Trad Gang
Main Boards => Prayers/Concerns/Honors/Ailments => Topic started by: celticknot on October 11, 2009, 07:05:00 PM
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I was just wondering if anyone has to deal with depression during there hunting season? I am rapid cycling Bipolar. I am having a very hard time fighting my depression this season. Usually I am prepared and ready to hunt. This year I am not ready at all, I can't seem to get motivated to get up and go out and my mind races on other thoughts and stresses while Im hunting which causes me to become more depressed. Have any of you delt with these problems before?
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For me hunting is a time to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. A perfect time for a little meditation. A time to chase the negative thoughts away and focus on the positive thoughts. I once was asking a buddhist monk about those thoughts and stresses and he told me to think about them as a pig trying to get into your garden. He said to smack the pig on the nose and tend my garden. Dwelling on the thoughts and stresses while you are hunting isn't going to change anything. Live in the moment my brother. Good luck to you.
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Matt hi,I think I understand what you are saying,but I don't know if I have any answers to your situation other than be glad you can be out in the woods and enjoy the day.I find it easier when hunting with a friend.Hope you overcome this thing and just be strong and give yourself time to get back into it.This might be your year for the buck of a lifetime.Good luck Frank
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CK:
Other than trying to trade for a nice bow quiver (HA, HA) .. try mixing in unemployment into the works.
I have been under some stress for the last year being unemployed ... the best advice I can give you is to open the Bible and read about what Jesus did for you and me, and whenever you can you have to do your best to enjoy the outdoors and the hunt without letting the other stuff get to you.
Think of it like school ... when you were in algebra class, did you have to think and worry with US History? When I am in 'hunting class' I focus on enjoying it to the fullest and can make myself forget about all the other 'classes' until hunting class is over.
That's how I deal with stress and troubles. I don't know if this method will help you or not, but it might be worth a try to compartmentalize your day like that?!?
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No, I have the opposite problem. I spend off season depressed. I am all better now for at least the next couple months. Off season I obsess about hunting, and not being able to hunt for months. That is very depressing.
Seriously thought, it sounds like a real difficult time. I don’t know much about serious depression issues. I only know about my simple depression; when I am down because I focus more on what I don’t have, that I think I need and not enough on what I do have. If hunting season is not lifting your spirits you need to find something that will.
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hey guys thanks for your thoughts. This is the first year that this has happened to me. I have delt with small boughts of dipression during hunting season but nothing like this. I try to enjoy what I am doing but my mind wanders off on bad things and I can't seem to come back from it after that. The thing with being rapid cycling is that it comes and goes whenever it wants. Im trying to get more sleep and eat regularly, because it has a direct effect on my depression but it hasn't been going the way I want it. But thank you again I appreciate the incoragement.
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Matt
We need to take it as it comes. enjoy each day for what it brings,This is why we hunt the way we hunt!
:thumbsup: Keep it simple.
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Everything and everyone is bi-polar. North and south, yin and yang. If you have an increased level of bipolar mental activity, there are only two solutions. One is medication but that has some side effects. The other is spiritual exercise to help with "peace of mind". Brand or flavor of spiritual workout is entirely up to you.
Good luck and Good Hunting!
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If you are like me hunting can consume my thoughts and energy when I am not hunting. But, being responsible for a family and clients, I have to focus on those positives God has given me. When I let the hunting bug consume me to the point that I am being irresponsible, even if no one else knows about it, it starts to weigh heavily on my mind and mood. It is hard but I need to keep it all in perspective and be grateful for those opportunities I am able to get out but not let it be my all in all.
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Matt,
I am going through a lot of the same feelings this year...but I am fortunate in that I know what is causing it. We are going through some financial problems and are filing bankruptcy in a few weeks, losing most of our "stuff" isn't a big problem, we are just worried about keeping our house. Everything else can be replaced.
I haven't been really motivated about hunting this year, I try, I practice, watch videos, and spend as much time in camp getting ready, but it isn't helping much.
My mind is on problems not related to hunting.
If you want to chat or talk, let me know! Maybe we can talk each other into getting into the spirit, or at least share problems, it is a big help!
Good luck and I think you'll be OK, but let me know if you want to talk, I am always available for you!
John
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Take a kid to the wood's with you! being a mentor to a young boy or girl is rewarding and it definitely keeps your mind off everything else! beleive me my son is 10 and he keeps me busy! Jason
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my time in the woods to me is very, very important as it is mt stress relief and my way to reconnect with myself. no matter what is going on in my life i try to block EVERYTHING out when i am in the woods and just enjoy MY time. no time clocks, routes, arguments, no NOTHING but mother nature and she is a beautifull thing! next time you are out there just TRY to block out all but what is going on in the woods. listen to the birds, the wind, feel the cold, the rain and let it make you feel alive and soothe you. i know it is easier said then done but just try to connect with it all. put all worries on hold while there. here are my places that soothe my soul, the great Adirondacks!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/adkmountainken/Walk%20In%20Beauty/poem001.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/adkmountainken/Walk%20In%20Beauty/sitting.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/adkmountainken/Walk%20In%20Beauty/water1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/adkmountainken/th_water.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v119/adkmountainken/?action=view¤t=water.flv)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/adkmountainken/medstand.jpg)
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I have found addition stress this year as well. After loosing my wife to cancer in the spring, I was lucky to embrace the spiritual aspecs of my life. I find it more easy to connect when I'm in wild places. Once I found this connection, I know that even in solitude I'm never really alone. Mike
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Matt,
Sent you a pm.
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i do also its hard if ya need to talk im here
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Thank you all so much I want to say that your encouragment has deffintly helped lift my spirits. I thank you all that offered help of any kind it makes my soul happy when people are willing to help without wanting anything back. I love traditional archery because people really seem to care about every aspect of your life not just how big your last buck was. I think Im going to go spend some time in the deep woods by myself so I can spend time reflecting on the good things in my life and the fact that there are alot of people worse off. I really do know I am blessed and try to live life to its fullest and try to be as humble as possible. Now is the time to focus on god and let him guide me down the right path and focus on the great woods and animals he has provided me to eat and experience. Thank you all again I really do appreciate it.
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Share with a hunting buddy. I went deer hunting the past 2 times with a friend who is going through some life changing desisions, so fellowship, and hardwoods is very tharaputic, fellowhip being the priority.
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I think everyone gets depressed at some point. I admire you being able to come on here and talk about it like this.
I am blessed to have a great family, so I never get depressed about that type of thing. However, with this economy, and my income coming from the Automotive industry, I sometimes let work/financial issues flood my brain. I'm not sure if I get depressed about it, stressed might be a better description.
On the way in or out of the woods each day I thank God for the opportunity and the day. If I think about that....focus on the beauty of the woods, and how lucky I am to be there....all of that nonsense goes away.
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I've never been "diagnosed" with anything myself. I have an uncle and a couple cousins that are M/D so I've been around that stuff and I learned...I guess it was my first semester in college...that fending against depression has to be an ACTIVE thing for me. That doesn't make it easier, but knowing you can't be passive, and looking for trends and warning signs that you are beginning to get depressed DOES help.
What do I do? Its so very very hard to "MAKE TIME" with work, family and the other 10,000 things life keeps us juggling but I've also learned that I'm unproductive in EVERY regard if I slip into a funk for a day, a week, or a month. So, I'm actually time ahead...no matter how busy I am...to take a day or two and just make everything stop. Whatever you got to do to relieve the stress or intentionally have some fun/laugh, DO IT!!! It seems like a very selfish thing to do. I struggled with that for a long time. Truth is, you are doing everyone around a big favor by being pre-ACTIVE in the fight.
Hope that help/encourages
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Matt,
you cannot even think of going hunting until you acknowledge these other thoughts and stresses and deal with them thoroughly. stress and racing thoughts, for me, a self-employed businessman, always came from unfinished business with tax bills. And, the more I procrastinated, the more anxious and depressed I became. Result, I would go in the woods, and come out only 2 hours later pissed off because I didn't see any deer. I didn't see any because I was moving too much from being too anxious from being too depressed, and that made me even more depressed. Do you see the catch 22 illness here? that is, in plain English, being a "Whack Job". Deal with your sh... ASAP. ONLY THEN WILL YOU BE HAPPY, RELAXED, AND HAVE SOME SUCCESS IN THE WOODS. PEACE, AND MY PRAYERS, BRO'
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I have chronic PTSD - and that includes depression. I think that if you are suffering at this time of year; you ought to look into lighting that mimics sunlight. There is a thing called 'seasonal depressive disorder' that can effect you and your bipolar disorder.
If your on lithium; its a salt; and you can sweat it out- so now if your not sweating so much as in summer; you can be retaining too much lithium. Balancing your lithium is critical to avoiding depression and mood disorders.
I know this because a friend of nearly a quarter of a century has been battling his bipolar disorder - so I am familiar with the issue.
The lessening light of fall can cause depression; and as I mentioned; the ~right kind~ of light can really help.
In Europe they use with great success a plant that grows wild here- called 'st Johns wort'. You do not get any feeling when you take it; it is taking a small amount until it can build to a toxic level in you- a level at which depression just plain disappears. It takes a low level dose for months to get there. It is bad in that you can get sunburns very easily with it; but it can totally make your depression flat out disappear.
I wish you luck with this; just remember there are a lot of factors involved; but that you can get to non-depression through many methods.
I find the woods to be the best medication....
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Getting rest and or quality sleep will help and also a good exorcise program.
Angling and hunting almost always elevate my mood.
You might work on some thought processes that help eliminate some of the negative compulsive thoughts you are having when on your hunts.Try to discipline yourself as best as you can to think about the woods you are in,the creatures that exist thier and thier habits and mannerisms and the fauna and flora in general that you are lucky to be engulfed in.Positve affirmattions are good and can crowd out some of the negativity and anxious things that you are experiencing.
We all need to turn the motor off sometimes and it can be hard to do.
I think what adkamountainken expressed is something to take to heart for you and anyone.
Hey that GFA I sent you Sat. should relieve some of the stress you are feeling.Your arrows will be organized and make no rattling noises when you are out slipping thriough the woods.Good organized gear reduces stress LOL.
All the best this fall!!!
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exercise and workouts are the best stress and depression killers...if you smoke...stop!!!
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Matt, I know where you are comming from. Ilost half my mind last year. Still trying to figure out what's left. I do know that this is a great bunch of guys on here and want only good things for each other. This site has many folks that have been there and done that. Keep the faith and stick with it.Through everything I've been thru I still love the flight of an arrow and resounding thump of the target, even better if the target happens to be the chest of a deer. Relax man there are many problems out there that we have no control over. Leave them for others to worry about, we are busy hunting and having fun.
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Hunting and archery are both mental games where you can go from hero to zero in a flash.This year was a tough year for me with many lows.My big game hunts are over an my emotions have not be very hi.Sometimes for myself it take just going through the motions.Filling the string on my fingers,the smell of the aspens and sage,the flight of the arrow .It may not make me feel like a hero going though the motions but its part of the game.Sometimes I walk the line only because I know its where I want my hart to be.Keep your head high and your fire burning. :campfire:
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The year I went through a divorce (fall of '94), I struggled while hunting. Most of my hunting is tree stand oriented and that results in a lot of "thinking" time. For me, at that time, thinking was the last thing I needed to do.
I found some solace in doing more 'active' forms of hunting (still hunting, stalking) which kept my mind occupied in the present rather than mulling over things again and again. That and running, and clearing brush at home, and work, etc. helped keep me centered through those difficult months. Good luck...
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I know what you are going through. Look to God. pray, ask God to help you and beleive you will be amazed at his kindness if you beleive.
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Matt,
I understand where you are coming from. I am doing everything I can to take my girls out with me. I have been getting very depressed when away from my family.
I don't care if it means gun hunting. I need to enjoy being outside AND having my family present. My girls can't shoot a bow well enough to hunt, but my oldest can shoot a shotgun and my little one can pretend with her bow!
I'm a lot happier when someone is with me period. I don't like being alone, hunting needs to include friends and family for me, except on a VERY rare occasion.
-Charlie
Definitely pray and be sure to take any meds that have been prescribed. You are a good guy and deserve nothing but the best my friend! Do what you have to do and keep your head up!
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Sometimes in the beginning of the season, my mind drifts to work and other stress causing things. However, I try to immerse myself in the woods and the spirit of the hunt. Usually, I soon get to that relaxed state that I can simply enjoy the moment and appreciate the things I have rather than worry about what might have been.
Like many, I lost a good bit of money in these economic times and can't afford to retire as I had planned to do last spring. Fortunately, my job is stable and I am able to be happy in the present situation. Things will work out; it just takes time.
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Matt -Have you been to the doc and tried meds if not ,do so.
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I battled a addiction to pain pills for 15 yrs and have been sober for nearly 3 yrs. After i took all the drugs away i was left with me and no ways to medicate. Well the depression set in really bad to the point i couldnt function and had to take off work for a year. Therapy helped a lot and i also have a strong support group.
The only thing that has always relieved my depression 100% is having a connection with my higher power who i call God. I am in the process of going through a divorce and things have been very difficult for me for the last month. Hunting and shooting my bow has never really helped in times of deep depression.
I would hope that you are seeking medical advice and have found someone that you feel comfortable talking to about you anxiety and fears. One thing that helps me is that i know things will eventually get better. Even though i know you dont feel like it try to get some exercise.
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pm sent buddy
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Thanks fellas and Ladies sorry Susan. It has brought happy tears to my eyes to hear from all of you. It makes me proud to call all of you my brothers and sisters. I can not thank you ebough for al the encouraging words my downward slump is going uphill very fast. I feel oved from people I have never met. Well atleast the good part of you. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. If yall can do me one more favor. Please tell a complete stranger on this sight and in your day to day life that you appreciate them being them. It got me up and moving just think how many people you might help with a kind word.
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What a gracious thing to say and encourage, Matt.
I've missed this one somehow.
I see and have talked to several associates who have a difficult time this year focusing on the hunt. Some of us race through the week only to have to race through preparation and then drive a good ways to the woods to hunt...and amidst the stress that has surely increased for many folks in this economy, it's hard to not carry that frenetic pace right into the treestand.
Without health insurance, at showing some aging from arthritis, I've got aches and pains that are kickin my butt hunting and that is depressing all in itself.
Push-push-push through the insanity of the week to push to get hunting and then sit there throbbing and achin has taken away some of the healing aspects i always got from the woods.
I'm going to try to hunt less and soak up the woods after reading your note.
Sometimes, the hunt can become one more place we pit ourselves against some non-descript "goal" and failing in that only adds to the sense of failure from everyday life these days.
Thanks for being so bold as to share those inner feelings and allowing others of us to reflect and redirect as we contemplate your struggle.
Prayers for continued growth, peace and relaxation. Thanks for your gracious words to all who have reached out. We need to be in community everywhere, not just here amidst our brethern of the bow and believers in Christ.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
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I myself was labeled with bipolar, took lithium for over 15 years, it actually ruined my thyroid, so now i have to take that med, but I stopped taking lithium about 3 years ago, I get down at this time of year, I attribute allot of mine to the change in daylight hours, there is an actual diagnosis called sundown syndrome, that deals with and is trigered by the loss of the length of daylight. It can throw you into a deppression, I myself get times where I would not want to go hunting, or do ANYTHING for that mattr, seems at times that it is a chore to even breathe. I REALLY sympathize with you, it really is miserable when ya look forward to getting into your favorite season and when it rolls around ya can't get enough drive to get dressed. Know that this will pass, and I will be praying for you.
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Matt: I just reach out to you in prayer and hope you can overcome your problem
Read Ken's poem every day, (awesome Ken, just awesome) first thing in the AM> That will have to be like medicine.
What a great group we have
sam
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I have always had a hard time around hunting season with depression. While I was working as a paramedic I went to see a counsolor about some calls I have been on and that is when I learned about seasonal depression. Theory is something about the cold, gray skies, and death of all the vegetation which makes some people depressed, while others get more excited just do to the fact of hunting season is here. I try to get excited myself but more times than not I usally end up depressed. My prayers are with you and all the others. GOD bless from Sterling ILL.
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i have that same problem. what works for me is this...get your stuff and go hunting even if it's not the ideal time of the day. walk slow. study the little things. all things in the wild were made for you and me. don't forget to look up and say thanks. I"M TALKING TO EVERYONE
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good stuff kill shot!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Praying for you.
In HIS service
Dave
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My friend. I have been suffering depression for a long time. Unfortunatley i have been suffering alcoholism as well. i have not felt like nor done any hunting for 3 years now. just have no interest in it. I LOVED it. All you can do is stay on the medication if you are on some, get on some if you are not and get lots of excercise and of course stay on Trad gang and take all the love and respest and nonjudgemental help you get from the fine people of this website
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Talk about a ministry: Look at this place! People come here and bear their souls, exposing themselves trusting in God's grace and the love of others communing in His name.
Thank you Terry for providing us this place of support and solace.
Ole "Buck", you will find your way back. I know it and have special prayers for you, EF.
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Go to the stand... Leave the bow at home....
Ray...........
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still praying for you