Hey,

I was just wondering how many of you out there suffer from depression? I don't remember being really depressed until after my oldest was born. PPD hit me like a brick and I really feel like I have never recovered. I've been to many doctors and think that I've been on every medication known to man. The only time since my ds birth that I haven't been on meds was when we were trying for my dd and all throughout the pregnancy. After she was born though... the depression came back full force. Anyway... I'm in kind of a slump now (as apparent by posting at 3:29am), and was wondering what everyone else does to get through the low points? At this point.. I'm really even too depressed to shop. Which sounds ridiculous, but seriously... HELP!


TIA for any suggestions..

I've never been diagnosed, but many of the symptoms have been there since I was about ten. I've used 5-HTP, and found it helpful, but don't take it regularly because I worry about dependency. As stupid as it sounds, could you do something for the purpose of making yourself feel better, even if it's as tiny as making tea? I find that doing something that takes some thought, and is intended to help heal me tends to help stop feelings before they get too bad. It's more about changing your behavior, and thus thought pattern when it starts to get bad than about what you choose to do. I would get off the computer, as I think that can make it worse. Too mindless.

Just deleting information.

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I've been treated for major depression since my early 20's and also feel like I've been on every medication out there! Currently, I am on Cymbalta (which has really made a difference) and Klonopin for anxiety/insomnia. I also have therapy once a week, which I think is essential. I am a Catholic, and I also have spiritual direction regularly, which has made as much difference for me as therapy! Finally, I am TRYING to exercise more, since both my therapist and my psychiatrist think this is imperative.

That's probably too much information but, just know lots of us are in the trenches with you!

Amy

I've been struggling with serious depression for many years now. I've never been officially diagnosed, but there is definitely no denying it. We don't have insurance, but I avoid doctors whenever possible and refuse to take anti-depressants anyway. I've tried to find a counselor or therapist to talk to, but haven't had any luck with finding any free or low cost ones in my area yet.
I've actually been doing a bit better this year so far because I've been making much more of an effort to change things in my life. I'm hoping that making an effort to be more active, productive & improve certain situations will result in a better state of mind. It's difficult and definitely a slow process as there are times when I have to really push myself to keep busy so I don't fall back into a routine or let my negative feelings start taking over. Although the depression is still there, I feel a bit better about at least trying instead of wallowing in my hopeless feelings. Ironically, the thing that truly motivated me to start these changes was the death of a friend in December.
Debby

I have been depressed for years but had done really well with it for several years(no meds)until I had to have 2 Open heart surgerys and other complications in Dec.Since then I feel like I have been totally blown out of the water...One day since Dec 13th I haven't cried.I hate being at this point and wouldnt wish it on the devil himself..Have been on several different meds.so far havent found the right combination.The doctors say its a of bipolar depression plus the surgeries.All I know is I am miserable

Okay, Now I'm REALLY Depressed!

I posted a long message regarding my depression and it's gone.......disappeared.........poof.......

I have suffered from chronic depression with suicidal tendencies since I was a teenager. I took anti-depressants for awhile, but they really weren't for me. I haven't taken any for over 15 years now. I find that when I get really depressed, I have to find things to do to occupy my brain, like cleaning the house (my least favorite thing to do), shopping, playing games, surfing the net, reading, watching a movie, anything I can do to get my mind off of the depression for a few hours. Over the years I've pretty much learned how to basically "treat" the depression myself. Thankfully I have a DH who understands that when I'm really feeling rock bottom not to bring me any more stress if he help it.

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Thanks for all the great suggestions and responses. Not that I wish depression on anyone.. because I NEVER would.. it is comforting to know that other people have the same issues. I think that I will always need meds because I can't imagine what it would feel like without them. Anyway, this board is a HUGE help. I love you guys!!!

I personally have never suffered but I have 2 sisters who are both diagnosed manic depressive, and WOW what a difference in our personalities. I think that you should definately take medication (they don't bc alot of the meds make you gain weight) but there is a huge difference when they take the meds and when they don't, They say everything that they feel about everyone and everything, whereas me I tend to be happy and if someone walking by looks miserable I just think wow they must be having a bad day and SMILE at them (maybe it'll make them feel better) I just always think "you never know what is going on in that persons life" But back to the subject get help and talk to someone about it, I know that when I'm having a bad day if I talk about it I start to feel better.