor to try and understand the illness and what I could do. He put me in touch with Mencap who gave me loads of info.
What worked for me was actually being open to my sis, letting her talk, not trying to sort her problems out for her, but letting her vent her feelings, I also got her to start making decisions in her life, nothing magor, just hings like what top would she like to wear, or what food would she like to eat, to try and get her to feel like she is taking control of her life again. One of the things about depression is the inability to make decisions about anything, and a problem with prozac is that it can allows the person who has just started taking it to feel a bit better, but they then take the decision to end it all. That's what happened with my sis, but she was found in time. Once the prozac kicks in, they start to think more rationally again and that danger passes. She had to try a few different types of drugs before she found one that suited her, she has had a couple of relapses, but she has learned to recognise the signs and can ask for help when she needs it. She has been off her meds now for over 3 years and is doing really well. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
It just requires a lot of patience and love on your part, it is a long haul (in my case its been about 10 years) but worth it. Oh and don't forget to take time out for yourself. It may seem selfish, but it is absolutely necessary.
I hope some of this helps, sorry its a bit disjointed.
hugs
My heart goes out to you. My sister also tried to commit suicide while at Uni. I will never understand how you can get so low, nor would I ever want to, but I know that it happens. All I can share with you is my own experience from this side.
I remember feeling angry and confused, and I actually went to speak to my own doctor to try and understand the illness and what I could do. He put me in touch with Mencap who gave me loads of info.
What worked for me was actually being open to my sis, letting her talk, not trying to sort her problems out for her, but letting her vent her feelings, I also got her to start making decisions in her life, nothing magor, just hings like what top would she like to wear, or what food would she like to eat, to try and get her to feel like she is taking control of her life again. One of the things about depression is the inability to make decisions about anything, and a problem with prozac is that it can allows the person who has just started taking it to feel a bit better, but they then take the decision to end it all. That's what happened with my sis, but she was found in time. Once the prozac kicks in, they start to think more rationally again and that danger passes. She had to try a few different types of drugs before she found one that suited her, she has had a couple of relapses, but she has learned to recognise the signs and can ask for help when she needs it. She has been off her meds now for over 3 years and is doing really well. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
It just requires a lot of patience and love on your part, it is a long haul (in my case its been about 10 years) but worth it. Oh and don't forget to take time out for yourself. It may seem selfish, but it is absolutely necessary.
I hope some of this helps, sorry its a bit disjointed.
hugs
In reply to Anonymous:
hello,
my two pennorth which could well have already been said, but from having been in the situation of trying to kill myself when I was a teenager (in retrospect a particularly half-hearted attempt, but the intention and the feelings were definitely there), I'd say that one thing that all families can do is to be there for one another as much as possible, lots of hugs and lots of reassuring him how much you all love him and care about him.
very best of wishes to you all.
hello,
my two pennorth which could well have already been said, but from having been in the situation of trying to kill myself when I was a teenager (in retrospect a particularly half-hearted attempt, but the intention and the feelings were definitely there), I'd say that one thing that all families can do is to be there for one another as much as possible, lots of hugs and lots of reassuring him how much you all love him and care about him.
very best of wishes to you all.
In reply to AndyH1710:
I've suffered from depression on and off for most of my adult life which started in my teenage years. Its a horrible place to be (especailly if you add in how horrible just being a teenager can be these days, peer pressure etc.) Your brother will probably feel very alone, and it will take a while for him to get past this - just be a big brother to him, but don't patronise him.
Give the Prozac a change - it does work (it certainly helped me through some very dark times, when life seemed pointless and hopeless). I've been antidepressent free for over three years now. Changed my diet and life style, took up climbing, exercise and a healthy lifestyle - which has helped tremendously (something to do with increased self respect, as I don't feel like a failure anymore.)
It'll take time - with the right help he'll get there.
All the best
F
I've suffered from depression on and off for most of my adult life which started in my teenage years. Its a horrible place to be (especailly if you add in how horrible just being a teenager can be these days, peer pressure etc.) Your brother will probably feel very alone, and it will take a while for him to get past this - just be a big brother to him, but don't patronise him.
Give the Prozac a change - it does work (it certainly helped me through some very dark times, when life seemed pointless and hopeless). I've been antidepressent free for over three years now. Changed my diet and life style, took up climbing, exercise and a healthy lifestyle - which has helped tremendously (something to do with increased self respect, as I don't feel like a failure anymore.)
It'll take time - with the right help he'll get there.
All the best
F
In reply to Anonymous: I don't know if this helps, but I have been through this too. If you want to use me to initially contact each other, please do so. Confidentiality guaranteed.
I got through it, and don't mind people knowing, I think it made me stronger.
Tree
I got through it, and don't mind people knowing, I think it made me stronger.
Tree
In reply to Anonymous: another regular poster - hard to write this, admitting too much to myself - I started taking pills as a result of being severely depressed this last March, things got worse and I couldn't cope with anything, there was no up, ever
everything is so hard to do, it's so hard to see any future, I have no-one to talk to, I have family but they are completely uninterested, emotions are not mentioned in my family, I'm an embarrassment to them, I have no close friends, lots of acquaintances I suppose but I don't want to open up to just anyone, so all I can do is pay to talk to a counsellor once a week, I don't have that much money so I can't afford any more, it gets me through the week - just - but I am slowly going downhill again, I can barely drag myself out of the house, I can barely eat though I have other reasons that mean I have to, I can see no future, no reason to go on, I'm dragging myself along for what? If I killed myself would anyone notice?
help
everything is so hard to do, it's so hard to see any future, I have no-one to talk to, I have family but they are completely uninterested, emotions are not mentioned in my family, I'm an embarrassment to them, I have no close friends, lots of acquaintances I suppose but I don't want to open up to just anyone, so all I can do is pay to talk to a counsellor once a week, I don't have that much money so I can't afford any more, it gets me through the week - just - but I am slowly going downhill again, I can barely drag myself out of the house, I can barely eat though I have other reasons that mean I have to, I can see no future, no reason to go on, I'm dragging myself along for what? If I killed myself would anyone notice?
help
In reply to Anonymous:
hello,
argh! even if you think it's not appropriate to share stuff on here, you should know (I suspect you already do) that there are people on here who'll listen to you and be interested in what you're going through.
the other thing is that I'm not sure where you're based but a lot of areas have, in addition to paid counselling services, a service where you pay by donation, i.e. what you can afford, whether that's nothing or £100 per session. your GP should have a list of counsellors, or you might be able to find more info at the British Association of Counsellors (or something like that)'s website.
what you're feeling isn't so far removed from what at least one other person on here that I know of is feeling, so, in consequence, you're not as alone as you may feel!
if you want to email someone, feel free to email me.
hello,
argh! even if you think it's not appropriate to share stuff on here, you should know (I suspect you already do) that there are people on here who'll listen to you and be interested in what you're going through.
the other thing is that I'm not sure where you're based but a lot of areas have, in addition to paid counselling services, a service where you pay by donation, i.e. what you can afford, whether that's nothing or £100 per session. your GP should have a list of counsellors, or you might be able to find more info at the British Association of Counsellors (or something like that)'s website.
what you're feeling isn't so far removed from what at least one other person on here that I know of is feeling, so, in consequence, you're not as alone as you may feel!
if you want to email someone, feel free to email me.
In reply to Anonymous:
Email me, if u want to talk, I'm a trained counsellor, free of charge.
Email me, if u want to talk, I'm a trained counsellor, free of charge.
In reply to Anonymous: Set up an anonymous email addy and email me.
There are people out there who care.
There are people out there who care.
In reply to CJD: I know why this place is such a good resource, yes, there are people with all knowledge here - I'm currently paying £30 a session and I suspect this is cheap but I can barely afford this, I had to leave work - the main cause of my depression - I have no income yet, the thought of dealing with things like applying for the dole is overwhelming, I can barely make a cup of tea
I don't want to impose all my troubles on anyone else really though your offer of email is wonderful, I feel like disappearing, I think I may already have disappeared, no-one seems to have noticed
I don't want to impose all my troubles on anyone else really though your offer of email is wonderful, I feel like disappearing, I think I may already have disappeared, no-one seems to have noticed
In reply to Anonymous:
don't ever believe that it's true that people don't notice!
these things always sound like cliches but do hang in there, and the offer of email always stands.
<a random and spontaneous hug>
don't ever believe that it's true that people don't notice!
these things always sound like cliches but do hang in there, and the offer of email always stands.
<a random and spontaneous hug>
In reply to Anonymous:
I think you'll find your friends care more about you than you imagine. They probably have no idea you're feeling this bad. Get back in touch with them, see if one of them will go along to the dole office with you. And maybe go to your GP with you, because you're entitled to NHS treatment and support.
Big huge hugs.
I think you'll find your friends care more about you than you imagine. They probably have no idea you're feeling this bad. Get back in touch with them, see if one of them will go along to the dole office with you. And maybe go to your GP with you, because you're entitled to NHS treatment and support.
Big huge hugs.
In reply to Anonymous:
The good news is that he didn’t attempt suicide. In fact he was very precise in taking the minimum dose recognised by a hospital as an overdose, and sought treatment immediately (well within the 24 hr period before damage occurs). Therefore the OD and the cutting are clearly attempts at communication, not suicide. It’s unlikely his mood is due to environment-independent brain chemistry. You mentioned a romantic relationship and his friends’ mockery, and said that ‘overreacting’ to that is ‘normal in depression’. Actually it’s just normal for being a teenager, as these are the most important things of all. Antidepressants are massively marketed because they bring huge profits to drug companies, but the evidence they help sad teenagers is rather slim. A strong safety net of emotional support is best.
The good news is that he didn’t attempt suicide. In fact he was very precise in taking the minimum dose recognised by a hospital as an overdose, and sought treatment immediately (well within the 24 hr period before damage occurs). Therefore the OD and the cutting are clearly attempts at communication, not suicide. It’s unlikely his mood is due to environment-independent brain chemistry. You mentioned a romantic relationship and his friends’ mockery, and said that ‘overreacting’ to that is ‘normal in depression’. Actually it’s just normal for being a teenager, as these are the most important things of all. Antidepressants are massively marketed because they bring huge profits to drug companies, but the evidence they help sad teenagers is rather slim. A strong safety net of emotional support is best.
In reply to curlymynci:
He's got an appointment at 4 today so I guess that's when we'll decide what is going to happen.
Andy
> (In reply to AndyH1710)
>
> then you should be talking to a psychiatrist today about what's happened. You can then come up with a plan for how to deal with his current breakdown. The main objective being to keep him from doing himself any more harm.
>
> then you should be talking to a psychiatrist today about what's happened. You can then come up with a plan for how to deal with his current breakdown. The main objective being to keep him from doing himself any more harm.
He's got an appointment at 4 today so I guess that's when we'll decide what is going to happen.
Andy
In reply to AndyH1710:
Thinking of you all!
>
> F*ck. Well looks like I'm not anonymous anymore.
>
> Andy
Andy... just because you are not anon any more doesn't mean people will cease to respect your privacy! Hope things improve... I'll read further down the thread before i say owt else!
> F*ck. Well looks like I'm not anonymous anymore.
>
> Andy
Thinking of you all!
In reply to Anonymous:
Very sorry to hear the story.
I have heard good things about CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) but never tried it myself.
One thing I will say from my own experience of depression: it took me a long time to get as low as I did. It is taking a long time to get myself back out of that hole, and every so often I slip back.
That is not very encouraging, I know, except to say that I am coming out of thepit.
Very sorry to hear the story.
I have heard good things about CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) but never tried it myself.
One thing I will say from my own experience of depression: it took me a long time to get as low as I did. It is taking a long time to get myself back out of that hole, and every so often I slip back.
That is not very encouraging, I know, except to say that I am coming out of thepit.
In reply to almost sane:
My doc recommended an online resource called 'Moodgym' - I started it but found it a bit 'hard work' so I got a book instead about CBT for depression - I find this much easier to dip in and out of and I've found it really helpful. Not only in dealing with my own mind, but also understanding depression and how it works.
Good luck to everyone who is suffering (directly or indirectly) - it's a stinker, but there IS a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you can't see it right now.
My doc recommended an online resource called 'Moodgym' - I started it but found it a bit 'hard work' so I got a book instead about CBT for depression - I find this much easier to dip in and out of and I've found it really helpful. Not only in dealing with my own mind, but also understanding depression and how it works.
Good luck to everyone who is suffering (directly or indirectly) - it's a stinker, but there IS a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you can't see it right now.
In reply to TN:
DIY CBT is actually really good. Maybe introduce it when the initial drama has subsided somewhat.
DIY CBT is actually really good. Maybe introduce it when the initial drama has subsided somewhat.
In reply to Anonymous: Hi
Prozac or similar should give your brother the breathing space to get his serotonin levels back up. A more up to date SSRI is Exefor or Ventoflaxine which has superceeded Prozac a bit. Be wary of Seroxat - I know a couple of people who have had a weird time on that.
CBT should help as well. Can you encourage your brother to go walking/jogging/climbing with you - this would get his endorphine levels up. eating well would also help.
be aware that if someone is really down and lethargic then it is possible that Prozac can actually give them the drive to try to commit suicide. Dont want to scaremonger but it is certainly worth asking your GP about.
I have been depressed in the past - more by circumstance than clinical - and have found SSRI's a good short term help coupled with eating/sleeping/exercise to getting back up there.
Good luck and Im sdure theres lots of help and support on these forums for you.
Prozac or similar should give your brother the breathing space to get his serotonin levels back up. A more up to date SSRI is Exefor or Ventoflaxine which has superceeded Prozac a bit. Be wary of Seroxat - I know a couple of people who have had a weird time on that.
CBT should help as well. Can you encourage your brother to go walking/jogging/climbing with you - this would get his endorphine levels up. eating well would also help.
be aware that if someone is really down and lethargic then it is possible that Prozac can actually give them the drive to try to commit suicide. Dont want to scaremonger but it is certainly worth asking your GP about.
I have been depressed in the past - more by circumstance than clinical - and have found SSRI's a good short term help coupled with eating/sleeping/exercise to getting back up there.
Good luck and Im sdure theres lots of help and support on these forums for you.
In reply to Anonymous:
In my experience OCD has an underlying reason - get to the heart of it & the healing process can happen...
OCD is a nut that needs to be cracked - once through its shell - all the problems tend to spill out...
Good luck and if you need to mail me for a chat - please do by all means...
Si
> (In reply to Wes & Simon)
>
>
> Si- he had OCD before and councilling, without any drugs, sorted that out reasonably quickly but he seems very reluctant to talk to anyone about this situation, obviously when the councillor(sp?) see's him tomorrow he/she'll be able to start to change that.
In my experience OCD has an underlying reason - get to the heart of it & the healing process can happen...
OCD is a nut that needs to be cracked - once through its shell - all the problems tend to spill out...
Good luck and if you need to mail me for a chat - please do by all means...
Si
In reply to Anonymous: God I'm amazed at how many people suffer from this horrible illness. I'm going through this at the moment and am taking Seroxat, no weird side effects though. CBT is really good, I have a great counsellor and she just helps you to start thinking differently. I'm not out the other side yet but I'm getting there and I'm a different person this Christmas to the lonely, isolated and empty one I was last Christmas. I was unable to talk to the closest people to me as they were so fed up of me being so negative (negative mental filter) all the time that I felt like I was actually going mad. Nothing really meant anything to me and I was diagnosed with "mild to moderate depression". Your brother might find it easier to talk to a counsellor as they are completely impartial and professional and want to help. Depression can be managed but I think that I'm always going to have to be aware of it. Hope this helps.
In reply to Anonymous: So... is there an update on things for those of us who care about this kinda stuff? Keep us posted!
In reply to Pauline:
Sorry, he went to see a therapist the day after it happened and she said she was confident he wouldn't do it again and it was just a case of helping him through the next few weeks until the drugs start to kick in. Then we'll look at how to fight it in the long term.
However, my mum then spoke to a proper shrink(sorry I keep using that word, it's just I can't spell the proper name, lol) as opposed to a therapist yesterday on the phone. She said had it been her my brother saw she would have admitted him to the psyciatric ward as he was too big a risk. So he went to see her this morning but she changed her mind and decided to let him stay at home. Someone has to be with him at all times though. Garage has to be locked to keep him away from stanley knives, saws etc. All kitchen knifes and razors have been locked away and all the drugs in the house have been hidden.
So we'll have to wait and see.
Andy
Sorry, he went to see a therapist the day after it happened and she said she was confident he wouldn't do it again and it was just a case of helping him through the next few weeks until the drugs start to kick in. Then we'll look at how to fight it in the long term.
However, my mum then spoke to a proper shrink(sorry I keep using that word, it's just I can't spell the proper name, lol) as opposed to a therapist yesterday on the phone. She said had it been her my brother saw she would have admitted him to the psyciatric ward as he was too big a risk. So he went to see her this morning but she changed her mind and decided to let him stay at home. Someone has to be with him at all times though. Garage has to be locked to keep him away from stanley knives, saws etc. All kitchen knifes and razors have been locked away and all the drugs in the house have been hidden.
So we'll have to wait and see.
Andy
In reply to Witkacy:
Be very careful of the concept of a minimum dose.
I share my house with an experienced doctor who told us a very sobering story (probably an event often repeated) once - one that should probably be kept in mind by anyone intending to take an overdose in order to gain attention/cry for help:
Teenage girl who took an overdose of paracetamol I think (not too sure). She was taken to hospital in time to have stomach pumped etc, and became conscious, as she had expected, immediately regretting everything and very happy to be alive. Unfortunately, the overdose had caused irreversible destruction to her internals (liver, kidney I'm again, not too sure). The news was broken to her that this was the case as well as her prognosis - she would be dead in 24-48 hours or somesuch.
Those last few hours for her would have been horrendous, and a sure sign that a "planned" suicide attempt with the view to survive is NOT worth it. There's help out there!
Be very careful of the concept of a minimum dose.
I share my house with an experienced doctor who told us a very sobering story (probably an event often repeated) once - one that should probably be kept in mind by anyone intending to take an overdose in order to gain attention/cry for help:
Teenage girl who took an overdose of paracetamol I think (not too sure). She was taken to hospital in time to have stomach pumped etc, and became conscious, as she had expected, immediately regretting everything and very happy to be alive. Unfortunately, the overdose had caused irreversible destruction to her internals (liver, kidney I'm again, not too sure). The news was broken to her that this was the case as well as her prognosis - she would be dead in 24-48 hours or somesuch.
Those last few hours for her would have been horrendous, and a sure sign that a "planned" suicide attempt with the view to survive is NOT worth it. There's help out there!
In reply to Anonymous: Thanx for the update Andy... all the best!
In reply to David Martin:
Aye, we were told that there is no safe amount, it all depends on the person's biological make up. They have had cases of people taking 12 tablets and dying in 24 hours and others taking 100 and only throwing up.
They, also, don't pump your stomach for paracetmol overdoses anymore as it is absorbed into your blood stream far too quickly for it too be of much benefit. Therefore they just take bloods and if the paracetamol level in your blood is dangerous they put you on a drip to counter it.
Andy
Aye, we were told that there is no safe amount, it all depends on the person's biological make up. They have had cases of people taking 12 tablets and dying in 24 hours and others taking 100 and only throwing up.
They, also, don't pump your stomach for paracetmol overdoses anymore as it is absorbed into your blood stream far too quickly for it too be of much benefit. Therefore they just take bloods and if the paracetamol level in your blood is dangerous they put you on a drip to counter it.
Andy
In reply to David Martin:
I know, it's not my concept. I just pointed out that it doesn't look like attempted suicide. And if he had taken fewer tablets he might not have immediately received hospital treatment. Obviously these 'cries for help' in whatever form hold risks. The fact that they do is one way of proving your cry for help is genuine.
> Be very careful of the concept of a minimum dose.
I know, it's not my concept. I just pointed out that it doesn't look like attempted suicide. And if he had taken fewer tablets he might not have immediately received hospital treatment. Obviously these 'cries for help' in whatever form hold risks. The fact that they do is one way of proving your cry for help is genuine.
In reply to Anonymous:
Dear anonymous
I know someonethat has tried prozac and it can make you very anxious at first. Others get on well with. Everybody is different.
I would suggest that your brother is in need of treatment for his nerves; rest; diet; selected company and AVENA SATIVA (made by Weleda) which is available from most health food shops. It is a natural calming medicine. The suicidal ideas; it can help to talk to the right person; but one doesn't like to be labelled as depressed or anything else
and reinforcing the diagnosis is to be avoided. The specialist is not always the best person to talk to. In situations like this one needs to look at the wider situation; family and friends as well as chool/college/work influence to discover where best to attempt some approach to improvement. You can email me if you want to on [email protected]
pete
Dear anonymous
I know someonethat has tried prozac and it can make you very anxious at first. Others get on well with. Everybody is different.
I would suggest that your brother is in need of treatment for his nerves; rest; diet; selected company and AVENA SATIVA (made by Weleda) which is available from most health food shops. It is a natural calming medicine. The suicidal ideas; it can help to talk to the right person; but one doesn't like to be labelled as depressed or anything else
and reinforcing the diagnosis is to be avoided. The specialist is not always the best person to talk to. In situations like this one needs to look at the wider situation; family and friends as well as chool/college/work influence to discover where best to attempt some approach to improvement. You can email me if you want to on [email protected]
pete
In reply to Anonymous:
>another regular poster - hard to write this, admitting >too much to myself - I started taking pills as a result >of being severely depressed this last March, things got >worse and I couldn't cope with anything, there was no up, >ever
Hi
I want to respond to your post. Well done for having the courage to post. Also a massive well done for finding your counsellor and going to counselling. Like other people said you may be able to see a good counsellor/therapist free on the NHS. You certainly have the right to. Don't stop seeing your current counsellor until you find else someone free on the NHS that you feel comfortable with.
A few years ago I was not working due to something that happened. Amongst other things I was depressed. I was on incapacity benefit and paid for my therapist as I could not wait for the NHS to find someone appropriate with the right experience. It was very hard, I had £6 a week to live on after paying for the therapist and travel to get there. She saved my life really, or helped me to save my own life. I have never regretted paying to see her. She knew about my financial difficulties and was supportive of me finding an NHS counsellor, who I was for 6 months. When I got back to work, I went back to the therapist I paid for. It is possible to do this and your counsellor may not be happy about it but should be understanding and respectful of your decision.
I am really sorry you are feeling so isolated and having such a hard time. About feeling like you want to disappear or already have, I have so sorry. You're here, I am responding to you, so have others. You said no one seems to notice you are gone, maybe they have but don't know what to do or what to say. It's terrible and incredibly painful but sometimes people do and say nothing, when they do not know what to do. I lost all my friends also at this time, they did not know what to do, or gave themselves reasons not to see me. Also if people are not helping, or not seeming to notice, they may really be crap friends/family. It is not always you, sometimes it's them who are at fault. It sorted the wheat from the chaff as far as my friends were concerned. The friends I have now are much higher quality!
Like other people have said the road up may be very slow, if you are very down. Take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time. I used to do this to get through the bad days, particularly Christmas. I also had problems with loads of stuff. Eating properly was hard too, but keep doing it. It will help you get through. A bowl of cereal for a meal is better than nothing.
I am very worried about your post. On another site I post on someone posted an email about feeling suicidal. A couple of weeks later his sister posted, he had commit suicide. She is devastated. If you feel very very low, please ring the Samaritans or call Mind.
Please email me anytime, I absolutely will not tell anyone who you are. Or set up a anonymous account like peopel have said. You do matter, I care, a lot of other people here care. You are not a burden. Please take up offers of help. A lot of people here have got through depression, or are dealing with it.
I am really sorry if any of this sounds trite or rubbish or offensive, please ignore it, it's meant in love. I usually write about none of this here, and I do go on....
Love and hugs to you
RW
>another regular poster - hard to write this, admitting >too much to myself - I started taking pills as a result >of being severely depressed this last March, things got >worse and I couldn't cope with anything, there was no up, >ever
Hi
I want to respond to your post. Well done for having the courage to post. Also a massive well done for finding your counsellor and going to counselling. Like other people said you may be able to see a good counsellor/therapist free on the NHS. You certainly have the right to. Don't stop seeing your current counsellor until you find else someone free on the NHS that you feel comfortable with.
A few years ago I was not working due to something that happened. Amongst other things I was depressed. I was on incapacity benefit and paid for my therapist as I could not wait for the NHS to find someone appropriate with the right experience. It was very hard, I had £6 a week to live on after paying for the therapist and travel to get there. She saved my life really, or helped me to save my own life. I have never regretted paying to see her. She knew about my financial difficulties and was supportive of me finding an NHS counsellor, who I was for 6 months. When I got back to work, I went back to the therapist I paid for. It is possible to do this and your counsellor may not be happy about it but should be understanding and respectful of your decision.
I am really sorry you are feeling so isolated and having such a hard time. About feeling like you want to disappear or already have, I have so sorry. You're here, I am responding to you, so have others. You said no one seems to notice you are gone, maybe they have but don't know what to do or what to say. It's terrible and incredibly painful but sometimes people do and say nothing, when they do not know what to do. I lost all my friends also at this time, they did not know what to do, or gave themselves reasons not to see me. Also if people are not helping, or not seeming to notice, they may really be crap friends/family. It is not always you, sometimes it's them who are at fault. It sorted the wheat from the chaff as far as my friends were concerned. The friends I have now are much higher quality!
Like other people have said the road up may be very slow, if you are very down. Take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time. I used to do this to get through the bad days, particularly Christmas. I also had problems with loads of stuff. Eating properly was hard too, but keep doing it. It will help you get through. A bowl of cereal for a meal is better than nothing.
I am very worried about your post. On another site I post on someone posted an email about feeling suicidal. A couple of weeks later his sister posted, he had commit suicide. She is devastated. If you feel very very low, please ring the Samaritans or call Mind.
Please email me anytime, I absolutely will not tell anyone who you are. Or set up a anonymous account like peopel have said. You do matter, I care, a lot of other people here care. You are not a burden. Please take up offers of help. A lot of people here have got through depression, or are dealing with it.
I am really sorry if any of this sounds trite or rubbish or offensive, please ignore it, it's meant in love. I usually write about none of this here, and I do go on....
Love and hugs to you
RW
In reply to Anonymous:
I too am shocked at how many people are affected by depression of some kind or another.
I am on the upward path to hopefully recovery after having been in a dark and lonely place for some time. Eventually I managed to muster enought rational thought to take myself to the doctors. He prescribed me citalopram - a SSRI - seratonin inhibitor.
The effects have been amazing. The first week was awful - culminating in me having suicidal thoughts, but after that corner was turned, things greatly improved. Thats not to say that suddenly all of my problems have been solved, but now I feel like I have the strength and attitude to face my issues and at least attempt to deal with them. This "empowerment" has replaced my general feelings of overwhelming apathy, low self esteem and lack of self worth. Some days are better than others of course, but generally things are going well
I have been on meds for almost 2 months now and my Doc thinks another month or so and I'll be ready to come off them. More importantly - when I feel ready to come off them!
I am interested in one of the anon posters mentioning how diet can help. One of the reasons I was prescibed medication was to help my battle with an eating disorder. Some days I am fine - like a "normal" person, but other days I fall apart and either dont eat anything or over eat and then vomit.
I have realised that I crave / need structure and order - even at meal times. If I plan what Im going to eat it is easier to eat and enjoy. If I could plan a diet targeting foods which will help me feel even better about myself then all the better!!
Im lucky that I love fish - so Im off to load up on my omega 3 and buy some macrel, sardines and salmon!
Which other foods help? Which should I avoid? Is there a website with this sort of info on?
This thread has made me realise that Im not alone. I find this subject very difficult to talk about, but I have been so impressed with the posters on this thread. I cant seem to discuss my problems or feelings very well - but some of you have written amazingly eloquently and summed up exacly what I am feeling.
Best wishes to OP - I hope your brother recovers well finds peace within himself.
x
I too am shocked at how many people are affected by depression of some kind or another.
I am on the upward path to hopefully recovery after having been in a dark and lonely place for some time. Eventually I managed to muster enought rational thought to take myself to the doctors. He prescribed me citalopram - a SSRI - seratonin inhibitor.
The effects have been amazing. The first week was awful - culminating in me having suicidal thoughts, but after that corner was turned, things greatly improved. Thats not to say that suddenly all of my problems have been solved, but now I feel like I have the strength and attitude to face my issues and at least attempt to deal with them. This "empowerment" has replaced my general feelings of overwhelming apathy, low self esteem and lack of self worth. Some days are better than others of course, but generally things are going well
I have been on meds for almost 2 months now and my Doc thinks another month or so and I'll be ready to come off them. More importantly - when I feel ready to come off them!
I am interested in one of the anon posters mentioning how diet can help. One of the reasons I was prescibed medication was to help my battle with an eating disorder. Some days I am fine - like a "normal" person, but other days I fall apart and either dont eat anything or over eat and then vomit.
I have realised that I crave / need structure and order - even at meal times. If I plan what Im going to eat it is easier to eat and enjoy. If I could plan a diet targeting foods which will help me feel even better about myself then all the better!!
Im lucky that I love fish - so Im off to load up on my omega 3 and buy some macrel, sardines and salmon!
Which other foods help? Which should I avoid? Is there a website with this sort of info on?
This thread has made me realise that Im not alone. I find this subject very difficult to talk about, but I have been so impressed with the posters on this thread. I cant seem to discuss my problems or feelings very well - but some of you have written amazingly eloquently and summed up exacly what I am feeling.
Best wishes to OP - I hope your brother recovers well finds peace within himself.
x
In reply to Anonymous:
Hi
I am really glad you are feeling so much better. I had an eating disorder (starving and bingeing). OA helped me:
http://www.oagb.org.uk/
More info here:
http://www.oa.org/index.htm#
Good luck, sometimes it's big steps and sometimes it's baby steps hey...
Hi
I am really glad you are feeling so much better. I had an eating disorder (starving and bingeing). OA helped me:
http://www.oagb.org.uk/
More info here:
http://www.oa.org/index.htm#
Good luck, sometimes it's big steps and sometimes it's baby steps hey...
In reply to Anonymous:
My little sister made a successful attempt while sectioned in 1991, All I can say is don't leave any stone unturned until you are satisfied with the diagnosis.
Little sis was treated for depression right up until the end, turns out most likely cause of her problems was a hormonal imbalance (I know this may be more of a problem for girls but you never know) suffice to say things aint always as cut and dried as they first appear, hope you all have a successful outcome and the best of luck
My little sister made a successful attempt while sectioned in 1991, All I can say is don't leave any stone unturned until you are satisfied with the diagnosis.
Little sis was treated for depression right up until the end, turns out most likely cause of her problems was a hormonal imbalance (I know this may be more of a problem for girls but you never know) suffice to say things aint always as cut and dried as they first appear, hope you all have a successful outcome and the best of luck
> I have realised that I crave / need structure and order - >even at meal times. If I plan what Im going to eat it is >easier to eat and enjoy. If I could plan a diet targeting >foods which will help me feel even better about myself >then all the better!!
A website might give you more info (try the eating disorders association as a start), but you really sound like the sort of person who would benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy - any chance your doctor could refer you for this?
In reply to Anonymous:
Great to hear you're feeling better, overcoming depression is a serious challenge.
Felt compelled to reply by a slight concern with your last post...it's good to feel that you might be ready to come off medication but a total course of treatment of three months is WAY under what would be recommended by any psychiatric body (RCPSYCH, APA, NICE etc )...the risk of relapse is significantly higher in these circumstances, particularly with a possible co-morbid eating disorder.
This isn't to try and influence the therapeutic relationship with your own doctor or pressure you into taking unnecessary treatment but it's something to bear in mind...
The honest advice on this forum always impresses me too, please take this in that spirit..
Damian
Great to hear you're feeling better, overcoming depression is a serious challenge.
Felt compelled to reply by a slight concern with your last post...it's good to feel that you might be ready to come off medication but a total course of treatment of three months is WAY under what would be recommended by any psychiatric body (RCPSYCH, APA, NICE etc )...the risk of relapse is significantly higher in these circumstances, particularly with a possible co-morbid eating disorder.
This isn't to try and influence the therapeutic relationship with your own doctor or pressure you into taking unnecessary treatment but it's something to bear in mind...
The honest advice on this forum always impresses me too, please take this in that spirit..
Damian
In reply to Damian L:
Yes, I was going to say that too, but thought I shouldn't interfere....
Stay on the tablets for at least 6 months after you feel completely better - that would be standard advice. Don't rush to stop them.
Yes, I was going to say that too, but thought I shouldn't interfere....
Stay on the tablets for at least 6 months after you feel completely better - that would be standard advice. Don't rush to stop them.
In reply to Anonymous:
My heartfelt sympathies go out to you. I've been there and I know what you're talking about. I went through a semi-prolonged period of depression following the deaths of several people who were close to me, one of them murdered. Somehow, the light seemed to go out, and the ordinary things of life seemed stale and filled with badness and negativity - somehow. My only advice is to find interest in little things, the unimportant detail that makes a life what it is, whether it is talking to people about the little things that make up their lives, or focussing on a climbing agenda.
You'll know when you're getting well again when those little things seem important again. Good luck. It will pass, and probably already is passing.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to you. I've been there and I know what you're talking about. I went through a semi-prolonged period of depression following the deaths of several people who were close to me, one of them murdered. Somehow, the light seemed to go out, and the ordinary things of life seemed stale and filled with badness and negativity - somehow. My only advice is to find interest in little things, the unimportant detail that makes a life what it is, whether it is talking to people about the little things that make up their lives, or focussing on a climbing agenda.
You'll know when you're getting well again when those little things seem important again. Good luck. It will pass, and probably already is passing.
In reply to Anonymous:
Like many others on this thread I can also empathise with this situation.
On several occasions I have been in a very dark place; sometimes with associated eating disorders, sometimes not. There was one time when I felt no reason to go on; looking back it wasn't the worst thing that has ever happened to me that had triggered it; just the depression caught me at a particularly vulnerable time and I could not handle it.
There is a way out of it eventually and I would now consider myself to be a 'glass half-full' person but yet I know that deep inside is a dark side that will never go away. So long as I accept it I hope that I can keep it at bay.
Big hugs to everyone suffering.
Like many others on this thread I can also empathise with this situation.
On several occasions I have been in a very dark place; sometimes with associated eating disorders, sometimes not. There was one time when I felt no reason to go on; looking back it wasn't the worst thing that has ever happened to me that had triggered it; just the depression caught me at a particularly vulnerable time and I could not handle it.
There is a way out of it eventually and I would now consider myself to be a 'glass half-full' person but yet I know that deep inside is a dark side that will never go away. So long as I accept it I hope that I can keep it at bay.
Big hugs to everyone suffering.
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Loading Notifications...