I feel so depressed.?

Question

I have depression and used to go to my university's counseling center but i stopped because i didnt feel like it was helping. I need someone to talk to and someone to motivate me to do something about my depression because i know i need a lot of help, because i have other problems along with depression.

Answer 1

Depression??
you are not alone.
everyone (including all humans) get depressed at least once in their lives.
think about this.
you spend a lot of time thinking about yourself.
how much time do you spend thinking abut other people??
you are one in 6.8 billion if you only count Homo sapiens.
spend a little more time on some other perspectives.
you may come to find that you don't have it so bad after all.
i have seen firsthand 3rd world poverty.
go to Villalobos,outside of Ciudad Guatemala or Juarez Mexico sometime?? it sucks.
i hope you find your way.
spoonman

Answer 2

Get back to counseling. If you're still at the University, go to the counseling center. If you're in a large city there should be many counselor available...even counseling centers that charge on a sliding scale. For depression, best medicine is exercise. It is impossible to feel depressed while exercising. So when you really feel down, try to motivate yourself (tough, huh?) to run around the block. If ou can get into a regular exercise program at least an hour a day it will help your depression. Basically, exercise and see a counselor. Good luck.

Answer 3

First, you should see a psychiatrist to get anti-depressants. Drugs like Prozac and other "SSRI" drugs are very effective. They are non-addictive, safe for long-term use and generally free from major side-effects. These drugs work by fixing a common problem in the brain chemistry of most depressed people.

Next, you should exercise every day. I suggest going for a run or brisk walk outside. This helps in three ways. The excercise increases your body's own production of "happy" hormones. Second, it improves your energy level and physical health. Poor health and tiredness make depression worse. Third, outside air (especially sunshine) help depression.

These are the two quick fixes. Beyond that, understand that depression is usually rooted in the fear of shame. There is usually something about yourself that you don't like. You may be afraid of failure or may be blaming yourself for problems in your life. Don't do this.

I would suggest resuming going to the counseling center. The counselors there will probably not cure your depression, but they provide you with an outlet that helps you cope with it and perhaps keeps it from getting worse.

Here is a fact to keep in mind. 97% of people who go through an episode of major depression feel much better within two years. I'm not saying it will take exactly that amount of time for you, but you can rest assured that you will feel better as time goes on.

In the meantime, try to focus your attention on the things that are immediately around you instead of worrying about the future or lamenting the past. Try to find some type of pleasure in the little things in life, such as enjoying the scenery while you drive, listening to music, etc.

If your depression is seriously affecting your school work, consider taking a light load of classes for a semester and doing something to change your environment, like getting a job that interests you or spending more time working out or traveling.

If your relationship with your family is good, spend as much time as you can with family (or on the phone if you live far from home). Spend time with friends or even acquaintances. Being in the company of others helps.

Answer 4

Speaking as someone who has suffered depression, let me say thanks for reaching out.

Your university counseling center isn't the only resource you may have in your community for dealing with depression, but it is a good start. If you don't want to have counseling through them, see if they can recommend an off-site LPC, Psychologist, or LCSW. In most states, each of these are licensed to deal with mental health issues like depression.

If you simply don't feel capable of speaking with a trained professional about your feelings, you may find it easier to talk with a friend, fellow student, clergyman, or other peer. You may also want to speak with your doctor. Although I don't recommend it on a casual basis, he can prescribe an anti-depressant...and they do help if given the TIME to reach a therapeutic level. A better suggestion is to get a referral to a psychiatrist, who specializes in depression. They can prescribe based on a more detailed assessment of your depression, and you may find it helpful to see someone other than your regular doctor. I know I did (at least at first).

Most articles I have read recommend a combination of counseling/therapy and anti-depressants to get through a serious depressive phase. Again, you'll know what works for you and what doesn't...and feel free to TELL the people you are asking for help when something ISN'T working. They should be able to help you find other strategies/support methods for dealing with your depression.0

Admitting you are depressed is the first step...and you've already begun the second: Seeking help. The hard part is to keep going for help, even when you feel like it isn't doing any good.

Trust me: It may take time, and it make take moving from one counselor/therapist to another, but eventually you will find someone you feel capable of opening up to about your feelings, and then you really may begin to find the roots of your depression. Along the way, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the other problems get addressed in positive ways as well.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Think about Chuck Norris
What would he do?

Round house kicking the counselers in the university counseling center for not helping?

Beat up the boogey man?

eat midgets for dessert?

run down the dormitories blasting a air horn while screaming earthquake?

Answer 6

Same boat here honey. We relize we are depressed yet even with counseling it seems as though the answers we look for are never answered. Just more questions. I have tried anti depressants and counseling as well. anitdepressants made me feel suicidal and counselors just pump up ego's. didn't help me at all.

Answer 7

first thing is i know it took alot just to admit that....the next is go to counseling...someone listens if nothing else and it can help you make everything better (because really only you can do it) but having the support is necessary for when you feel so down. try every day just to find one thing to be thankful for...(its silly but look at the sky and be thankful for the rain...or be thankful for your toaster that you can make toast...etc. doesn't have to make since)if every day you find one more thing to be thankful for .....pretty soon things get a Little bit brighter.....good luck and best wishes to you.

Answer 8

Get a therapist or psychiatrist. Counseling is good and all but not good enough. What type of depression is it?

Answer 9

See a psychiatrist you may need extra help in the form of medication if you have a mental illness that you cannot control. Also get a real therapist it helps

Answer 10

*rolls eyes* That sure explained a ton.

What type of depression have you been diagnosed with, or what's worrying you.

Why not get a friend that could help you? I mean, I just have fun counseling myself by telling my friend to do crazy things, like nuke the school, or hire a hitman.