Not much excites me, I’m kinda uninterested in much of what I encounter daily, don’t feel I have an awful lot to look forward to, pretty lonely, thinking negatively - too often, and drinking too much.
I’ve been happier. I’ve been happy. I will be happy again. But I can’t seem to get out of this rut I’m in now. How do I diagnose my problem?
Am I a manic depressive/bi-polar/clinically depressed? Not too sure what the specifics of each of those disorders are though…
I’m in Taichung. Know of any quality, English-speaking therapists? Or have some suggestions for me…
There are several posters here who have experience with depression, if that’s what’s troubling you, who might be willing to share their experiences. I’ve got relatives who are on medication or in some form of therapy for depression. No shame in that if that is what you need.
I’ve never been clinically depressed, but when I feel a little low, I find that regular exercise stimulates enough endorphins in me to keep me motivated and energized. If you can find a hill to climb, you can combine a little escape from the urban jungle with exercise.
You might also try reconnecting with old friends and family members. It tends to affirm your place in this world, which can be quite comforting. Examining your current circle of friends, and spending more time with those who are motivated and positive may also be of help to you.
From what I understand, alchohol only aggravates depression. Perhaps having a few cokes or juices prior to or in between drinks will help.
Good luck. Feeling low is no fun, but you’re interested in doing something about it, which seems to be half the battle.
A short term fix is to watch a good movie. Preferably a funny one. I would recommend American Pie Wedding. I thought it was hilarious but if you haven’t seen any of the American Pie movies then see the first one first.
Laughing should get your spirits up for the time being.
I am sure other posters will give you more concrete actions to take.
[quote=“dix2111”]If getting laid isn’t an option ( like if youre married)
try www.oldasianladies.com[/quote]
Doesn’t exist. Perhaps this is a niche-market opportunity for someone.
MaPoDurian is correct. Find yourself a local lass, preferably one that lives a healthy lifestyle. If you are prone to depression, my advice would be to eat lots of fruit, do exercise regularly, and surround yourself with “sunny” people. So surround yourself with “sunny people” and “sunny delight” (as it was described in the movie Boomerang.
[quote=“gregsoul”]I’ve been happier. I’ve been happy. I will be happy again. But I can’t seem to get out of this rut I’m in now. How do I diagnose my problem?
I’m in Taichung (Taizhong). . . . . . . [/quote]
I agree with some of the previous posters that some moderate amount of exercise is useful in such situations. Personally speaking, my wife and I do a lot of hiking . . . . . . . .
AND this is one of the reasons why we live in Nei Hu District, Taipei, because there are a lot of mountains nearby. My wife is actually from the Taichung area, but every time we go back there it seems there are no easily accessible mountain trails . . . . . .
What?? I live in Taichung and I can tell you that there are umpteen accessible hiking trails for all levels.
Try the Da-kun Scenic Area, a 20-minute drive from the south edge of the city, which consists of an extensive network of well maintained trails.
I don’t personally know of any resources in the Taichung area but do know that the Community Services center in Taipei does provide counselling services which are provided by Foreign and/or English speaking clinical therapists. I’ve posted the link below for their website. It’s entirely possible that they can refer you to someone in your area. Do call them - or at least check with your local hospital. Sex may cure a lot of ills, the same with laughter and physical activities but sometimes it also helps to actually deal with the issues themselves!
PM me if you feel the need… been there, done that… survived it too!
Spack, why have to drive for 20 mins from the southern edge of a city just to find somewhere to hike, if that is the case then Richard is right. Here in Neihu, and Richard lives not to far from me, then we can be hiking in the space of a 1 or 2 minutes drive, hell, normally dont even bother taking the car at all.
I feel your pain. Ditch the drinking, at least for the time being, and get some exercise. A long walk, jumping rope, anything. Movies and getting laid are also good ideas. And make sure you are getting enough sleep–going to bed at a reasonable hour, not staying up late and sleeping in.
Traveller, I think you missed the point of my post. Greg lives in Taichung not Neihu so naturally the hiking trails in Taichung are more appropriate for him.
Richard said it seemed to him that there were no easily accessible trails in Taichung. I was merely pointing that there are, in fact, lots of easily accessible trails in Taichung.
Even if you live in the north of the city the trails are still easily accessible; it just takes a little longer to get there.
Gregsoul, I heartily recommend Da-kun for weekend hiking. I try to go as often as I can. You’re very welcome to come with me, my wife and son next time we go.
Part of the reason I’ve hit a low is that I’m in a somewhat unsatisfying relationship with a local girl. She blows hot and cold, but nonetheless has me by the balls.
I’m making a concerted effort to part ways with her (difficult, since we work together), and actually spent some time with a really sweet girl this weekend, which has put a smile back on the dial.
As for the exercise thang, I’m off to Thailand in ten days, for some super-r&r. When I get back I’ll join the gym again. Weekends offer such opportunities as the Hash Harriers, hiking, riding the scooter up into the mountains, and hopefully chilling with my new friend (‘friends first’ is my belief). That should also curb my drinking, cuz I drink far less in the company of a lady…
I also live with a stress-head, who is never happy, but always snappy. I’m looking to move asap - I know that surrounding yourself with as many positive-minded people as possible is one of the keys to keeping upbeat.
Should the problem persist, I’ll head up to Taibei for a weekend, and visit the peeps up there. Most times, it helps to talk through your problems - perceived or not, and draw up an action list as to fixing the problems.
