I Feel So Low, i Cant find No Way Out.?

Question

Hello,

I have sufferd from social anexity disorder, and derpression for 4 years. i am also a carer for my mother who has m.s for 12 years.


I have seen many thearpist, Medication, Allertvative thearpys ( the journey, Hypnothearpy) been in hospital, read many self help books.


But i just cant seem to feel better, all the time i am asking whats the points? and i hate life, alot of the time i go in to despair.


I am looking for help and practial advice? i am also looking for some kind of spirtual retreat that might help? or do you know anyone who could help? or any websites?


Thank you for your time xxx i appercate all the answers

Answer 1

try uncommonforum.com its a forum for people with depression etc
good luck

Answer 2

From my experience: Depression is a drug. It is what your brain does when it has too much to deal with: it finds a way to numb that to protect itself, but that ends up being just as addictive as a narcotic.

So the solution is the same treatment that works for drug and alcohol dependency: a 12-step program.

Step 1 is admitting you have a problem. You seem to be doing that just fine. That is actually the hardest step, since it has to be your own realization and, well, depressed people suck at honestly looking at themselves. Been there, done that. :)

Step 2 is admitting that there is a power beyond you. You seem willing to make this step, since you talk about a spiritual retreat. That is a very easy step to do after step one.

I have a link below to the Wikipedia entry on 12 step program, but you can search for other versions. This does actually work for many forms of depression as well as alcoholism and other drug dependencies (which are often tied to depression, too, so it has to cure the depression or the treatment would be pointless).

At any rate, the most important thing to remember: You Are Not Alone. Be honest with yourself and others and have no fear of saying "I am depressed": depression is very common and anyone who mocks or demeans you for it is not worth being in your life.

Answer 3

Hi there

It sounds like you have an awful lot on your shoulders. Taking care of your mother must be exhausting. It is no wonder you are feeling the way you do. I think you need to do two things ASAP, firstly go and speak to your doctor and tell him how you are feeling. Secondly, get in touch with Social Services and see if they can get a carer in to help with the care of your mother, you can't be expected to do it alone. I don't want to sound harsh, but you have your life to live too.

If you have already tried medication etc, it may be that your consultant didn't find the right one for you. What about Group Therapy, I personally (from experience) think that this knocks spots off any one to one therapy. I was in Day Care therapy for 4 months it was wonderful.

Hang in there.

Answer 4

Its strange how people try to feed off of your misery isnt it??? Im sure youve talked to people who dont suffer from and sort of anxiety disorders and ive always felt that talking with someone who doesnt understand what your going through doesnt help. I suffer from anxiety attacks with severe panic attacks. I was wondering if youve tried any antidepressants? If so, did they help? I take ativan which cures my anxiety and worries for a little while, but is addictive. Im only in my first year though. So all i can say to you is to just keep going and try to find smething to be happy for in each day. And it shouldnt be your health! Is hard because you probably feel like you are stuck in a rut that youll never be able to recover from. I hope for your sake that there are time when the depression subsides and you feel "normal" for even a few minutes. That helpes a lot. Email me if you want to talk more. [e-mail] Good luck

Answer 5

Maybe it would not be a bad idea to see if there is any help and support you can get with caring for your Mother as that is a lot for you to deal with on your own especially if you feel depressed. Keep looking for help as the right help is out there for you somewhere and don't give up. You are not alone with the way you feel. Has something bad happened to you in your past? if so you will have to face up to this and deal with it before you can move on. Try giving the Samaritans a call. Good Luck!

Answer 6

You already suffer from an anxiety disorder and you are having to care for you mother who has a debilitating and life threatening condition. Well I'm not really surprised you are having trouble coping, who wouldn't.
1. It might sound silly but make sure you take care of your physical health. It is especially important that you eat a well balanced diet, get enough excercise, drink enough water and get some fresh air. Neglecting this can cause mood swings and depression so as you are already in a vulnerable position it is particular important to make sure you take care of this aspect of your health.
2. Get help. the degree of help offered by the state is deplorable so you may need to find it else were but don't be afraid to ask friends or other family members to help you if you need some time to yourself. You are worthy, you do have the right to that help. You may find your local church can give you some assistance if all else fails.
3. Make time for yourself and you own life. You absolutely have to ensure that your own needs are met as well as your mothers. This isn't selfish, if you don't take care of yourself you can't possible care for her. Keep this firmly in your mind. Write it down on a post it note and stick it on the bathroom mirror if you have to. Many people who suffer this type of condition feel they are not worthy and shouldn't attend to their own needs. Luckily you are clearly an intellegent woman and you can use that intellect to help you. Learn to understand how much of what you feel is just as a result of your condition, how much is natural sadness and frustration, and how much is unavoidable. It is understandable that you are sad and frustrated about your mother's illness, anybody would be, but there are doubtless aspect of the depression which go beyond that..
4. persevere with your theorpist and medication. My mother has suffered from anxiety disorder and depression for over 20 years. for much of that time the condition has been controlled sucessfully with drugs but things change. Everybody reacts differently to drugs and things change as you get older so it is a constant balancing act. It's frustrating and annoying but think of it in the same way as diabetes, thyroid problems high blood pressure or any other similar condition. You need to monitor it constantly, it takes a while to find the correct drug combination and that can change from time to time. The problem with anything connected to the brain or emotion is that doctors can't see if the medication is working by taking a blood test, only you can tell them if it's working.

You evidentally understand a lot about your condition and accept that you suffer from it which is a great start when it comes to managing it.

I wish you every sucess in defeating this condition.

Answer 7

No wonder, Looking after someone with m.s is not easy,i wonder how old you are, if you are still young that answer's a lot of questions.
You need some help and maybe a break from your caring, have you asked social service's for help ? they may be able to take your mum into a home for a while.
Yoga is good and will help you relax. Do you get out at all ?
Good luck love wish you well. x

Answer 8

you have a lot of responsibility, caring for your mother. Your depression and anxiety may be linked to this.
Either way, it seems like you need a break, or a holiday from all this. Has Social Services offered to help, by giving your mother some respite care? You should contact them and see if there is anything like that - often they offer to take the invalid for a week's convalescent care so that the carer, you, can have a break from it all.
Good luck, I hope it all works out.

Answer 9

Your local church will help you find a retreat, may even offer some funding for you. Yes, social services should be able to take care of your mother for a while. Are you part of a carers network, there should be one attached to mss, you do need practical help, and don't add guilt to your heavy load - we are allowed to allow others to help us out. I have suffered dreadful fears and anxiety in the past, but hey, there is a healing holy Spirit, and you're gonna be blessed. Any more I can do, mail me. Peace in your heart.

Answer 10

I can understand where you are coming from. I have dealt with panic disorder with agoraphobia for about 10 years now. It has most certainly been a challenging journey (and I am still on it).

Have you tried a self help group? It helps me to connect with others who are in the same situation as I am. Try www.meetup.com and see if there is a group in your area. I started one for my area for anxiety and panic disorders (and phobias). we have a few people with social anxiety who have managed to come out.

http://www.findthedivine.com/ I just did a search and found this site. Also try http://www.adaa.org/ and http://www.anxietybookstore.com/Bourne.htm HIs book The Anxiety and Phobias workbook was a lifesaver.

Have you meditated on your spiritual wellbeing? By that I mean where you feel you are in this universe. I know for me I am discovering this is the next part of my healing (learning to feel safe and valued and connected to everything).

I hope you get what you need. Hold on okay? Take it moment by moment and be gentle with yourself. You are here for a purpose.

be well. :)

Answer 11

I know you are caring for your mother but could you find the time to join a gym and go about 3 times a week for an hour? Please don't dismiss this as you will find that each session gives you a boost that will last for a day or 2.