I am the original OP. I got locked out due to the no procrastination settings...Sorry. I will reply through this account.
Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
31–40 of 51 posts
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#32As someone that had depresion, I know how you feel. > my other account is quite active on here 1.- STOP READING HN! Go out, read books, do hard work (dig holes, plant trees, etc), sweat! exercise! there's more to life than the latest startups and 'show hn' posts. 2.- watch funny movies Seriously, I had a ritual, every night after work I'd prepare dinner, and watch something funny, every single night. No excuses. This…
(I am the OP, locked myself out of the account due to settings)
Thanks for your advice. I have been trying and avoiding contact with people because I always feel low in confidence. This is a recent phenomenon, I have been quite social in the past. Will try and do these things.Thanks again.
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#33As someone that had depresion, I know how you feel. > my other account is quite active on here 1.- STOP READING HN! Go out, read books, do hard work (dig holes, plant trees, etc), sweat! exercise! there's more to life than the latest startups and 'show hn' posts. 2.- watch funny movies Seriously, I had a ritual, every night after work I'd prepare dinner, and watch something funny, every single night. No excuses. This…
You forgot: 10.- Eat healthy and drink lots of water. Fruits and veggies, less bread and potatoes. (I can be presumptuous in saying I know you forgot #10 because it feels like I wrote your list myself...)
I'd like to add an increase in your fish and seaweed intake will also be beneficial. There are so many things interfering with iodine uptake in our thyroids that this warrants some serious attention. You can also google "iodine cured my depression". I can honestly say it did for me as well. What fefifofu has said about "less bread" is extremely important.
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#34Do you have a therapist or someone to talk to who will give you the ability to just voice your thoughts without judgement? If not, I highly recommend that you seek one out. If you have one and are unsatisfied, you should find a new one. In the meantime, I am not sure you have hit rock bottom. Rock bottom is where you realize that there is a way up from here. You are still looking down into an abyss. Still, this might…
I do have a therapist, but not a counselor. I will try and find one. I have a very supportive spouse.
Thanks for your kind words.
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#35As someone that had depresion, I know how you feel. > my other account is quite active on here 1.- STOP READING HN! Go out, read books, do hard work (dig holes, plant trees, etc), sweat! exercise! there's more to life than the latest startups and 'show hn' posts. 2.- watch funny movies Seriously, I had a ritual, every night after work I'd prepare dinner, and watch something funny, every single night. No excuses. This…
I will definitely try and follow your advice. It's not easy though. Quitting HN is all the more difficult. You have mentioned it twice. Thanks again!
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#36These are classic symptoms of clinical / major depression. You have not found the right medications that help you yet. Keep seeing a psychiatrist who can help you find the right medication. Each time you switch it can take 10-12 weeks to know if that medication works for you. Please don't give up on the search for medication with a psychiatrist you trust. If you find your cognitive abilities are lower than they used…
[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#37These are classic symptoms of clinical / major depression. You have not found the right medications that help you yet. Keep seeing a psychiatrist who can help you find the right medication. Each time you switch it can take 10-12 weeks to know if that medication works for you. Please don't give up on the search for medication with a psychiatrist you trust. If you find your cognitive abilities are lower than they used…
Yep, my problem solving skills have taken a hit in the past few months. The progress is slow. I haven't been able to put enough hard work, it just seems pointless. I hope it gets better. Thanks
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#38I suggest that you take a different approach to dealing with your depression and anxiety, brain biochemistry is only a link in a huge cause-effect chain. If you win the lottery you may experience a big dopamine high, but a dopamine high won't make you win the lottery. View your brain as a super computer (which certainly is) and your personality as an operating system which you must hack to get rid of bugs and malware…
Thanks @neurohax. Your advice will help.
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#39Wake up very early, don't take naps, start exercising. This works for me but I'm certainly not trained to give medical advice.
Wow, waking up early helps? I generally find it difficult waking up early.
Re: Ask HN: Any advice for a programmer who has hit rock bottom?
#40As someone that had depresion, I know how you feel. > my other account is quite active on here 1.- STOP READING HN! Go out, read books, do hard work (dig holes, plant trees, etc), sweat! exercise! there's more to life than the latest startups and 'show hn' posts. 2.- watch funny movies Seriously, I had a ritual, every night after work I'd prepare dinner, and watch something funny, every single night. No excuses. This…
Hey, I tried emailing you, but it bounced back.