Depression Support

Hello To All,

This is my first time on this board and I'm so glad to find people that have some of the same things that I have. I was diagnosed with depression when I was 19 years old. That was over 30 years ago. I believe I have been on every antidepressant on earth. I found one that helped a little and I've been on it for years. Along with chemical depression I have the bonus of S.A.D. I'm divorced and have two daughters that are married. Sometimes I'm doing good to get the smallest bit of house work, or anything else, done. In general, I love being outside, especially in the spring and summer. At other times I hardly function. I hope I've made it possible for people to understand where I'm coming from. The first post is hard. I hope all of you have a good night and a better tomorrow......Connie

Connie, you are definitely not alone.  This is a good board and it helps a lot to vent or to try and help someone else.  I think it would be a good idea to consult a psychiatrist about your meds.  They often stop working, but it may be that one that didn't work in the past may work now.  I am back on prozac, which I took many years ago, but it is helping me more now.

Boy, I totally identify with you about not being able to do the smallest thing when you're depressed.  Sometimes I cannot summon the energy to take a shower.  I'm recently retired and I thought my house would now be spotless and perfectly organized; guess what, it is still as cluttered and dusty as before I retired!  Do what you can, even if it's the tiniest thing.  Write it down so you remember you are competent.

I have S.A.D. as well, and it's getting to the time of year when it is the worst.  The holidays are really hard because you feel like you're supposed to be as happy as everyone else (like they show on all the Christmas commercials).  This time of year is very hard for depressed people.  You are absolutely not alone with that.  Some people take medication only during that time of year.  I have heard about lightboxes that are supposed to help but the reviews are mixed.  I have not tried one.

I hope this helps even a little.  Hang in there!

Deb

Hi Deb,

Thanks so much for your reply. I have had depression so long that being happy would probably scare me. I lost my mom on Oct. 21 so things are a little worse now. I do go to a grief meeting with my sister once a month but I think it's a too early for that. You suggested that maybe one of the meds that I couldn't take in the past might work for me now. I sure think that's worth a try and will ask my Dr. to try something else. Most of my family don't understand what I've been going through. I do feel worthless. Some days I can't do anything. If I could just keep my house cleaned every day it would help. I would be ashamed to have anyone in. I know I would feel so much better if I could do that. I feel overwhelmed. I appreciate your advice and thank you again for the reply. I hope you're doing ok and have a good day. You are appreciated.......Connie

I too have fought this for many years and it is at times worse than others and I agree that meds do need to be changed from time to time.  I also know that getting better involves forcing myself to accomplish certain things on a daily basis.  I know I will not get better if I don't go to work when I'm supposed to.  I know I will not get better if I don't get out of bed, brush my teeth, and take a short walk on the days I don't go to work.  However, knowing these things and doing them is definitely two different things but I do usually accomplish those things.  So, on those days that I feel particulary yucky, I remind myself of when I felt my very worse and that I do not want to go there again and getting dressed, brushing teeth and taking a walk is the same as taking my thyroid mediication - it is necessary for my survival.  I may not like it but when I put it to myself that it is required to literally keep me alive, I can usually make myself get moving.

I hope this helps a little.  Hope the weekend weather is pretty and that you can maybe get outside for a little.  That always helps me some.