What causes depression?

Question

i have been severely depressed for a few weeks now. A few months ago my boyfriend (who i live with) got sick and stayed in the hospital, he was out of work for 2 weeks, so without his income, plus all the medical costs (no health insurance) we have NO money in the bank. We are living pay check to pay check. Because of this we can't buy anyone Christmas presents, which breaks my heart, thats never happened to me. I think this is the root of my depression, but on top of that i have been eating only maccaroni, ramen noodles, and corn dogs for months, and i've stopped exercising. I've heard that that can cause depression also. Anyways, i don't know exactly why i feel so depressed, and how to fix it. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Did you just let it pass? How can i be happy again?

Answer 1

I know that the things you put into your body affect your hormone levels...try taking vitamin b-12 and b-complex with also a mutivitamin. Don't worry bout not being able to get people presents...idea: make homemade christmas cards for them and tell them about how u feel bad that u weren't able to do it this year...everyone at some time goes through dificulties, but that is just it, you go through them you don't stay in them. Have a merry CHRISTmas and keep smiling and laughing that will help:)

Answer 2

First of all he should be back at work now. So the income thing should be fixed. Why care about buying other people presents. If they are your true friends and care about you they will understand. Christmas is not about presents. It is about being with the ones you love. I was depressed and I still take meds. The thing is that it will pass. Happiness does not come from a dollar. Happiness comes from within. Bills can pile up and stuff but get on a plan and pay them off each month a little at a time. This way you don't see it as a mountainous burden all at once.

Answer 3

It's normal to feel the stress and depression you are feeling from this situation. I hope that your boyfriend is okay!

First, lack of exercise and poor diet really are contributing factors to depression. Even clinically depressed people can reduce their depression enourmously by taking daily walks and doing other exercise. I get seasonal depression really badly unless I find a way to walk every day.

Next, the holidays are stressful anyway. Your is compounded by sickness and lack of funds.

My advice? Look online for some recipes for nice healthy soups and other dishes. You can make a HUGE pot of corn chowder, beef stew with veggies or chicken/veggie soup for under $10 that will make 15 servings. An improved diet is a start.

Next. Move. As much as you can. Walking will not only save gas money but will raise your serotonin levels and help you feel like your head is above water, at least for a little while.

Next, work on getting back on your feet. Plan a Christmas in the summer to make up for the Christmas you lost this year. Make your boyfriend a Christmas Card. Tell him you are glad he's okay. And remember that Christmas isn't about gifts, it's about love, oh yes, and Jesus...And remember that Christmas in the Summertime too!

Answer 4

I'm married and have a husband that's always harping on me about lack of money. We aren't exchanging presents with each other but we bought our son a lot of stuff that I had to fight for. He want's me to work but where I live, the job market is non-existent. So, I've been in the dumps lately too. Okay, I've been depressed and it really stinks because I'm a happy, bubbly person but lately -- I'm just not bubbling!

Anyway, I finally went to the doctor to get on an anti-depressant but I haven't started taking it yet because I'm scared of the side effects. If you don't want to try any of the prescribed medication, you could try St. John's Wart for mild depression. It helps if you take it regularly.

It sounds like you have a lot of things going on in your life right now, however, just remember nothing stays the same forever and things will get better for you. Even though I've been feeling really down myself, I keep holding on knowing that I will eventually feel well again.

Good luck and try and have a good Christmas anyway.
By the way, you could make each other a little something, if you are the crafty type!

Answer 5

When you repress your emotions you end up becoming depressed. Emotions have to be expressed. So first off your boyfriend got sick; so you may be repressing fear and or sadness. Now you're angry, disappointed and worried at the lack of money. So get out of the house, go find a wide open space and stamp your feet, scream, rant and rage and cry if you want. Beat up a pillow, bury your head in and scream until you can't scream any more. Get the emotions out and then talk to your boyfriend, he's living with you like this and he deserves to know what your fears and anger is about.

As for Christmas, don't worry about it. Create something homemade like a book of coupons to help those you love, whether it's something around the house or babysitting. Even a small basket with the fixings for soup, cookies or muffins will be appreciated.

Next get off of the heavy carb diet! Get back on to fruits, vegetables and protein and start exercising again.

It's tough right now but it will get better, I promise. Start envisioning things going right and soon they will be. Good luck dear and Merry Christmas.

Answer 6

Clinical depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Either there is not enough of certain chemicals, such as serotonin, or it is absorbed so fast that the brain is in a continual state of deficiency. Nothing external causes it, although outside influences can trigger the symptoms. Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms because exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals that the depressed person's brain often lacks.

You need to get immediate help from a doctor. This is not weakness. If it were your pancreas, rather than your brain, that fell deficient in producing its chemicals, this would be diabetes, not your fault, and anyone would understand going to the doctor. Just because it's your brain instead of your pancreas is no reason to try to take care of it yourself and call it bravery. You need medical attention. If you are considering harming yourself, get off the internet immediately and go to an emergency room. If you can hold off until you can see a doctor during office hours, then do that as soon as possible. God bless.

Answer 7

Don't just let it pass..stress is a major cause of depression
you need to go to a Dr and get help
you need to get on some sort of med to help you cope

i feel bad about you situation
i have been there and not even want to go out at all
on meds i am slowly progressing
as far as Christmas goes...if you can not afford to buy gifts
i am sure that your family and friends will understand
just make some cookies or give them a card..
the things you are eating are bad for you and can worsen the depression
start back working out too..it will make you feel better
of course you can be happy again
this will pass i promise you
best wishes to you and your family
hope this helped a bit
Bren

Answer 8

Wow you do have a lot going on. And you have every reason to feel the way you do. The good thing is that you recognize it. Because money is hard right know, keep talking to friends and family. Keep the communication open with your boyfriend. Try an exersise that helps. It increases your natural chemicals in the brain that help with depression. Remeber though if you get to the point of thinking of suicide please get help.

Answer 9

GUESS what your not alone. I have just been dianosed with sever depression by the doctor. I truly suggest you go to the doctor & talk to him/her about your depression & she how they can help you. I'm been serverly depressed for a very very long time now due to a diffrent situation to you. On top of that we have just had a family break down ect ect ect ect.
It would also help you if you seeked God into your life.

Alli I hope this isnt you: http://www.osoq.com/funstuff/extra/extra...

Answer 10

wow thats a lot, i think you need money and a busy mind. stay occupied force hobbies and exercise on yourself. read a a book, visit an old folks home sumtin. and the money problem wont stop until bf gets better so get some money together and get the med insurance. who knows how long he'll be sick