Depression

Although I'm suffering from depression I can tell you that things will probably get easier. I say this from experience - I've seen people who have gone through depression and have come out better for it (i.e. stronger). True, some people do suffer for much longer but it's important to always hold on to that hope... because there is always hope. I'm on a waiting list for CBT and I'm on antidepressants. I know it may feel like you've tried all the options but don't let that discourage you... the fact that you're posting on here shows that you care and that you do want to get better. My suggestions (and yes they made sound obvious/trivial but they do help):

- Try to get out of the house, change your environment.
- Take exercise - I try to go for a walk every day, it helps.
- Eat a good/balanced diet - Lack of nutrients can be a major cause.
- Distraction therapy - comedy films, tv, reading (i know it's hard to concentrate) anything that gets you out of your own head and thoughts for a bit of relief.
- Sleep when you can, but with a pattern.
- Get up and get washed and dressed each morning.
- Talking therapy - be it with a counsellor, with a friend or on here. You need a good support network.

I hope this helps a little.

Hang on in there sweetie xx

Reply 3

dita_parlo

To be honest I don't really know what I want out of this thread, I just need to get it out...

I've suffered from depression for 10 years now and I thought that I was getting better, but these past few days it has just hit me again so hard and I don't know what to do anymore. I feel like there is nothing left for me to try; I've had counselling, CBT, light therapy, anti-depressants... I don't know what else to try? I should probably go to my GP about going back on anti-depressants I guess, but all the ones I've had in the past have just given me insomnia and not helped at all.

I just wondered how other people managed to cope with depression and live "normal" lives? I'm finding it really hard to hold down a job, go to uni, visit friends and family and hold down my relationship.

what kind of depression do you have? It's just that sometimes i do not understand how it can come about. You mention you have friends and family, a boyfriend, you're busy with uni....Shouldn't you be happy that you seem to have all this going for you, or does it just not work out that way for you? I'm not attacking you, i'm simply curious. :confused:

Is it all biological for you? Chemical imbalances and not so much depression caused by life events? Or maybe a traumatic life experiences....?? Interested to hear.

Reply 4

Laus

That's the problem with depression. You can't always pin-point a reason. That's why people feel guilty for not being able to explain it away. I don't know about parlo, but mine is a mixture of everything you just mentioned i.e. circumstantial, experience and chemical imbalance. I could be wrong though.

Reply 5

OP

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys :smile:

Yea, basically my life at the moment is perfect. I have no problems, no worries, I have a great social network... And yet I still feel depressed. And I think this is what's making me feel even worse this time. From the outside, I should be the happiest I've ever been, all the other times the depression has come back there has been specific reasons as to why, but this time there is nothing. It's making me feel worse because I feel so selfish and un-appreciatative. Why do I have a right to feel like this when other people have things so much worse than me? I don't actually know the reason for my depression, but I have read studies saying that it can be hereditary; and 2 of my family members (one on my mum's side, one on my dad's) have both been sectioned... I dunno.

Reply 6

Laus

You are not selfish. Depression is a disease and should be treated as such. It isn't just a low mood that is intrinsically linked to circumstances/life experience. You are right about the hereditary factor - my uncle suffers from depression, my mum had post-natal depression, my Dad had a nervous break-down and my Granddad was institutionalised... I don't let that hang over me though. I don't actually think that's why I have depression. It is just a possibility in the back of my mind. If you have a depressed family member you can be more prone/sensitive to depression. Chemical imbalance is also a big factor. When you are depressed your serotonin levels dip - you can't control this. Low serotonin levels are a symptom not a cause of depression - you can't control it, even if you do have a 'perfect' life. Just don't feel guilty. You aren't to blame. Just take steps towards getting better... like now, you're talking about how you feel and trying to figure out what is the best way forward. Good going :smile:

.

Reply 7

Joric

Have you tried Yoga?

Reply 8

so it must be biological then? Mere process of elimination then?

You're right, others have things in their life so much worse BUT if you have chemical imbalances making you feel as you do, it's hardly your fault is it? I don't know enough about these chemical imbalances people have, is it something you can work on, i.e. eating and drinking better....It most probably isn't quite that simple. As you can see, i'm no expert at the moment.

You mention you're finding it hard to visit friends and family, hold down a job and relationship and do uni - maybe you're trying to do too much? Cut down a little on all of this perhaps? Maybe having a job on the go whilst being at uni isn't the greatest idea? :confused:

Reply 9

OP

I guess, but I can't afford to live without my job lol.

Reply 10

OP

Joric

Have you tried Yoga?

No, do you feel this could help?

Reply 11

dita_parlo

I guess, but I can't afford to live without my job lol.

1). You have to ask yourself why you're going to uni. It's to get a degree which may provide you with better job prospects, potentially a decent or more, salary?? So, in the short-term, your bank balance may be worrying, but so is many a students during university, but you have to think long-term...

2). Maybe think long-termism. If you're too busy and doing too much at the same time, your health is suffering - which it evidently is doing. Can't you just make some kind of sacrifice on a short-term basis? If that means getting rid of this job or even cutting down on hours of paid employment?? I'm sure your employers would understand, right? You're juggling too much perhaps?

You should be putting your health before anything else, and if you really are struggling financially, can you not perhaps borrow from a family member of friend, or maybe from a bank or whatever, and have the confidence and discipline to know you'll be able to pay it back upon graduating or a few more years down the line???

Reply 12

dita_parlo

No, do you feel this could help?

it can be very popular with some people who have health issues. I think they call it 'green gym' :confused:

- it helps relax the body, i guess it's maybe a little step up from meditation.

It's generally popular, for people who wish to relax a little, 'time out' as such.

Reply 13

OP

There is just no way I can not afford to have a job. I'm a mature student; I live with my partner, my student loan wouldn't even start to cover expenses! I can't ask my parents cos they have no money at all. I only work 9 hours a week at the moment anyway, I have cut down to the absolute minimum I can do :smile:

Yes, I think I may join a yoga class. I go to the gym regularly so I think yoga could help :smile:

Reply 14

SoundDevastation