Depression help.?

Question

I'm eighteen years old and I have a problem. I never feel happy or excited, and nothing seems to make me laugh anymore. I'm constantly tired and I hate doing anything even things I think I should love. I'm always irratible and I can never seem to concentrate. I have panic attacks(Iatrophobia and Mottephobia) and I'm very anxious though usually my body feels tired and relaxed. I hate leaving the house and even if I have a good time when I'm out and nothing goes wrong I have to relive every minute of that day till I drive myself crazy. I hate being like this but I'm scared to ask for help because I don't think anyone will believe me. I've tried very hard for the past nine years to just pretend everything is okay. I'm also affraid that if I do see a therapist that they'll want to put me on drugs. Lots of people in my family are bipolar or have depression disorders and have been put on medication and it has made them worse.

If anyone could give me any advice or suggestions.

Thank You.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I started exersicing a few years ago on the advice it would make me feel better. I do yoga, pilates and strip aerobics. I do try to go outside alone every day to get a little fresh air but I can only do that during winter months as I have Mottephobia. If you do not know what that is I would love to tell you but I cannot even type that word. The only problem with me going through a doctor to get help is that I have Iatrophobia. I have a hard time even typing the word "doctor" let alone getting near a hospital. I believe my father has some kind of depressive disorder, we've never really spoken about it though I know he has been lots of different kinds of medication that have made him worse. My cousin is bipolar and after being put on zoloft and a number of other drugs was institutionalized for a period of time. It scares me the though of putting something into my body that could not only change who I am but make me worse.

Answer 1

It sound like you need to seek help, some people can just see a counselor and do physiotherapy (talk therapy), others do find help from medications depending on the mood disorder. Depression is very serious I know as I am Bi-polar also.You should get testing to determine your type of condition and then seek help for it. You family Dr. could be a starting point and now that you are 18 just be very clear with him that as an adult you expect full Dr. Patient confidentiality and that your parents are no longer privy to your information without yourfull written consent.

Depression test.

http://www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/depres.html

Bi-Polar test

http://www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/depres.html

I do not respond well to the meds but most people do. I am considering CES treatment as an alternative but it is also not for everyone and is a pricey choice requiring a Dr's prescription.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranial_Electrotherapy_Stimulation

Seek treatment of some kind.
Peace
Kevin

Answer 2

I'm so sorry to hear that you feel you are depressed. But i have been in your shoes i know what it's like. I would recommend seeing a doctor and a psychologist or both and i don't think you should take any medication until you understand it thoroughly and it's side effects and it's your decision if you want to take it. Don't forget your only 18 you have many years left and life is not one huge happy hippy ride it's full of ups and downs it's how you handle it that shapes you as a person. I would also recommend eating healthy foods fruit, vegetables, red meat etc no processed foods and going for a walk for about half an hour a day if you can weather permitting and do things like i do watch movies that are funny, go to comedy shows reflect on the good things that are in your life. I'm sure you have some of them. Remember there is always somebody in this world worse off than you. I'm sorry if that sounds cold but it's true life will get better and you will become a stronger person just give it time. I hope you feel better soon : )

Answer 3

First things first. If you have a problem or feeling down. Tell someone what's wrong. Don't keep it bottled up this will work wonders trust me. You can tell a friend or family member. You did good by asking for advice here. Secondly, you said you get tired. This could be from a variey of reasons. One you work very hard and hardly get enough sleep. Or two you are not getting enough oxygen. Make sure you sleep in a well ventillated bedroom. Don't be afraid to go for a walk or even let the windown open in your house.
Air is very healthy for you. We need it to live. If you are working very hard request a schedule change so you wont be waking up as early or going to bed as late. if work is not the problem you could be over sleeping. this is NOT healthy. You only need 8 hours of sleep a day maybe 9 but nothing past nine. Any past that will make your body become sluggish and tired you will feel lazy and staying in bed all day. Making up your mind to only have 8 hours of sleep a day and going for an early morning walk will be very beneficial eating fruits in the morning and reading an educational book in the morning or evening is also good. try praying to the lord and asking him for advice and thanking him for all that you have and bring you into another day. You have much to be happy about there is no reason to be depressed. You can overcome this disorder and without drugs or medication too. good luck.

Answer 4

Maybe you don't want to talk to anyone about it, but I really think that you should. It sounds to me like you have clinical depression, which happens to millions of people. I was diagnosed with it too, when I was 13. Somebody will believe you, I swear, even if you have to call a help line. Don't be ashamed of your illness. Counselling can help, too. Drugs aren't always bad. Talk to your doctor and see what options are available. I used Prozac for several years and I am now depression-free, even without them. I eventually decided I didn't need them anymore. If you do get put on medication, pay careful attention to how you feel. If there is any bad changes in your mood or emotions, stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor. Things can only go up from here, hon. Please get some help. Also, if you like, send me a message. I would be more than willing to help you out as much as I can. Good luck.

Answer 5

I'm Bipolar and I believe you. Being on the medicine Depacote is the only way I can live a normal life. Your solution is to see a psychiatrist. Yes, they will give you a mood regulating medication. You said that you're afraid that they'll give you drugs, but would taking a drug be worse to you than how you feel now? Panic attacks and accute anxiety are AWEFUL to go through night after night, and there's almost no way out unless you go to a shrink or medicate. You can try all you want, distracting yourself with activities, but they won't work for someone with your condition.

Answer 6

You know for about two years I felt bad for no real reason about one day a week, I had more trouble talking to people I didn't know (especially girls), I struggled with school, and didn't want to go on meds in fear of becoming robot like and a complete zombie from the meds. I've been in therapy for those two years that I struggled and constantly shot down the idea of meds. Finally I changed by mind after a couple of significant things happened in my life, and I'm almost upset with myself at the fact that I didn't get on this earlier. My family has alot of history with depression, and it's helped all of us. I don't feel crappy for no reason at all, but when there is something that would make most people upset, I have the normal feelings. Talk to one of the counslers at school and see if they can recomend a psycologist because with the advancements in medicine you wont believe how much better life is when you don't feel crappy for no reason.

Answer 7

Im in the same situation as you. If i were you i would start working out, running or doing some physical activity. This helps alot... it takes away the lazy, tired, depressed feeling and you get more motivated to get things done. Its hard at first but its worth it! I recommend that you stay away from the anti depressant drugs. I have taken them in the past and they just make u feel frozen and not yourself. I would recommend that you see a therapist to just talk to somone about how your feeling and other issuse that have brought you to where your at now. It helps alot to vent and have someone give you feedback on your issues. Hope this helps .... Good luck

Answer 8

The medication does not make you worse, but you can acquire new symptoms that require the meds to be adjusted. It is possible that one med could cover all of your symptoms. When you get to a suicidal stage is when most people finally ask for help. Don't let it get that far. You sound so intelligent and informed. Make an appointment with your doctor and tell them your family history and all of your symptoms. Your life could improve 110%! If you have relatives who seem worse on meds then they need to see their doc for med changes. Best of luck to you!!

Answer 9

True depression--mental illness--is not just the blues or a bad day. It is a chemical illness that can have tragic results. Some forms of depression can affect the body before the person "feels depressed". For example, depression can start with sleep disturbances.
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http://www.starherb.com/healthconcern.as...

Answer 10

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http://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html