depressed and feeling guilty about it...?

Question

In the past I was diagnosed with severe depression, i had a relapse earlier on this year, but over the summer and fall everything was fine...it seems to be creeping back up on me. It is Christmas! I'm staying in at nights, if i can help it, my mood sucks, i have no energy to get to the gym but am pushing myself to go anyways! I do not want this ugly illness to come up again, is there any way I can get over this without letting my family/boyfriend know it is coming back on... i do not want to go through this again and especially the medication!

Answer 1

I suffer from depression too and have to take meds. I've been on them for 7 years. The couple of times I've tried to stop taking them after a few months I find myself feeling so miserable. But it is gradual, so you don't notice that you're not alright until it's gotten serious. My advice to you is to talk to your doctor again. Find the right meds for you...I've tried a couple of different ones before I found what worked for me. You have to be patient because it takes time for them to become fully effective. Many people who suffer from depression have to keep taking meds, just like people with high blood pressure have to take meds. It's the same thing....it's a medical condition over which you have no control. If you're roller-coasting emotionally you might need to be on meds long term, not just temporarily.

Until you can see the doctor I agree with you doing exercise (releases endorphines) and meditation (allows you to clear your mind and focus). In addition to going to the gym, try walking outside. In the winter we don't get as much sunlight and it can affect our moods. It's called S.A.D. - seasonal affective disorder. Basically what it means is if we do not get enough sunlight because winter is so gloomy it affects our brain chemistry, so try doing your exercises or meditation outside everyday.

You don't need to tell your family or boyfriend if they are not able to help you. The last thing you need is someone judging you or not understanding how serious depression is and how little control you have over your emotions. People who don't understand depression think we are weak or self-indulgent and you don't need that kind of feedback right now. If your family and boyfriend are supportive and you think they can help you, then talk to them. Otherwise, do yourself a favor and keep it between you and your doctor or counselor.

Lastly, Christmas is almost over. I personally can't wait. I hate this time of year. But I know in a couple of days my life will get back to normal. In the meantime don't let expectations and stress drive you nuts. Smile, get through what you can, and if you don't have to do something you don't want to do, then don't do it!

Eat some chocolate (again releases endorphines), and watch funny movies because laughing will help you feel better.

Hang in there, girl. You're not alone.

Answer 2

I know how you feel about battling depression and it is disturbing, but don't add guilt into the mix. It may be the stress of Christmas which may be aggravating your mood right now. If it is indeed the Christmas blues, well, that will be over in 2 days. In the meantime, stay away from sugar, refined foods and caffeine. You're doing the right thing by making yourself go to the gym, exercise will help relieve some of the stress. Going out and trying to have some fun may help, too...try to divert your attention to something you enjoy. Talk to the one you feel will be most supportive, you don't have to confide in everyone right now, it may be temporary. It's understandable, though, that the first inclination would be, "not this again". Eat well, sleep well and hopefully it will pass in the next few days. If not, talk to you doctor/therapist after the holidays. Bless your heart, feel better and hang in there the next couple of days, don't feel guilty either, alot of people feel the same way during the holidays, it may be temporary. Have a Merry Christmas and be healthy.

Answer 3

I'm concerned that you don't want your family/boyfriend to know that your depression is coming back on. Perhaps they know the medications helped you before, and might want you to take them again. I hope you'll let your loved ones help you. By the way, medication can help prevent a longer recovery from your depression. I'm sorry if my focus on meds isn't exactly what you wanted to hear. Take care.

PS Rent some silly movies and share belly laughs with someone you care about. I liked "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and "The 40 Year Old Virgin."

Answer 4

For just normal "feeling blue" exercise can help, as can laughing - reading funny books, seeing movies that make you laugh. But for clinical depression, you may need more help. I'd encourage you to see the doctor who diagnosed you in the past. You may or may not be having a relapse - the holiday season is a particularly rough time for many people - but it's important that you check with a trained professional and don't wait until you're deep into it to get help. Good luck!

Answer 5

Maybe doing some kind of activity like yoga classes.... or something like a new hobby, join a club, read a book. Something else to focus your thoughts and energy on. I heard girls like to go to the spa. I force myself out of the house, like getting up for work...lol. I think it's also good when you can be open and honest with your significant other. Life is good, not to mention the fact that your good looking. Hope you feel better and have yourself a Merry Christmas.

Answer 6

melancholy, via and massive, is led to via a chemical imbalance on your thoughts. You wont have the skill to regulate this imbalance utilising good judgment, you're able to talk with a physician and notice if there is something he can do for you, which includes drug scientific care. Being sixteen you will could talk on your mothers and dads approximately this, which will in all threat be the toughest area appropriate to the entire element, yet as quickly as you get previous that and are below the care of a physician, and provided you adjust to what ever therapy he prescribes, issues gets greater effective! you could ask your mom to no longer talk this with anybody different then you certainly or the physician, and you will refrain from telling any of your individuals. in this sort you could stay away from any undue embarrassment or feeling the could debate or clarify issues to human beings you're able to extremely no longer talk with approximately it with. the important element is to get some help! in case you permit those emotions fester and boost you're able to be able to finally finally end up having a frightened injury down, and if that have been to take place, your skill to maintain your "difficulty" on the Q.T. (secretive) would be oftentimes impossible.

Answer 7

Don't feel guilty about it. Tell your family maybe they can help you. Or find you "band-aid" and spend a few days alone like on a vacation. Works every time. Chocolate, fluffy animals, yoga, health junk ect. Don't go to the gym. Try running or jogging in your local park. I prefer to be alone and cuddle up in my chair with a bag of crasins and bottled water and spend hours reading. Meds suck but they do help sometimes. Better than seeing a freakish counselor

Answer 8

Depression is not something you can "cure"-it can be treated, it can be managed and it can be overcome-but not without help. I can't imagine your family/boyfriend would not want to help and support you in this. Many people gave good tips for helping keep your spirits up, but the closeness of loved ones may be the most important help of all, especially in the holiday season.

Answer 9

Please don't beat yourself up. Christmas is a time where depression really hits hard for a lot of people.

I have suffered from depression myself and it is a b%$^ at times.

Can i recommend meditation for you? Just sit for 5 minutes a day, eyes closes, spine straight, and try and clear your mind. it will work wonders, I promise you. Do this 5 minutes a day, every day.

And love yourself...you have as much right as anyone else to be here.

Answer 10

I understand your feelings, I have noticed the same about myself. I know I "should" be on medication, but hate the thought of going thru THAT again....combinations, trials, symptoms, ect.. But the depression and overall feeling of dread, sadness, and lethargy is overwelming at times. You have to decide (as do i) wether this is somthing you want to live with as is, or manage.. Because mental health issues, dont go away with medicine, and therapy-- they are better managed. Its somthing you have to live with and understand.. try going to a therapist, or talking to a doctor. You may want to start with vitamins, and other natual things, and excercise and nutrition... Christmas however always has a universal effect on many of us... worse if we already have issues. Try not to focus on the big picture, its overwelming. Narrow your focus, on you and your wellbeing..taking time for you, your needs.. and empowerment. The worst thing you can do is keep it to yourself...that in of itself makes things worse. A support system is there for a reason, to help you thru these times. Things multiply when you try to hide them and get over it yourself. You may feel fine for a few months or more, but triggering stress and other things can make it all come back, -- like an eating disorder for example, you can be in recovery and one binge or restriction, can make you feel like your back in the old habbits or feelings.. but stop and breath, and start over, one pill at a time, one phone call , one good thing for yourself...Dont feel guilty for feeling depressed. You may have evrything and a good life, but how you feel, is your truth.. acnowledge it and find ways to combat it. Learn to live with your mental health by Maintaining it daily...it doesnt just go away-- its managed. Goodluck and feel free to email me.. even if its just to talk.