I am loved, have intelligence & looks & yet I struggle w/ depression on a daily basis...any suggestions?

Question

I also struggle with addiction and I feel frozen most of the time. I procrastinate until situations go from bad to worse simply because I am fearful. I desperately want to be thankful for the gifts G-d has provided me and I want to treat myself well. I am ready to make life changes, but there are so many different ideas on how one should life their life. What I do know is that I want to be a good person, to myself & to others; I want to be thankful; I want life to be suprising, wonderful and fulfilling; and I want to let go of all this sadness and fear that paralyzes me. I would love to hear your suggestions.

Answer 1

things i like to do when i get down are go outside for a walk, go to a movie, work out, play a video game... but, i think the best way to fight depression is to have a pet. playing with a dog or cat, or even watching some fish always cheers me up!

Answer 2

there's only one hope for depression. That is an effective anti depressant medication. Depression comes from a checmical imbalance in the neurotransmitters and the brain and nothing in the world will alleviate unless you compensate for it. The right medication will do it. When you're depressed, you're unable to interact with a therapist by talking or be with or around anyone so talk therapy won't work. Being around people is a waste because the loss of interest makes it difficult to tolerate company and again, verbal interaction. You will have no desire for pets or taking care of animals as it's too labor intensive, too complex and your mind can't handle it. Excercise requires motivation which you have none. Until you can compensate for the chemical imbalance that's causing the depression and anxiety, none of these suggestions are useful.. Once you regain your sense of motivation and desire to do things, only then can any interaction or activity possibly help feel good.. There are ssri's, snri's mao inhibitors and trycyclic anti depressants. Some work better than others depending on the individdual. It is frustrating until you find one that works well with tolerable side effects. If none of these are ever an option, try ect (shock therapy)l

Answer 3

I didn't read the other responses, but here's what I have to say. Sorry if it's duplicated...

I've been depressed for about 10 years. (i'm only 17) and nobody really knows what caused it, but we know what kept it going. Anyways, what has helped me is acceptance. I just accepted that life was going to be how it was going to be. My counselor once gave me this advice, and it helps me a lot.

"If you're in a situation and you don't know what to do, ask yourself, 'do you have control over this situation?' If your answer is no, then let it go. Don't worry about it because there isn't anything you can do."

What is your idea on how life should be? Make it that way. If you have a choice of staying in the house all day, go out. It may not sound too appealing, but get out there. Even if you just walk outside for a bit. If you're having a down day, don't wallow in it. Do something that makes you happy. If you can't think of anything that makes you happy, explore! There are so many thing in this world for you to see, no matter what your age.

Also, a good diet and exercise always made me feel good about myself. On one of my yoga tapes it says, "Relax, release and let go." I like that part a lot. haha.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 4

First of all, your fears stem from acceptance and how people perceive you. And you are expecting too much out of life to happen in a short time. Get off your addiction, go out and interact with some nice folks and try to stay busy in work and hobbies. Life changes can be subtle or dramatic, but they don't have to be shocking to jolt you to the point of realizing you have so much to offer. Procrastination is worse than just going ahead and accepting the consequences for mental health. Usually the decisions you have frustrated yourself over aren't worth the anguish you put yourself through.

Answer 5

Wow...you sound exactly like me! One thing that helps me is to thank God every night for each and every thing that is going well in my life, even if it is something as small as having a calm day at work or a good conversation with a friend. It reminds me that I am fortunate to not be having the horrible problems that some people must deal with every day.

I'm convinced that depression is a chemical imbalance for the most part. Even when things in my life seem perfect I find reasons to be down. It's like I look for them or something! A doctor put me on prozac 12 years ago and it truly changed my outlook on life. I've tried to wean myself away from the prescription because I still don't like feeling dependant on the drug, but I always go back to it. I'm not comfortable going to a psychiatrist, but any family doctor can provide you with samples of of something to try.

Answer 6

I believe that is true depression. When a person has everything and is still unhappy then you know they probably have depression. Go to therapy, lean on those who love you for support. Explore the possibility of antidepressants, they can be helpful. To keep from procrastinating make a list of everything you need to do, as you finish a task, cross it off. I know that sounds lame, but here's what it does, it gives you sense of accomplishment every time you complete something, which in turn makes you feel better. Make another list of everything that makes you feel guilty, sad, angry, etc. then write the antidote as another list, for example, one thing that makes feel guilty is when I don't read to my kids at bedtime, so the cure, read to the kids. Your antidote list should kind of become your rules to live by. Good luck,
M

Answer 7

Read 5 Psalms every day, starting on the 1st read 1-5, on the 2nd read 6-10 and so on. When the month is over you start over and do it again. There are 150 Psalms, when there are 30 days in the month it works out right, when there are 31, just read your favorite. Don't stop. You will be surprised I think. I was suffering from severe depression and trying hard to get through a particularly trying time. I feel like the Psalms reached out to ME! Like I wasn't the only one to suffer heartbreak and get better.

Answer 8

It sounds to me like you are parinoid, you may to be going to a therapist, they can help you come out of your shell and help you to be you, because all the things you just described, i beleive is you, the person within yourself, and your fears of rejection and heartache and other abuse possibilities is what keeps you frozen. It sounds to me also like you have had problems in your childhood and possibly even in your recent relationships that could justify and explain your fears of changeing and the sadness that paralyzes you at times and makes you shrink back into your shell............. Seek help and advice from someone who really can help you........ I believe you described you, you just need a boost in the right direction to open you up and rid you of the fear and sadness and your addiction, whatever that addiction may be. That addiction could be your intire problem and the very thing keeping you in sadness and fear and feeling paralyzed. Good Luck and Blessed Be..........

Answer 9

My girlfriend has the same problem. She just isn't happy and she feels that she should be. I always tell her to focus on the good things in life and eventually things will start to clear up. Do you lay down to sleep at night and find that you can't sleep because you think of all the horrible things in the world or what could be horrible in your life? If that is the case you may need to seek a therapist, not cause your sick, because you need someone who knows where you can go to start finding your answers. GOODLUCK I know what you are going through and hope you find your way.

Answer 10

if you are of the religious type, pray to the Lord. He will come to rescue you.

if you don't care for religion, then your best bet is to talk to a psych therapist, or some good friends. i think its good that you recognize that you have a problem - that fact alone puts you ahead of most other depressed people. the key is for you to realize that you should NOT be depressed, and that you have a lot to live for. family, friends, yahoo answers, etc lol

often times when i feel down about myself i think about how fortunate and lucky i am to be healthy and alive in the world. so many others are going through so much suffering. things could always be worse, MUCH worse

Answer 11

First of all,you have fallen in the trap that society has set for you. You believe that just because you are loved,intelligent and pretty,life is grand. You see it everyday in the commercials that are shown constantly on TV . This is not reality. Pretty and intelligent people suffer from depression also. I would seek medical advise, and I would not be ashamed either. You want to be the best that you can be, Sometimes we need help in doing it.