NY Daily news reports that drugs and booze have become the old fashioned way to beat the blues in The City, with the current hot favourite being Adult Sex services.
Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert reports a jump in sex-addicted men at his Manhattan practice in the past six months.
“Since early spring, maybe late winter, there’s just been an increase, and I believe it might have something to do with the economy,” he says. “A lot of the Wall Streeters use sex as a way to cope with stress. Bankers do tend to rely on pretty unhealthy ways of coping with stress – drugs, sex.
“A lot of them will use adult services,” Alpert adds. “Some of them come right out and say, ‘I’m stressed. This is how I deal with it. It’s not the worst thing in the world. I’m not using drugs.’ But when it starts to increase, then it’s a problem.” Apparently many are putting in 3 to 4 appearances a week at sex shops and massage parlours.
Good to know Asian masseuses are benefiting from Wall Street’s disaster year!
How affected are you and how are you beating the blues? Watching the sex in the City movie?
Due to the economy right now and other related stresses, the have been many reports and advisories telling therapists to look out for suicidality and murder/suicide. There is also going to be a natural increase in addictions of all types and depression. I feel concerned, but not worried about the financial state in the U.S and personally. My biggest fear is that my husband would not have a job and since we used up our emergency fund on my health, it is a concern. But, I don’t think that I am that effected by it.
Well, I’m already depressed and it has been a long time since I just had the “blues.” But, for both it is important to stay connected to others and socialize in healthy relationships. I stay connected with my husband, church family, friends and blogging friends. All are vital in beating the blues as are sleep, exercise and Smelling Flowers. Exercise natually increases endorphins which make you feel good and just taking time out to enjoy what is available is critical to re-energize yourself. Exercise, I’m thinking about, sleep is a mental health issue and I’m doing better at flower smelling which is why I like this site so much because there is such a variety of topics and discussions from very serious to absurd.
hang in there CC and hang tight to ‘Flowers, your pals here are gonna do our damn best to ensure that no ship here sinks!
(((Group hug just for you CC)))
Thank you RYK and Jim. I don’t need to worry about the sex, alcohol or drug addictions, but there are lots of others that are just as destructive. Beware!!!
cc – clinically commented!
I must say CC
I find going to the gym and lifting really helps with my moods. When you are stuck under 140kg then you pretty soon forget about stress and concentrate on the job at hand. I love the endorphin release and also find I am more able to structure my thought processes and cope with stress.
I think the key is this for me- perspective. Don’t compare to those who ‘have’ rather be positive about what we have. If I am walking round without pain I’m doing good really!!
As I say I get bi-polar episodes from time to time and the combination of music, exercise, reading and watching stuff that makes me laugh really helps. I will still feel down but not debilitated.
UP~thanks for sharing. I did not know that you had a bipolar disorder. I know that can be so frustrating and painful. All of the things that you mentioned are excellent ways of coping with stress and can provide structure which is so important with those of us with mood disorders. Yes, I really understand, “if I am walking round without pain I’m doing good really!!” However, mine is “if I am walking round with pain and my teeth brushed I’m doing really good.” Maybe, a little too much information!! LOL!!
take care,
CC
Oh, endorphins get released in addictive behavior too!!! That is partly what makes them addicting. As you go along to get the same high the more the behavior increases either in frequency or severity or both. Stick with the exercise!!!!
I agree – exercise and sunshine. They do wonders for my state of mind and mental health. Whilst I don’t have the same deeply ingrained depression as CC bravely struggles with, I’ve had my own share of depression and PTSD after being assaulted in 2005. It was as a result of these struggles that my blog was born actually, and I find writing about it and related topics very cathartic.
Ofcourse, healthy eating is vital.
And doing a physical yoga practice, plus some meditation each day – even if its 15 minutes of each – is invaluable.
However… I’m also one of those people, that if I’m the midst of sliding into depression or anxiety, ignores the very things I need to feel better. Its like I’m punishing myself or something very odd. Even though I know the things that help, I become powerless to actually help myself. For a while.
It becomes a real struggle to do the right thing for myself.
Winter is also harder, especially for those prone to depression. And deep in the “south” here in Oz (down in Melbourne), winters are cold and dark. Much more so than in Sydney (my former home for many years!) and there are plenty of people who suffer with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
I put off getting the therapy I needed for a long time after I was assaulted, thinking I should be strong enough to do it on my own. I’m pretty sure I can’t be alone in that approach, but the thing is – once I did start seeing my therapist, I couldn’t believe the relief I felt. A good therapist is required in some situations, and people should never feel embarassed about needing that kind of help.
It can make all the difference and be life saving in more ways than one.
Great comment Svasti!!! Which reminds me if the “blues” lasts more than a couple of weeks, it is advisable to speak with your physician because it could be depression or a medical reason. Either way it requires intervention. Both Svasti and I have therapy as part of the treatment and I also take medications. Treatment is dependent on decisions between you and your physicians.
Its been pretty hectic my end as well, I’m just rounding off my 3rd straight 20hr day! I found 3 things that really help keep the blues away:
1. Running in a park when it’s empty. I have one right next door and I couldn’t live with out it
2. Stretching to keep the back agile: I read somewhere that the Yoga Guru, Iyengar, said that age was in the spine, he’s 90+ but says his spine is like a 15 yr olds.
3. Bach Remedies. Those hocus pocus drops really do work ! They work on the nervous system and release everyday stresses and change your outlook. UP, I guarantee your bi-polar can be fixed via the remedies. Take them in cold water.
Although I do believe in the effectiveness for some ailments, when it comes to serious clinical diagnosis such as bipolar disorder and major depression, I am skeptical and quite concerned as traditionally clinical studies have repeatedly shown that prescribed medications are effective in most of these cases. Trying alternative solutions can be disasterous or fatal. I don’t believe that there are enough solid clinical studies that justify using Bach remedies for clinical mood disorders.
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine states, “There are numerous anecdotes about successful treatment with Bach flower remedies, although published scientific research is limited. A systematic review by Ernst et al. noted that only four clinical trials were available and Bach flower remedies were not shown by any rigorous clinical trials to be more effective than as a placebo.”
I would love to have those trials redone under my supervision. Placebo my ass !
ok ryk
produce your trials that show different
you won’t
you can’t
tey don’t exist
welcome to the world of placebo
your putting them in the wrong end ryk!
(sorry – it;s fridayand i’m in afunny mood) ((can’t type very well either it seems))
atleast they work that way P13
UP, wanna be guinea ? I’m buying
The upcoming election has my panties in a bunch and my “normal” business is down but all and all, I’m faring well.
I’ve got the unconditional love of my dog, a drawer filled with clean underwear, a bag of blue tortilla chips and a full tank of gas. I’m living the dream!
When I’m not spending time outside walking, taking a yoga class or eating probiotic yogurt to calm my system, I enjoy a mid-rare burger, a couple shots of tequila, an adrenaline & endorphin rush followed by a long snooze.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Welcome Christa!!! You forgot to mention giggling and laughing…I read your site! I love the purpose and it comes from such a sad story, but inspired you to do something. How did you get so inspired and motivated to do such a thing?
Thanks for stopping by my site Clinically Clueless!
I was depressed for many years and on 10/7/05 my friend committed suicide. I was on his path, a self-destructive and suicidal path but after he died and I saw how suicide rips friends and families apart I knew I could NEVER do that to people I love.
If you want more background, check out my About Me page and click the link in the first sentence called “tragic story”.
I am DETERMINED to spread messages of hope, and yes, giggles, to as many people as I can.
Don’t Give Up folks! Giggle On!
P.S. I’ve got a t-shirt contest going on (not wet-t-shirt, but a give-away). The funniest responses to my latest blog ‘Smelly Yoga’ gets a Giggle On shirt…hot off the presses baby!
Christa I know you are new here (I think), so I am really impressed with your openness. And, your honesty in your blog. Your story needs to be told…it is quite inspirational. I’m glad that you did not kill yourself and that you are spreading giggles. I’ve bookmarked your site because I need some of that lightness to as I deal with the demons of my childhood along with my depression, PTSD, and so on. I do not remember ever having a day that I didn’t have almost constant suicidal thoughts. I’m learning why and it is getting better, but it is there constantly. I know that it is defensive by protecting me from what I am really feeling, so giggles are good. Your site is so bright and cheery. By the way, I’m just curious or nosy…how did you find this site? I think it is great and hope you continue to add to the Garden.
giggle, giggle,
CC
Urban would have got a shot at winning if it was a wet T one, with his 140kg (up, really kg?) bench presses!
140kg squats
170kg deadlift
120kg bench press RYK!!
All for 10′s- not earth shattering but ok for me- bench is a major weakness for me.
So 140 for say 4 would be a good call.
I must say the gym is great for me as I can just chuck on the ipod blast up the dancehall and place myself in my own little world- gets rid of all the aggression and negativity. the focus required takes me away from any other stress I may have. plus the endorphins rush after is great and when exhausted all I want to do is rest , eat, and sleep. nothing else!
Wait until i introduce you 2 at xmas
with the weights he’s doing and the things I’ve said, I better come wearing my american football gear !
not at all RYK
take your beating like a man
(only joking!!!!)
I will only be about 224-230lbs anyway
“seconds away,round 1″
I’m first in the rush for the Friday brunch!
Welcome to GO! Smell the flowers Christa – great Avatar by the way – should be on a T-shirt
Yo Jim (awesome name BTW), my avatar IS on a t-shirt with the “Giggle On” phrase. I just did a test run of products at Cafe Press this week. I even made a Giggle On thong! Talk about funny!! If you have time, go back to my site and check out a blog post called ‘Smelly Yoga’. If your comment to the post makes me laugh the loudest (or pee my pants) I’ll send YOU a t-shirt! If not, keep visiting and there will be other changes to get a Giggle On shirt I’m sure *I am NOW thinking maybe a wet t-shirt contest* hummmmmmmmmmmm
Hey CC – yes, I am new here and I can’t remember how I found you but I just love the name of this site. It caught my eye. My sister thinks I’m insane for being so open but I know that sharing my story in a genuine way is going to help people. Helping people is THE goal!
And Urban – I agree that working out is a critical component to mental health. I am off to take my morning walk right now with the dog (and, admittedly, get coffee) and smell the flowers. PEACE PEOPLE!
Hi Christa,
I’m pretty new here too. Nice of you to join us!
Am currently checking out your blog.
Me too! Seconded Svasti..
What part of the world are you blogging from Christa?
Hey Jim. I’m trollin’ in from the east coast of the USA, Wilmington, Delaware to be exact.
Great – well I trolled around New York in 2000 when I ran the marathon – what a place! I assume the credit crunch is hitting Delaware pretty badly, right?
The credit crunch isn’t hitting us harder here than anywhere else. We have the top credit card companies in town and no one has shut their doors yet.
I am in a related credit industry and my non-Giggle business is down quite a bit but we’re hangin’ in there.
LOL Non-Giggle!
Aren’t Google in Delaware or is that another Delaware…?
Google – I doub’t they’re suffering though….
Giggle On is in Delaware but Google is in Boston and Mountain View, CA. I know this because a friend of mine just got a job with Google!
Google is most definitely not suffering.
I just keep myself busy.
Sounds really easy but I’m lucky in that generally I don’t really get into a depressive state for more than a day or two (and I do know how lucky I am) and if I find myself in it, I’m normally out of it before I realise.
I’ve been described as pretty robust (or they might have said rotund, not sure) so that helps me get by.
I’m generally very thankful for my lot.
That’s a good way to handle it…distraction.
With respect to Urban Pagan’s comment, I personally would not forget about stress if I were under 140 kilograms of iron! On the contrary, merely thinking about such a prospect increases my stress levels to a considerable extent.
Personally, I am fortunate in the respect that I have a very rewarding and stable job in the public sector in Korea, so I have felt any significant level of financial stress in recent times. Probably the most significant effect which global events are having on my life at the moment is that their impact on the timing of my return to my home country of Australia.
In terms of coping with stress, I feel that some of the suggestions above, particularly those made by ‘Clinically Clueless’ sound sensible to me. Personally, a good walk or ride in the countryside works wonders for me, as does enjoying some quality time with friends.
Hi Andrew, welcome to GStF. Nice blog you’ve got and I totally agree that Tax Payer’s should not fun hedonistic Wall Street lifestyles !
It does make sense you know..
Sex has been proven to be the greatest reliever of stress..
given the choice it has to be far better than getting drunk at the pub..
So why not.. if they are consenting adults.. regardless of payment involved I say good on the girls involved… the guys are getting what they want thye want, they girls what they do.. so whats the problem…
Actually I am not directly effected at all..
thankfully and have been doing a little told you so.. for ages to some folks i know who have gotten ahead of their station, swelled heads and all that..
But directly effected nope..
Indirectly Oh yeh but so will everyone be.. the price of things goes up, job losses, lackof goods all of the things which will come with a global depression.. The one thing which will make it harder for many effected this time round compared to the last is these days people dont like and dont know how to go without.. they must have everything now…..
and thats what got them into trouble in the first place..
love the liberal and sensible view AC
Seconded – grounded & measured – like good coffee AC!
Coffee? Did someone say coffee?? *i’m up, i’m up*
Coffee!!!!!
Please!!!