I have been diagnosed with clinical depression, but can't start getting out of it, as I feel helpless.?

Question

I have been prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds which made me not care AT ALL and that was a bad choice at the time I was about to lose my house. My marriage is shaky and my wife wont go to counselling with me. I have allowed my wife to make our lives financially troublesome with major debts. I have gone to therapy myself and realize I have to be the one who has to do something, but right now I feel either unwilling or unable to change. So I live with my anxiety, depression, guilt, shame and hopelessness waiting for something either negative to kick me in the butt to change, or something positive to lift me out of this hell I guess I am content to stay in for now....but its nice to know that there is a chance I can beat this thing and be think positively and be happy instead of fearing the worst (and usually getting it) day after day after day. What are your recomendations?? Thanks for your constructive responses only please!!!!!

Answer 1

My boyfriend and I have clinical depression. But after several years of medication experimentation, we both found a medication that enables us to be free of the symptoms of depression and free of side affects from the meds. We take Abilify, Wellbutrin and Zoloft and we are living normal happy lives. It's been my experience that you can be physically active, eat good and take vitamins, but all these things won't help depression. Only medication can do that. If you're not happy and positive, your meds aren't working for you and you need to change them. Tell your doctor after trying them for at least 3 months, that you want to make a change. They don't always work the same day. You have to give them time. Good Luck!.....)(

Answer 2

Gosh, I hate to say this, but it sure sounds as if your wife is bringing (keeping) you down! You can't carry the marriage alone, and if she is unwilling to work on it, then perhaps you should consider separation (sorry!). Maybe you both just need some time apart to regroup and think about your future (be it alone or together). Some "time-out" may help you work through your depression as well. It sounds as if your wife could be a big contributor to it. As for the meds, they really are "trial and error". What works great for one person, may do nothing for another. If you don't want to go back to the meds, then continue with the therapy, at least. Personally, I have found meds (Prozac) to work very well (I've never done therapy). Of course, they don't make your problems go away, but can be very helpful in coping with them. I'm not a professional -- this is just my two cents. Also look into financial counseling and cancel the credit cards. Just taking these steps to do something about your debt will probably make you begin to feel better, like you're taking control back over your life. Good luck.

Answer 3

I have seasonal affective disorder...and I've been through the depression, guilt, etc. when my ex boyfriend killed himself 11 years ago. These days, I am usually depressed about money, because my present boyfriend always ends up in like bad job situations and we can't make the bills. Bill collectors are always calling me, etc. It's freaking depressing. The deal is, you have to essentially build a bridge and get over it. You have to get over the fact that things are not always perfect and will not be perfect ever. As my boyfriend's mother says "Don't worry, nothing's gonna be okay" I find this it be a humorous mantra to think about when I'm down. Because it's true, nothing is perfect.....don't worry about it. You need to take some time to yourself daily to meditate. Honestly, taking some time to take in a few deep breaths and clear your head really helps. There are many CD's and books on meditation, probably even websites. Yoga is great too. And think about constructive solutions to your predicaments afterwards while your head is clear. Also, don't drink alcohol...it's a depressant and will not help you at all. And don't expect the worst or you will get it. I have found that that is the only thing I can expect and get. Life is too short.....don't let this stuff worry you. Worrying about it only makes it worse, it does not create a solution. Good luck to you!!!!

Answer 4

You might want to switch medications maybe? I take lexapro for anxiety and panic with depression and Trazadone to sleep at night. Since being on lexapro I feel so much better. I do have a psychologist that I see once a week. With a combination of right medication and therapy that should help you some. Although therapy doesn't work overnight it will take time. The medication is there to help you short time then long run.
Everyone is on a individual basis.

Answer 5

Sometimes it takes different combinations of medications until you find the one that works. It also may take up to 6 to 8 weeks before you start to feel better. You also need to make sure you find the Doctor that is right for you. We had to see several Dr.s and try several different meds before my husband was able to find a combo that worked. He is now doing very well. Don't give up. But most importantly if you feel that you are missing something in your life, you probably are. My suggestion would be to get involved in something that makes a difference. Find a church that fits your lifestyle, volunteer, exercise...remember that your life has value no matter what mistakes you have made or what has happened in your past, I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 6

I was once clinically depressed. It took a very strong commitment on my part to become healthy. Anti-depressants take time to work and sometimes it takes a while to get the proper medication for you and the proper dosage... I went to therapy 3 times a week and group therapy twice a week... it takes time and a desire to feel better... it's HARD work but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I've been off medication and out of therapy for 12 years and feel fantastic most of the time... But, it did take 3 years to get there... Good luck and don't give up!!

Answer 7

paul,
i have struggled with depression my whole life. alot of people are looking for the easy way out - meds, drugs, happy marriage, great job. as if these things could cure what is really up with your head!!! here is the secret - it comes in two parts. you might not be ready to accept it yet but it's the truth
1- only you control how you react to everything that happens to you. any event could be turned into a positive expierence....if only you would let it.
2- you only have one life. **** the problems and the pain. one life dude. how you gonna spend it?
i have been on all medications. for depression, none of them really work and all have bad side effects. you gotta own your own mind and heart. not let them own you.
peace!

Answer 8

You have a chemical imbalance you just can't pull your boot straps up you need to find the right medicines that will work to gether to help your illness.
Keep going to your shrink and this question is a cry for help and you just need to be patient and know you will come out of the depression and things will get better pray God is always there for you and I know you'll get better you rloved take care Sandy* my Bishop in my church said that excercise helps allot

Answer 9

accept yourself, be glad that you are alive, work with what you have...find ways to use your willpower to accomplish something...even the smallest thing (like answering questions on yahoo answers...you can even visit people in the nursing home and they will love you for it...)...eventually you should find a job that you can enjoy (you may have to force yourself to enjoy it...but you will enjoy it over time)...basically, you have to start enjoying challenges and making accomplishments...don't give up...you can make it...ps: antidepressants may help for one or two months, but after that, your really need to change your thought patterns from negative to positive

Answer 10

dude, thats some heavy S**t. I stay stick with whatever advise your therapist gives you. Meds can be helpful. Just keep your chin up, things can always get better, even in ways you wouldn't expect.