I am suffering from depression

tickleteasing · Mar 20, 2011

Everyone I need some advice, I have so much to be thankful for, and I have lots of wonderful things in my life. However, for some reason I have had a problem with being bedridden with depression. I am not here to throw drama out I just do not understand why I am not able to get out of bed.

Skipadeedoodah · Mar 20, 2011

My first advice would be to try and get up and take a shower. Oftentimes one of the first things to suffer when people get super depressed is their hygiene. If you aren't taking proper care of yourself it's going to make you feel considerably worse. Something as simple as 10 minutes getting yourself clean can really make a huge difference. Plus, it'll make you feel like you're getting ready for something - kind of psyching yourself up to do something that day.

Then do something - anything. Take advantage of this awesome weather and go for a walk. Go grocery shopping. Go for a drive. Tomorrow is the first day of Spring and I happen to know that Rita's is giving away free italian ice all day, and right here is a list of some that may be near you (judging by the location you've got posted).

If you've been down this road and you're finding yourself unable to take this kind of action, it may be time to consider seeing a therapist. If you have health insurance, there should be an 800 number on there for customer service. Give them a call and let them know what you're looking for, and they'll supply you with some names and numbers of participating clinicians in your area.

Lastly, you could always hit up your family doctor for some antidepressants. Oftentimes depression can be caused or made worse by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain that medication can help correct. A therapist may recommend this, too - but I'm of the opinion that if you're having enough difficulty to require meds, you should also be working it out with somebody on an emotional level rather than just a medical one.

Good luck!!

socktickler86 · Mar 20, 2011

Get professional help, not forum help. There is no telling the consequences of unchecked depression and there's certainly no reason not to do something about it.

Artoo · Mar 20, 2011

Get professional help, dude. I had undiagnosed depression for years, and at the very least you need an impartial professional to offload onto sometimes.

This may work differently for you, but the way I saw it, my depression wasn't caused by the situation I was in, but rather the situations exacerbated the problem. So even if I got out of bed and "did stuff", I still felt depressed.
I needed a "two-pronged" attack, giving myself and my daily routine some structure, as well as getting medication to inhibit the breakdown of serotonin in my body. I came off the meds a year ago, and I've never looked back - sometimes you just need a kick start.

I wish you all the best with what happens. Make sure you talk to people.

venray · Mar 20, 2011

Artoo said:
Get professional help, dude. I had undiagnosed depression for years, and at the very least you need an impartial professional to offload onto sometimes.

This may work differently for you, but the way I saw it, my depression wasn't caused by the situation I was in, but rather the situations exacerbated the problem. So even if I got out of bed and "did stuff", I still felt depressed.
I needed a "two-pronged" attack, giving myself and my daily routine some structure, as well as getting medication to inhibit the breakdown of serotonin in my body. I came off the meds a year ago, and I've never looked back - sometimes you just need a kick start.

I wish you all the best with what happens. Make sure you talk to people.

^This..

Jagermeistered · Mar 20, 2011

I will back Artoo's suggestion as well.

tickleteasing · Mar 20, 2011

I have gotten professional help and am on antidepressants for about a few weeks I just wanted to know if anyone else was going through it

sasaxrah · Mar 20, 2011

tickleteasing said:
I have gotten professional help and am on antidepressants for about a few weeks I just wanted to know if anyone else was going through it

It can take a few weeks for meds to kick in. Don't drink or do any drugs because they can counter the positive effects of the prescription meds.

I have been there. At some point, you need to change the script of things that you tell yourself. I used to tell myself I'd always be miserable, that I was inherently unlikable, and that I couldn't dare let anyone get too close to me. Eventually I had to challenge where all that stuff was coming from, and I eventually rejected it. Talk therapy can really help this if you're open to it.

Jagermeistered · Mar 20, 2011

tickleteasing said:
I have gotten professional help and am on antidepressants for about a few weeks I just wanted to know if anyone else was going through it

I usually suffer from anxiety, so I wouldn't be much of help.

Cosmo_ac · Mar 20, 2011

I have gotten professional help and am on antidepressants for about a few weeks I just wanted to know if anyone else was going through it

You also might need to play around with the dosage and type of medication, but only with doctor counciling first, of course. Medicine can really sometimes be a bit of a trial and error when it comes to things like depression and brain chemistry. Try the medication for a few monthes, and if your still suffering, talk to your doc. They might change medications, or fiddle around with the dosage. The main thing though, is to give it time and not expect instant results. However, if you find your depression getting worse, deffinitly go see the doc.

If it's less of an inconveniance, it might be an idea to talk to your pharmacist, as they tend to also know a lot about the drugs they are giving you, and can usually detail how long they take to kick in, likely side effects, etc.

Ultimately though, if you really feel the need, it is best to go talk to your doctor about the issue.

Bugman · Mar 20, 2011

This is a great resource, available 24/7 at no charge.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

You don't have to be harboring thoughts of suicide to call. At times it can be easier to talk to someone anonymous who is trained in this sort of thing. That's true for me anyway.

Also, as others have noted antidepressants take time to work, the dosage may need to be adjusted or another drug might be in order. I have walked many a mile in your shoes, and still struggle with it at times. Don't give up. There is help out there, we just have to seek it out.

tickleteasing · Mar 20, 2011

I think I should elaborate though even though I am having a hard time getting out of bed and feel depressed I am NOT I repeat NOT suicidal. Sorry but people sometimes might be wondering that without asking.

LeatherTrap · Mar 21, 2011

tickleteasing said:
I think I should elaborate though even though I am having a hard time getting out of bed and feel depressed I am NOT I repeat NOT suicidal. Sorry but people sometimes might be wondering that without asking.

As they should. The two go together often enough. However, I am very glad to hear you are not in that boat.

Nevertheless, seek professional help. Depression really hurts, and you don't deserve that.

love feet · Mar 21, 2011

tickleteasing said:
I have gotten professional help and am on antidepressants for about a few weeks I just wanted to know if anyone else was going through it

the meds will take time to work normally more than 2 weeks!!
So hold on!!!!!!.
I have Bean there!!.

Knox The Hatter · Mar 21, 2011

Both the correct medication and the correct dosage can do wonders. The correct therapist is even more important. You have to choose someone who is able to communicate with you, and not just sit there with a yellow pad, taking notes, going "hmmmmm" about three or four times a minute.

Skipadoo's advice hit it on the head. Very wise (she seems to be, most often). A good way to go.

I've been in varying gradations of a depression my whole life. No, it certainly isn't easy, and it's frustrating having to be around people who refuse to validate it. There are a lot of people here who've traveled the same road. Don't be bashful, talk to us.

TicklishHope · Mar 23, 2011

Hey Johnnie.. It'll be alright hon. IM me on yahoo if ya need to talk B3autifuldisaster2000 I know what you're going through. I take celexa. Hope you feel better.. Kisses

luvgirlsfeet · Mar 24, 2011

I'm suffering from depression as well and i'm seeking professional help for it. I have a lot of issues that I need to get resolved. There's no shame in being depressed. Be strong my friend you can get through it one step at a time

Jagermeistered · Mar 24, 2011

luvgirlsfeet said:
I'm suffering from depression as well and i'm seeking professional help for it. I have a lot of issues that I need to get resolved. There's no shame in being depressed. Be strong my friend you can get through it one step at a time

Correct... Depression is nothing to be ashamed of!!! It's a human psychological/psychiatrical problem that can be addressed once you have admitted to the condition. The rest of the bumpy road can now be paved by solutions! 🙂