You CAN beat depression - TRIGGER WARNING
I was an avid TSR user back in 2008/9/10.
If you look back at some of my very first threads, you will notice that I went through a very difficult time with depression back in 2009, when I was at The University of Sheffield studying maths.
In coming back to TSR, I thought it might be of use to somebody to let you know that you CAN beat depression and that you CAN heal.
Back then I had serious social anxiety and was basically a complete loner.
I was very depressed, and even attempted to end my life in my student accommodation.
I continued to go through depression for a further 10 years after that and tried to end my life on two more occasions, but I am pleased to report that I am out the other side.
I have not had to "learn to live with it" as some people suggested I would have to do. I have overcome depression and have healed.
I mean, sure, it ripped my life apart for 10 years and I'm still rebuilding, but I have emotionally healed, and you can too.
Depression is a liar. It makes you believe things about yourself that are just not true. It makes you believe that you cannot possibly overcome your individual circumstances, when in fact you can.
For me, the NHS was utterly useless and made things worse. Making contact with third sector organisations such as charities that offer high-quality support really helped, as did being put on good medication (100mg sertraline and 7.5mg olanzapine really helped).
I just thought that a positive message may help somebody - you can do this!
Happy to offer advice and support if I am able on an individual basis, though do bear in mind that I am not medically trained.
If you look back at some of my very first threads, you will notice that I went through a very difficult time with depression back in 2009, when I was at The University of Sheffield studying maths.
In coming back to TSR, I thought it might be of use to somebody to let you know that you CAN beat depression and that you CAN heal.
Back then I had serious social anxiety and was basically a complete loner.
I was very depressed, and even attempted to end my life in my student accommodation.
I continued to go through depression for a further 10 years after that and tried to end my life on two more occasions, but I am pleased to report that I am out the other side.
I have not had to "learn to live with it" as some people suggested I would have to do. I have overcome depression and have healed.
I mean, sure, it ripped my life apart for 10 years and I'm still rebuilding, but I have emotionally healed, and you can too.
Depression is a liar. It makes you believe things about yourself that are just not true. It makes you believe that you cannot possibly overcome your individual circumstances, when in fact you can.
For me, the NHS was utterly useless and made things worse. Making contact with third sector organisations such as charities that offer high-quality support really helped, as did being put on good medication (100mg sertraline and 7.5mg olanzapine really helped).
I just thought that a positive message may help somebody - you can do this!
Happy to offer advice and support if I am able on an individual basis, though do bear in mind that I am not medically trained.
Scroll to see replies
Happy for you 
Original post by mathperson
I was an avid TSR user back in 2008/9/10.
If you look back at some of my very first threads, you will notice that I went through a very difficult time with depression back in 2009, when I was at The University of Sheffield studying maths.
In coming back to TSR, I thought it might be of use to somebody to let you know that you CAN beat depression and that you CAN heal.
Back then I had serious social anxiety and was basically a complete loner.
I was very depressed, and even attempted to end my life in my student accommodation.
I continued to go through depression for a further 10 years after that and tried to end my life on two more occasions, but I am pleased to report that I am out the other side.
I have not had to "learn to live with it" as some people suggested I would have to do. I have overcome depression and have healed.
I mean, sure, it ripped my life apart for 10 years and I'm still rebuilding, but I have emotionally healed, and you can too.
Depression is a liar. It makes you believe things about yourself that are just not true. It makes you believe that you cannot possibly overcome your individual circumstances, when in fact you can.
For me, the NHS was utterly useless and made things worse. Making contact with third sector organisations such as charities that offer high-quality support really helped, as did being put on good medication (100mg sertraline and 7.5mg olanzapine really helped).
I just thought that a positive message may help somebody - you can do this!
Happy to offer advice and support if I am able on an individual basis, though do bear in mind that I am not medically trained.
If you look back at some of my very first threads, you will notice that I went through a very difficult time with depression back in 2009, when I was at The University of Sheffield studying maths.
In coming back to TSR, I thought it might be of use to somebody to let you know that you CAN beat depression and that you CAN heal.
Back then I had serious social anxiety and was basically a complete loner.
I was very depressed, and even attempted to end my life in my student accommodation.
I continued to go through depression for a further 10 years after that and tried to end my life on two more occasions, but I am pleased to report that I am out the other side.
I have not had to "learn to live with it" as some people suggested I would have to do. I have overcome depression and have healed.
I mean, sure, it ripped my life apart for 10 years and I'm still rebuilding, but I have emotionally healed, and you can too.
Depression is a liar. It makes you believe things about yourself that are just not true. It makes you believe that you cannot possibly overcome your individual circumstances, when in fact you can.
For me, the NHS was utterly useless and made things worse. Making contact with third sector organisations such as charities that offer high-quality support really helped, as did being put on good medication (100mg sertraline and 7.5mg olanzapine really helped).
I just thought that a positive message may help somebody - you can do this!
Happy to offer advice and support if I am able on an individual basis, though do bear in mind that I am not medically trained.
Glad someone is talking about how good at least some charitable organisations are. I'm sick of the NHS worship tbh, I had to wait a year to get referral for an ADHD assessment. A year. That likely means failure if you're struggling and you're in school.
I appreciate you posting this as I've been struggling with depression for 10 years now and anxiety for around 15 (I've just turned 20) and it's gotten worse recently so I'm considering going to the doctors about it to maybe get some medication but honestly sometimes it just feels like it's never ending. I'm glad for you that you've beaten it and healed, it's definitely not easy.
Original post by Kovalensky
Glad someone is talking about how good at least some charitable organisations are. I'm sick of the NHS worship tbh, I had to wait a year to get referral for an ADHD assessment. A year. That likely means failure if you're struggling and you're in school.
Yes, NHS worshipping does exist and it's usually politically motivated.
Unfortunately the NHS has become the UKs national religion, whereby it is socially unacceptable to criticise it.
Unfortunately, at least as far as mental health services are concerned, a LOT of improvement is needed. And no, it's not just an issue of money, as any patient will be able to tell you....
For several years I honestly believed that there was no real help out there. I was wrong.
There are some very good organisations out there offering very high quality support. You will have to search for them though, as they have practically zero marketing budget.
Original post by Emmygus
I appreciate you posting this as I've been struggling with depression for 10 years now and anxiety for around 15 (I've just turned 20) and it's gotten worse recently so I'm considering going to the doctors about it to maybe get some medication but honestly sometimes it just feels like it's never ending. I'm glad for you that you've beaten it and healed, it's definitely not easy.
You're going to be fine, my friend. Honestly.
I would suggest going to see your GP, if only for medication. Sertraline is one of the top antidepressants and worked wonders for me, so maybe suggest that to your GP.
I can help you find services in your local area if you wish
How did you help your social anxiety? I really want to know.
Original post by urlocalinmate
How did you help your social anxiety? I really want to know.
Sure
I think it's first important to think about what is the basis of your anxiety?
I don't mean by naming what makes you anxious, I mean WHY are you anxious? What is the basis of it?
For example, with myself I was anxious because I thought everybody was judging me, so I was always over careful with what I said or how I acted. I over analysed everything, which only added to the anxiety.
I eventually realised something simple: people are far too absorbed with their own BS to be worried about me and what I'm doing.
I was anxious because I felt that I wasn't reaching some milestones at the same time as other people, such as having sex.
Again, I realised that people aren't going about their life thinking about "mathperson's" sex life - nobody cares.
Armed with this new-found knowledge, I found freedom from social anxiety. It was a journey and didn't happen overnight, but this knowledge was key to me getting my self-confidence back.
Hope that helps
Original post by mathperson
Sure
I think it's first important to think about what is the basis of your anxiety?
I don't mean by naming what makes you anxious, I mean WHY are you anxious? What is the basis of it?
For example, with myself I was anxious because I thought everybody was judging me, so I was always over careful with what I said or how I acted. I over analysed everything, which only added to the anxiety.
I eventually realised something simple: people are far too absorbed with their own BS to be worried about me and what I'm doing.
I was anxious because I felt that I wasn't reaching some milestones at the same time as other people, such as having sex.
Again, I realised that people aren't going about their life thinking about "mathperson's" sex life - nobody cares.
Armed with this new-found knowledge, I found freedom from social anxiety. It was a journey and didn't happen overnight, but this knowledge was key to me getting my self-confidence back.
Hope that helps
I think it's first important to think about what is the basis of your anxiety?
I don't mean by naming what makes you anxious, I mean WHY are you anxious? What is the basis of it?
For example, with myself I was anxious because I thought everybody was judging me, so I was always over careful with what I said or how I acted. I over analysed everything, which only added to the anxiety.
I eventually realised something simple: people are far too absorbed with their own BS to be worried about me and what I'm doing.
I was anxious because I felt that I wasn't reaching some milestones at the same time as other people, such as having sex.
Again, I realised that people aren't going about their life thinking about "mathperson's" sex life - nobody cares.
Armed with this new-found knowledge, I found freedom from social anxiety. It was a journey and didn't happen overnight, but this knowledge was key to me getting my self-confidence back.
Hope that helps
Cheers
Thanks for sharing your experience, I'm sure it'll help many that are going through a hard time. Glad to see that you're doing good, very happy for you!
I'm still struggling about what other people are going to judge me as.
Original post by SlaveofAll
I'm still struggling about what other people are going to judge me as.
In what way do you mean?
Original post by mathperson
Sure
I think it's first important to think about what is the basis of your anxiety?
I don't mean by naming what makes you anxious, I mean WHY are you anxious? What is the basis of it?
For example, with myself I was anxious because I thought everybody was judging me, so I was always over careful with what I said or how I acted. I over analysed everything, which only added to the anxiety.
I eventually realised something simple: people are far too absorbed with their own BS to be worried about me and what I'm doing.
I was anxious because I felt that I wasn't reaching some milestones at the same time as other people, such as having sex.
Again, I realised that people aren't going about their life thinking about "mathperson's" sex life - nobody cares.
Armed with this new-found knowledge, I found freedom from social anxiety. It was a journey and didn't happen overnight, but this knowledge was key to me getting my self-confidence back.
Hope that helps
I think it's first important to think about what is the basis of your anxiety?
I don't mean by naming what makes you anxious, I mean WHY are you anxious? What is the basis of it?
For example, with myself I was anxious because I thought everybody was judging me, so I was always over careful with what I said or how I acted. I over analysed everything, which only added to the anxiety.
I eventually realised something simple: people are far too absorbed with their own BS to be worried about me and what I'm doing.
I was anxious because I felt that I wasn't reaching some milestones at the same time as other people, such as having sex.
Again, I realised that people aren't going about their life thinking about "mathperson's" sex life - nobody cares.
Armed with this new-found knowledge, I found freedom from social anxiety. It was a journey and didn't happen overnight, but this knowledge was key to me getting my self-confidence back.
Hope that helps
Completely agree, I think most people worry too much about what others think of them and rely on validation from others which isn't a good way to live at all. Loving yourself first is the key to building self confidence!
I grew up with social anxiety and probably some elements of depression. I took these blockers which basically make you heart pump less. It might have worked idk but the root was just loads of bs habits which I cut them out and I found helped. Porn, video games, binge watching, pointless internet browsing, social media, investing, eating junk food, not socialising at all. Instead going to the gym, meeting friends, going to bed early, reading books, talking to people, meditation all these things add up > some beta blocker.
Original post by mathperson
I was an avid TSR user back in 2008/9/10.
If you look back at some of my very first threads, you will notice that I went through a very difficult time with depression back in 2009, when I was at The University of Sheffield studying maths.
In coming back to TSR, I thought it might be of use to somebody to let you know that you CAN beat depression and that you CAN heal.
Back then I had serious social anxiety and was basically a complete loner.
I was very depressed, and even attempted to end my life in my student accommodation.
I continued to go through depression for a further 10 years after that and tried to end my life on two more occasions, but I am pleased to report that I am out the other side.
I have not had to "learn to live with it" as some people suggested I would have to do. I have overcome depression and have healed.
I mean, sure, it ripped my life apart for 10 years and I'm still rebuilding, but I have emotionally healed, and you can too.
Depression is a liar. It makes you believe things about yourself that are just not true. It makes you believe that you cannot possibly overcome your individual circumstances, when in fact you can.
For me, the NHS was utterly useless and made things worse. Making contact with third sector organisations such as charities that offer high-quality support really helped, as did being put on good medication (100mg sertraline and 7.5mg olanzapine really helped).
I just thought that a positive message may help somebody - you can do this!
Happy to offer advice and support if I am able on an individual basis, though do bear in mind that I am not medically trained.
If you look back at some of my very first threads, you will notice that I went through a very difficult time with depression back in 2009, when I was at The University of Sheffield studying maths.
In coming back to TSR, I thought it might be of use to somebody to let you know that you CAN beat depression and that you CAN heal.
Back then I had serious social anxiety and was basically a complete loner.
I was very depressed, and even attempted to end my life in my student accommodation.
I continued to go through depression for a further 10 years after that and tried to end my life on two more occasions, but I am pleased to report that I am out the other side.
I have not had to "learn to live with it" as some people suggested I would have to do. I have overcome depression and have healed.
I mean, sure, it ripped my life apart for 10 years and I'm still rebuilding, but I have emotionally healed, and you can too.
Depression is a liar. It makes you believe things about yourself that are just not true. It makes you believe that you cannot possibly overcome your individual circumstances, when in fact you can.
For me, the NHS was utterly useless and made things worse. Making contact with third sector organisations such as charities that offer high-quality support really helped, as did being put on good medication (100mg sertraline and 7.5mg olanzapine really helped).
I just thought that a positive message may help somebody - you can do this!
Happy to offer advice and support if I am able on an individual basis, though do bear in mind that I am not medically trained.
Glad to hear that you are doing better! What are you doing with your life now that you’ve graduated from university?
Original post by yeetouttawindow
I grew up with social anxiety and probably some elements of depression. I took these blockers which basically make you heart pump less. It might have worked idk but the root was just loads of bs habits which I cut them out and I found helped. Porn, video games, binge watching, pointless internet browsing, social media, investing, eating junk food, not socialising at all. Instead going to the gym, meeting friends, going to bed early, reading books, talking to people, meditation all these things add up > some beta blocker.
My GP prescribed me beta blockers to help with anxiety. Personally they did nothing for me, but of course they may help other people.
Definitely I would say that eating a healthy diet and having a good night sleep is probably the most helpful thing anybody can do - it effects so much.
Original post by SlaveofAll
I'm still struggling about what other people are going to judge me as.
Don't worry about others man. People will always judge, it's in human nature but what they think of you is quite irrelevant. Know your own self worth, don't let others bring you down!
Original post by mathperson
In what way do you mean?
I can't be honest or do whatever I want, because social mores are holding me back. I can't open up about me wanting to have dates or hating who I am out of being called desperate or crazy, as if I have no right to receive help.
Original post by Thisismyunitsr
Glad to hear that you are doing better! What are you doing with your life now that you’ve graduated from university?
Thank you
I worked for a large accounting firm before taking the jump and went self-employed. I'm currently working on a financial technology start-up business with a business partner.
Original post by shooonthebeat
Don't worry about others man. People will always judge, it's in human nature but what they think of you is quite irrelevant. Know your own self worth, don't let others bring you down!
Knowing brutally facts play a rôle too as well.
