Dealing with Depression?

Question

I've had depression for almost two years now, and have been on mirtazapine for awhile which helped quite a bit- but lately my depression has just gotten loads worse and a lot of the time, to be honest, I just feel enormously hopeless. For people who have dealt with severe depression before- how did you cope? Did you have anything that helped you out day-to-day? Any thoughts or advice here are greatly appreciated- thank you!

(PS- I've been in counseling for a little while now as well, in case you were going to suggest that ;) )

Answer 1

you may be due for a med increase or change. it's fairly common.i've had to have mine increased 3 times in the last 6 years. give your doc a call and tell him what's going on.keep going to the counseler as well.

Answer 2

Chronic depression can be extremely difficult.

Drugs really don't seem to help, I would recommend that you discuss with your therapist a way to get you off of the drugs as soon as possible.

The only thing you can do is put your mind to task on other things. If you wake up in the morning and your mind immediately is thinking sad thoughts right after you open your eyes, get out of bed and start your day. If you find yourself thinking sad thoughts as you are doing your routines, force your mind to think of something else -- do math in your head if it is severe.

Finally, try to change your life. If your job is boring to you, switch jobs. I was depressed for a very long time at one point, and even though the things that I was depressed about had nothing to do with my job, after I left that job the depression went away. Apparently the job just wasn't challenging enough for me, you may be in a similar situation.

If you don't feel your friends are helping you through your depression and this is making you feel worse, then work to find new friends. If sitting at home makes you think sad thoughts, go out. The only sure-fire way to cure depression is to change yourself, change the parts of you that keep you thinking poorly about yourself. If this means that you need to weed some people and some activities out of your life -- and it usually does -- then this is what you must do.

Answer 3

If your current medication is not working, I'd suggest you do some research and find a different doctor who can help you. If you have insurance, try calling the number on the back of your card to ask for a referral for a psychiatrist in your area.

Also I want to tell you that it might be hard to start, but exercise is a great anti-depressant. Studies have shown that a good, vigorous workout has the same effect on the brain as an antidepressant medication. You might also try starting a new hobby like gardening to keep yourself busy and so you can feel like you are doing something productive.

So weigh your options, search for a psychiatrist who will meet your needs and would possibly be willing to evaluate and change your medication, take good care of yourself, eat healthy, exercise, and look to friends and family for support. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Besides medication and counseling I would suggest that if you have a religion that you believe in seek guidance through spiritual leaders in your religious group. I have and it helps quite a bit. Also help others. The best way I have been able to deal with any of my problems is to help others out with similar problems. In many cases you will feel a whole lot better knowing first hand that you are not alone and that others may be going through even harder times. Not that we should be happy that others are having a harder time but that way we can appreciate how good we do have it. Take care and good luck.

Answer 5

Depression can be treated, do not feel desperate.

Counseling is good but you also need to see a psychiatrist who can assess your mental state and recommends the best meds for you. If you are getting worse this may need to be adjusted so don't wait any longer.

Also see your family, friends, people that love you. Try to get involved in some nice activities.

Also check the website below where you can get ideas and get some help on the boards.

Effexor XR is a pretty good anti-depressant but everybody is different and reacts to meds differently too.

You do not need to suffer and live depressed, I assure you there's help and you can get better, believe me.

Answer 6

Hello NomadKate. Do not despair. Sometimes life has ups and downs. I know your down is very deep, but believe me you will be better as time goes by. A year ago I was in "your shoes" I felt horrible, I felt hopeless. The answer of depression....a good combination of therapy+medicines+exercise+will power. Therapy is so important to find the root of the problem. Finding the right medicine is also the key, medicines work differently in each body so you have to find the right one. Exercise is excellent in particular yoga. Will power to get out of your bed each day and try to be involved in the same activities that you used to. (Acupuncture is also excellent). We care. [e-mail]

Answer 7

Does the counseling help?
Have you ever thought of meditational techniques.
Sometimes people need a little help dealing with issues, do you have a close friend or loved one which you might be able to talk with from time to time.
You have to find something which drives you, everyone has something it's just that figuring it out is the key. Do you have a hobbie, have you ever went fishing- this is a soothing tech.
Do you like kids!
Sit back and reevaluate yourself to find your release.
Positive Thinking!

Answer 8

Counciling is good only if you are honest with yourself and you know why you are really depressed. I made a list of things that P'd me off and things that made me tick (that I liked or made me happy). I use counciling as a way of talking through my reasoning for my actions. You already know they cannot give you the answers, they can only ask you questions to prompt you to reason and think about things. Only you have the key to open that door! DO NOT surpress anything ...feelings, thoughts, dreams or anything that bothers you. Look at life as an obstacle course....1 hurdle at a time!
Do as you and your doctor see fit, but for myself, I want a clear head when it comes to having my life in control and thinking clearly. I can't think if I am sleeping or lathargic. Jesus works for me, and he promises you only one day at a time. Live it like you had no tomorrow and you will reap the benefits of your inner beauty and being.
Look at your life this way: the day of conception you had to swim hard and fast to fight to be #1 to make it to the womb and start the process to become who you are. Do you realize you beat out millions of other people who wanted to be in your place?? You already proved you are strong!
You are no accident, your situation is no accident. You are here for a purpose, and you are going through the trials too for a reason....to make you stronger???

Treat your depression as a mystery. Find the clues, find the answers.
You are ok already, you just don't know it yet....afterall we are our own worst enemy and judge. Remember the song, don't worry...be happy! Enjoy the sun, the rain and children laughing in the park at all of the natural wonders of life. Take this to your session. They will agree!

Answer 9

from my experience, i think that taking medication and counseling well really help a lot. and when you find yourself feeling lonely or sad, try to smile. don't let it get the best of you because if you do your depression will over power you. so try to have fun or watch a funny movie. do something that wont let you dwell on your problems or what might be causing your depression. and once you find out what is causing the depression is the only way you'll learn to cure it. its like a math problem, if you cant figure it out it blows your mind, but when you do figure out the answer your mind feels a little less heavy. once i read that drinking/eating vitamins c helps with preventing depression. i believe eating more fruits and veggies also helps the mind and body function properly. but like i said don't let it get the best of you. whenever your feeling sad try to do something that's gonna make you feel happy, OK.

Answer 10

I know it is hard, but you need to rely on people you care about around you to help out. That is what they are there for. Of course keep taking your meds and all of that stuff. Also, I had to tell myself everyday that I would not feel like this forever, even though I didn't really agree with myself about it. I also did things to keep my mind off of it, and I was told to do things that require concentration and thinking, like puzzles and stuff. You could try taking Yoga, to feel calmer and more connected. THINGS WILL GET BETTER!! Then, over time, there will come a time when it is hard for you to exactly remember how it felt to be that depressed.

Answer 11

I think that the best thing you can do is contact your physician and let them know whats going on. Maybe they can up your dosage of medication or get you on something different. I know that depression is hard to deal with and I think that finding the right medication that works for you is probably the most helpful thing. In the mean time, spend some time with your friends and loved ones. That always cheers me up a bit. Hope you feel better!