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Thread: Dancers dealing w/depression?

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    God/dess whirlerz's Avatar
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    Question Dancers dealing w/depression?

    I know we've a thread about dealing w/chronic illness I mean I can't go to the dr. right now, I'm still in the mdist of paying for some dental work..I have some depression issues, & it's been keeping my stuck, upset, esp. wanting to audition.
    Anyone deal w/this?
    Thanks!


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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Yep. I deal with depression everyday. I have to always fight it. I was going to work tonight, but felt really drained and exhausted, so decided to stay home. All I want to do is eat and sleep. But I try to find even just a tiny bit of happiness everyday. Look at pictures of art, write down your thoughts, listen to upbeat or calming music.

    I find that if I have a goal to look forward to accomplishing, that gives me motivation and helps me get out of my depression. I'm in the middle of coming up with a "life plan" to improve my life. I write it all out, then organize it in a list and on a calendar. All my finances, my goals, my deadlines, etc. - the only way I can feel calm and not stressed out over it all is to write it all out and organize it. Accomplish things step by step. When depression hits full-force, though, it can be really hard to even organize your thoughts. Just take your time with it.

    It's a rough battle. But we must fight on...
    "Dancing tables, making deals with devils like a drunk beauty queen"

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by ScarletKitten View Post
    Yep. I deal with depression everyday. I have to always fight it. I was going to work tonight, but felt really drained and exhausted, so decided to stay home. All I want to do is eat and sleep. But I try to find even just a tiny bit of happiness everyday. Look at pictures of art, write down your thoughts, listen to upbeat or calming music.

    I find that if I have a goal to look forward to accomplishing, that gives me motivation and helps me get out of my depression. I'm in the middle of coming up with a "life plan" to improve my life. I write it all out, then organize it in a list and on a calendar. All my finances, my goals, my deadlines, etc. - the only way I can feel calm and not stressed out over it all is to write it all out and organize it. Accomplish things step by step. When depression hits full-force, though, it can be really hard to even organize your thoughts. Just take your time with it.

    It's a rough battle. But we must fight on...
    Ok thanks! Gonna try those ideas. I just ordered a pizza too, thin crust, which's a rarity for some unknown reason.


    MANY MEN WANTED TO LAY ME DOWN, BUT FEW WANTED TO LIFT ME UP

    -Eartha Kitt

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    I have dysthymia which is mild depression long term, and General Anxiety Disorder. I am trying to get into the habit of self care. Instead of thinking about everything I am doing wrong, and bad, I give myself praise for the small steps I do take. Depression makes you not want to do ANYTHING, as you know - so try and give yourself a break and cheers for when you do something. anything. from waking up early, to working out, taking a shower, going outside...etc. it's going to take time to get better since it took time for us to get to this spot. try to also make time each day doing things you enjoy as much as you can. i also started listening to motivational videos and videos to help with depression on youtube everyday. that helps me remember to stay positive when negativity starts to seep in.
    There will always be haters, might as well get paid

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Ok, thanks so much. It's nice to share w/ppl that understand.


    MANY MEN WANTED TO LAY ME DOWN, BUT FEW WANTED TO LIFT ME UP

    -Eartha Kitt

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    yep, since i was a kid and it gets REALLY bad in the winter up here..right now i'm just using the " do the next thing" mantra..i'm just putting on foot in front of the other, not giving myself a chance to freak out. i'll take a shower, and put my makeup on, and walk out the door before i've given myself a chance to get anxious..and then walk through the doors and then i'm there at the club. i really need to take my own advice tomorrow too lol. i've found that once i actually go into work, the next day i'll feel amazing..i'll get up earlier, and feel more energized. when you're depressed its so important to get exercise and get out and really DO something instead of camping out in bed with the ice cream lol. i love all the other suggestions too

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    ^^So true, Simone! I feel amazing the next day, too. Especially after I decided to not drink at work anymore. No more hangovers or feeling like shit the next morning. I can't wait to work tomorrow! Having a good night gives me a rush. It's just taking too many days off in a row causes me to go back into depression. Maybe working more often is actually a good thing? I like the idea of just going through the motions and not giving yourself the time to feel anxious. Brilliant!
    "Dancing tables, making deals with devils like a drunk beauty queen"

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Awww, sorry you're not feeling well, whirlerz! You're always such a sweetheart, so I think it's especially unfair that you, of all people, would suffer from depression.

    One of the most difficult aspects of depression for dancers/sex workers to cope with is the way it can steal your confidence. We need to be confident, because that's our #1 money-maker! Can you make a little inventory of things you've accomplished that you're proud of, like, say, pictures of cash you've earned, important things you've bought, significant financial milestones that you crossed with dancing income, etc? Do you have any particularly sexy selfies that can remind you of how awesome you are?

    Personally, when I feel extra-depressed, I have to remind myself to take baby steps and never stop trying. Working for three hours is better than working for zero hours, making $100 is better than making $0, etc. Even if you can't go to work (or audition!) feeling like Aphrodite herself, you can at least show up and make an effort. The results of that effort are nearly always better than the results of not having made any effort at all.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    I've always been prone to depression and anxiety, but I'm still dealing with fallout from the most painful mental health episode I've had (Nov-Dec). It was due to weaning off a psychologically addictive medication and I turned into an agoraphobiac. Going to work was not an option; just opening the door to my apt and looking into the hallway made me panic!

    Now that it's over with I'm regular-depressed. Upset about missing out on so much $$, feeling off my game at work, self conscious about weight I'd gained from sitting around, etc. But like many of you have mentioned, taking things one step at a time is a wonderful coping mechanism. Even if you don't make it out the door, you still achieved something by getting ready. If you make it out the door, but not until you'll only have four hours of hustling left (this is my personal downfall), at least you got out of the house. If you only make half your income, or just make anything at all, you have more than you did and built healthy habits.

    If perfectionism is involved (it is for me) this is very difficult to come to terms with. When I started working again after my Howard Hughes episode, I felt pretty despondent about making half my average a few nights in a row. But when you have an injury you go easy in the gym, right? When you have an emotional injury, it's okay to go easy at work until you heal.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    I have Bipolar II and I have more depressive episodes than manic episodes. I'm trying to shy away from saying this too often, but if you're depression starts to affect your daily life you really should consider seeing a psychiatrist and talking about going on medication.

    When I'm in a depressive episode I can hardly get myself to work. Sometimes I'll get my ass to the club and then not be able to even work. All I want to do is stay at home, in bed, with food and netflix. I do that, but I also try my darndest to go out and do something physical (cause you know, "exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't"). I grew up as a ballet and contemporary dancer, so I'll go to a dance class. Find that something that helps you let go and escape that black cloud hovering over your head. It's not an easy thing to do, to go out and do something when you're depressed. If you can't force yourself, like if it feels like you're wearing lead boots and you don't have an ounce of energy to even try to take a step forward, then see a doc.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Every day. I'm suicidal right now and haven't been for a while. Between that and being sick every day because of my implants I'm over life. It's a wonder I got through my trip. Paxil is not helping and I can't meditate. My mind doesn't allow it. I lay down and songs play over and over in my head( ones I would never listen to). Now everyne os going to think I'm really cookoo.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    ^^Oh god, I'm sorry Michele. What happened with your implants? How did you get sick from them?

    I know what you mean about the songs playing in your head. Your mind is trying to keep you alive, I think.
    "Dancing tables, making deals with devils like a drunk beauty queen"

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    ^Thanks Scarlett. I'm not sure. I just know my body doesn't want them. I thought I was having a breakdown 6 years ago but we figured out it's my implants. They may be making my mental illness worse but I have suffered from depression for about 14 years. The songs get worse when the mental illness does. I thought I was the only one with that.

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    God/dess ScarletKitten's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    ^^If your body doesn't want the implants, have you thought about getting them removed?
    "Dancing tables, making deals with devils like a drunk beauty queen"

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Yes. I was going to get them redone in nov and broke my wrist and am still recovering from that. If the new pair don't work I will get them out. it's not worth living like this. It use to be manageable were i'd feel bad for say a few weeks to a month with 3-4 months of feeling 70-80% but it's just gotten worse.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    I'm so sorry, michele. Are your implants old school silicone, or do you think you're just sensitive to the silicone shell? Maybe look into Brazilian furries? Hugs.

    (Sorry for the threadjack everyone else.)

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Maybe try an anti-inflammatory diet? Recent scientific research points to inflammation and depression link. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/bo...-inflammation/

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by lol1337a View Post
    I'm so sorry, michele. Are your implants old school silicone, or do you think you're just sensitive to the silicone shell? Maybe look into Brazilian furries? Hugs.

    (Sorry for the threadjack everyone else.)
    Sorry Whirlerz I know it's your thread. No they're saline. I know I have a shit diet and it doesn't help. I'll have to try the ant inflamitory diet.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Here is a list of anti-inflammatory foods: http://www.health.com/health/gallery...705881,00.html <- The only thing I would disagree with on that list is the dairy. Dairy, whether nonfat or not, causes so much inflammation, and is bad for humans to consume in the first place. But everything else on that list is good.

    Eating well definitely helps with depression. Taking St. John's Wort helps a bit, too.

    Hugs for everyone.
    "Dancing tables, making deals with devils like a drunk beauty queen"

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by Tourdefranzia View Post
    Maybe try an anti-inflammatory diet? Recent scientific research points to inflammation and depression link. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/bo...-inflammation/
    I have suffered from varying levels of anxiety for my whole adult life and eating a super clean diet has allowed me to stay off meds for a long time now. It would be so bad at some points that I couldn't get myself to go to work or even leave the house - everything was HUUUUUGE deal. When I eliminated gluten, alcohol, sugar (for the most part - I indulge here and there), and cut down on processed foods, my mental clarity became night and day. I also see an acupuncturist and while I did not go for anxiety the treatments and Chinese herbs he gives me also have changed my life. Perhaps the same could work for depression?

    Now if I'm anxious I will take a Passionflower tincture or have a few capsules of valerian root.


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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    I've dealt with depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. Feel free to PM me if you want someone to talk to.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    I'm severely bipolar, have been living with it for over twenty years. I see a psychiatrist and am medicated but when my dad died in March it destroyed my soul. Every day I wake up and tell myself one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time. I have a supportive boyfriend and one of my besties is also bipolar and a dancer so we support each other. You are not alone, guys. I force myself to drive the hour to work and get ready there are tell myself I've already taken the time to get there so I might as well try but I'm easy on myself and leave if I just can't do it. Health before wealth.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by rareaspasia View Post
    Every day I wake up and tell myself one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time.
    Sometimes it's just a matter of getting to the nxt minute, & the nxt minute, & then the minute after that one. I know last nite was like that for me, been suffering from depression since around age 10 & my anxiety increased over my yrs of dancing.

    Often my worst time is when I am trying to fall asleep, bc the angry/depressive thoughts just go into overdrive & I feel like I have no outlet.

    I have found that having a daily to-do list helps. Doesn't mean I'll get everything on it accomplished, & sm times I don't get ANYTHING on it accomplished, but when I can manage to 'put one foot in front of the other' & see each of those items getting checked off it feels like a small (ok, smtimes major) victory, & I have the proof in front of me that I managed to achieve smtg as trivial as brushing my teeth, getting dressed, & going outside.

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Damn depression seems like such a common thing in this world lately. Perhaps depression shouldn't be considered an illness. Instead of medication, I just think we all need to love, be loved and feel loved. We also need to search for and WORK towards happiness even though we have no idea what that happiness may be; but that shouldn't stop us from looking for it. We can't give up ladies, we just fucking can't. This feelings of despair is too extremely common and we're not alone. We need to do something, but what is it that we need to do in order to achieve happiness? I don't know because life doesn't come with a customized manual. All I can say is keep your mind open and realize that we are capable of anything we put enough time, effort and passion into and I'm not just saying that. Also remember, that we will die miserable without our soulmate. Soulmate is the other half of us and sucks to walk around empty (happens even for those in a relationship for something is lacking). Life is so complex...

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    Default Re: Dancers dealing w/depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by kassie View Post
    . Also remember, that we will die miserable without our soulmate. Soulmate is the other half of us and sucks to walk around empty (happens even for those in a relationship for something is lacking).
    Wow ... that's encouraging.

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