Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1038869

Shown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?

Posted by zonked on February 26, 2013, at 7:40:53

I was just thinking, recently, about my life - and age (around 30) - and that, even when I have zero depression, and I can focus, I have lost my hobbies.

Even before things got *really bad* in 2008, I smothered myself in work in order to avoid getting hurt.

I also have perfectionist tendencies, and whenever I wanted to try something new, at least after my teens, if I thought I couldn't do it well I thought, why bother?

There is a substantial vacuum in my life.
I know the *capability* of being interested in things (particularly once I restart my Dexedrine) is there; but I don't know where to start with hobbies, or how to make friends, anymore.

One thing I've busied myself with default is how to *ing fix myself, which despite my occasional rants has more or less been done. I am pretty handy with psychopharm, but that's because I've been trying to fix myself and I think I deserve some credit for that, but that's no way to meet people....

Has anyone faced anything similar?

I am glad for this board. I never feel comfortable talking about my fears or feelings or anything related to my diagnoses on Facebook (have you noticed that it seems no one else does either?..)

-z

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » zonked

Posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 9:26:48

In reply to In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?, posted by zonked on February 26, 2013, at 7:40:53

I am glad for this board. I never feel comfortable talking about my fears or feelings or anything related to my diagnoses on Facebook (have you noticed that it seems no one else does either?..)
>
> -z

hi zonked-

i'm happy for this board, too. it's good to be able to relate to others. as for facebook, well, i think people only post their shiny, happy pics--showing their "good" parts of life. kinda reminds me of paul simon's song "kodachrome." :)

-b

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?

Posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 9:32:23

In reply to Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » zonked, posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 9:26:48

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8dUd1kzo7o

So true...

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?

Posted by Phillipa on February 26, 2013, at 10:06:46

In reply to Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?, posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 9:32:23

Zonked I'm older but hobbies have always been physical. Running, weight lifting, walking, bike riding. I still do the bike riding. Oh and reading. I can no longer do the running, weigh lifting due to physical stuff but still push to ride and I read everynight. I've never been a person to have lots of real life friends always did things with mate. As for facebook those that take meds write me in private. I like facebook for what I feel is kind of a fun place. I didn't realize you were so young. What were your former hobbies? I've heard it's hard for younger people to make friends today. Why don't know. Phillipa

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?

Posted by bleauberry on February 26, 2013, at 15:33:24

In reply to In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?, posted by zonked on February 26, 2013, at 7:40:53

I've been in your shoes. And after a rough patch, again.

Basically, you have to put one foot in front of the other and go. The beginning of a journey is one step. The journey will not happen without that step.

Life is always changing and evolving, so it is possible maybe the things that used to interest you no longer do, and now it is time to find out what new things do interest. But again, that involves forcing a step forward, go.

After that first step, don't stop....take another....and another....and another. Try new things, buy new things, go new places. Open a Bible. Stuff will happen. But it absolutely will not happen on its own. You have to get behind the wheel, turn the key, and go, even if you have no idea where you are going.

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?

Posted by joe schmoe on February 26, 2013, at 16:19:31

In reply to In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies?, posted by zonked on February 26, 2013, at 7:40:53

I understand completely. In my case social anxiety robs me of both the desire to socialize and also any reward from socializing if I force myself to do it. This is true for me even on benzos and SSRI's. I can function in social situations, but it is not particularly rewarding. Often I don't have the mental energy and just stay home. In that respect, the meds are something of a failure. At best (and this is of course significant) they allow me to work without excessive stress. But they don't make me an extrovert, contrary to nonsense books like "Listening to Prozac" which give you the impression that an SSRI will turn you from a shrinking violet into the most popular person in town.

The fact is, it is a LOT harder to make new friends as you get older, whether you have a mood/anxiety disorder or not. Meds don't change that.

This is also a brutally tough society to be single in past a certain age, as it is very hard to meet new friends, and most people do things with their partner or family and are not looking for friends. If you are not already plugged into a family or social network in your area, well, I'll just say I have found it impossible to break into one, after decades of effort.

I think the Internet and computers in general also tend to drain interest in hobbies, since it is easier to keep clicking, whether it's internet surfing or playing a computer game, than do something where you have to do everything (as in most hobbies) without the hobby objects doing anything themselves. On the other hand it does give some social interaction, such as on this site, where doing something like sitting by yourself and painting would not. Is it a curse or a blessing? It's hard to say.

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » brynb

Posted by Phil on February 26, 2013, at 17:16:29

In reply to Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » zonked, posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 9:26:48

Most people do that, I don't. Mental illness info, stigma, blog posts. No Mr Sunshine here.

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » Phil

Posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 18:13:29

In reply to Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » brynb, posted by Phil on February 26, 2013, at 17:16:29

> Most people do that, I don't. Mental illness info, stigma, blog posts. No Mr Sunshine here.

I hear you, Phil. I don't disclose my mental illness to anyone really (outside of babble) except a very few (2) friends and my family. The stigma is so strong.

I certainly don't post on facebook when I'm in a rut. I use it for fun and just wouldn't. I do think, though, that people tend to post their "best" things on sites like facebook (be it biz accolades, kid's accomplishments, engagements, etc.) and I know it's the last place I go when I feel lousy. No thanks. I don't want to be depressed and envious.

As far as hobbies, well, thank g-d for the internet. I can't concentrate on too much these days.

Hope you're feeling sunny =).

-b

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » brynb

Posted by Phil on February 26, 2013, at 20:36:11

In reply to Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » Phil, posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 18:13:29

I'm not feeling down when I do that, I'm trying to show people that there's more to life than baby and puppy pics and trite sayings about bs. I want my face out there on mental illness. In my blog or anywhere else. It has paid off but no details from me.

I post about lots of stuff but usually once or twice a day I'll post mental illness related stuff.

I posted my whole story on a massive ecig forum. Even I was horrified. Last time I checked there were over 7000 views and hundreds of posts. Know what's crazy? Not one single negative post, not one. I was shocked and a lot of people told their stories. I was thanked over and over. A lot of people with mental illness smoke so it kind of made sense but still, no 'victim of big pharma' posts? I haven't gotten that much attention on any forum ever. lol

If I make a fool out of myself then maybe if their young child is diagnosed they may have a frame of reference and they can always pm me. Others have and we are all facebook friends now!:)

I've become pretty close to one guy. When he pm'd me he said his wife wouldn't take 5 minutes to read about what he deals with.
I'm on a mission from god, brynb.

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » Phil

Posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 20:47:56

In reply to Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » brynb, posted by Phil on February 26, 2013, at 20:36:11

phil-

it makes me happy you do what you do. that's amazing. kudos. i like your mission :).

i try to be open about it, but, eh, you know how it is. i've read your blog--i told you i like it, so keep up the good work!

i'm happy to have a little community where i can be open, so i'll start here for now. you keep fighting the good fight.

hope you're having a good night.

-b

 

Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » brynb

Posted by Phil on February 26, 2013, at 21:17:11

In reply to Re: In the wake of depression, where are my hobbies? » Phil, posted by brynb on February 26, 2013, at 20:47:56

Thanks, I have a really bad memory. Pre-meds and now. Sometimes I need to zip it. I didn't go back to that forum for a week after posting that. I just checked, it's 6800 hits and 260 comments. I'm still mystified that a flame war didn't break out but I can tell you those mods there lay down the law. If you break it no one will know where the body is buried. Best run place I've ever seen. Nobody cusses, no drug talk allowed, most folks get along.


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