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Hello @bren1985
I would like to join Lisa in welcoming you to Mayo Connect. You have joined a very strong, encouraging community of people who, like you, have posted about some of the difficulties we all face from time to time. Depression is a difficult road to travel, isn't it? The very things that you know that you must do in order to get better are the most difficult things to do because it involves movement and talking with others - the very things that don't feel very comfortable right now.
Like Lisa said, I would encourage you to talk with a doctor about how you are feeling. There are always new medicines and therapies that can assist you and it looks like you are doing some good work on your own. You are also very articulate in expressing your feelings - a most important trait in the healing process.
Have you started keeping a journal of your feelings? That is often a good first step. When you read about CBT, write down thoughts as to how you can put these ideas into practice.
Will you keep in touch with us and let us know how you are progressing in your journey?
Teresa
Replies to "Hello @bren1985 I would like to join Lisa in welcoming you to Mayo Connect. You have..."
Hi Brenda, @bren1985
Regarding CBT, have you read David Burns book, "Feeling Good Handbook"? He has lots of examples of how to deal with thoughts that are not helpful and then there is a place where you can write your own new thoughts. You seem to be very articulate and I think it might be helpful for you.
You mentioned that often you cannot come up with alternative/balanced thoughts to replace the ones that come up "automatically." This is where meds and therapy would be good.
We would love to hear from you after your appointment on Monday. Will you post us again?
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
Yes, I have read "Feeling Good", although I don't have the handbook specifically. I do have "Mind Over Mood" by Greenberger and Padesky, and it has helped a bit.
Thanks, but I think you're the articulate one! 😉
I am on a medication, but it's frustrating waiting for it to kick in...and the dry mouth S/E is annoying. But I feel desperate, so I'm willing to try it as I've hit rock bottom and have so little left to lose at this point. I'm also waiting for therapy (it will take 6 weeks; rather frustrating as well).
How have you been these days?
Take care,
Brenda
Hello Brenda, @bren1985
Nice to hear from you! I wish you well as you wait for the meds to "kick in." I hope that you get to see a helpful therapist/counselor. You will do quite well with therapy, I'm sure. I'm not familiar with "Mind Over Mood," but it sounds very good.
I'm keeping busy with exercise classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and physical therapy on an in between day. I'm also taking a sign language class and I'm part of a book club through the public library so my mind doesn't have much opportunity to veg-out 🙂
I hope that you are able to find some worthwhile activities as well until you begin therapy. Whatever you can do that has some interest or value to you would be great.
Take care and keep in touch with us,
Teresa
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Hi Teresa,
Thanks for your nice message and I'm glad to meet you!
I used to keep a journal in the past; it would be a good idea to start writing again. Sometimes CBT can be a real struggle as I can't always come up with "alternative/more balanced" thoughts that I actually believe. It's nice to hear that there may be some hope with new medications and therapies.
I would love to keep in touch, and thanks again for your support.
Best,
Brenda