27 Answers

I am convinced everyone has something.  I was dealt a salad of somethings.  They are my somethings and something is better than nothing.

Anxiety.

Severe Allergies and their blinding reactions at times.

Blistering Shyness.

That is my list!

Ducky

Fishy..would you still be shy if we were to meet you in person or is that something that is in the past?

Ducky

I bet you're adorable! :)

Ducky

Dale Carnegie course or a course in public speaking (Toastmasters) might be helpful. I know a young man who took the DC course and he said it helped him immensely. He was shy to the EXTREME. You would be perfect at Toastmasters too, because you only need to talk about something you love...your pottery talent of course! Think about it fishy.

I just keep taking the meds, they're free here, keeps me normal"ish".....LOL

KOTF

Ducky

You seem normal "ish" to me...oh well, come to think of it, that may not be saying much! LOL!!

I haven't been here all day and I see you have hit a special number..Yay ROMOS..I'm off to find the post!!!!! :)

Once diagnosed with clinical depression but it seems to be in the past, for several years now.  I remain always vigilant, however, and I know the signs and symptoms.  I must always be mindful of how I am feeling, as it does tend to return, once you have had it and no one else can be of any help.  You have to do the work (whatever works for you) yourself!

Ducky

Ann..even people who see me regularly, would never guess as the "early symptoms" are easy to hide (as Ed says...he will want to be alone). I will take immediate action if I feel it coming on...get busy...call a friend for lunch, more exercise etc. I also take (no meds now) but natural supplements. Those types of things usually only help for mild to moderate depression but severe and never ending depression needs "real medication". Generally, I AM pretty upbeat and hopefully, the bout that I went through in the past, will stay in the past...but I remain vigilant. Thanks for your comment Ann. :)

Well, to quote one of my doctors: "You received the shitty genes"  My response was "Well, someone had too" and then hers was "Yeah, I guess that's true"  I started laughing and she just looked at me like I had 2 heads..and then I said "It's not that bad- yet" (She smiled: We both know it's pretty bad but I try to keep my chin up).

I dunno??  i don't think i have any 'social issues'.  In my business I talk to people all day, I'm kinda used to misuse and abuse, I'm in sales.  I think its a myth that all sales people are a bit batty, at least the ones i know are pretty good people and hard workers. There's times that I  say, 'ok! I've had enough!" then its time to recharge with a vacation.  But I don't think I have any social issues, I pretty much get along with everyone and i like to laugh and have fun, not take life too seriously, after all, we don't own our lives, we are only borrowing it and someday we must give it back, so enjoy!!

Ducky

Sales people are usually friendly and outgoing and required to be "up" all day, no matter what is going on in their own life. :)

Oh man!  I wish I had the time to be depressed . I certainly have plenty of reasons to be depressed.I probably am depressed that's why I'm responding to this question.Do I sound depressed to you?

Ducky

I was extremely busy, when a bout of depression hit me! Most times, people do not, necessarily, have a "reason" to be depressed. It is often a whole combination of factors and it is not fun...in fact...for many...unbearable...thus, suicide!

Well, here I am in a tree full of cocoanuts and I’m one of the bunch. Aren’t we funny. When I was old enough to know what normal is, I knew that was not me. ADHD, Manic-depression, Alzheimer's seem under control, schizophrenic….yep I’m a wild man and madly in love with all of you.    

i take effexor for depression. i can really tell the difference if i dont take it in a couple of days. my kids notice too. first words out their mouth, mom you took your meds today?

I am an asperger person and us  autism specturum people are prone to have mental problems as obsessive compusive disorder and depression because we don*t have ability to prosess the worlld around us. I myself am  people shy but still very very social, paradoxical isin't it? I am realy addicted to akaQA  and you have wonderful sense of humor. Love yuo all @----> <3

I know I do, been seeing shrinks off and on for  35 years. Finally have some meds that work and don't poison me (lithium warning from me.........)...............

Your not alone Ed.........Yep I suffer extreme anxiety mostly accompanied by panic attacks, when my anxiety is at its worse,  oh my god,  the panic attacks that follow  are truly terrifying.Over the years i have learnt to control them, but they are dying to get hold of me again.I find anxiety and depression go hand in hand, if it's anxiety one day it will be depression the next.

When I first came to the US. , I met a very nice woman who also came from Germany one year before I arrived and we both had anxiety attacks together. It was really all about beeing homesick.  I actually ended up in the hospital having a major anxiety attack. It went away on its on eventually, but as friends we stuck together like glue.Sadly she passed away 5 yrs. ago.in PA. where she lived. She never told me that she had cancer and even tried to keep it from her children.

I am really surprised at all the responses. My empathy to everyone. :o
As for myself, I have been taking a low dose of anti-depressant medication for over 20 years. It keeps my head above water.    I have been in therapy for depression; during the lowest point (2003), I was almost hospitalized because I could NOT stop crying.  
My depression is due to chemical imbalance in my brain, just like yours, ed. At this point in my life, I've almost come to accept this is "as good as it gets", but there is that little optimistic part of me that still believes there is something better ahead (pre-Heaven).   
As I said, my medication "keeps my head above water"; I would really like to get onto dry land.  

none of the above

I am one of the luck one`s. I have a check up with a "Shrink Every four months .Good news "DOWSA He cries!! NO change "You mean I am still a somebody !! "Yes ""O" Yes Still "Mental !! So Ed I am as "Happy as a "Shit In a dry "Toilet .Might stink !! But come up "Smelling of "roses "

Well now I think something is wrong! I really have no troubles coping with life. However I seldom sleep > 2 hours at a time then very restless.  I guess I just deal with things.  After everyones answers now I'm worried!

Ducky

No need to worry...depression is not something that strikes everyone. I am of the belief that it might run in families but who knows? Even the "experts" keep coming up with different theories.

I suffer from CRS , i think it might happen to all of us from time to time, now what was i saying...

Never been depressed. And, I have no trouble giving a talk in public.

Ducky

I could be mildly depressed AND speak in public...at the same time...and I have!

Depression, anxiety, no, I'm shy I guess thats a social disfunction as I have trouble speaking when in groups of people.

It seem like we all suffer one thing or another or all of them, for me now that I'm retire feel more useless than ever, there time I start crying for no reason,I come to understand that I'm not alone with this behavior, depression I would call it, did see the Dr. but only prescribe pill and way you go.I believe only make matter worst in my case, just live a day at a time.

Ducky

I would suggest that you research a little about ways to overcome it...it can worsen and that would worry me, facebook.

A bit late, but yeeeppp.

Good question Ed,seems to me a lot of us appear to one thing or another.Ive had panic attacks before now-absolutely terrifying!!!Anti depressants ive taken on and off(actually more on than off!)for years,dose was doubled a month ago.Plus,as you,know ,im a recovering alcoholic.Other than that,im fine!!!!Joking apart,i AM fine

It is enlightening that so many people share the same problems I do- - - - a long  history of anxiety adn depression. The liquor industry was built on it. I used to keep it quiet that I take anti- anxiety and anti-depression drugs till I found out that everyone else is too- - -- or their spouse is taking them . LOL Those that can't afford them......drink.  Let's face it .......Life is depressing except for little interludes.

Ed: You mention Saturday nights and 190 .... Would you care to share the track, how often, and maybe even the car # should I decide to watch?

Thanks ROMOS!!! x