Severe depression

@AzaleaRose G'day Azalea,

Depressed introverted lonely bloke here with countless trust issues. Sounds like you're having an awful time, honestly good work on still making it to the gym sometimes.

Wish I had some good advice for you but I'm in a similar boat at the moment. The only thing I can say is having a hobby helps me get through the days sometimes, I've heard they're also good for finding like-minded people but I don't get out much so I'm not sure.

If you don't have anything in mind you could try your hand at digital art or music, both you can do pretty much free nowadays if you have internet. I've found for myself creative stuff is best, it helps keep my mind a little calmer.

Hope that helps at least a little bit

I am so sorry that you have been suffering and in such pain for so long. It can get really tough at times. When the brain waves aren't working properly, things get even worse.

I suffered from a really bad bout of severe depression for about 6 years before it finally began to lift. It took a ton of dogged determination while constantly feeling that nothing was helping. I tried tons of meds before I finally found a workable combination for me. I had to go to about 4 therapists before I found someone who would work for me.

But ultimately a few things really helped: 1) forcing myself to get outside and walk every day, 2) coming on 7 Cups daily to support other people and 3) working hard to realize that each small victory, even getting out of bed, really mattered and I deserved to praise myself for it.

Start by building a network of people here and then go from there. You can still heal. I promise. @AzaleaRose

@AzaleaRose

I'm really glad you reached out here, AzaleaRose. You've shared your feelings and experiences, and it takes a lot of courage to do so. It sounds like you've been dealing with severe depression for quite some time, and you're struggling with feelings of loneliness, lack of support, and hopelessness.

You're not alone in your feelings, and many people have faced similar challenges. It's important to remember that seeking help, even when it feels difficult, is a sign of strength. While I can't provide professional advice, I can offer some general insights:

1. **Professional Help:** It's crucial to continue seeking professional help. If therapy and medication haven't been effective in the past, consider discussing different treatment options with your healthcare provider.

2. **Supportive Environment:** Surrounding yourself with a supportive and understanding environment is important. If your feelings are dismissed by those around you, it might be helpful to seek out friends or family members who can empathize and provide the emotional support you need.

3. **Self-Compassion:** Remember to be kind to yourself. Depression can make you feel like you're a burden, but that's not true. You deserve understanding and care, just like anyone else.

4. **Connection:** While making friends can be challenging, even small social interactions can make a difference. Connecting with support groups, local clubs, or online communities can help you interact with others who understand and share similar experiences.

5. **Hope:** Building hope can take time, but setting small achievable goals and focusing on the present can help. Engaging in activities you enjoy, setting routines, and practicing mindfulness can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

6. **Professional Support:** A mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can help guide you through these feelings and challenges. They can provide personalized strategies and coping mechanisms to improve your overall well-being.

Remember that you're not alone in this, and your feelings are valid. If you find it difficult to cope, reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis helpline for immediate support. You're taking a brave step by seeking help, and there are people who care and want to support you on your journey.

@AzaleaRose

Hey there, welcome to the app! I'm really glad you reached out and shared what's been going on. It takes a lot of courage to open up about your struggles, so kudos to you for taking that step. I'm really sorry to hear that you've been fighting with depression for years and haven't found much relief from therapy or medication. It can be incredibly frustrating when your efforts don't seem to make a difference.

Feeling dismissed or like a burden when you try to talk about your feelings is tough, and it's understandable that it would make you hesitate to speak up. But please know that your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be heard and supported. It's important to have people in your life who can truly listen and understand what you're going through. Have you considered seeking out a support group or online community where you can connect with others who may have similar experiences?Sometimes talking to people who have been through similar struggles can be really helpful.

As for finding hope and feeling alive again, it can be a different journey for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. It might be worth exploring different coping mechanisms and self-care practices to see what resonates with you. Some people find solace in creative outlets like art, writing, or music. Others find comfort in physical activities like exercise or spending time in nature. And for some, therapy or counseling with a supportive professional can make a world of difference. It might take time to find what works for you, but don't give up hope.

Loneliness can be particularly tough for introverts with trust issues. Building connections and friendships can take time and effort, but it's definitely possible. Perhaps start by focusing on finding people who share similar interests or hobbies. Join clubs, classes, or online communities centered around those interests. Take small steps and be patient with yourself. Trust is something that develops over time, so don't rush it. And remember, it's okay to have a small circle of close, trusted friends rather than a large group of acquaintances. Quality over quantity, right?

I hope some of these suggestions help

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update…

I thank you all for reaching out to me and all of your kind words, they truly did help and made a difference. I was having a terrible episode yesterday, but upon reading your comments they did make me feel better and I was able to feel less bad. Managed to go out for a walk and have 2 meals today, one which was even decorated a bit, nothing special just eggs and a salad.

I’m glad I joined this app, therapy was really not working for me as sometimes I have a very hard time expressing my self in real life or on a 1 on 1. That’s why I got the idea to get this app, hoping to find some people like me to share. To feel less lonely and it working which surprises me.

I also bought a hamster yesterday, I don’t know why, it looked very cute, but it did give me like a purpose to take care of.