Depression Sucks

[CaseyJones7]

Yea I feel like hell. I not exactly sure why I feel so bad or why these episodes have become more frequent and more severe since first feeling like this as a teen, but I know I have to eventually deal with this. I've never dealt with stress well, and try to avoid it as much as possible so i'm pretty sure that my abilty or inability to deal with setbacks is part of the problem. Seriously, the anxiety and mental fogginess during these episodes have practicaly ruined the last 7 years of my life. I just can't help but think I'm wired differently and this is part of the deal. Has anyone taken or known someone who has taken anti-depressant and have insight? Do any of you have any good methods for getting out of the dumps?

[Who Del]

Do you just feel down in general? Can't pinpoint a certain thing that makes you feel that way?

The best suggestion I could give is go see a family doctor. He could diagnose you better. I think if you're so down on yourself you're not sure what it is they could help you better.

I hope you're feeling better soon though. Depression is not a fun thing. My father went through it for many years and it nearly ruined his life. I would not wish that upon anyone.

[Mickalino]

Be careful going to the Doctor - prescription meds can have bad side effects, can become very addictive, and have terrible withdrawal effects, as well.

Not trying to sway you either way, but I would recommend giving serious consideration to herbal, all-natural remedies, and alternative medicine. That's just my

[herrmag]

Try seeing a psychologist (notice I didn't say psychiatrist) and discover what is at the root of your depression. If that doesn't help, then see a psychiatrist. If it's a chemical imbalance, you'll have two choices; Fight through it and try to remedy the situation by changing your behavior patterns, or get on some kind of anti-depressant. Either way, doing nothing will destroy your entire life. I have a friend that suffers from chronic depression, and it seems like he's ready to give up on life almost once a week (not suicide, just give up trying new things or meeting new people, etc.). Do something, anything, just don't ignore it another day. I wish the best for you.

[mboyd784]

Yea I feel like hell. I not exactly sure why I feel so bad or why these episodes have become more frequent and more severe since first feeling like this as a teen, but I know I have to eventually deal with this. I've never dealt with stress well, and try to avoid it as much as possible so i'm pretty sure that my abilty or inability to deal with setbacks is part of the problem. Seriously, the anxiety and mental fogginess during these episodes have practicaly ruined the last 7 years of my life. I just can't help but think I'm wired differently and this is part of the deal. Has anyone taken or known someone who has taken anti-depressant and have insight? Do any of you have any good methods for getting out of the dumps?

Anti-depressants should be considered a last resort. Therapy, honest communication with loved ones, and (especially) a supervised, intense program of physical training and weight-lifting is highly recommended. Do your best to avoid excessive self-medication and stop wondering if your life has worth and go out and give it some worth and if other people dont understand you then they should be told to F**k Off!

[BrunellSuperbowl]

my mom is on anti depressants. When they wear off she can be a complete mad lady. Sometimes like a little girl , sometimes like insane person. Do not mess with those drugs.

[Ghost of Nibbs McPimpin]

Either way, doing nothing will destroy your entire life. I have a friend that suffers from chronic depression, and it seems like he's ready to give up on life almost once a week (not suicide, just give up trying new things or meeting new people, etc.).

Yeah, I've battled it off and on for a long time. My 'downs' aren't so bad anymore but I do have those periods you speak of. Not even a fear of 'rejection' from women or other people in a social sense, but almost a sense of fatalism about the whole thing. I have to battle my hermit instincts. It's odd because in the right situations I've been the 'life' of the party. But then there are days where I don't want to see anyone or be bothered with anyone (unless we're VERY close.)

[KAOSkins]

Back in '96 when my dad was sick our family doctor prescribed prosac for anyone in the family that wanted it. Not being familiar with the sigma because it was when it first came out, we took him up on it. Me, my mom and my sister all took them for 6 weeks and it worked wonders for all of us.

I found it kinda made you think of the good things (memories, etc.) about the situation instead of dwelling on bad. I really didn't notice any other effects. ie it doesn't make you high or feel different. When the prescription ran out, I quite taking em without a second thought and didn't notice anything different at all.

I understand there are alternatives. The only thing you really shoudn't do though, is nothing.

[Destino]

Yeah, I've battled it off and on for a long time. My 'downs' aren't so bad anymore but I do have those periods you speak of. Not even a fear of 'rejection' from women or other people in a social sense, but almost a sense of fatalism about the whole thing. I have to battle my hermit instincts. It's odd because in the right situations I've been the 'life' of the party. But then there are days where I don't want to see anyone or be bothered with anyone (unless we're VERY close.)

All of that could have been written by me. Odd.

[Ignatius J.]

There are many stigmas associated with depression, so make sure that you take anything anyone says on this board with a grain of salt. Hopefully you have a doctor you can trust, if you don't have a regular physician, then maybe a family friend or something.

Sometimes people are sad because of the things going on around them, and for those people, psycologists can be very helpful. In cases like that those discussions can help find the root of the problem. But if you are clinically depressed then psycologists will only be dealing with the symptoms of the problem and not the root.

My guess is that you will be told by a doctor to go see a psychiatrist, and you should go, regardless of what the posts above say. That doesn't mean you have to do everything that they say. If you're not comfortable with the idea of being medicated, then it can only do more harm, but depression is not a myth.

You asked if anyone had experince dealing with people who were on medication and I do. In my experience the meds made a huge difference, giving the person the will to get out of bed and actually confront her problems. The posts above saying "stop wondering..." etc are in my opinion woefully out of touch. My guess is you look at posts like that and see something that's just totally impossible. Medication can help you feel like you can go out and change your life. They don't fix your problems, they just help make it so you want to.

Getting on medication is difficult. As Mick pointed out, they can have side effects, so the trick is to find the right one. This can be a painful thing to do, but if medication is right for you then it will be worth it.

Depression is a real disease, and you need to go to a doctor for it. And that means a psychiatrist. When you go, make sure you see a licensed MD. Some psychiatrists don't have all the degrees they should, so ask for one, especially at the beginning. Licensed physicians are likely to know more about the drugs and whether medication is right for you.

There are lots of ways to feel better, and some of the things above will help. Go for a run, get out of the house or apartment. Make the effort to see your friends or call your mom and tell her how you feel. But you should also explore the medication route. If you're at the point where you are seriously considering it, you should go see someone about it. Find a doctor you are comfortable with, and listen to them. It will help.

[mboyd784]

Yeah, I've battled it off and on for a long time. My 'downs' aren't so bad anymore but I do have those periods you speak of. Not even a fear of 'rejection' from women or other people in a social sense, but almost a sense of fatalism about the whole thing. I have to battle my hermit instincts. It's odd because in the right situations I've been the 'life' of the party. But then there are days where I don't want to see anyone or be bothered with anyone (unless we're VERY close.)

I can totally sympathize. My symptoms have lessened considerably in the past few years so, hang in there.

[Ghost of Nibbs McPimpin]

thanks, Mr. Boyd.

I was really bad in a couple years of college, not quite 'suicide' but thoughts of death. It did revolve around a centerpiece of my emotion life which removed the support beams that had kept some feelings about my late father at bay.

I'm not so bad now and still hopeful my life will get better. I created a lot of self-inflicted obstacles.

[21KO]

Yeah, I've battled it off and on for a long time. My 'downs' aren't so bad anymore but I do have those periods you speak of. Not even a fear of 'rejection' from women or other people in a social sense, but almost a sense of fatalism about the whole thing. I have to battle my hermit instincts. It's odd because in the right situations I've been the 'life' of the party. But then there are days where I don't want to see anyone or be bothered with anyone (unless we're VERY close.)

Hell, that sounds normal to me! We all need a little "down time" to recharge our batteries. I know when I catch myself sliding into a funk, I think about all the other people who are worse off than me. Count your blessings. Cliche'? Yep. Doesn't help ALL the time, but it does more often than not.

[Ghost of Nibbs McPimpin]

Hell, that sounds normal to me! We all need a little "down time" to recharge our batteries. I know when I catch myself sliding into a funk, I think about all the other people who are worse off than me. Count your blessings. Cliche'? Yep. Doesn't help ALL the time, but it does more often than not.

I definitely keep the positives in mind. The issue becomes when you can't get out of your own way to maximize your opportunities because of your emotional state or focus.

I'm not down on my life, really. I get more 'down' as a thread that runs through my interactions with life and other people. But I am still hopeful and those dark days are no longer as frequent or long-lasting.

I decided to eschew medication as a solution.

[Painkiller]

Yeah, I've battled it off and on for a long time. My 'downs' aren't so bad anymore but I do have those periods you speak of. Not even a fear of 'rejection' from women or other people in a social sense, but almost a sense of fatalism about the whole thing. I have to battle my hermit instincts. It's odd because in the right situations I've been the 'life' of the party. But then there are days where I don't want to see anyone or be bothered with anyone (unless we're VERY close.)

Ghost, this describes me pretty well also. I would have written something very similar. Sometimes I'm the fun, crazy guy at the party, and other times I'm a recluse. I go through really weird mood swings.

Depression is nothing to be messed with, it's a serious health problem. Of course, people will be sad sometimes, but when your sad all the time, or can't seem to let go of the past. You need to seek help.