Depression since I was 3 years old... will it ever go away?

Question

I've been told by my mom that I have been in depression since I was 3 years old ( a doctor told her I had depression) because of my dad's death and since then... seems like I always been in depression. When I was arround 13, I attempted suicide ( I thank god everyday that it didnt work) then got some mental health care. And about a month after, I was free to go. I really think it didnt fix the problem... I dont feel like suiciding because I know that I want to live... but I dont enjoy life. Is there any way time fix this?

Answer 1

Yes, time helps (especially if you're still a teenager; things DO get better. Being a teenager is, in my opinion, exceptionally hard), but you probably need extensive councelling with someone who will truly listen to you. You most likely have feelings of emptiness and loss, perhaps some anger and self esteem problems as well. A good councellor can help you re-write the script of your life in order to find peace with your past and happiness and contentment with your present - and hopefully excitement for the possibilities of the future.

Answer 2

THAT IS A BIT YOUNG TO HAVE DEPRESSION, COULD BE A SELF FULLFILLING PROPHECY, since u were told by your mom and you probably learned to believe it to be the truth. It is amazing what the mind starts to believe when you are told something (especially negative) Subconsiously, I bet if she kept telling you you were happy and what not, chances are you would start to believe that too. Your mom no doubt loves you, but not kn owingly could be sabatoging your recovery. It is best if you caould all talk with a professional together. First yoou, and then your mother. I am sure there are a lot of ,memories that have been rehashed over the years regarding your dad, and even though u may remember vagually, 3 years old is way too young to feel depressed and suicidal still to this day. mEDS COULD BE KEY; HOWEVER, SOME HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO WORSEN SUICIDAL IDEATION. yOU NEED TO FIND THINGS/A PASSION FOR LIFE, DEFINATELY LONG TERM COGNITIVE/BEHAVIOUAL THERAPY OR JUST A GOOD SUPPORT PERSON TO TALK TO WHEN THINGS GET DOWN (SAVES MONEY TOO). eXERCISE TRIGGERS ENDORPHINS IN YOUR BRAIN ALONG WITH OTHER PLEASURABLE ACTIVITIES, WHICH RELEASE THE SAME FEEL GOOD PROPERTIES FOUND IN MOST MEDS ANYWAYS. State of mind my dear. But remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and counselling and meds won't be a quick fix either, Maybe you need a second opinion. Get to the root of the problem. It is how you think and feel that determines what the outcome of your actions are. How old are you now, because if you are an adolescent, the therapist will have to really weigh the benefits of any medication and the riskd associated with your age group. Try imagery, soothing music, pampering yourself, being with friends or volunteering with animals (excellent therapy). Yoga, deep breathing and meditation. But Please Call or talk to so,eone!!!

Simone Le, Dipl. H.S Child and Youth Counsellor

Answer 3

Sounds like therapy/counselling will help you to determine why you feel the way you do, and how to move on. It doesn't take the problem away, but maybe you didn't need to know at a young age that you were 'depressed' as that is going to affect you in later life.
You may be of a predisposition to depression, but it sounds like there could be a lot of factors contributing to the way you are, and not just your father's death. Being brought up as a child with depression must have had some effect too.

I hope you get the proper treatment soon.

Answer 4

You need to understand that going to counseling isn't something that "fixes you" and then you go merrily on your way for the rest of your life.

Counseling should give you tools to help you cope with whatever comes your way that can trip you up. I don't buy the idea that you've been "depressed" since 3, I do think that you have most likely been grieving. There is a difference. Have you felt that you've fully grieved your fathers death? I know it is a life-long hole that he left, but I mean once you can come to terms with what happened, it should resolve some things.

It also depends on how your mother and other relatives handled this death too. If she never really fully grieved and that affected her, it affected you too.

I suggest you find out what you are here to do, your purpose in life. When you focus on others and are productive, you don't focus too much on you and your problems. Then, I suggest you find a good counselor for talk therapy and discuss grief and family issues. I also suggest you read some good books to boost your spirituality. If you don't have a spiritual life you don't have much to fall back on.

Answer 5

Instead of sad things try to think of happy things that are going on in your life. Like your friends. Thank God you still have a Mom. Happy that your God is a lot happier in heaven. Just try and pray to God that you see the glass half full. Try to look at the shinny things rather then the dull.

Answer 6

See site below and improve your lifestyle. You can be getting everything you need except for 1 tiny thing and that can cause depression. You should be doing something to IMPROVE mental health like yoga or meditation or martial arts.

It could be sunlight, B-12, other B vitamin or lack of omega-3 fatty acids that can cause depression. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. It can even be a lack of exercise or not enough sleep.

Answer 7

Try The Mood Cure.
http://www.moodcure.com/