Can can this person do?

Question

They were diagnosed with depression about 5years ago. Have been through lots (rape, abuse, loss of close ones etc). Have tried everything- medication, therapy, moving away from the problem center etc.

But nothing improves. What is next? Is there anymore that can be done?

(no religious answers please)

Answer 1

Hi Wabby.

How you doing? Hope fine.

There's nothing can be done about that. No matter how long the patient waits, no matter what the doctors do, he/she will always show depression signs.

But doctors often recommend Antidepressant medicines. Antidepressant medicines work by helping to correct the imbalance of certain important chemicals in the brain.
These medicines may take several weeks to be effective, but they work well and are generally safe. There are three main groups of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). SSRIs such as Lexapro are the newest class of antidepressants. They help to relieve the symptoms of depression by increasing the available supply of serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood. But once the patient comes off the medication, he/she would go straight back to depression. So sad. We often call it " Madness" instead of depression.

It's a complicated matter to deal with, Wabby. It is a difficult situation.

Dad.

Answer 2

You have tried therapy. However, you haven't tried all the therapists ! Please, don't let past failures get you down. A good part of life is solving problems. The problem solving process, often involves repeated failure, hitting dead ends, and lot of frustration. The situation often looks hopeless; it never is, there is a solution to every problem.

Often, one is making emotional-headway, i.e., solving their problem, depression, anxiety, etc. However, they fail to appreciate the great strides they have made. One way to appreciate your progress is to engage the "observer-perspective". View your life, and your interactions with others, as if you were a third party. It is an enlightening state of mind; we all can enter. I am sure you have done it, spontaneously, in the past.

Using this technique, I have recently realized, I suffer from excessive empathy. Empathy, is a great quality. However, in my case, the emotion is so strong; it can be, debilitating. It also makes me vulnerable to manipulation. My realization has had some moderating effect on my empathy. It is not the total solution; it is a good start.

Hopefully, you can employ this technique, i.e., step back and watch yourself. Knowledge is power, particularly, knowledge about yourself.

Answer 3

Let me try to put some perspective on this for you.How does a 6 year old child find the courage to wake up each day after they have been told they have terminal cancer.Somehow they are able to focus on getting through each day as best they can.I can't even imagine what it must be like to know that the ordinary dreams of most kids will always be out of reach.Somehow they reach deep within themselves and want to live enough to fight for it.These children did not ask for this terrible fate it was forced upon them.Some roads we travel in life are full of pitfalls and detours.We find the courage to travel into the unknown because our only other choice is to give into our fears and just give up. Tell your friend to try focus on the positives in her life( sometimes we must search for them).Depression is a terrible illness and can not be wished away.Your friend should try a different therapist and different meds.Your friend can take one of two paths,she can take therapy and meds to take back control of her life or she can do nothing and let her depression control her life.I am not a professional so I can not give you professional advice.Depression should not be ignored,it will not go away by itself.Your friend must find the courage to help herself.Find enough love for herself to take the first step.Take care.

Answer 4

You'll have to look hard at the memories that are causing you such anger and pain.
From there, it takes time to let go and heal. It is not a process that can be hurried in any way, so be patient and don't lose hope.