The Student Room Group

Depression and life

Ever since I was little I have been always feeling down. I used to be right hyper as a child, do silly stuff for attention, and then I think I was about 11 and I started to quiet down loads, I just liked being alone. Since 11 I have had those days where I've been really really down, but then some days I'd be all happy happy again, so I never took it seriously, cos how can it be depression when some days I'm cheerful and happy. Anyway alot of things have happened to me since then, things which caused me to do suicide and runaway from home. I had such a bad 5 years in high school, but things started to pick up when I was college and thought those days I was sorta depressed had gone. But now I always feel lonely even though I have a big family and loads of mates, and recently like today for example, I didnt get out of bed and missed uni. I just stayed in bed all day crying to myself in self pity probably. And I sort of realised that I have always been depressed and down. The problem with me is I give up easily, whenever something bad happens, I just give up staightaway, Im not a strong person and not at all confident. I hate myself in many ways. I'm already seeing a shrink for another reason, but really its just not working. And I know this isnt going to last long, I might be feeling suicidal today, and tomorrow,but I will probably be all happy again on Friday. Its just weird, and like my shrink told me I am not suffering from depression cos that has to be ongoing without happiness, but I think I am and have been for a long time. I hate feeling like this, I hate being so lonely, and I have so many personal problems atm, and I'm so getting sick of moaning about it to everyone. The other day I was in the library trying to renew a book, the librarian told me it was overdue and I had to pay £1.60 for it, I only had £1.40 in my purse, so I told her I couldnt pay it and thus couldnt renew the book, I walked out of the library and burst into tears cos I couldnt afford 20p. Stupid small stuff like that make me cry now. I have so many things I need to get off my chest, which I havent told anyone, and I have no one to tell, cos there isnt really anyone who cares about me. I have so much love to give, but no one to give. I used to skive off school just to spend time with my mum, cos I knew we never really bonded. I feel so down, even though I have everything, and I feel selfish cos of it. I have two parents, brothers and sisters, cousins who I love being with, a good bunch of close mates who I go out with at least once a week, I have a good social life, my education is going well, I live in a good area in a big house, I have a car, I have food, shelter I have everything, except compassion probably and a boyfriend. Its always been material and money with my parents, they gave me everything but no love, whereas they are always loving my brothers and sisters. I feel so stupid cos Im now a grown up woman, but I still seek love and attention from my parents which I dont get.

So am I suffering from depression and should I be on medication? I'm so confused about myself all the time. I have a huge list of problems which I havent mentioned in this thread, becos then you would be able to discover my real identity. I also recon I have cancer, so thats a biggun which is making me feel really down, especially cos I have to keep going to the hospital, and no I havent told my parents. I am also struggling to get to uni cos I have no money, I was in huge debt earlier this year and had to do some lap dancing to pay it off, I told my mate and she forced me to quit the job. I do have another job now, but I dont start work for another month, so I am finding it really hard cos no one is lending me any money. Its xmas as well, which means to prezzie for anyone, and its really getting me down this.

You know I could just go on and on and on and moan about this for forever, but I wont. I just dont know what to do, I need my head clearing out. Thats why Im posting here, I hope you guys can help me. Please. :tsr:

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Ok - you're not moaning for one thing! You sound so down :frown: *hugs*. I think you should see someone, your GP perhaps? They can figure out if you are clincally depressed, and either give you medication if it's needed or refer you to a counsellor maybe...I think you should do this, just to have someone to tell all this too. Another thing - talk to your parents! They can help, believe it or not!! Please talk to someone! *hug* xxxxx
Reply 2
A few questions;
1. when you say shrink, do you mean psychiatrist? ie a doctor (with a medical degree) who can prescribe medication? generally if you're seeing a psychiatrist things must be pretty bad- if GPs think you're suffering from depression they tend to go down the referring you for talk therapy and possibly prescribing anti depressants.
2. do your 'up' times ever cause a problem for you? i wouldn't claim to know what's wrong with you, but there is an illnesse (and variations of it) where periods of depression alternate with periods of extreme happiness (i suffer from it). generally with these things, to my knowledge you'd have to suffer from periods of what would be considered clinical depression (so lasting a fair bit longer then a few days) and longer periods of happiness (length of time varies depending on how extreme it's considered to be) so i really doubt it's anything to do with that, but i guess it could be a milder form. as i said, i don't know you and i'm not about to diagnose you, but it may be something to honestly ask yourself.
3. If you are being honest about your feelings with this person you're seeing, i'd be inclined to take note of what they're saying. then again, maybe worth getting a second opinion? have you actually seen your GP recently/at all about this?
4. Could your problems be more situational then anything else? obviously there are things on your mind, but could it be continual problems making you feel bad, and then you feel better when they're resolved? hence the happy periods? i don't know quite how depression is diagnosed in more borderline cases, it was very obvious when i saw first my GP and then psychiatrist that i was having a bad depression episode (though depression isn;t really my problem. well it is, but i have a different illness). Then again, if you've been genuinely suicidal, i don't see how they can say you're not depressed- 'normal' people don't think about ending it all.

Anyway, few questions for you there to maybe give a bit more to work off. i don't know what's wrong with you but i hope it works out.
Reply 3
lil_sweetie
Ok - you're not moaning for one thing! You sound so down :frown: *hugs*. I think you should see someone, your GP perhaps? They can figure out if you are clincally depressed, and either give you medication if it's needed or refer you to a counsellor maybe...I think you should do this, just to have someone to tell all this too. Another thing - talk to your parents! They can help, believe it or not!! Please talk to someone! *hug* xxxxx


I dont know who to talk to. Also my GP is a family friend, I know there is this doctor-patient privacy thing, but if it was soemthing serious then he would defo tell someone who knows me, and I dont want anyone to know.
Reply 4
Take each day at a time. Spend some time by yourself, thinking what you like about yourself, and focussing more on the positives in your life. Ok, so everything is not perfect, and you arent too fond of yourself, but I know how you feel, and there are days where I let it get to me but the best thing you can do is really focus on the good things in your life, and make a big deal out of them.

Concentrate on what makes you happy, not what your parents or shrink wants. When you feel down, dont encourage it, listen to some happy music that reminds you of good times, go out for a walk or look at photos of good times.

I was really depressed at one point and a combination of these things helped me come through it on my own. There are always guna be days when you dont feel great, but expect it and shrug it off when you feel ready.

Dunno if this helps, but hope so.
Reply 5
palmer*
A few questions;
1. when you say shrink, do you mean psychiatrist? ie a doctor (with a medical degree) who can prescribe medication? generally if you're seeing a psychiatrist things must be pretty bad- if GPs think you're suffering from depression they tend to go down the referring you for talk therapy and possibly prescribing anti depressants.
2. do your 'up' times ever cause a problem for you? i wouldn't claim to know what's wrong with you, but there is an illnesse (and variations of it) where periods of depression alternate with periods of extreme happiness (i suffer from it). generally with these things, to my knowledge you'd have to suffer from periods of what would be considered clinical depression (so lasting a fair bit longer then a few days) and longer periods of happiness (length of time varies depending on how extreme it's considered to be) so i really doubt it's anything to do with that, but i guess it could be a milder form. as i said, i don't know you and i'm not about to diagnose you, but it may be something to honestly ask yourself.
3. If you are being honest about your feelings with this person you're seeing, i'd be inclined to take note of what they're saying. then again, maybe worth getting a second opinion? have you actually seen your GP recently/at all about this?
4. Could your problems be more situational then anything else? obviously there are things on your mind, but could it be continual problems making you feel bad, and then you feel better when they're resolved? hence the happy periods? i don't know quite how depression is diagnosed in more borderline cases, it was very obvious when i saw first my GP and then psychiatrist that i was having a bad depression episode (though depression isn;t really my problem. well it is, but i have a different illness). Then again, if you've been genuinely suicidal, i don't see how they can say you're not depressed- 'normal' people don't think about ending it all.

Anyway, few questions for you there to maybe give a bit more to work off. i don't know what's wrong with you but i hope it works out.

1) When I say shrink I mean a psychologist, someone who gives talk therapy, and not medication.
2) When I was younger yes my 'up' times did cause a problem, I did silly risky stuff and got easily influenced by peers. But now, no I dont do that nomore, Ive grown up, and when Im happy now, Im always laughing. Its not a problem at all, I love being happy and not thinking of my problems. I know there is this bipolar disorder where you can have mania and depression, but I dont have mania at all. Its just these suicidal thoughts, I was grown out of doing that. When I attempted it 4 years ago, I told msyelf I would never do it again, but today I was thinking maybe everyone would be better off if I wasnt alive. Now Im feeling abit better than this morning. Im just scared I might do summit silly when Im feeling down which will be ruin me for good.
3) No I have not told my GP and planning never to, see previous post.
4) Yes I would loev it if my problems were resolved, I doubt they ever will be.
Reply 6
I can relate to your post.
I think you are depressed, but it doesnt show easily and you block it out alot as you dont know what the solution is.
You are not crazy and you shouldnt take medication, not as a long trerm solution anyway.

possibly your parents have trouble showing emotion, maybe even narcissistic, its hard to tell really but consider it at least.


I have so much love to give, but no one to give


yea im the same, i guess i have to look for people like you who are the same as me. i can think of any other solution really.
Reply 7
Adam83
I can relate to your post.
I think you are depressed, but it doesnt show easily and you block it out alot as you dont know what the solution is.
You are not crazy and you shouldnt take medication, not as a long trerm solution anyway.

possibly your parents have trouble showing emotion, maybe even narcissistic, its hard to tell really but consider it at least.



yea im the same, i guess i have to look for people like you who are the same as me. i can think of any other solution really.


I seriously was considering once to shag a random guy and get pregnant, at least if I had a baby, I would be able to give all my love to it.
Reply 8
Actually, I think you're pretty normal. :smile: I don't think it helps labelling yourself with an illness.
I know, it's like you'd like to put a name to how you feel, but I don't think there is one. You just sound lonely and generally unhappy, even if you have loads of people around you, it happens.
I'm sure you can google the symptoms of depression yourself.
Reply 9
Yeah bipolar disorder is what I was kinda wondering (I was recently diagnosed and frequently find myself on a huge crusade to prevent people going through what I went through. *shrugs*). Anyway, it's good that your up times don't cause a problem, rules out that one which is definately good.

The thing with psychologists is, whilst they may have an idea what's going on with you, they can't diagnose you, and can get it wrong. I speak from experience. So I think you really need to see a doctor.

Fair enough, you're uncomfortable about seeing your family doctor- but you do realise if he/she were to mention anything to your parents he/she would be in big trouble? If you're not comfortable, what about asking to see another doctor at the practice, or trying somewhere else? There is really nothing to stop you seeing a different doctor, and I think you need to. Look, if you're still feeling like this, the talk therapy ain't working- you may well need a different type or anti depressants. I can't say, but it's worth looking into.

Finally, suicide isn't something you 'grow out of'. It's not a question of growing up and learning to deal with your problems. Feeling suicidal is a huge warning sign something's wrong. It's not normal to want to die, and it's not something you can shake off without help. Depression is an illness. Please, please get yourself some help, because it does sound like this could be your problem.

Really hope you get some help and start feeling better soon.
Reply 10
Saffie
Actually, I think you're pretty normal. :smile: I don't think it helps labelling yourself with an illness.
I know, it's like you'd like to put a name to how you feel, but I don't think there is one. You just sound lonely and generally unhappy, even if you have loads of people around you, it happens.
I'm sure you can google the symptoms of depression yourself.

I have had thoughts of murdering someone and actually once planned it in my head on how to murder them, not that I could actually do it myself. Those thoughts are less now. :mad: sorry I cant go into detail, cos then you will all realise my identity. I have been labelled crazy all my life, I dont know why :eek: I dont think I am crazy, I am sane. Yeah I have googled the symptoms of depression and yes I have most of them, but Im confused about how long you are supposed to have them before you are diagnosed with depression.
I just dont want to chat to anyone else in person about it, I get all embarrassed when I talk to my shrink, and it took me a long time before he knew everything about me and the amount of crying I did. I hate talking about it, but I know I need to.
Reply 11
Saffie
Actually, I think you're pretty normal. :smile: I don't think it helps labelling yourself with an illness.
I know, it's like you'd like to put a name to how you feel, but I don't think there is one. You just sound lonely and generally unhappy, even if you have loads of people around you, it happens.
I'm sure you can google the symptoms of depression yourself.

I have had thoughts of murdering someone and actually once planned it in my head on how to murder them, not that I could actually do it myself. Those thoughts are less now. :mad: sorry I cant go into detail, cos then you will all realise my identity. I have been labelled crazy all my life, I dont know why :eek: I dont think I am crazy, I am sane. Yeah I have googled the symptoms of depression and yes I have most of them, but Im confused about how long you are supposed to have them before you are diagnosed with depression.
I just dont want to chat to anyone else in person about it, I get all embarrassed when I talk to my shrink, and it took me a long time before he knew everything about me and the amount of crying I did. I hate talking about it, but I know I need to.
Reply 12
palmer*
Yeah bipolar disorder is what I was kinda wondering (I was recently diagnosed and frequently find myself on a huge crusade to prevent people going through what I went through. *shrugs*). Anyway, it's good that your up times don't cause a problem, rules out that one which is definately good.

The thing with psychologists is, whilst they may have an idea what's going on with you, they can't diagnose you, and can get it wrong. I speak from experience. So I think you really need to see a doctor.

Fair enough, you're uncomfortable about seeing your family doctor- but you do realise if he/she were to mention anything to your parents he/she would be in big trouble? If you're not comfortable, what about asking to see another doctor at the practice, or trying somewhere else? There is really nothing to stop you seeing a different doctor, and I think you need to. Look, if you're still feeling like this, the talk therapy ain't working- you may well need a different type or anti depressants. I can't say, but it's worth looking into.

Finally, suicide isn't something you 'grow out of'. It's not a question of growing up and learning to deal with your problems. Feeling suicidal is a huge warning sign something's wrong. It's not normal to want to die, and it's not something you can shake off without help. Depression is an illness. Please, please get yourself some help, because it does sound like this could be your problem.

Really hope you get some help and start feeling better soon.


How do I see another doctor? Where do I go? Is it going to cost? Antidepressants give side effects dont they? Right this minute suicide is not looking really good, although it would be I mean I would never have to suffer again :smile: Its just not the time or place to do it. Yeh I need to talk to someone, thats what Im doing now, talking to you lot.
Reply 13
palmer*
Yeah bipolar disorder is what I was kinda wondering (I was recently diagnosed and frequently find myself on a huge crusade to prevent people going through what I went through. *shrugs*). Anyway, it's good that your up times don't cause a problem, rules out that one which is definately good.

The thing with psychologists is, whilst they may have an idea what's going on with you, they can't diagnose you, and can get it wrong. I speak from experience. So I think you really need to see a doctor.

Fair enough, you're uncomfortable about seeing your family doctor- but you do realise if he/she were to mention anything to your parents he/she would be in big trouble? If you're not comfortable, what about asking to see another doctor at the practice, or trying somewhere else? There is really nothing to stop you seeing a different doctor, and I think you need to. Look, if you're still feeling like this, the talk therapy ain't working- you may well need a different type or anti depressants. I can't say, but it's worth looking into.

Finally, suicide isn't something you 'grow out of'. It's not a question of growing up and learning to deal with your problems. Feeling suicidal is a huge warning sign something's wrong. It's not normal to want to die, and it's not something you can shake off without help. Depression is an illness. Please, please get yourself some help, because it does sound like this could be your problem.

Really hope you get some help and start feeling better soon.


How do I see another doctor? Where do I go? Is it going to cost? Antidepressants give side effects dont they? Right this minute suicide is not looking really good, although it would be I mean I would never have to suffer again :smile: Its just not the time or place to do it. Yeh I need to talk to someone, thats what Im doing now, talking to you lot.
Reply 14
I used to be seriously depressed about a year back, see your doctor, or any GP at your clinic. They can perscribe antidepressants, and yes they do have side effects at the beginning but they wear off after a few weeks and eventually u feel the benefit. But drugs arent always needed counselling is also really helpful, gets everything off your chest, far better when it's with sum1 face to face. It doesnt cost to get drugs or see another doctor unless ur going private.

Suicide thoughts kinda seem natural in suicide but u gotta keep ur mind off those things, when it comes into ur head u just say no and do sumin to distract urself.

HOpe all goes well
Reply 15
I used to be seriously depressed about a year back, see your doctor, or any GP at your clinic. They can perscribe antidepressants, and yes they do have side effects at the beginning but they wear off after a few weeks and eventually u feel the benefit. But drugs arent always needed counselling is also really helpful, gets everything off your chest, far better when it's with sum1 face to face. It doesnt cost to get drugs or see another doctor unless ur going private.

Suicide thoughts kinda seem natural in suicide but u gotta keep ur mind off those things, when it comes into ur head u just say no and do sumin to distract urself.

HOpe all goes well
Reply 16
Its always been material and money with my parents, they gave me everything but no love, whereas they are always loving my brothers and sisters. I feel so stupid cos Im now a grown up woman, but I still seek love and attention from my parents which I dont get.


Its the same with me. Much more complicated but the same idea.
They reject me, wont show emotion. ignore anything i do, wont let me grow up etc.
there is more.

dont know if its the same?
Reply 17
Its always been material and money with my parents, they gave me everything but no love, whereas they are always loving my brothers and sisters. I feel so stupid cos Im now a grown up woman, but I still seek love and attention from my parents which I dont get.


Its the same with me. Much more complicated but the same idea.
They reject me, wont show emotion. ignore anything i do, wont let me grow up etc.
there is more.

dont know if its the same?
Reply 18
Adam83
Its the same with me. Much more complicated but the same idea.
They reject me, wont show emotion. ignore anything i do, wont let me grow up etc.
there is more.

dont know if its the same?

aww sweetheart :hugs: how r u dealing with this? I just ignore them all the time. Sometimes they do give me some attention such as when I want to go out, then they get all overprotective saying there are bad people out there.
Reply 19
Adam83
Its the same with me. Much more complicated but the same idea.
They reject me, wont show emotion. ignore anything i do, wont let me grow up etc.
there is more.

dont know if its the same?

aww sweetheart :hugs: how r u dealing with this? I just ignore them all the time. Sometimes they do give me some attention such as when I want to go out, then they get all overprotective saying there are bad people out there.