Is it Depression or Just a Bad Mood?

Depression is a common problem for people across the world. About 10 percent of the U.S. population over 18 has depression.

Is it Depression or Just a Bad Mood?

I don't get depressed to much, manic yet

Great article, once again MIke. I really liked the part of being aware of your thought patterns. This is so important when getting through these hard times. We really have to learn how to "self talk" and think things through and not be too quick on reacting to every little change in emotion or thought. If we keep a thought and emotion journal, this will help us see patterns and know if this is part of our normal ups and downs (and yes...it really is normal to have ups and downs...we don't want those medicated out of us) or if this is a sign of an upcoming manic or depressive state. Thanks Mike.

Self talk is good my friend. We can't let these toxic emotions linger in our heads. Wipe them clean with sunshine and fresh air

You are absolutely right Mike. My tdoc always tells me I have to try to get rid of those toxic ideas in my head. I have to remind myself that I am smart, people do love me, I am strong, I am confident It's hard work though.

Yes you are, Lost One!!! I still have to remind myself when I get down. Those are the hardest times to do the self talk..but the most important. You are so important to me!

Lost One wrote:

I don't get depressed to much, manic yet

Which can cause it's own set of problems

Sometimes I wish I could get the high that BPers get

No ya don't, friend...no ya don't.

Doc Mike wrote:

Sometimes I wish I could get the high that BPers get

No Mike, it's ours. You have your own high

Brianna wrote:

Doc Mike wrote:

Sometimes I wish I could get the high that BPers get

No Mike, it's ours. You have your own high

The nerve, trying to steal our buz

Some people want it all!

I've got a bad case of the "missin' my Daddy blues" right now. I think it's cuz it's the anniversary time for his memorial. I have no clue..but it's hit me like a ton of bricks. It started last night and is coming in huge waves. Will these spells ever end?

I'm sorry you are missing your dad Michelle. When is the anniversary?

I know how you feel Michelle, I still miss my mom and brother like it was yesterday.....My brother died 4 years ago this month

The anniversary of his death was March 3rd...but we had the memorial in April. I have no clue why it hit me..except maybe cuz John and I were watching Hee Haw the other night and George Jones was on...Dad turned me on to him as a kid and he's my all time fave country singer. Then Roy Clark sang "These Precious Times I spend with you" and that finished me off. Dad and I had this "thing" when it came to music. I really got into his music..from the 30's, 40's and so on..some really obscure that was rare..Bullmoose Jackson...Lonnie Johnson, etc.. Also..old and traditional country stars. I would fall asleep at night listening to these old singers being played on old 78 records, stacked high on his old hi fi. 2 years before he died, I did some searched on the web and found some 45's and got some of his old faves and then compiled them onto a CD for his birthday. I had to burn one for myself, and also for my nephew (who Dad helped raise) who was in Iraq at the time and also had developed a love for this music. Last night on the radio, we were listening to PBS which plays American Roots every Saturday and has all of this old stuff. A song came on and I was so sure it was Lonnie Johnson...wishing Dad were sitting with me. It ended up being Bob Dillon! It was amazing. Dad would have loved it! Anyway...I'm rambling cuz I miss him. He was my football buddy..via long distance. We would be on the phone during the games. Thanks so much for your love!

It sounds like you and your dad had a special relationship Michelle. Sorry for your pain, sorry for your grief

Thank you so much. I realized that this weekend is the 2nd anniversary of his memorial. It's amazing what our sub-consciences think about when we aren't aware, isn't it? This all goes back to one of our conversations about the self talk when we get blue to figure out if it's situational...like this is for me...or if it's a med issue. I was really confused at the intensity since he died in March...but the more I talked to myself about it...then I realized we delayed the memorial so that family members could make it. Now that I have it figured out..I'm dealing with it better. It's really important for me to know why I'm feeling what I'm feeling...but that's me. Thanks again so much, you guys for your support. Again...you guys rock my It's also so nice to have a place where I can talk about him without feeling guilty about it. Thank you....

I don't know why you should feel guilty friend, but here all is good

I feel bad if my sharing my sadness makes my Mom cry..even though she shares hers with me. I have "guilt" issues.

Your mom will always cry, always long for her DH. I'm sorry this is so hard on you Michelle

I'm much better this morning. Mom went to the White Mountains over the weekend..an old haunt for her and Dad and for the first time...was able to really enjoy the memories. I was right about the anniversary weekend. Amazing what the sub conscious remembers, isn't it? This is why we have to do our self talking when we feel those blues coming on and find out why they are there. There usually is a reason and not always from our illness. Thanks for your support everyone!

Michelle, wish I could help more

Thanks Terry. I'm really doing well today. Now that the weekend is over..it seems to have passed. Amazingly, I'm not having any steroid "bitchiness" this time either. I think my brain is so tickled to finally have relief from the constant pain barage, it's giving me a break from the usual manic trip of steroids. At any rate...I'm doing well. I still have some tenderness in my hands and feet..but nothing to complain about compared with what I've gone through since February. The weather is so warm...I am having some overheating from the 'droids...but I'd rather have that than the constant cold I was having. All in all...I'm a pretty happy chicky!

Glad you're feeling better friend. One happy chickster here too