Question for people who have depression: how do you cope with it?

Question

I'm severely depressed and have been for over 7 years. But lately i've been feeling worse. It seems like every year that passes, my symptoms get worse. I have absolute no energy or motivation to do anything, even things I once loved to do. I feel like I'm going crazy, i dont know what do to anymore. I tried to get help from my family, but when i told them that I've been depressed for years, my sister laughed and my mom didnt believe it was serious.

look, i have tried to self-cope and try to think happy thoughts and try to make my life better, but it doesnt work. Its a cycle, i feel good one day, the next i want to die.

I really cant take it anymore. i've been living like this for a long time and i'm sick of it. i know theres ppl out there who feel the same way as i do, so my question is how do you cope and get through each and every day, without succumbing to suicide?

Bill: i started getting depressed when my father died. i never got over it. my it just snowballed to major depression throughout the years. also, my life in general sucks. I have nothing.

Answer 1

Rudie, I totally understand. You describe my life perfectly except I became depressed after my daughter was born and I started having problems with her father. For me, unfortunately, it took having a breakdown at work that led to a 3 day inpatient stay at the mental ward. But, I do think this is what I needed. I didn't really want to commit suicide but I did want to die. The only thing that stopped me was the thought that my daughter would have to live with the aftermath of my suicide. Thinking "good thoughts" doesn't help. It really is a chemical imbalance that usually needs drugs to treat. I also found a great therapist who has helped me realize the importance of staying on my meds. And it has been a great help having someone to talk to - someone safe and nonjudgmental. Its taken a long time to get where I am, but I am doing much better now that I am on the right meds and learned coping mechanisms from my therapist. Start by talking to you regular doctor, who may refer you to a psychiatrist. Don't wait. You deserve to be happy. It can happen no matter how miserable your life might seem right now. I'm sure that part of the reason you hate your life is due to the depression. So, please get the help you need and I'll keep you in my thoughts. Good Luck!

Answer 2

First, it is a very good thing that you are willing to open up about having depression. Most people that have it try to deny it or pretend there's nothing wrong. It does disturb me that your family doesn't seem to understand how serious depression is. If they won't listen to you, that doesn't mean that nobody will, seek therapy from a doctor or even from other people who are depressed and know exactly what you're going through. Medication can be helpful as well, but mainly just talking about it should help loads. Remember, you are not alone. Next time you feel suicidal, find someone to talk to immediately (and make sure it's someone who will take you seriously) there are many different hot lines in your area you should become familiar with. Have hope and faith in everything you do, and continue to be strong and you will overcome this.

Answer 3

Dont ever think suicide is the answer I have been there I witnessed my best friend do it. I have been depressed my whole life and it never really goes away completely. The only advice I can offer you is to try and find things to fill up your time.

Take small steps and set small goals that you can accomplish daily. Like doing the dishes or something very small. You have to build yourself up again from the bottom up. Every goal you can achieve is a huge step to get your life back together. Remember depression is a chemical inbalance that cannot be fixed overnight. You just have to keep working at it and be around people who will support what you are doing. Most people will not understand the difference between being sad and being depressed. And the difference is huge. Remember that many people go through what you go through and there is always someone who will listen u are not alone.

Answer 4

As others have said medication really helped me. It broke the downward cycle of depression which allowed me to build myself up. I also had councelling and home visits as I was so depressed I tried to make myself ill by overdosing to ge away from everything.

Another thing is to take it slowly, one day at a time. When you start to recover and can do things for yourself (I was over the moon at doing my ironing) you will recognise bad days, and recognise it as that, just a bad day, live through it and another good day will come up. As things gets better the number of good days will outweigh the bad ones.

Talking is also very good, I suggest you find a friend you can really talk to that'll support you can listen without judgement. If you do feel suicidal call a halpline, your friend or go somewhere where you are less likely to do anything rash, like the middle of a supermarket. Suicidal feelings/intentions/ideations are a good indication to visit your doctor if you already haven't.

Good luck, things can get better and try to stay positive. I know this is not easy, particuly as you see most things as negative but you need to train yourself to see the positive again.

Answer 5

Hey babe, I hope all is going well for you. I'm sure every minute is revealing all sorts of feelings for you at the moment.

I'm a 28 year old, new mum, but have been sufforring from severe depression for over 10 years. It's been an absolute rollercoaster, and to be honest with you, it takes a while to realise that you may have a problem, it takes a while to trust someone to help you through your feelings , it takes a while then to come to terms with everything.....I think im only alive now because i have my beautiful daughter. if not, my last situation with that man would have ended me.

I guess really then, it's all about what you believe in........Screw all those people who don't believe in you, stuff all the people who laugh at you....(I'm sure if you look deep enough you have even more reasons to laugh at them!)

You really just need to admit to yourself that you do need help, or really a doctor that u can talk and relate to. someone who will always be on your side. Don't worry babe there are many out there looking for this. So there is always someone one your side, willing to help you or hear what you have to say. I'm listening to you now, i understand you now. Just don't be so harsh on yourself. Just find the right people to be around. I'm here for you if you need.

I also had problems with friends and family dealing with me and my depression. I lost many friends because they couldn't handle what I was doin to myself, ( self-mutilation mostly and suiside attempts) My sister was trying to make my mum forget about me! Can you believe that? My mum didn't give up on me though.as hard as it was 4 her... Maybe they don't understand your situation because they haven't experienced it before. They might be just as scared as you!

You do need to find somone that you trust to talk to though. They might be able to help you rephrase your problem in order to communicte it effectively to your family.

Many wishes your way.... please contact me if you need help, i understand you...

Answer 6

Depression is real. Most of us who suffer from it are really good and disguising it in front of other people. I would suggest you speak with your Dr about it. There so many medications to help relieve depression.

The hardest thing for me to accept was that it was a chemical thing and it is just something that I will live with. I take my meds and it makes a huge difference.

If you are having frequent thoughts of suicide, please call someone and talk to someone.

Answer 7

you know... i don't know how much this will really help you but i'll say it anyway... i know how you feel... i am 25 and i have two children and a very CRAPPY marriage (to put it nicely) and i have as well been severly depressed for about 7-8 years too. my husband unfortunantly went to prison and has been there for almost going on a year in Aug and still has another year left which has made my depression even worse.

one day about a month ago i looked at myself in the mirror and i didn't know who i was anymore. in all of this depression i lost who i use to be, who i thought i was way back when, which to me was someone who was fun, out going, lively, energetic, happy, and a person that nothing could keep me from being positive about things (i know optimistic is the word). but as i looked into the mirror that day i saw a lonely, sad, over weight, depressed person that i didn't know at all and was shocked to see. because in my minds eye i was still who i was 9-10 years ago before the depression reallystarted, and when i saw who i had become i freaked.

so... about 3 weeks ago i told myself... I WILL NOT BE "THAT" ANY LONGER! and a week later i bought myself and elliptical machine... and as stupid as this sounds it has helped so much! as dumb as it is to think an exercise machine will help it really did (for me). i had to make myself do it at first... i had to tell myself... do you want to be that person you saw in the mirror for the rest of your life? i didn't and i don't and not just physically, but mentally as well. but now about two weeks into working out after i got that machine, i DO feel so much better, it was hard, but the motivation that i found in myself to do what it is that i set out to do astonished me. i was just like you, very unmotivated, i got to the point where i just didn't care anymore... if i died tomorrow it would be better... my life was a mess anyway... and no one saw me either as being depressed, i could hide it when i wanted to or should i say when i needed to and so when there where days when it was that bad that i couldn't hide it anymore people (family) thought i was being a drama queen!

but seriously... once i made a goal for myself and saw that i really could actually do it... it has totally changed my out look on life as well as the way that i feel personally about myself ... maybe you have tried this way before... but for me personally it was the best thing i think i have done for MYSELF in so many years!!

i hope that you can find a way (without drugs) to do something about your depression... also i have started reading this book called "how to change my life and everyone in it" by michele weiner-davis.. maybe it'll help... keep your head up girl... my heart goes out to you!!!!

Answer 8

Make sure you are not clinically depressed .Go to a doctor ,he will make that decision.
Also sign up for a Yoga class. Yoga stretches the body and relieves stress. It makes you feel happy,connected and relaxed. Try a classical yoga class.
Don't give up .Life is too beautiful .This phase will pass ...hang in there . Don't be chicken be a human . Gather all your energy and dive in life..

Answer 9

I have lived with depression since '90, please get some counseling if u have already go back, you need to talk to someone. If your on meds it may need to be changed, some medicine quits working after so many years. Sometimes you need an understanding person to talk to not someone who doesn't believe in you. If you need to talk here's my email: [e-mail]
Good Luck to you, God Bless You.............

Answer 10

Know one here tells me why they are depressed!! There has to be a reason why you are derpressed, you have to look into yourself, and find out why before, anyone can do anything for you. Are you ugly, fat, have you been raped, molested, deformed, disabled, bald. Come on, or is this for attention!!