Depression?

Question

I've been depressed for years now. But recently, my friends/teachers found out that I feel this way, and found out that I cut myself regularly. Then my teachers told me to talk to my counsoler, and he told me to see a social worker at the hospital. I really didn't want to even talk to anyone about my problems, so I just went along with it, and hoped that they won't bug me ever again. Well after a week or so, the social worker FORCED me to see a psychiatrist. I agreed - hoping that this is the FINAL time they'll bug me. Ever since that, I've been cutting myself more, and my mood is all over the place. One day I might be really happy, and other days I might be really down. But weither is a happy days or sad day, I end up cutting myself. So, I know I can't stop myself from cutting, but is there anything I can do to stop these mood swings or something?

Answer 1

Ok, listen very carefully - I promise you that cutting yourself is a phase that you'll get through; that one day, you'll be able to appreciate a wonderful day without cutting, and that you'll be able to survive a bad day without cutting. I used to cut, and I'm telling you that it's possible... It's not like I don't have the urge still, and I've had relapses, but I don't *need* it anymore... But, just as a word of caution, make sure that your knives are clean and that you're keeping your wounds clean. The last thing you need is to have to go to the hospital because your wounds got infected... Just think of all the hassle that'll involve. BTW, if you're interested, check out the first link... It tells you some ways to get over cutting. It never worked for me, but I just liked being able to read material that didn't automatically condemn cutting as bad...

Anyways, about your mood swings. You probably have some degree of bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive syndrome). Basically, this means that you have extraordinary happy high days and then you also have really awful, someone-give-me-a-reason-to-die-because-I-seriously-can't-think-of-one days. Bipolar disorder is caused by a CHEMICAL imbalance in your brain - it's a completely physical imbalance, like having bad eyes and having to wear glasses or contacts. There are pills that you can take to help you with your mood swings, and now that you're with a psychiatrist now, you might try hitting him/her up for a prescription. BUT, just remember that pills don't work for everyone (didn't do a thing for me) and that they usually have to be taken everyday for a very very long time. However, I do know a lot of people on drugs (medecine) and most of them are finally able to live their lives because they've started taking them.

All the best to you and stay strong!

Answer 2

Depression is an illness and it is treatable. You don't need to go on feeling like you do. If you broke your leg you would see a doctor. This is no different. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Cutting yourself is your coping mechanism (like a plaster cast on a broken leg) but although it's harmful it is adictive (just like smoking or drinking or drugs) so you will continue until you can manage the depression.

I have suffered from Dysthymia since my childhood and for most of it went undiagnosed so I had no help or support until I was 30. I have had three major depressive episodes as an adult. The first took me 9 months to get over, then second 6 months and as for the third - well I've been off work for a couple of weeks now, on meds for two and should be starting attending CBT and other psychotherapy sessions next week - so who knows... But at least now I can see it coming so I don't feel half as bad as I did first time. I can cope with it now.

One thing I can say is that the psychotherapy works. There are many different types - try them all if you can. Find what works for you. CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) works for me but everyone is different.

Please find a psychiatrist you can trust. Take their advice. Take medication if that's what they prescribe. Join groups and classes and talk to others in a similar position to you about how you feel. There is no shame in being ill. Once you start to talk to others and realise you are not alone in this it will feel as though a huge weight has been lifted.

The people around you, your teachers, your counsellor, the social worker, they are all trying to help you. It's difficult to do but accept their help and allow yourself to be guided by them to a place where you can learn to be happy, and learn how to live without cutting yourself.

If you really want to find happiness then you will have to work at this - it doesn't come for free, there is no magic. Its like learning a skill, or losing weight - what you get out of psychotherapy is directly related to the effort you put in. You have to be determined and not give up. You will still get days when you will feel down but with effort the downs will come less often and be less severe. Then you will find your own happiness.

There are some good books out their but most should be used together with a therapist as they are often too complex to follow on your own, particularly if you are depressed. The depression can make it difficult to concentrate, making the books harder to follow.

Try some of the internet support sites - like the Depression Alliance in the UK.

Most importantly, get help, proper medical help from a psychiatrist and allow yourself to be supported by others. And give it time, it will take months for you to feel better but you can get there.

Answer 3

You really need to speak to the psychiatrist about why you cut yourself, feel depressed, etc. He/she can recommend some meds and other ways for you to try to reduce the "need" to cut. Finding a support group, is always a great way to find others that deal with the same things you do. When you figure out the reason why you cut, you will e able to figure out what the "triggers" are that make you feel the need to do it. Identifying the reason is the start to healing.......

Answer 4

First of all, you need to stop cutting yourself. It doesn't work, you still have the depression and mood swings, so cutting isnt working.

You should see a doctor, you may have a disorder that you need medication for. Bipolar, and many other mood disorders are common. The first thing you need is an anti-depressant. see the psychiatrist, be honest with him/her and get help for yourself. You can stop yourself from cutting, throw all the objects out, find something else to do when you feel the need to cut. Go talk to someone. Stop Cutting!!!

Answer 5

Give your body sufficient rest each day
Maintain a reasonable diet. Avoid overeating
Engage in proper and regular exercise, such as brisk walking
If something worries you, talk to a friend about it
Spend more time enjoying your family
Delegate or share household chores
Know your own physical and emotional limitations
Set realistic goals; do not be a perfectionist
Be organized; have a balanced, reasonable schedule
Cultivate meek qualities such as mildness and patience
Set aside some time for yourself

Answer 6

If you are seeing a doctor, they would give you medicine to stop it, that is what they do.
You cant cut yourself if you think like others , that it is a dopey thing to do. Just change your view of what cutting is in your mind.
It is just a way of throwing a tantrum in secret. that is all cutting is. Stop wallowing in self pity and grow up. Then you will be more active and be happy .
If you were alone on an island, I guarantee you wouldnt cut yourself, because there would be no one to tell or show. So it would do you no good.

Answer 7

well, if ur just a teenager, like myself, u have mood swings naturally
or else there is something deeper, maybe bipolar
but either way, ur doin good by recognizin u have a problem
but a way to stop cuttin is maybe standin back and thinkin,
this really hurts, would someone honestly do this to get rid of their problems
sure, we all have problems, but cutting ourselves up isnt the answer
just stop being a wuss and face ur problems, head on

Answer 8

I am glad you went to see a therapist and psychiatrist. How it works is by staying on therapy, it wont resolve over night. If you really want help, you must stay on therapy. If you do not want to see them, ask yourself do I REALLY want to get better? If you did not like the therapist or the psychiatrist you saw, find some one else until you find one that you like. I understand this because I have the similar issue.

Answer 9

I have severe depression myself.
Sadness, mood-swings, suicdal thinking,
the whole sha-boodle. What I'm doing is
starting to talk to a theripest. I had JUST started doing
this, and if my theripest thinks it's something dangorous
for me, I'll have to get medicine for it.

Maybe your psychiatrist will help you out... and you should
think about taking some medicine as well. It's what's best.

Answer 10

first thing I would like you to know is you can stop cutting yourself..... remember that.....

Depression is a symptom .... talking does help but finding the right person to talk to is what is difficult.......
Also there is anger in the air so to speak.... and many of us just need to vent it out.... 2 safe places to vent.... find a private place (your room when no one is home) or in the middle of the wilderness where there is no one around and have a good old fashion temper tantrum... don't take out these emotions on your body... that's what gives you life.

then after the build up of negative energy is released that's when you speak to others or and find a pleasant activity to replace the negative with positive energy.... please try this.