What's the best way to fight depression when you don't have a support system in place?

Question

My husband was reactivated by the US Army in January and is deployed to Afghanistan until next June. I had been on Zoloft for a year already when he received his orders. Lately it seems things have gotten worse. I don't know anyone around here and the friends I do meet... well lets just say they have their own agendas (like disappearing when it comes time to pay the bill.) I'm not close to any military installation anymore and my family lives far away. What can I do, so I don't sit around in my pjs answering Yahoo answers all weekend?

Answer 1

First of all DON"T worry about him being in Afghanistan. My son is there as a civilian employee at the military base and its very safe now. You only hear about the one or two bad things a year. but not like Iraq. They DO have internet there so he can keep in touch with you. The best thing for you to do is join a gym, go on a diet to surprise him when he returns. sort through tons or paperwork you have stashed around the house and get a file cabinet. find little tasks that keep your mind busy for a long time. If you ahve kids volunteer at the school, heck volunteer anyplace. Don't sit around in the house, find a craft store and take craft classes they may offer. The best way to deal with this is to keep yourself busy. Find something you can do or learn and set a goal. Get a job full time or part time and pay off bills that would really surprise him. Save money for one huge welcome home party. Just don't worry and stay busy. I find that tasks that take no brain power are really good. Find a group to join someplace, get a hobby. Don't worry He WILL be ok and so will you. I suffered from depression and was on pills, I went off and my biggest fear is it happening all over again. Stay away from sugar and caffine! they will raise you up but then you'll come crashing back down again. and if all else fails you can be my pen pal. I was a military wife for 25 yrs. believe me I know what your feeling.

Answer 2

Hey I know the feeling, also want to add when you are in a depression half the time you don't want to be around anyone except to vent, then of course they get tie rd of hearing it. I have been on Zoloft for 2 and a half years. First 50 mlg. Then 100 except for the week be for my period then it was 150mlg. Well antidepressants are like all medicine you can become immune to the strength of it. Try asking your doctor to up your medicine.
Also look into healing yourself through positive affirmations. Seek a therapist that specializes in body, mind, and soul healing.
A little over a year ago I was so depressed I stayed in bed for a whole year. Now I am able to enjoy my days.

Answer 3

Perhaps the Zoloft is not working. Your doctor may need to change you over to something else because after a while our bodies become immune to the medication we are taking.

You could try going out and meeting people. These days though, I am not sure where you could go. Do they have public events where you live? Like family days and things like that.

The most important thing I feel at this point is to get your support system re-built, and to do that you will need to meet people and make new friends, and you may also want to talk to you doctor as it may be time to switch you to another type of medication.

Answer 4

hi well all i can say is it must be hard 4 u to be alone all the time so try to find something to do for u don't worry about the dishes or anything like that take care of u do your nails ;hair ,read a funny book or watch a funny movie if that don't work try makong something new for dinner or build something or start some kind of project 4 u remember to take[1day at a time] don't think about all u got 2 do think of what u have done remember people miss you and they love you just be strong .

Answer 5

Get a job, volunteer, take walks, go to the library, read, watch TV. In other words, keep yourself busy to the point where your time passes quickly and you soon forget how long he's been gone. Before you know it, he'll be home and back in your arms again...
The secret is, is to never focus on what's going wrong with your life, but what's going good.
Did your husband hate a certain dish that you just love? Make it while he's gone. Do you have a certain acquaintance he couldn't stand, get in touch with them while he's gone. In other words, develop your own life and your own interests and find yourself in his absence. God forbid anything happens to him, you'll be stronger for it. That, and in developing yourself, you'll make new contacts. Guaranteed. Not every military dependent sits at home waiting for their loved one to come home... ;) Trust me, I'm a former military brat.

Answer 6

if you are still on Zoloft you may need a larger dose or a switch to a different depression med. Your doctor needs to know about your worsened depression.
Nothing else helps with deep depression in my opinion. Some say get 15 minutes of sunshine every day.

Answer 7

I don't have the answer for you. I just wanted to let you know you're not by yourself. I ask myself the same question constantly. It's hard a lot of the time. Especially when you don't have the comfort of a shoulder to lean on or pick you up.
Anyways, keep up the battle it'll be worth it in the end.

Answer 8

Go outside, and ask your doctor if you should be off of the Zoloft.
Sunshine helps your body process different vitamins, and it also increases your production of serotonin, which elevates your mood. Find someone to talk to. Like me. :) My sn is jeepdrvr1980 on yahoo instant messanger.
Exercise also increases the endorphines in your system which also elevates your mood, so go for a good, long walk. Find a good book to read at your local library. Go to church.
There are a lot of things to do. good luck to you!!

Answer 9

Just hang in there. If you're really feeling down, listen to Bob Marley and think about the good things in your life and just float on...that works, trust me. Everything will be better in time, and until then just live your life the best you can.

Answer 10

I use to be on the meds until I discovered the secret. The meds made me actually psychotic so I switched to meditation, and vervain tea. Works wonders. Also, get friends to help. Chats email or phone. Whatever. It helps.