I've been struggling with depression. What should I do?

Question

Ever since I was about 11 years old, I remember my life turning around [I don't know why] but I became depressed. I thought of suicide and other terrible things. I hated my life and I still do..

I'm 18 years old now, and I want this gone. I'm sick of going through 1 happy day a month IF that.. anymore its rare. I'm never happy. I'm afraid to do anything, I get paranoid about what people think of me. I think I'm the ugliest person on earth. I believe I'm over weight [5'3, 135lbs]. I just want this all to be gone.

Do I have to take medicine to make it go away? & Do I have to go to a psychiatrist [sp?] to help me? I really don't want to talk to a stranger, I've been dreading that all my life. & I really didnt want some kind of pills to make me happy..

Do you have any advice? Anyone in my shoes or.. were in my shoes?

Thanks

Answer 1

Yes. It is a common illness and nothing to be ashamed of. There are antidepressants and therapy that can help you. You are not overweight. You can start with your primary Doctor, talk to him/her and tell them how you feel. I am also a doctor and hear this complaint quite often. Please go and speak with your doctor. Usually this is very treatable, and you can get on with a quality life. If you would like anymore information feel free to email me. Good luck!

Answer 2

I had the same problem and I sure didn't want to talk to a psychiatrist, a friend who had been going to a psychiatrist talked me into going because it had helped her. I went to a psychiatrist and also took anti depressants and after about 2 years I was able to stop both and have only had occasional days of sadness since. I didn't realize how long I had been depressed until I was no longer depressed. 2 years may seem like a long time but it was 15 years ago and worth every minute to be happy now. It only takes 2 weeks to a month for the antidepressants to start really making a difference. You are worth it good luck.

Answer 3

I have battled depression my whole life as well. I was diagnosed as bi-polar at the age of nine. I have taken all the meds that can be prescribed for depression, but to no avail. I am now 25 and med free, and for the first time in my life, finally able to step over that horrible part of my past. I can completely understand everything that you are feeling. To be completely blunt and honest with you, the ONLY thing that has helped me to over come depression is to really study other people. Realizing that no one is completely happy, or entirely loves EVERYTHING about themselves, and to understand that you are NOT the expception, can really be an eye opening experience. I would also reccomend writing in a journal. Putting your thoughts in to words can help you to analyze and get to the root of what it is that you are really thinking, and why you are feeling the way that you are about certain situations. Also, tell yourself POSITIVE things. When you look in the mirror, say out loud something nice about you. When you wake up, say out loud "There are people in this world that LOVE me". It may sound silly, but we all need these constant reminders that we are worthwhile.
Don't let people take advantage of you. Stand up for yourself when necessary. Take on something that you enjoy. It could be a 30 min walk every day, or volunteering to help with a local animal shelter. Get out there and live your life for YOU. Don't worry about what other people think about you if they care, they don't matter anyways. I really wish you the best of luck.

Answer 4

Dear one, Many of us and still in your age group are struggling with this questions...When you are 11 the hormones starting to change and maybe depression runs in your family. May you are not raised in loving environment where you could be what you are...
I will give you some of my articles and you have to figure things out for yourself. BUT you have all the right to be happy and whole and beautiful. It might not be the way ou have expected how but...give it a change. Start to go out and see people..people who you trust, listen to yoru inner voise...inside yourself there is all you ned to know an from there you will atract more good things and work, have job...empower your self be part of this world....Try hypnosis see my list and or EFT. Think less of your self and allow some anger as anger is a step up from depression...In the meantime picture yourself who you want to be- one minute a day -or more if you can. It is a long way but o so worth travelling....Love to you.
P.S. when you are above 40 and you will see pictures of when you were a teen ..you will see how beautiful you are...strang that we can not see this in the moment?????

Answer 5

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 6

Hey, in your shoes as we speak. I've been on the meds and seen the doctors, it can be even more depressing to deal with if you don't find the right one to see. I'm in the midst of trying out some advise I was given. Try surrounding yourself, in your everyday life, with things that make you happy. I know this sounds very generic, I thought so too, but come to find out, it seems to be working okay. I keep things around me all day that make me happy. It could be as simple and little kid as a stuffed animal that is just too cute, or a saying that helps so much, I wrote it down and have it on my desk. There is also a book I've begun reading, its the Tao Te Ching, the english translation. It helps me think of things in a more simple manner, instead of stressing over everything. If you need to talk to someone who's there with you, email me.

Answer 7

I were stricken by submit partum melancholy for the previous one 3 hundred and sixty 5 days when I gave start to a toddler boy. i could not supply up questioning about how my husband loves him better than me and how issues should be better effective if he wasn't born in any respect. to that end, I stayed remote from him because I knew that i'd do something i will remorseful about for something else of my existence. purely about proper away I went to a therapist and convince them that i decide on help. between different issues, i have tried organic supplementations and different e book to address melancholy yet not something works like the melancholy loose technique. So now i'm proud to say i'm between the happiest mom contained in the international. My husband loves us both very a lot and that i thank the Lord for the blessing he gave us. melancholy loose technique?

Answer 8

I admire you so much for deciding to attack this problem. I think you will feel much better once you feel like you are in control of this rather than being controlled by it.
There are a number of things you can try in order to achieve this control.
1. Be in the absolute best physical condition you can so that your system will be able to fight. Every day get some exercise even though you may not feel like it. Eat healthy, take vitamins, get enough sleep, drink adequate water. Depression is an enemy and you need your strength to fight it.
2. Visualize the depression itself as a big ugly slob that has been hanging onto you and pulling you down for too long. Let this despicable slob know that you are done tolerating it and will be evicting it from your life. You can do this by writing down your intentions in a journal or just speaking them out loud.
3. Control your environment. You get to be the boss of you. This means you get to decide what you let into your head, heart, mind, eyes, ears, mouth, personal space, etc. Fix your room up to be comforting and serene for you. Choose the paint colors you like and textures and art (make your own) that you enjoy. It's fun. You decide what music you are going to listen to and what images you are going to allow into your head. If something brings you down, then ban it from your life for the present time.
4. Surprise your depression. Shake up your routine a little. Get some sunlight. Do something different. Depression absolutely thrives on routine. It is like anything that you practice regularly. You get better at it the more you do it. The synaptic pathways are laid down and your thinking rolls along them like a train on a track. To derail this train, you have to surprise it. Throw it a curve. Do something unexpected. When depression thoughts start, immediately do something that you do not usually do. Break the cycle. Take a self-defense class, join a book discussion group at the library, go for a long walk, drive to the store and buy something you want, etc. Just do something different.
5. Creative outlet. Do something creative that you enjoy that absolutely occupies your mind. It can be writing, painting, drawing, reading, pottery, etc. Whatever you enjoy.
6. Make a plan. Write down how the depression effects you and how you respond each time. Then decide a different tactic. Write down your plan. Be very specific. For example, if a negative thought appears in your mind, decide that your response will be to do 10 jumping jacks or pushups. That is just an example. You need to be the one to decide what your plan will be. But you will feel better if you have a plan.
7. Have some stress free time for yourself. For instance, when you go take a long bath, make it a rule that depression does not get to come in the bathroom with you. It will have to wait out in the hallway. Be strict and stern about this because the ugly slob will want to follow you. Put your foot down and don't let it. Bath time is YOUR time.
8. Find someone kind to talk to.

If you are unable or unwilling to see a doctor or be put on medicine, then you will have to be your own doctor. Take the job seriously. Protect your patient (you) and look out for your patient's best interests.

I hope this helps. Best wishes, dear!

Answer 9

The main thing is to get some kind of help in terms of therapy and medication if needed. Don't be ashamed at all. Be strong and be proactive. You have a beautiful life ahead of you. You are young and fortunate that you are asking these questions now. There are some awesome drugs out there that really help also, I know first hand. Contact me anytime. [e-mail]

Answer 10

My dear, I was in your shoes for many, many years. I would suggest that you see a doctor immediately. There is a wonderful world out there once you've been on medication.

Don't worry. You will see the sunshine in your life but you must get help immediately. I have been in your shoes and it's not a good place to be. Don't give up hope. Help is available for you. Good luck.