tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post7266731798703752917..comments2023-10-11T13:36:40.615+01:00Comments on menopausaloldbag (MOB): Depression is for the Middle classes.....menopausaloldbag (MOB)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04320287770097378027noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-64860917441452518232010-02-28T16:11:14.418+00:002010-02-28T16:11:14.418+00:00Aims – I did think about emailing you to talk abou...Aims – I did think about emailing you to talk about it but I was so very down that getting out of my chair even to do the smallest thing was too much of a challenge. I was engulfed with misery and physically shot to pieces. It wasn’t until I got the physical symptoms of the menopause under control that I could address the depression. It is natural to have depression with the menopause as there are many changes one goes through and I knew that all my moaning and grumbling was a side effect. I just hadn’t realised how deeply depressed I was and spent much of my time moaning about the menopausal mood swings, bleeding and exhaustion. I should have attacked both but then hindsight is an exact science. I got to the point I couldn’t even formulate any more questions. I was as near dead as physically and mentally I could get. If there is anyone I would have talked to f I could it would certainly have been you because I know you have had a constant battle and are wise to the ways of it. I just hope that you continue to win your battle as you are now. You are inspirational. X<br /><br />Willowtree – yup drooling in public is not a great look! Sneezing at this age and peeing yourself in public is even worse. Thankfully I managed to avoid both!menopausaloldbag (MOB)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04320287770097378027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-88948928688024320562010-02-27T23:40:09.722+00:002010-02-27T23:40:09.722+00:00And here I was thinking that depression was nothin...And here I was thinking that depression was nothing more than anger without motivation.....<br /><br />Keep your chin up (you don't want to drool in public).willowtreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09173637121496772685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-39284446430476712502010-02-27T19:42:03.663+00:002010-02-27T19:42:03.663+00:00My friend - why did you never talk to me about thi...My friend - why did you never talk to me about this? You know I've been through this and still battle it - but I am always here for support or just listening. I might have some bon mots of my own that might shed a little light - or even just comparisons. <br /><br />Please remember this. I am here and would gladly listen and try to help.<br /><br />Thinking of you.aimshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12685252628734838159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-10788668533606949192010-02-24T10:49:52.341+00:002010-02-24T10:49:52.341+00:00Lena – a rushed hysterectomy at 29! Crikey, your ...Lena – a rushed hysterectomy at 29! Crikey, your system must have been in shock. 3 years for HRT to work sounds right to me. Mine never worked and after several changes where you have to wait 3 months to see any benefit is soul destroying when you have just spent the last 6 months giving the last lot a chance to work. I too was on HRT for 3 years – a waste of time. Glad it worked for you though. <br /><br />Carol – well it’s a bit of a mutual admiration society! Ta Hen for such a nice comment. I too think you are the dog’s bollocks!<br /><br />Karen – ta Hen! Hormone’s – one of life’s sneaky little suckers!menopausaloldbag (MOB)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04320287770097378027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-13046302633585229992010-02-23T10:43:55.609+00:002010-02-23T10:43:55.609+00:00Such a brilliant, positive (and well written!) pos...Such a brilliant, positive (and well written!) post - it's great to know you've come out the other side of all that. As one who used to be a slave to her hormones and now doesn't have any (apart from some little synthetic ones) I know only too well the havoc they can play with your moods, and it's great you found a good doctor to help with that :o) Long may it continue.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-50158125036704109192010-02-22T15:56:50.168+00:002010-02-22T15:56:50.168+00:00Oh, and to add to what Clairedulalune said...
and...Oh, and to add to what Clairedulalune said...<br /><br />and the mutt's nuts too :-)<br /><br />C xCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12327016337976942530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-53655293139319555362010-02-22T15:55:33.452+00:002010-02-22T15:55:33.452+00:00You, my dear, are a funny, brave, intelligent woma...You, my dear, are a funny, brave, intelligent woman and it has been my honour to get to know you via your blog.<br /><br />You have been through hell and come out the other side. Thank you for sharing this! I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to write...<br /><br />*takes hat off to you*<br /><br />C xCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12327016337976942530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-57909967371556822302010-02-20T15:48:06.027+00:002010-02-20T15:48:06.027+00:00What an insight into your past.
I needed a rushe...What an insight into your past. <br /><br />I needed a rushed hysterectomy at 29 and was thrown in to early menopause with all the trimmings! It took 3 years for HRT treatment to work, so I can relate somewhat with you.<br /><br />But I take my hat off to you, missus!Helenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447013188405986054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-41366452860403496282010-02-19T11:25:21.661+00:002010-02-19T11:25:21.661+00:00Ann – thanks for your msg. I know how you must be...Ann – thanks for your msg. I know how you must be feeling coming out the other side too. Long may it continue for you.<br /><br />BMTA – with a great deal of fortune you may have it Bypass you altogether. I hope for your sake that it does!menopausaloldbag (MOB)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04320287770097378027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-9409268137569034722010-02-18T19:27:43.984+00:002010-02-18T19:27:43.984+00:00Welcome back MOB! Its lovely to see you writing so...Welcome back MOB! Its lovely to see you writing so movingly & honestly, but somehow not depressingly, that is a true skill. Very pleased to hear that you feel you have now come out the otherside of a dark place. I'm 47 and think I may about to enter one...Wonderful to read you again xxxBrighton Mum-Teenage Angsthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01093107433174519425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-17851480244682159422010-02-18T18:32:24.345+00:002010-02-18T18:32:24.345+00:00So glad you have come out the other side of the da...So glad you have come out the other side of the darkness. Just recently..over the last year do I feel like I am getting back myself. Its a hard road. A wonder we survive. Well done to you.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07524878248746427258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-59643430498293666572010-02-16T19:53:21.070+00:002010-02-16T19:53:21.070+00:00Lorna F – aw hen, thanks for such a supportive com...Lorna F – aw hen, thanks for such a supportive comment. It is immensely helpful to know that others are suffering depression and the menopause together although I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I too was in line for a hysterectomy but thankfully I got this lot sorted before it came to that. I hope the op resolves your sister’s problem. She must get very very low having gone through this for ten years. Seems I got off lightly compared to that and my symptoms were awful. I couldn’t have gone through another 5 years of that. The trouble is that you can get so low with the whole situation that to even join a support group or look up helpful information becomes a vast chore. I was stuck in a complete fug. <br /><br />It is indeed such a different world when you come out of depression. I feel amazing so I know what you mean. Thank God. <br /><br />Ethelmae – Sorry to hear you are struggling with it, I can only hope that you recover soon. You always seem so upbeat. Amazing how we women cover things up for a short while in public then fall apart at home in private. All the best and keep on keeping on.menopausaloldbag (MOB)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04320287770097378027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-34746685960668211652010-02-16T06:25:16.808+00:002010-02-16T06:25:16.808+00:00Welcome back. Depression is an old, tiresome enem...Welcome back. Depression is an old, tiresome enemy that strips us leaves for dead, but mercilessly does not kill, only watches us, waiting to see if we will pull ourselves up again.<br />So happy you did! I still struggle, day by day, sometimes hour by hour. But optimism surrounds me!<br />Stick around, the world needs you.ethelmaepotter!https://www.blogger.com/profile/10626030604752269356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-62710786931693721672010-02-16T00:56:26.373+00:002010-02-16T00:56:26.373+00:00This is a very powerful Blog post. Thank you for s...This is a very powerful Blog post. Thank you for sharing your depression. So many people experience depression, but don't realize their problem or don't know what to do about it. <br /><br />I had a friend commit suicide as a result of depression and it was devastating. That's when I turned to inspiration. <br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfpersonal.com" rel="nofollow">inspirational thoughts</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-19468691769665039792010-02-16T00:53:19.159+00:002010-02-16T00:53:19.159+00:00MOB it's so good to hear from you again and th...MOB it's so good to hear from you again and this is a very moving post. I'm so glad you've weathered the storm. I've been subject to depression in the past and have had dark times I thought would never pass - but they do, in the end, and all you can do is value the happiness and light when they return. My sister is having an awful time with menopausal symptoms and is now lined up for a hysterectomy - I hope that when all that's over she can get her life back because for nearly ten years now she hasn't felt right at all and is totally fed up with being at the mercy of her hormones and her distended, tender body. I keep telling her to come and read your blog, have a gweed lauch and a bit o' a greet and feel better for not being alone with this damned process. Once again, MOB, all power to yer elbow, hen, keep writing! xLorna Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10902741383469719107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-12762107156441949762010-02-14T17:54:38.385+00:002010-02-14T17:54:38.385+00:00The mind is the most amazing thing. OG used his m...The mind is the most amazing thing. OG used his mind to change from being an alcoholic, dyslexic, dyspraxic working class boy from a small village west of Glasgow into a successful, intuitive, compassionate human being that everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, loved. <br /><br />With the help of AA he stopped drinking 36 years ago and overcame dyslexia by concentrating on what he could do, not what he couldn't do. So, hen, as he would have said, go for it. It's all out there waiting for you. And Maggie May asked a good question. What will you call you blog now?www.retiredandcrazy.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12130398756223000765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-62141911423497998072010-02-13T17:00:08.902+00:002010-02-13T17:00:08.902+00:00Cheryl – I know of your daily struggles with the i...Cheryl – I know of your daily struggles with the illness of your girls. It is an insidious invader that is thoroughly destructive. I have been so fortunate to have experienced this only twice in my life but as I said, the first time was at 36 and a direct result of death so I could understand it then. This little episode just snuck up on me but now that I know how it came about, I am armed should it ever show its ugly face again. <br /><br />Re your husband staying with you, he clearly loves you very much and knows that you suffer an illness from time to time. But from your writings you are clearly a very kind a compassionate woman so why wouldn’t he stay when things get rough for a while? But I certainly know what you mean about wondering why he stays when you feel you have been so awful. I ask myself the same thing of my husband – we made good choices. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take medication next time, God forbids it happens again. I would have done this time had I realised earlier what it was. As it was I managed it by knocking the worst depressant – wine- on the head and adopting a far healthier diet and coming off the HRT at the same time. And as for a stigma? That’s the ignorance and intolerance of others. Bigoted people eventually find that others are not there to help them when they are ill because their intransigence and lack of empathy comes back to them. Ignore the naysayers for they know not what they do! Keep safe and well and I hope you are making good progress with the girls. You certainly deserve a break and a long term solution as soon as you can get it. X<br /><br />Suze – what a lovely thing to say. I see you are not a published blogger but it would have been nice to know about more about you. Thanks for such great feedback.menopausaloldbag (MOB)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04320287770097378027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-24130640621948188242010-02-13T15:53:00.671+00:002010-02-13T15:53:00.671+00:00Kept checking to see if you had posted something a...Kept checking to see if you had posted something as it had been a while. Glad that you are back, whether introspective or funny, you are still my fave blogger... Your valleys are as low as your peaks are high... and I'm not talking R Connelly workout.<br />Keep on keeping on... in your own wee way, you make a difference to me Suzesuzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07095709012899932203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-73006901109637991062010-02-13T08:41:28.936+00:002010-02-13T08:41:28.936+00:00I came here a few days ago and was once again, blo...I came here a few days ago and was once again, blown away by your amazing, powerful writing. I had to think about it for a few days before coming back. I so appreciate your honestly, so much I can relate to, on so many levels. Depression has had a very long run in my family, spread throughout the branches of the family tree. I thought it would skip me, my life seemed to be going so well, but once it got it grip on me, it was one of the worse things I have ever experienced. The mood swings were the worse. I don't know how or why my husband stayed with me for 22 years and counting. What pains me the most now is to see my girls going through it. I do have hope, see it as an illness and treat it as such. I also treat it as naturally as I can too, but sometimes I just have to go the medical route. I thank God that there is medical treatment, much like there is for diabetes or a broken leg. One thing I hate is the stigma that is still attached to it, and how so many still view it as a character flaw or a moral weakness or poor parenting. That is why I want to thank you again for bringing this issue to light, as only you can do, with honesty, humor and your wonderful style of writing. You are truly an amazing person. Stay happy and hopeful, you deserve it.<br />XXXXXXXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-90747194929418556692010-02-13T08:41:08.248+00:002010-02-13T08:41:08.248+00:00I came here a few days ago and was once again, blo...I came here a few days ago and was once again, blown away by your amazing, powerful writing. I had to think about it for a few days before coming back. I so appreciate your honestly, so much I can relate to, on so many levels. Depression has had a very long run in my family, spread throughout the branches of the family tree. I thought it would skip me, my life seemed to be going so well, but once it got it grip on me, it was one of the worse things I have ever experienced. The mood swings were the worse. I don't know how or why my husband stayed with me for 22 years and counting. What pains me the most now is to see my girls going through it. I do have hope, see it as an illness and treat it as such. I also treat it as naturally as I can too, but sometimes I just have to go the medical route. I thank God that there is medical treatment, much like there is for diabetes or a broken leg. One thing I hate is the stigma that is still attached to it, and how so many still view it as a character flaw or a moral weakness or poor parenting. That is why I want to thank you again for bringing this issue to light, as only you can do, with honesty, humor and your wonderful style of writing. You are truly an amazing person. Stay happy and hopeful, you deserve it.<br />XXXXXXXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-26773293064334116212010-02-12T16:17:28.803+00:002010-02-12T16:17:28.803+00:00Lane – it was a rather long winded account that co...Lane – it was a rather long winded account that could have been edited heavily but I had such trouble writing it that I just grabbed the bull by the horns and published. Thanks and glad to see you back too. <br /><br />Madmother – thanks for the great feedback. There’s cranky and being a bitch – I was the latter! I’ll pop over and have read of your blog soon.<br /><br />Flowerpot – I sympathise with anyone who has dealt with depression for so long. I was 36 when I had my reactive depression but that was expected in the circumstances. This second one took the legs from me but so gradually that I never saw it coming. I truly believe that it was my severe diet and the menopause that were the triggers here. Armed with the symptoms now I shall look out for future signs but I intend to keep fit and eat well to keep such occurrences at bay.<br /><br />Mo – I had a serious sense of humour bypass op! Thanks for being so kind. My humour has returned in spades. It is so much easier to laugh at things and see the funny side instead of feeling slighted and getting angry instead.<br /><br />Kathy – hello yerself. Been meaning to pop in for a wee read and I will do soon. It must have been so difficult to suffer such a debilitating illness so young. I know what you mean about taking medication – I am very poor at that. I wouldn’t even use the contraceptive pill. I am sure that had I realised much earlier on that I was depressed I would have asked for something. It certainly wouldn’t have lasted for five years. <br /><br />I was so convinced that it was just the menopause that was making me so bloody odd and didn’t connect it with depression until 3.5 years down the line when I ground to a halt and had those awful dreams and thoughts. I eventually changed my lifestyle, canned the drinking for a long time, stopped going to the pub, refused invitations to drinks and dinner parties as I was determined to kick the depression into touch. Coming off the HRT and changing my diet to include superfoods, and stopping the self medicating with a depressant like wine finally did it for me. I was massively hormone deficient and that is what caused the depression along with other factors. I wish I knew then what I know now but I had to reach rock bottom before I could climb back up. I felt out of control and removed myself from insulting anyone else because I became massively intolerant of their foibles. I can guarantee that if I see things deteriorate again, I’ll be round the Doc’s for a barrel load of tablets! I never want to go through anything like that again. <br /><br />I would imagine that 90 minutes you spent with your daughter was worth its weight in gold. You just need to be at the end of the phone sometimes to be as effective as being there, especially as she had her husband coming home to her. You are a diamond.menopausaloldbag (MOB)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04320287770097378027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-28900710333076352792010-02-12T15:44:03.823+00:002010-02-12T15:44:03.823+00:00I had been missing you and wondering. I am so glad...I had been missing you and wondering. I am so glad to hear your story. It is hard to bare our selves without all the layers we tend to hide behind, isn't it? I had a breakdown in my 20's and was on medication for a brief time, then decided I didn't need it. I was wrong. I would congratulate myself on toughing it out without drugs, and as I look back I do not know why I was so adamant about not taking them.<br /><br />Finally as I began my journey through menopause I succumbed and agreed to take them (much to the relief of my family) and I still take them. Recently my daughter fell into the depths and I spent a harrowing hour and a half on the phone with her while my son-in-law made his way home through a snowstorm. Living 9 hours away, that was the best I could do. But I was able to convince my baby that there is no shame in getting help. <br /><br />Sending only good thoughts and love to you!Kathy's Klotheslinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17881966393157941515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-91450634675237522952010-02-12T12:07:22.569+00:002010-02-12T12:07:22.569+00:00Good to have you back. Like himself I love your se...Good to have you back. Like himself I love your sense of humour and hope to have it around for a longtime. looking forward to more of your tales.Mohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16999026380030273440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-1744313863946498832010-02-12T10:12:04.082+00:002010-02-12T10:12:04.082+00:00Thank you for this wonderful, honest and deeply mo...Thank you for this wonderful, honest and deeply moving post, MOB. <br />So glad you are back.Teresa Ashbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15350697922935549188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654568138065426769.post-21915561400616279352010-02-12T09:06:11.306+00:002010-02-12T09:06:11.306+00:00A beautifully written and moving post, MOB, and on...A beautifully written and moving post, MOB, and one that I can really empathise with. I've had bouts of depression ever since my teens, some worse than others, as well as the old menopause complications, and it's hell. I am so very glad you're feeling better now, I really am. You take care now. xxFlowerpothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14102679179201725732noreply@blogger.com