Depression: Support, Advice, Help, Treatment Options (death, clinic, negative, aching)

[PitBullMommie1206]

Originally Posted by ScrantonWilkesBarre

Does anyone have any good strategies on how to cope with depression? A couple of years ago I went through a very traumatic time in my family life, and I still haven't recovered in the least bit. I often cry myself to sleep, mope around, and I've distanced myself so much from my friends that I now have very few of them.

I come onto City-Data so much because, at least for a brief while, it was therapeutic to interact with so many new online friends. However, that euphoria is beginning to wear off now that I spend more time on here defending myself and getting into petty arguments with people than I do trying to make connections with others. I think I hit my "peak" on here when I found out that a family I had helped on here was happily-enjoying their new home in Scranton; it made me actually feel like I had accomplished something in my life for a change instead of just screwing everything up. Since then, even my well-intentioned photo tours are now garnering angst and flaring tempers from others, none of which was my intention. I just seem to screw up everything on here anymore, so now, without the "crutch" of City-Data to help prop up my mood, I just don't feel motivated to live anymore.

HELP!!! I just simply don't know what to do. What made me happiest in life was volunteering with charities in my community, but I no longer have much time to do that as a full-time student and full-time employee. My photo tours also helped me to "take the edge off," but I don't know if I'll be doing any more now that I see that they cause more arguments than anything else. I used to have "vent" sessions where I would sit in the dark in my home-office, play Enya, turn off the lights, and just cry for a while. Now, not even that is helping me.

I suppose I could go see a therapist again, but I think I'd feel even more depressed for having the "crazy" stigma hanging over my head. Come to think of it, a lot of people I know are depressed; are we just becoming a society of sadness? What makes you all rise each morning ambitious and ready to take in a fresh new day? My faith in God used to do that for me as well, but I'm no longer spiritual after hearing time after time about how "God hates gays" and yada, yada, yada. I just think that if God hates me, then why should I even bother with worship?

I've just hit a stumbling block here, and I might just "sign-off" for a long time from this site, as it's been causing me more harm than good lately. I should have signed off when I posted my "farewell" thread many moons ago, but I couldn't do it. Perhaps now is the time?

First of all I have to say.. God doesn't hate you! Don't listen to people that tell you that God doesn't love you because of your sexuality! Thats just a way for sad, closed-minded people to try to justify (for themselves) their phobia of people being different from them. Its so sad and it breaks my heart when I hear someone say something like that. You have your own relationship with God and as long as you believe what you should believe and have accepted God into your heart and your life, you are good to go! lol! Do not listen to close-minded, judgmental people! I really don't believe that your sexuality is a choice. I believe that if you are gay, straight.. or whatever, you were born that way and God isn't going to make you a certain way and then hate you for it!.. By the way, I am a Christan and my husband is a Christan, both of our families are Christians and my uncle and my grandfather are Baptist preachers. I have been raised to believe that God created everyone equally and God loves everyone of his children. God loves you no matter what anyone else says! People of all different, races, backgrounds and sexualities go to my uncles church and my grandfathers church. They all get treated the same because they are all Gods children! God created them to be they way they are and he does not hate them for that. Please, please, please do not think that God hates you. I am really upset over this...

Now, as for some of the people on city-data.. I know exactly how you feel! I am so sick of arguing and fighting! I have had people tell me that I am white trash and must live in the ghetto because my husband and I own two wonderful American Pit Bull Terriers. I have had people insult my family because my family loves our American Pit Bull Terriers! On another website I had someone threaten my life, my husbands life and our dogs lives all because of the breed that we own! He sent me a message and cussed me out and them told me step by step what he was going to do to my dogs my husband and then me.. and it was very graphic! The kind of stuff that makes you want to throw up! Some people are just very disturbed and some just don't care about how they make other people feel. You just have to not let them get to you. They want a reaction so, don't give it to them.

Okay, as far as the depression goes.. Trust me, I know all to well how that is! I have had depression problems for years.. as long as I can remember I have been going to therapy, trying different meds, I changed my sleeping patterns, I changed the way I eat, etc. I quit talking to my friends and I don't talk to my family much at all. The only people I talk to are my husband and the few friends I have on here! You asked what makes other people get out of the bed in the morning.. well, I have to because of my dogs.. if it wasn't for them I probably wouldn't get out of the bed! I just started working out with my husband and we have started to get out of the house more lately. That has really seemed to help, but I am still depressed. I really just think I am going to be this way my whole life.. it runs in my family and they have all just stuck with the meds that seem to help the most and just kind of learned to deal with it. I know that doesn't sound too great and its not very helpful, but thats my situation. I have found that talking about things helps as well. Whether it be with a therapist, a friend, your dog.. whatever.. lol! Just getting things out helps me alot. I really don't know what to tell you to do about the depression.. different things work for different people, but I would suggest that as a start, you should make sure you are getting a good amount of sleep, make sure you are eating well, maybe work out some.. take a walk around the block everyday or something like that and talk to someone about how you feel! Someone that wont judge you or make you feel like you are being judged. You could also try some different meds.. be careful though because some make depression worse for some people. Go to a doctor that you trust and start working on finding meds that will work for you. It might take a while to find one that works for you and it might not take it all away, but I promise you it will help. I know that we don't know each other, but if you ever just need to vent without being judged PLEASE feel free to message me anytime about anything! Sorry I couldn't be of more help!

I really do feel for you and I really, really hope things get better soon!! I wish you the best of luck!!

[CosmicWizard]

SWB

I posted this link for you on the PA forum, but apparently you haven't seen it, so I'll post it again. Be sure to downlaod the FREE manual that will teach you how to work thru the process.

Welcome to TATLife - the home of Tapas Fleming and the Tapas Acupressure Technique

I read a very helpful book on depression 2 or 3 years ago, titled Depression Is a Choice. Here is a link to the authors website:

Depression Is A Choice


Taking regular nature walks is the most therapeutic intervention in my personal tool chest for dealing with depression. About a mile into my walk I feel like a brand new person with a much brighter outlook. For me, nature is Gods miracle medicine.

best wishes....Franco

[Yorkie_Mom]

Hey SWB, your a great guy, don't sell yourself short, we all have a little of depression going on in our life, some of us worse then others, but you still human, and you have feelings.
Some people don't have to much of a heart, but I guess I have enough to make the world go round. Hang in there, I am here for you if you need me. Take care, Yorkie

[recycled]

Originally Posted by francowell

SWB

Taking regular nature walks is the most therapeutic intervention in my personal tool chest for dealing with depression. About a mile into my walk I feel like a brand new person with a much brighter outlook. For me, nature is Gods miracle medicine.
best wishes....Franco

Franco, great advice, this is also one of my favorite remedies for spiritual healing and helping to develop "inner harmony". I have some favorite places in my area that are a sure cure to wring out the mind of it's troubles. For me, an early morning or late afternoon walk or jog along the ocean at a nearby state park is wonderful. The combination of fresh salt air, a breeze in the face, mist from the crashing waves, birds and other animals in the area do wonders for the spirit.

Everyone should find their own favorite outdoor place to enjoy and unwind. Go out and find that park or outdoor place in your area to call your own and then go explore it and soon all the problems stirring in your mind melt away.

[Ohiogirl81]

I'm so sorry to hear that you're down. Count me in as someone who looks forward to reading what you write. Everyone gets depressed, so you're definitely not alone there.

I'm not a therapist, nor do I play one on TV ... Your work/school schedule trumping your social/volunteer life might be contributing to the depression that lingers from your previous situation. Being that occupied all the time is no fun, and doesn't give you the time you need to recharge and feel like you're a part of the human race making a positive contribution. Keep telling yourself it's only temporary -- school will end, you will get that degree, and you won't be working that job forever. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and in the meantime take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, eat well, keep looking for the positives (which you seem to be pretty good at!). Set aside time for yourself, for doing what you want to do instead of what you have to do.

Interesting that you mentioned a lot of people seem depressed -- is it Madison Avenue's fault? The fault of the rapidly widening divide between the haves and the have nots? The disconnect, whether it be emotional or distance, between friends and family as we move nomad like around the country? Fodder for another thread ...

Thanks for the banana dance. That got my attention just as I mulled over the possibility of harming an uncooperative co-worker, LOL.

[bgrasser]

With that kind of talk, I think you need pro help; call a help line in your area before it's to late and you take it to the next level. All the best to you.

[OREGONRAIN]

Originally Posted by ScrantonWilkesBarre

Does anyone have any good strategies on how to cope with depression? A couple of years ago I went through a very traumatic time in my family life, and I still haven't recovered in the least bit. I often cry myself to sleep, mope around, and I've distanced myself so much from my friends that I now have very few of them.

I come onto City-Data so much because, at least for a brief while, it was therapeutic to interact with so many new online friends. However, that euphoria is beginning to wear off now that I spend more time on here defending myself and getting into petty arguments with people than I do trying to make connections with others. I think I hit my "peak" on here when I found out that a family I had helped on here was happily-enjoying their new home in Scranton; it made me actually feel like I had accomplished something in my life for a change instead of just screwing everything up. Since then, even my well-intentioned photo tours are now garnering angst and flaring tempers from others, none of which was my intention. I just seem to screw up everything on here anymore, so now, without the "crutch" of City-Data to help prop up my mood, I just don't feel motivated to live anymore.

HELP!!! I just simply don't know what to do. What made me happiest in life was volunteering with charities in my community, but I no longer have much time to do that as a full-time student and full-time employee. My photo tours also helped me to "take the edge off," but I don't know if I'll be doing any more now that I see that they cause more arguments than anything else. I used to have "vent" sessions where I would sit in the dark in my home-office, play Enya, turn off the lights, and just cry for a while. Now, not even that is helping me.

I suppose I could go see a therapist again, but I think I'd feel even more depressed for having the "crazy" stigma hanging over my head. Come to think of it, a lot of people I know are depressed; are we just becoming a society of sadness? What makes you all rise each morning ambitious and ready to take in a fresh new day? My faith in God used to do that for me as well, but I'm no longer spiritual after hearing time after time about how "God hates gays" and yada, yada, yada. I just think that if God hates me, then why should I even bother with worship?

I've just hit a stumbling block here, and I might just "sign-off" for a long time from this site, as it's been causing me more harm than good lately. I should have signed off when I posted my "farewell" thread many moons ago, but I couldn't do it. Perhaps now is the time?

I read your posts all the time, and completely enjoy your photos, if people argue about them that is their problem,people argue about everything on the net, that is their problem, don't make it yours. I would throughly miss you if I did not see your name pop up on city-data. I understand your frustration, and Im fed up myself with what gay people have to deal with, beyond the struggles that everyone deals with in life. There are many many people that are depressed in the world, the country we live in, is a big part of it, don't take it out on yourself. Go see that therapist, or another if you like, don't ever think of yourself as crazy, that is not the case. You bring more to this city-data, than any person that ever signed on since the day it began as a website. Just remember there are so many in the same boat as you are, you just can't see them. Don't give up, you have so very much to offer the world way beyond city-data, you obviously are very smart and kind. Please just talk with someone whether the therapist or Is there a group for gay youth and young adults in the Scranton area. If there is not there should be.

[Autumn07]

Is anyone else here going through depression?

[ashygirl]

hi there blogger am also in depresion what have you got?

[shonner]

Depression is miserable. I took Nature Made double strength Sam-e twice a day when I was struggling with depression and found it helpful. It's not to be taken by people with bipolar disorder, though. On researching several medical websites I learned that it should be taken with a multi-vitamin, folic acid, B vitamins, and an omega 3 fatty acid supplement. Lots of doctors also encourage exercise so I took a couple walks a day.

Sam-e has shown to be as effective as Prozac with less side effects and works within a few days to a week. It can be a bit expensive, but Walgreens has it occasionally on a "buy one, get one free" special. Just be sure to check with your pharmacist and/or doctor about any other meds you may be taking before trying it.

This is just what helped me. If you are more than moderately depressed or have been struggling with depression for an extended period of time, you need to see your doctor.
In the meantime, be assured it will pass. Best wishes for feeling better soon!