living with depression?

Question

I suffer from depression, have been prescribed anti-depressants from my doctor. I'm just wondering how the people closest to me *(friends family, bf) can understand this illness, and how they can cope. I have come to know that alot of people truly don't understand what it feels like to always feel down or worthless, when things in life are going great. I have been to several counselors in my life and many try to figure out what bad things may be causing this, they don't think about what is really going on (with hormones, genetic genes) I'd like all points of view on this matter...

Answer 1

I used to suffer with depression and I understand that nobody really understands. People look at you like you are just being selfish and like you have no reason to be depressed or sad. I don't really know how to explain where it comes from or what causes it. The best thing to tell those closest to you is that you try your best not to feel this way but sometimes it is beyond your control. If the anti-depressants work for you, make sure that you always take them. Whenever you do feel depressed make sure that those closest to you understand that it is nothing that they do and it is all your disease. Depression is a disease. That is the way I feel.

Answer 2

Sometimes the people closest to you will have the hardest time understanding that depression is an illness.

It's hard, but for your health you need to let go of what other people think.

You can only point them in the direction of a phone book or search engine and say, "Call a support group" or "Do a search on depression."

They are not your problem.

I know that probably sounds a little harsh, but in this day and age there is no reason why people should be uninformed or intolerant of mental illness.

If you're still feeling down, maybe you need a change of medication or the dosage upped. It sometimes takes awhile before you get the right mix of things going for you.

In the meantime, eat well, sleep well & exercise. (I know the last thing you want to do is exercise when you're depressed, but the endorphins help!!!)

Luck to you.

Answer 3

I told my sister I was taking anti-depressants after our father died. She said, "You mean you were mental, and you never told me?" I answered "You mean I was mental, and you never noticed?!"

I took the medications - had to try a couple of different prescriptions before we found a fit - until the depression lifted. I had suffered for about 6 months before I went to a doctor, and it took another 6 for us to figure out what worked for me. One day in the early summer 2005 I woke and didn't feel like crawling back under the blankets. I actually wanted to get up. It was like waking after a bad dream. I continued with the meds for a while, and went off for about 6 months.

It was my second major depression. The first lasted just over 6 months, and I came out of it without treatment. I've been told that I'm likely to have more bouts of depression because I've had these two events. I will not hesitate to get medication in the future. It's chemical, not situational with me. Dark gloomy weather, short daylight hours make it worse, but just because I've had troubles and bad things in my life, I don't think that is the root of my trouble. I did feel better emotionally when I talked to a counselor, and I'm glad I had that opportunity, but it was the medication, not the talk therapy, that helped me most.
Whichever helps you, do not hesitate to get help.

Answer 4

I too, am living with depression. I too was prescribed an anti depressant. I don't truly know for a fact, that my family truly understands this illness.

I can do either one or two things.

I can feel sorry, for myself. God knows, I have and I know that does not work, or I can deal with it, as best as I can. I like to think, I have. I am eating healthier now, and I joined the Gym, and I exercise, and hour or more every day.

I do still have to meet with the folks, in Behavior Health. I do not have to go as much, as I once did. I feel more alive, I am functioning a lot better, God. knows I sleep better. I do not let the things, that once bother me. They don't bother me any more. I am proud of myself, and what I feel I have accomplish thus far in my life.

Depression is not your fault, nor is it mines. It is an illness. You can either choose to deal with it, and get it under control or not. The least, of my worries, is what others think of me, it is only what I think of myself.

Answer 5

Stop living with it and fight it. There's no secret to what causes depression. It's a neurotransmitter imbalance. It doesn't matter what the root cause is. The way to treat it is with good physical health and plenty of cognitive therapy as prescribed by Dr. David Burns, M.D., in his book, "The Feeling Good Handbook".

The physical health issue is a simple matter of a healthy diet and exercise program. The mental aspect is a bit more difficult. It's going to require a diligent and consistent effort on your part to do exactly as Dr. Burns prescribes in his book.

Go to my profile page and read my "Antidepressant That Works" web page for my story on how I dug my way out of depression, drugs, and useless, moron doctors.

To address those that say God is the answer.... perhaps. But remember what Ben Franklin said, "God only helps those who help themselves." God will help you, but you can't sit on your butt and expect Him to automatically give you a miracle. You must take His hand and walk the walk.

Answer 6

i know how u feel man. i went through a mild depression at age 7 O.o. i nkow its creepy. i jsut did the same thing day by day and question myself what was i meant here for? if thats what u feel try spending extra time with friends and family. it feels very good to know there are people who care about u. also just tell them. they are your family they should accept it. well i hope u feel better... and rember DO NOT COMMIT SUICIDE. btw i got over my depression like 2 weeks later >.<

Answer 7

You need to find a physician and a therapist that you trust.
Call your local Mental Health America chapter (you can locate it online) and they will have an ombudsman who can direct you to resources for your family to get them on board and help them understand how to be helpful, rather than hurtful.
Good luck.

Answer 8

I'm a teenager and my friend is going though this. It hurts 2 see her this way and you feel like you really dont know them. Its very scary, this is probably what it feels like for ur family and friends.

Answer 9

Seven days without prayer makes one weak.......Try God....first when you pray...repent of sin, anything you might have done to oppose God's will for you....Then praise God, thank him for sending his son to show us the way...glorify him in everyway with your words.....then ask him for what you want......live a life that is pleasing to God...he said he would never leave us or forsake us...he does not lie....he has always been there for me in times of trouble.....he is the answer to all of mans problems.....get spiritual....

Answer 10

you can do a whole lot with diet and exercise. don't ignore that advice. email me if you want to know what to do.