How do I deal with depression and my bottled emotions?

Question

I know I am really depressed but I just feel very ashamed about that fact. I want to talk to someone but I don't want anyone to know about it. I have hidden and bottled my emotions for at least 15 years; I don't know how to deal with them. What should I do?

Answer 1

I think everybody, at some point or another, can perhaps relate to your statement- you're not alone. I remember when I was 15 or so they world was my emotional roller-coaster-- I was crying one day, extremely ecstatic the next. It wore off for me, and now Im a relatively happy young college graduate.
Anyway, as I digress....I'm not sure what your age is, but I can tell you one thing- you don't have to live in depression anymore.
Without sounding like one of those informercials for depression tapes or a psychiatrist, I think your best options are one of two things (or both- they tend to work best in combination).
1) Speaking to a counselor, therapost, or psychologist. If you go to school, a school counselor is often the best route to figuring out if your bouts of depression are simply normal or if you need therapy and/or medication.
2) Taking an SSRI or another sort of anti-depressant.

There are, of course, other ways to relieve feelings of depression. Exercise is the quickest and most effective way to give your brain a boost of those healthy NTs and endorphins you need to feel good. Coffee is a mild antidepressant, and so is chocolate. You can also take a daily muti-vitamin and fish/flaxseed oil, which really help with mood.

Answer 2

Thoughts off the top of my head: Maybe support groups? I used 'A Course in Miracles' to train my mind (along w/ some relaxation and breathing practices) and it helped (I also used medication because of a combination of depression, OCD, and panic disorder). Recently, a research psychologist taught me a 'resonant breathing' technique that dramatically helps depression (done 20 minutes, twice/day). My friend really embraced AA and is doing the 12 steps and it's working wonders (not pie-in-the-sky stuff). Methinks that some type of mind training is needed -- whether it's cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, zen training, or mind training stuff in 'a course in miracles'. If motivation is lacking and depression is severe, use medicine as a supplement. Sorry I'm all over the place - I'm going thru a slight dip (I'm not using my tools) and, so, I feel kinda hypocritical for answering but ... thought I'd throw stuff out (hope it doesn't overwhelm).

Answer 3

It's important that u find someone to talk to becasue it helps to let go of ur bottled emotions. Why woulnd't u want any1 to know abt it? Maybe there are people around you who really will listen and are ready to help you. Otherwise, when u are alone, cry out all ur worries.
For depression, dealing with it depends on the reasons. Try taking some time out and relaxing. It helps to deal with ur probs more clearly and effectively.

Answer 4

Good question. I wish I had the answer. 'What I have dissevered in my years of existence is that, bottling up any form of emotion is only the expect ions of knowing that , what can we all do about our situations. that accumulate our forms of depression. I know it 's hard to understand why situations, variables, environments, can be so hard on us. But in essences, it's all about perception, it 's all in how we see it, and the way we digest it. I so wish I didn't have the heart ache and may have an influence of where i am today where is am, But I am the only one that can make that choice. Put yourself in a happy place. it might be only temporary, but that could be the path that , but you will get there. LOL

Answer 5

Oh man, are you weird. Depression is for everybody. See a psychiatrist and get a prescription. Don't panic or become offensive. Nothing wrong with you that about 90% of everyone hasn't experienced. Obviously you are about to blow and are telling us about it up front. You probably do not have bottled up emotions. It is probably the explosion that is coming. If you are married I might suggest a temporary separation while you get it together with your health care professional. No reason to put your husband through that kind of ordeal.

Answer 6

you may not believe this but laughter can actually modify you're brains neural activity and so make it part of you're daily to do list, find as many things as you can to make you laugh. videos text etc. if you do it often enough it can decrease the chemicals in you're brain that are causing depression. ever notice that you always feel calm when you lay in the sun? try to get as much sunshine as you can 60 minutes a week should do as it can help promote seratonin in you're body add a little exercise to it @least 10 minutes a day and you should see some good results. you're grades will get better once you learn to control that mood.

Answer 7

Depression is a serious medical condition and nothing to be ashamed of because it is not your fault. Your first step would be to see your Family Doctor. H/She is very familiar with these symptoms. I have suffered from depression on and off for twenty years. You are not alone. It is very common but still there are people who have not been there who say "Snap out of it". You cannot do this without mecical help. Do yourself a big favour and seek help. It is the strong who have the courage to help themselves.

Answer 8

I've been told that depression is anger turned inwards. I prefer the word sadness over depression. A combination of prayer and work is what the desert monks of the 5th century did to overcome such sadness. For me, avoiding people that don't like me, good diet, exercise, good deeds and regular prayer get me out of those dark pits. One time I was so sad I wanted to die. I said, "OK, die. lay on the couch until you are dead." After 45 minutes I got tired of dying and fixed myself a sandwich.

Answer 9

well, you are very much NOT alone with this situation. long story short..counseling is called for. if it should come to meds, my advice would be to consider alternatives first, like exercise, meditation, "energy work" like acupuncture, yoga, reiki, etc. and if something is to be ingested, at least consider homeoparthy and herbs. none of these modalities have any side effects. all western medications do, and some are unusually unpleasant. also, i would be very careful in selecting a therapist, and would speak with " everyone" to get recommendations. also, my bias, i would choose a woman, they are unquestionably more sensitive and more empathetic than men, generally. finally, now that i reflect on it, if any friends, etc. have an acupuncturist they trust, perhaps seeing her first would be helpful, since she could help with determining what energy work might be helpful, and also with suggesting a therapist. best of luck!

Answer 10

HUN YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE YOU REALLY TRUST. YOU NEED TO GET SOME GOOD COUNSELING. OR MAYBE SOME MEDICINE. GO TO YOUR DR. I HAVE MAJOR DEPRESSION WITH BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER AND SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER AND ANXIETY. DON'T PUT IT OFF ANY LONGER. SEEK HELP. ASK GOD HE IS ALWAYS THERE. RIGHT NOW HE IS CARRYING YOU. GOD BLESS YOU