Lived Experience Forum

[utopia]

Was talking about this on another thread - but thought I would ask the question here so everyone could contribute.
I've noticed that when I start sliding into my depression, that my tolerance for pain plummets. Even to the point that I can't pluck my eyebrows.
Does anyone else react during periods of depression?

[Heart]

@utopia, One of my biggest reaction is appertite. Loose it, and to look at food just turns my stomach.

Pain is an anxiety thing for me as I end up tensing my body so much.

[Determined]

@utopia
The biggest thing for me is that I shut down and run on autopilot doing only what needs to be done and succeeding only where the given task is part of routine.

My main sensory complaint is sensitivity to noise. The smallest background noise puts my anxiety through the roof so that I cant concentrate or effectively make any decisions.

I agree with @Heart I also loose my appetite. Problem for me when I am like this I just look at food and gain weight even though I am eating less. Basically only eating because I have to.

edit
Wow, don't know what was going on with my spelling and grammar here. Sorry to anyone who endured reading that before I fixed it 🙂

[utopia]

Thanks @Heart & @Determined for your feedback.
It appears that Depression brings on a heightening of the senses, or one if the senses. And an increase in anxiety and the changes that brings to our bodies.

[BlueBay]

Hi @utopia

i feel it in my stomach where i feel sick with pain.  I also get terrible headaches and also just want to stay away from everyone.  i want to be alone, not socialise and it's like my body wants to shut down for a while.

Depressoin for me feels like i am stuck in a dark deep hole and i can't get out.  and everytime i try to get out i get pushed back down again.

then i get angry and emotional, it feels like a horrible roller coaster ride.

[utopia]

@BlueBay. I understand that feeling. I describe my depression as being like a Vortex - a tornado. Once you are in the Centre - it's like you are trapped there.
But when I'm on the outside getting sucked in - that's when I can still fight to break free of the depression. That's also when my pain is so intense. I hate touch at that time. Can't stand anyone touching me.
Upset stomaches is very common with depression and anxiety. That's probably why a balanced diet is so important for us.

[utopia]

@Determined. No need to ever appologise for typos here. My big fat thumb on this little mobile - it's amazing I don't make more mistakes. Lol

[Former-Member]

I share a few of the symptoms by members above when anxious/distressed/depressed - upset stomach, headaches, nightmares, sensitivity to noise, dizziness, nausea, pins/needles/numbness and my pain threshold does lower.

But the main symptoms when depressed by major traumatic life events would be a "severe lack of motivation" to do anything. Severe fatigue. I have to force myself to do the basics, push myself constantly, cry a lot, feeling no joy in anything, seeing no light and just wanting to go to bed. Everything seems like an insurmountable task. Life seems an insurmountable task. That's when the depression is severe.

When mild to moderate the symptoms are not as severe, more a feeling of flatness - at times feeling overwhelmed by life but usually climbing out okay.

[Missmum87]

Hi, reading your post is very similar to the triggers my husband experiences and the basic day to day struggles he battles. Loud noises can manifest into anxiety having a mind of its own and spiral down from there......sometimes quite badly. It is difficult to bring up the 'elephant in the room' to him because when he is in a good mood I want to enjoy it, in a sad mood I don't want to push it and make it worse! But everyone has said he has to help himself to overcome it, our young children now worry to a point where they shouldn't.
What can I do to have him remember the person deep down without sounding like I'm to pushy, he takes offence to ALOT before really realising what was actually said. Is there warning signs I may be able to understand before anxiety gets to the point of his hands shaking then his whole body. Any advice at all, its heartbreaking seeing him try to suffer silently cooped up in bed fighting his personal demons until the next day!
Thanks 🙂

[utopia]

@Missmum87. I get Panic Attacks. I can feel my anxiety rising hours before hand (most of the time). To the point where I can try to prevent an attack occuring on most occasions. I cannot prevent one that occurs out of the blue - eg: aggressive male voice down the street, or similar. With that, I have no warning.
It's important to work through and find our how your (husbands) body reacts. As we can all react differently. This is easier to do with the help of a psychologist, etc. Maybe he could start by writing down how his body feels, how his mind feels.
During a Panic Attack - some people can be touched (say gently on the shoulder or hand). Others like me - cannot be touched. So you will need to check with your husband as to what is okay.
Reassurance that he is safe.Gently breathing with him. So he can slow down his breathing. Letting him know you are there. Using quiet words and tone.
Ultimately you won't be able to prevent his attack - but you can certainly help him through it. Remember also, that an attack can be physically and emotionally draining - so he may need to sleep for a while.
Was there a particular incident that started these anxiety attacks? Was it recent - in the past 2 or so years? Is he seeing a mental health professional to help him through this? Is he taking medication to help with the anxiety? Dies he have a good gp who works with him and his psychologist or psychiatrist? All of these things can make a difference.
Ultimately you need to ask him how you can support him when he is having an attack.
His mental health team and gp will be able to give you some more information.
We also have a carers forum. This forum you are on now - is for those of us, like your husband who are living with a mental illness.
I'll tag @Faith-and-Hope & @Shaz51 - who are also carers and know a lot about the carers forum on SANE.
They should post you a message here in the next day or two.
Good luck to you and your husband. Neither of you are alone. At SANE - we can offer support for both of you.