I mean like right now I'm experiencing the worst depression of my life, and I just hate it when a family member or friend that doesn't really understand what I feel like. Says just get up and shake it off, if only it was that simple. Have any of you guys experienced such a down and how did you come out of it or if your going through it how do you deal....
YEA I HAVE, and am there right now... It was really bad back in winter time, just had my tonsils out, and emergency surgery about 10 days after, in which the doctors told me to have complete bed rest for 3 weeks, and no working out, or talking or singing for about 6 weeks total. I was a total mess, there were some not so good thoughts(of course a lot could have been from the meds I was on). My friends understood to let me be, one was just annoying, she said I needed to hang out and that it was stupid that be all sulky and moody alone. To tell you the truth I think it proablyb made me even that more depressed. The best thing to do it to workout and go running. I have been getting depressed easily lately, and its because I haven't been sticking to diet/workout. Make sure to eat natural occuring things, stay away from sugars(which causes blood sugar to rise, which may contribute to mood swings), and fast food/MSG, believe it or not, I have a confirming theory, that MSG causes most mood swings and depression. Also make sure to get enough fresh air and sun, as these too without can bring mood levels low. And I think forums and RJ help me out of these depressions as well.
alltherage saidI mean like right now I'm experiencing the worst depression of my life, and I just hate it when a family member or friend that doesn't really understand what I feel like...
You may need professional help. Seriously, what have you got to lose by finding a counselor or therapist.
For most people, depression is "real," in that real events have beaten them down into a hole. However, it's the hole that is the real problem. Inside the hole is a lot of inertia to keep you there, much of it neurological and hormonal.
A professional can help you sort out the circumstances (the "real" stuff) from the hole (your body's response to it), and give you devices, advice or medication to help you get out. The help will be real, direct and appropriate. I hope you can find the energy to make a phone call to get started.
I know exactly what you mean. There use to be an ad on TV by one of the drug companies that I thought really showed how it was.... and you're right, you can't snap out of it. As Micky said, you need professional help, there is soooo much they can do to help you. Consider making a call to the dr and let them try and give you something to even out the chemicals that cause the problems.
It's hard but you can get through it... just don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone wants you to be back to yourself, it's not just you.
If you have any thoughts of hurting yourself...PLEASE SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP ASAP!
I have suffered with depression most of my life...and I ain't talking about "feeling blue" or "bummed out". DEPRESSION is a VERY REAL bio-chemical variance in the brain and it is a VERY REAL MEDICAL ISSUE. YOU need to see a PSYCHIATRIST for medication to put your brain chemistry back in order and a psychologist to help sort out the issues. My depression is genetic and comes from both sides of my family. I had taken Prozac for many years, although I have not been on it for the past 4 years, since I lost all of my weight.....I suffer very badly from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter. Many years ago it was bad enough, that I attempted suicide 3 times and actually died...and they shocked me back to life, thank god!
Many family members are unwilling to talk or share their personal expereinces and family members don't understand how or why or what you are depressed over. That's why it is SO IMPORTANT that you take responsibility for helping yourself, before it gets worse. Trust me, depression can always get worse, with out medical care. There is no shame in getting medical mental healthcare and it is often the first sign of improvement, when you go for help. Do it NOW and don't wait or try to ratioanlize away the pro and cons of getting help. These are "time waster activities" that will only further damage you and delay your healthy comeback. Just understand that depressions develope over time, and it takes time for them to lessen. There is no magic cure, but time and good care...and good meds if you can get them! I understand where you are coming from and I believe many on this site will as well. There are a few actual professional psychologists and MD's on this site. Maybe they will see your post and help refere you to some local services. Exercise is a proven treatement for some forms of depression, so keep up the exercise. Nutrition is a huge component...if the brain is malnurished, it can't produce/receive the amino acids and specific chemicals it needs to work best....check your diet and your vitamins, mineral, protiens, fats, carbos, etc. Water...H2O...make sure you are drinking enough.....dehydration, even slightly over a long term, can appear as a depression or in worse cases as a mental disorder. In general, for a man of 150 lbs...drink a MINIMUM of 64 OZ of water...for every 5 lbs over 150 lbs, ADD 8 oz of water.....MORE if you work out and sweat alot, if you live in a desert climate, or if you are taking certain meds or doing large amounts of protein supplementation......WATER IS CRITICAL....and is only second to AIR as a requirement for life.... Please, get the help you need and deserve.....Please. Be well and get better! Sporty_G
K, so I did all that, because it's solid advice - I went to my doctor, I was put on a waitlist for a shrink and a dose of medication. Interesting side effect though...it kind of made me straight. Like, straight to the exclusion of gay. I stopped taking the meds about a month ago, and 'bam' I like the cock.
So my quandary is thus: straight and happy or gay and depressed?
;)
I don't need to be lectured on the merits of being gay or straight - believe me, I've spent a LOT of time thinking about it. But the psychiatrist I saw didn't really seem all that interested..in anything about me. I was in and then driving away in my car in about 35 minutes. ><
BioMatty saidK, so I did all that, because it's solid advice - I went to my doctor, I was put on a waitlist for a shrink and a dose of medication. Interesting side effect though...it kind of made me straight. Like, straight to the exclusion of gay. I stopped taking the meds about a month ago, and 'bam' I like the cock.
It's common for many SRI's to inhibit sexual desire. You probably experienced that. Some will inhibit an erection, or maybe make you indifferent to sex. It is just a side effect. I bet you could find one that does not have those side effects for you. My ex takes Cymbalta which works for him
Hi alltherage, I've been in therapy for almost two years now (whoa) and it has helped a lot for me. Unfortunately the process of healing is slow because 20+ years of harmful learned behavior; the depression signified that my body couldn't take my unhelpful ways of beating up on myself, finding people who could empathize, and just not taking good care of myself.
A good professional therapist will try to understand you, but it takes a long time because you make up so many experiences of the past how-long-have-you-been-born years.
If I had to give you advice I've gotten to save you money, some of it would include to find someone who _will_ take the time to understand you. It will help immensely with coming to terms with how you feel (though it's possible but much harder to do it yourself), and also help with any future encounters. If you can't just "get up and shake it off" that means that your body and mind needs more time to process it and that will simply take more time.
And I definitely agree about putting one foot forward after another, as hard as it may be. Make a (manageable) list of things you have to get done, do some, cross them off. Go workout. Go do something fun (that's not obsessive). It's hard but if you can get yourself to do at least some things accomplished, you're on the road to recovery.
When I was experiencing my medically-induced depression, I was given antidepressants. They helped stabilize me. But what really made me feel human again was GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid), which can be found in any vitamin store or organic food market.
Also, there is 5-HTP (5-hydroxy tryptophan). It does the same thing.
These are both precursors of serotonin, which is the mood stabilizer neurotransmitter in the brain.
Fortunately I've not experienced depression beyond your very typical "adjustment and acceptance" after something doesn't go the best. I generally view the event as something positive in the end and it snaps me out of it after about a day.
I realize that the above is nothing like what is being discussed here. I've had friends that have suffered from real depression. One friend several years ago seemed to "fall under the veil of a haze" as he used to describe it. He knew I was concerned and did seek help. I was amazed how medication made such a difference to him, in his situation. Today you'd never know he had ever had an issue.
Drop me a PM mate. Been there, done that....diagnosed as potentially Manic Depressive.
Its not nice and still has one heck of a lot of stigma attached to it.
I know its hard but try and keep positive and focus on positive things, even if just small things. I know that is easier said than done but take one day at a time, even if its just getting out of bed and pottering, that is doing something and being positive. Somedays I know you dont want to eve get out of bed...but you need to take charge of this illness and try and beat it. Its hard and it can be painful for you and for others....
First, it's a good thing that you've acknowledged you are experiencing depression because many people don't acknowledge it or think they can just shake it off! (Mistake)
Hopefully you are able to see a professional to help you determine what's going on and offer suggestions for treatment/assistance. If you're not getting outside when the weather's nice, you could be vitamin D-deficient. (Diet is a factor here as well.)
No, I'm not a doctor but I will say you are not alone. Good luck to you!!
From what I have read I've learned that depression is a hereditary thing. It must be really hard to deal with. I 've never had any depression issues, but I think we all experience down times.
Not to sound cliche, but my advice is to focus on the good in your life. No matter what you might think, there has to be at least one thing in your life that makes you smile!
Dr. Jakyl has some great advice. Psychiatrists can be very hard to get into and most times the first anti-depressant you try won't be the right one. You often have to do a trial and error. The more times you try, the closer you will get. I would talk to your family doctor as well and look at a counselor. I have been in therapy for years for many issues, but kinda the same thing that Jakyl spelled out. Everyone is different. Just remember that a anti-depressant is not a miracle cure all. There are many things you can do to make youself healthier and try and be happier. Exercise, diet, reflection, natural remedies, reaching out to friends, slowing down your life, getting a pet, etc. These are all things that will help. Personally, anti-depressents make me feel medicated and I do not like the whole idea behind them for my persoanl growth. But they really can help you if you get the right one. Don't ifgnore a mental health issue, but make sure you are not just leaning on a pill to make you happy.
i was there last fall, really bad; you're not yourself when depressed, and no one gets that. its like all the color drains outa your world, and nothing has any power to make you happy- you loose interest in your favorite things, and loose motivation to do anything- you don't want to be around anyone because you're sulky but then you hate yourself for hiding in your room and you wish someone would take enough interest in you to help you out of it- and the worst part is that everything blows up in significance, like how on the worst day even the littlest thing can set one off; so that everything is taken personally and is blown out of proportion. its awful, especially when there isn't even a cause for it that you can mentally attack. i especially know what you mean about ppl not understanding 'cause when i was racked with it last fall i lived in my fraternity house and everyone thought it was just being bitchy for no reason- well, they chalked it up to me being gay, which wasn't kewl. then everyone just ignored me for the quarter 'cause they thought i wanted space, when i actually wanted them to show some interest in me and help me like brothers- so i felt written off on top of it all. i feel u man- not much to do but to try and exercise, force yourself out among friends, take the meds, and get sun.
I have the seasonal depression in the winter...probably due to little sunshine exposure. But sometimes depression creeps up on me at other times.
You are correct that some people cannot understand it unless they experience it first hand. It is like a straight person saying that being gay is a choice. They simply do not have the mental/emotional maturity required to understand that someone else feels differently.
I have personally taken the over-the-counter supplement called SAM-E and it works for me in about 3 to 4 days..then I stay on it for two weeks to be sure I don't relapse into depression. Give it a try. It is safe and over-the-counter at SamsClub or your local pharmacy.
Sometimes I can do heavy workouts and those get me past the depression a little...or at least help me deal with it better.
But, please know you are not alone. Just ignore those folks that don't understand and realize they are trying to help...but they really have no idea of what you are going through and therefore cannot offer real advice. Sometimes I just have to go through the motions of life until I start feeling better and that can be tough...but I know that brighter days will come.
One thing I have embraced only recently is that change happens around us everyday. The one thing we can not expect is for change to come by our door and knock until we get out of bed and answer the door. We have to invite change and be patient with it when it does not come quickly or swiftly. Pain can make minutes seem like hours, but there are many hours in our lives, most of which we quickly forget and move past.Its hard to take an active role in your life all the time. Press on and try to work on the things you can change and improve, identify the things you can't and give yourself the benefit of the doubt. We are only human.
BioMatty saidK, so I did all that, because it's solid advice - I went to my doctor, I was put on a waitlist for a shrink and a dose of medication. Interesting side effect though...it kind of made me straight. Like, straight to the exclusion of gay. I stopped taking the meds about a month ago, and 'bam' I like the cock.
So my quandary is thus: straight and happy or gay and depressed?
;)
I don't need to be lectured on the merits of being gay or straight - believe me, I've spent a LOT of time thinking about it. But the psychiatrist I saw didn't really seem all that interested..in anything about me. I was in and then driving away in my car in about 35 minutes. ><
*shrugs*
From what I've heard, you may want to seek out a psychologist. Psychiatrists seem to exist purely for writing out prescriptions. Good luck. And your situation is quite interesting by the way.
I know all too well what you are going through. I grew up surrounded by clinically depressed people although I did not understand what was going on until my teens. I have had three untreated clinical depressions in my life between 19 and 25. Maybe a fourth in my early 30's.
Right now I am taking anti-depressants to help cope with side effects from the HIV meds I am on. I am also still dealing with helping family members who struggle with depression. They will for the rest of their lives I am sure.
I just got back from a weekend away only to read an e-mail from one of my gay friends whom I have known for over 20 years, saying he has been diagnosed with HIV and is being treated for pneumonia. One way to combat a mild case of the blues for me is to help other people. I am an introvert who can get lost in my own mind and shut people out if I don't watch it.
Serious clinical depression can be helped by medications and professionals, but there is no guarantee that the depressions will be "cured", just mitigated so you can cope with life.
All the best in facing up to this terrible disease.
After reading this thread, I thought of the best dialoge from one of my favorite TV shows. The West Wing.
A guy is walking down the street and falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can't get out.
A doctor comes along, and the guy shouts up, "Hey man, can you help me?" The doctor writes a prescription and tosses it in the hole and moves on.
Then a priest comes along and they guy shouts up, "Father, I'm down in this hole can you help me out?" The priest writes out a prayer and tosses it in the hole and moves on.
Then a friend walks by, "Hey Joe, it's me, can you help me out?" and the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says "What are you stupid, now we're both down here." The friend says "Yeah, but I've been down here before, and I know the way out."
I think we've all been there at some point in our lives to some degree. It's great to have people on here that know the experience and can 'help a friend out of the hole'
Everybody's been giving you so far some good advice
But depression is real... I think you know that But it's as real as a broken rib or an inner ear infection
...and just like them it needs to be treated Depression is readily treated these days but requires a two pronged approach 1. Medication There are maybe hundreds of anti-depressants around today and for this you're going to need a professional NOT A REGULAR MD!!! Each of these medications are for different purposes and all of them work in different ways MD's are not trained in knowing how they work and many times they get them wrong which is why many people have failures in treatment Go to a mental health professional
2. Therapy You need to talk things through Why you feel depressed How you feel when you're depressed What you can do to help you when you are...
But remember .... treatment is work you can't just sit back and say treat me doc and make me all better
alltherage saidI mean like right now I'm experiencing the worst depression of my life, and I just hate it when a family member or friend that doesn't really understand what I feel like. Says just get up and shake it off, if only it was that simple. Have any of you guys experienced such a down and how did you come out of it or if your going through it how do you deal....
Hey alltherage,
Yeah, I hate it also when I'm told about all the things I have in life, and they are scratching their heads wondering why I'm depressed.
Unless you have suffered from it, you can not understand, what someone suffering form it is going through.
Do you suffer from anxiety?
Are you on any medication? Prescribed or otherwise (and I don't just mean medication for depression) I also don't expect you to answer to the "otherwise" on here, and I'm not suggesting you are on anything. But no matter how harmless you may think it is, it maybe affecting you. Even foods can cause depression.
How long have you been this way?
Do you get this way often?
Sorry for all the questions. BTW, I'm not a doctor. I suffer from anxiety, and I get anxiety induced depression. I have searched the net for answers, and I have got more answers from the net than I have got from doctors.
As has been said already If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, please talk to a medical professional if you cant face a doctor alone, get a family member or friend to go with you.
You can email me if you like, and if I can help in anyway I will. I promise I will not tell you to "shake it off"
You guys have given me so i hate to hope its sounds kinda cheesy. but you guys have really made me feel a hell of a lot better. I mean i have to find a therapist thats a must. I guess since i really have no one to talk to. this outlet is so amazing, I've started to work out slowly but i'll get into the groove again. You guys are some of the most down to earth guys, and i would'nt mind dating one of you. lol Thanks again guys
mickeytopogigio said[quote][cite]alltherage said[/cite]I mean like right now I'm experiencing the worst depression of my life, and I just hate it when a family member or friend that doesn't really understand what I feel like...
You may need professional help. Seriously, what have you got to lose by finding a counselor or therapist.
For most people, depression is "real," in that real events have beaten them down into a hole. However, it's the hole that is the real problem. Inside the hole is a lot of inertia to keep you there, much of it neurological and hormonal.
A professional can help you sort out the circumstances (the "real" stuff) from the hole (your body's response to it), and give you devices, advice or medication to help you get out. The help will be real, direct and appropriate. I hope you can find the energy to make a phone call to get started.[/quote]
Psychologist aren't any help at all, in fact they just make matters worse. Almost every medication out there will only make you 3x's worse the moment you forget to take it once. It's not worth the pain nor money. The best medicine for depression is being around those who you love and make you happy. Only hang around those that lift you up not bring you down. Depression is a very serious thing. You can find out what set it off to begin with without having to pay someone to talk to you about your problems. Having friends you can converse with helps especially those who's advice you always are prone to listen to. If you find you've stopped doing the things you love than what will help you out is making the time to try to do whatever activities your interested in. Even if all you do is sit there staring at whatever supplies or equipment is required for it. Also what i've found that helps is whenever you start thinking lifes a bitch and isn't worth all the bullshit, sometimes forcing a paradigm shift to happen helps. And you're right it isn't as easy as just getting up and shaking it off, but you gotta realize those two things are the first step to helping yourself get better. We are instruments of our own destruction at times. Don't let this be one of those times. We must find something worth fighting for and find the means to overcome this obstacle in our path. Overcoming this shall only make you a stronger, better person in life. Take it in small steps though cause nothing is won over night. Best of luck in your reveries, RJ bud
you guys help me overcome something i thought would surely be the end of me. with the proper treatment, its still on-going. i thinks having someone to talk to is such a great benefit to people
A few years ago I wanted to end it all. But I'm doing way okay now. I've been experiencing a bit of depression lately, but I'm dealing with it.
After going through a lot of self-study, I've made myself a wee program to help me out of a major rut:
1) Find the source, then take active steps to deal with it. Sometimes what we believe to be the root of the problem isn't the REAL problem, but something deeper--a past or trauma or fear that needs to be unearthed and resolved.
2) If the source is something beyond your control, then you might need to work on a change of perspective. Sometimes we weigh ourselves down by paying too much attention on the negative.
3) When I have a sudden bout of depression, I tell myself (out loud sometimes), "Okay, it's those nasty chemicals again." And I force myself into doing something I enjoy to bring me back.
4) A good workout for the endorphine kick.
5) I used to write about my depression in a journal everyday. I would write the same things over and over again, asking myself questions, reflecting on answers, then add my hopes and dreams. If you don't write, find a productive outlet.
6) Ask someone for a tight tender hug. A good hug helps a lot.
Here's something I read:
"The past has been painted, but the future is a wide open canvass, ready to be filled by our choices. We can't do much with the past, except take its lessons and paint a much better picture."
"Don't CRRRYYYY out loud, Keep it inside, learn how to hiddde your feelings."
Ok, this is when our gay female icons come in handy,during a depression. You need to go in your room, close the door, pop your favorite train wreck into the cd player and let her belt and falsetto the tears right out of you.
This here is originally a Melissa Manchester song that could probably make the Uni Bomber cry. However, I found this little girl singing it on YouTube, so funny she totally over does it and ke-e-e-e-e-ps b-r-e-a-k-i-n-g up the no-o-o-tes too much. So cute, she is a little d-i-v-v-v-a in the making, lol
...............................
No seriously, the last time I hit a deep depression, I just cried, cried, cried, my little eyes out....and it helped. I know you are this big tough guy, but you need to cry sometime. Go in your room, close the door, and noone has to know it ever happened. My recommendations are: if it's about love-Sade, if it's about hard times-Dolly Parton, if it's about being different-Cher, and if it's about being a thirteen year old girl-Avril Lavigne.
Luckydog76 saidExcellent advice, GG. Thanks big guy!
Yes emotions are very important if you are depressed. Tears help the body secrete stress hormones, so when you feel better after a good cry there is a good reason. Worse thing you can do if you are depressed? Drink alcohol, it is a depressant and will make you feel worse if you have even a few.
mickeytopogigio said[quote][cite]alltherage said[/cite]I mean like right now I'm experiencing the worst depression of my life, and I just hate it when a family member or friend that doesn't really understand what I feel like...
You may need professional help. Seriously, what have you got to lose by finding a counselor or therapist.
For most people, depression is "real," in that real events have beaten them down into a hole. However, it's the hole that is the real problem. Inside the hole is a lot of inertia to keep you there, much of it neurological and hormonal.
All very good points, but I have to disagree with you about the medication. At times, depression has physical responses. Depending on how long you have had the depression, your actual brain chemistry can change. I do agree that if you forget to take your meds, or you come off of it cold turkey, it can make you feel much worse or even suicidal. However, for some people who are truly and deeply depressed, it can make all the difference in the world. Definitly make sure you find a good Phychratirst (yes I know I didn't spell that right), and tell him/her about any sudden changes in mood, or if you feel the meds aren't working. (Trust me, you will know quickly).
Whether you choose to seek help from a friend or some type of professional help its IMPORTANT for you to know how real it is and how important it is for you NOT TO listen to those that say just "shake it off."
Depression, simply put, is a chemical imbalance which is of no fault of yours. Your born with it. Sometimes diet and exercise can help along with an active lifestyle but when that doesn't work seeking professional help is ideal.
I'm not sure about where you live but here in Florida many cops are trained in mental health disorders to include depression. Also in Florida there are so many professionals both in law enforcement and in the mental health profession that are dedicated to helping people just like you.
The one thing I can't stress enough to you is DO NOT be ashamed of what you are going through. You are not alone in your situation.
Speaking with a professional can not only help get things off your chest but they can also prescribe different medications that can elevate your mood with very limited side effects. I think someone said one side effect was lack of sexual desire which is true.
Google may help you find a list of great mental health professionals in your area. Enlist a trusted friend also to go with you so that someone else can hear and understand what you are going through is real.
Luckydog76 saidExcellent advice, GG. Thanks big guy!
Yes emotions are very important if you are depressed. Tears help the body secrete stress hormones, so when you feel better after a good cry there is a good reason. Worse thing you can do if you are depressed? Drink alcohol, it is a depressant and will make you feel worse if you have even a few.
Really? But I'm a happy drunk. When I get drunk I get so silly. Am I just fucked up wired?
I don't drink nowadays but I got drunk 2x in high school because I was under age and wanted to be bad.
Good thread, gays and bisexual men have higher rates of depression likely from the greater social struggle just to be free to be who they are. There are also genetic issues at play and people forget that the brain is a giant bowl of chemicals called neurotransmitters responsible for affecting mood and memory (and lots more).
I am interested in going into Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and really getting to be an advocate for kids with depression and bipolar disorder. I am dealing with bipolar disorder, my mom has it and passed it on to me, and it was a big issue at first but after talking with good friends it just makes me more interesting of a person.
All is OK now and I have been doing well for almost 1.5yr after it was diagnosed. I am thankful for ALL of my past experiences and my life is so much better now.
Consider all the advice given.
1. Call your insurance plan and find a PSYCHIATRIST in your area to put you on medication. It is not as big a deal as people think and who gives a rat's ass what people think as long as you get better.
2. Talk therapy with a counselor can help most people deal with triggers for depression from early experiences of trauma or self-esteem issues.
Remember everyone has an issue and it just makes you more interesting of a person.
Luckydog76 saidExcellent advice, GG. Thanks big guy!
Yes emotions are very important if you are depressed. Tears help the body secrete stress hormones, so when you feel better after a good cry there is a good reason. Worse thing you can do if you are depressed? Drink alcohol, it is a depressant and will make you feel worse if you have even a few.
Really? But I'm a happy drunk. When I get drunk I get so silly. Am I just fucked up wired?
I don't drink nowadays but I got drunk 2x in high school because I was under age and wanted to be bad.
Many people are happy drunks, thank heavens. But if you are seriously depressed then alcohol will often exacerbate the problem.
In palliative and extended care work, I've seen a lot of depression. I also had a major bout of it three times in my life, when coming out in the bad old days ('73), at 30 when a Big Love crashed and burned and more recently when we had to sell our house. Each of those were sadnesses caused by things beyond my control and when I went for help it was explained to me that talk therapy was the way through, rather than medication. The doc told me he'd be tempted to put me on meds if I HADN'T been bummed out over those things and chuckled.
We have many natural emotional states, and feeling depressed is just one of 'em. But is it the clinical type or not? We live in age where it's deemed an illness if you feel bad, not matter what the cause.
Meds are the best choice for clinical depression, but it's a good idea to get a professional diagnosis (and not from a general practitioner type doctor) before going that route.
I say this not to disparage anyone who has used meds, but from noticing the effect that talking to all the fine guys here has had on you. Talk therapy indeed!
Yes I agree meds are useful for clinical depression, but before going there try and get an accurate diagnosis. All medications have side-effects and you don't want to take something on that could create other problems.
If I remember my Psychology courses correctly depression can be divided into "endogenous" and "reactive" depression. The first seems to have no life event that triggers it, the second is a result of a traumatic experience such as divorce or death of a loved one. Both can be treated by talk therapy and/or meds, even electro-shock therapy if nothing else works and the person is in extreme duress.
I know several people who have suffered from depression. Some have it as a chronic medical condition that requires both therapy sessions and medication just to get them through life. Without them the person would not be able to function.
Depression untreated can be very dangerous and can lead to permanent damage to a person's relationships with family or friends, or in extreme cases attempted/successful suicide or violence against others (infanticide is usually because of untreated depression in the parent).
been there... and still depending on the day I am back in the hole. Mine does not manifest incredible amounts of unhappiness.. but it makes me VERY unmotivated, very lethargic, and unable to think... almost like being in a constant fog.....
Summers are the worst for me. Combined with allergies, too much light really beats me down to a pulp.
So right now I have two good days and then 2-3 bad ones. This week I can not even get myself to go to the gym... and that's usually the last to drop off the list. So it must be bad for me right now.
What to do? Well hang in there is one thing. Seeing someone would help. Temporary courses of meds also will lift you up enough to work your way out of it.
For me, I just tough it out.... silly but it has been my choice of cure so far. This does not mean I prescribe the same for others. Everyone is different. I am sensitive to meds and get the strangest side effects... so I stay away from anything and everything I do not absolutely have to take....
I experience periodic bouts of depression now and then (every few monthes).
Usually I can shake it off by being aware of the encroaching symptoms and forcing myself to get outdoors and be very active. After a more severe episode a couple of years ago my doc put me on a mild dosage of St Johns wort. He told me to try that first, and if it didn't work we would try a stronger treatment like Prozac. It has done a great deal to lessen the symptoms, and shorten the episodes.
I was skeptical, but now I am a convert. It has made a big difference to me.
Regardless of wether you believe in herbology or modern pharmacology; I highly recommend you see your doctor and discuss your depression with him/her.
I've been suffering with manic depression, bi-polar, PTSD, and a few others. I've been "dealing" with them since I was 12 years old and diagnosed. While I'm still in counseling, I used to be on medication, but I stopped that, I still have my ups and downs. It's just life in general that can cause depression. Now I'm not a therapist or anything, but here are some things that can help. Whenever you feel down, put on some music that will get you in a better mood. Close your eyes and picture a time when you were happy, or a place that makes you happy, or even a person that makes you happy. Do not focus on the bad, even if it feels that that's all that surrounds you. You are putting out "bad signals" so in turn, you are going to get more bad stuff. If you put out "positive signals" then you will get good stuff. I know this sounds kind of wacky, but believe in it. Your emotions show what you are thinking, what you are feeling, you are thinking. What you have to do is turn that around. Think good thoughts, do good things. Life isn't all bad. You'll get through it, just have faith!
I haven't been this depressed in quite some time. I lost my job several months ago because the company (construction) closed and I have an expensive mortgage to pay. I've almost completely depleted my savings that I've worked my entire life building and there is seemingly no end in sight. I'm in South Florida and don't know anyone and can't seem to find a job that fits my skill set. So, things are just going very badly for me right now. I've never been this anxious about anything before. I literally can't sleep at night. I fall asleep at like 5:00am after going to bed at midnight. Even then I toss and turn all night just worrying about defaulting on my mortgage and losing my credit, etc...
Well halltd what can I say, you are going through some very tough times. Not sleeping will make the situation worse (I can relate, 4 hours a night is common for me).
Have you asked a doctor for a tranquilizer to help you sleep?
halltd saidI haven't been this depressed in quite some time. I lost my job several months ago because the company (construction) closed and I have an expensive mortgage to pay. I've almost completely depleted my savings that I've worked my entire life building and there is seemingly no end in sight. I'm in South Florida and don't know anyone and can't seem to find a job that fits my skill set. So, things are just going very badly for me right now. I've never been this anxious about anything before. I literally can't sleep at night. I fall asleep at like 5:00am after going to bed at midnight. Even then I toss and turn all night just worrying about defaulting on my mortgage and losing my credit, etc...
Well what im learning now, is the end is only as near as you want it to be, i pray that you find something. being depressed is hard to deal with alone. im know its stressful for you but you need to just close your eyes for a second and breath. it helped me feel a little better, so even if you feel slighty better. thats good too.
sorry to hear you have depression. I know a lot of people (family/friends) do not understand what depression is or understand that it just cant be "get over it". I have a cousin and a couple of friends who have depression and they work so hard to keep their lives balanced. I believe the role of friends/family is to be there and to give support, which is not always easy, but the same, when a friend/family member has another illness.
