Need help with my depression
hi everyone. I'm 48 & have struggled with depression since I was about 17 yrs old. A few months ago I abruptly stopped using my antidepressants because I felt they don't help me. I have tried countless number of medications and combinations and nothing seems to work. But this past week my depression is back full force and I started to take my medication a few days ago. I oversleep, sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day and today my body is very achy and I haven't had the energy to even shower. Of course my doctor said I need to get my sleeping patterns under control but yet how my supposed to do that when depression is ruling my life?? I feel sick all the time both physically and mentally. I'm pretty sure I oversleep so that I don't have to face the day and the feelings of depression. I don't have anybody that really understands me. I wish I had a husband or boyfriend who could be supportive of me, so I wouldn't feel so alone. I thought about going to a psychiatric unit for a few days and I'm wondering if they could help with getting my sleeping cycle back on track. But I hate psych ward's and I don't want to have my sons worry about me or my family. Even though my sons are 20 and 21 years old and don't live with me or near me I just don't want to worry them. I don't think I could be admitted to a psych ward because I am not suicidal. I'm stuck in this terrible cycle of depression and sleeping way too much. It's definitely impacting my life and it's ruining my life. In fact I have no life. Any suggestions of what I should do would be appreciated. Please understand my depression is debilitating right now. Thank you so much.
I'm sorry to hear that but you should be proud of yourself for not giving up. It takes real courage to talk about your problems and admit that they are real. I'm a teenager so I really don't have the answer to everything but I have anxiety. I understand you not wanting to worry your kids. I am also afraid of telling my parents. Although as a teenager living with them it is really important they know. For you, it might not be very helpful for your sons to know.
I'm still typing btw. I ran out of space.
Going to a psychologist, psychiatrist, therepist, whomever, sounds worthwhile. There are places out there where you can go and talk without them telling your family. And you don't need to be suicidal for them to let you in. I have had only minor anxiety in comparison to some people although I have had some panic attacks but my school psychologist was very helpful and still recommended even I see a therepist.
If you have any trusty friends, or maybe a friend you have that you don't know very well if you are afraid of losing any good friends I would talk to them. Sometimes what makes me feel best is a trip to the mall with just one other friend who knows me super well and I know values me.
Im only 19 but i have been thru all of that except i didnt have any meds to help. If u would like to try to adjust ur sleep cycle tho the best thing to do is to spend some time outside. It would be best to spend all day outside but if u dont feel up to that starting with half an hour would be good. I know its really hard and its so easy to spend all day in bed and it is a coping mechanism for avoiding life. If u ever need to talk im here. I used to sleep all the time just to avoid like and my body was so numb and sick as well as my mind from not taking care of myself like i should have.
Dear bluetangerine,
I'm glad you reached out. Good for you!!That's one of the most important things to do when you're depressed: reach out to others.
Keep coming to 7 Cups of Tea often! Talk one-to-one with individual listeners. Share your concerns. Try the chat room for Depression Support.
Push yourself to call friends and acquaintances.You don't have to tell them your sorrows, just BE with them. Perhaps meet for a cup of coffee! Just sharing human company can be soooo helpful.
Another way to cope is to achieve little goals. On some days this may be: I will get dressed and brush my teeth. Other days it might be: I will clean one corner of the kitchen counter. JUST ONE STEP--THE NEXT LITTLE RIGHT STEP.
Sleeping is a comparatively harmless escape in my opinion--compared to alcohol, nonprescribed drugs, physically injuring oneself, etc.For a while. But getting outa the house is key! Just go to the store and buy two things--it doesn't have to be a full-scale shopping for everything the house needs!
Going outside, exercising even a little is marvelous!!
Compliment yourself and congratulate yourself for small things: I brushed my teeth, Yay!found my keys,GOOD FOR ME!
Praise yourself frequently. It's about Progress, not perfection.
Use the Growth Program at 7 Cups of Tea. Try the Self-Guided Courses on topics such as depression, workplace stress, anxiety. Take the Wellness test and father suggested Guides. Find Listeners who can truly relate to you, and talk with them about your progress, including your successes and struggles.
Be grateful. Every day, list 5 things you're grateful for. It can be, I'm grateful for a hot shower and lavender shampoo.It?s helps to realize that there are some good things in life, despite this tough time you?re going through. (Members at 7 Cups are given a Gratitude Journal to use, which is great. Use it!!)
Be gentle with yourself. Be compassionate with yourself. Understand that depression distorts your view ofyourself and your world.
You are wonderful, and you can feel good again.
And takeyour medications as prescribed.
If they are not working, call your doctor! You are not "bothering" them!
Feel like I can't get help. I'm 41, and have delt with depression since I was a teen. This past year has been bad. Before that I was able to handle things. Now I feel worthless and don't care about what happens most days. No motivation and could care less if I lose my job or pay my bills or clean or cook. I had a breakdown in January and was taken out of work for a month. I have uncontrollable crying jags that I can't stop. my husband and mother look at me like I'm lazy, selfish and a bad mother which just adds to it. I feel like I have no where to turn. Have seen counselors and a psychiatrist that took me 3 months to get in and can't get another appt. for 2 months. Can't get in anywhere, I am reaching out trying to get help and it seems hopeless.
Dear @bbc1102, What you're going through is rough, I know. The lack of energy, the hopelessness--it can feel overwhelming.
I'm happy to see that you have reached out to get professional assistance. Even though it has taken time to get an appointment, you're on track to get the therapy and/or medication to help you feel better.
It's discouraging that your family does not understand the symptoms and oppression you're mmexperiencing Depression like yours is a medical condition. It needs treatment, like any other medical condition.
It's not something you chose; it's not something you can snap out of just because you want to.
I recommend that you request conversations with the listeners here at 7 cups of tea for 1to 1chats. You can reach a listener here at Browse Listeners. Are you can click on my name below and send me a message, and I will get back to you as fast as I can.
You're not alone. You have found 7 Cups of Tea, and we are here to support you in this journey to back to wellness.
Feel like I can't get help. I'm 41, and have delt with depression since I was a teen. This past year has been bad. Before that I was able to handle things. Now I feel worthless and don't care about what happens most days. No motivation and could care less if I lose my job or pay my bills or clean or cook. I had a breakdown in January and was taken out of work for a month. I have uncontrollable crying jags that I can't stop. my husband and mother look at me like I'm lazy, selfish and a bad mother which just adds to it. I feel like I have no where to turn. Have seen counselors and a psychiatrist that took me 3 months to get in and can't get another appt. for 2 months. Can't get in anywhere, I am reaching out trying to get help and it seems hopeless.
I really relate to your post Bluetangerine.
One thing I would say is to go back on your meds. If I've ever come off mine, the swing in the other directon is huge. It takes a good couple of weeks to get things back in order again.
I take Cymbalta. It took a long time to settle on that after trying antidepressants that didn't work for me, or made me worse, or had horrible side effects. It's a matter of trial and error and you need proper medical support to do it.
I live in the UK and our general paractitioner deals with it. no need for a psychiatrist.
Sleep....does it actaully matter if you sleep so much? WhatI mean is are you in danger of losing a job or anything? I've been known to sleep 20 out of 24 hours. The wayI deal with it if I have to is to stay awake as long as I can and only let myself sleep when it gets to a sensible bed time like say 10pm. Then I have a million alarms set (out of reach of the bed) to make me get up at a sensible time like say 7.30am. It's hell to start with, but you can train yourself over time.
I've never been in a psych ward but friends who have to not sing it's praises. I don't think it's the answer for you unless a professional does. I've sometimes felt like being admitted to hospital would be nice...just hand over respobsibility for everything to someone else and let everyone know how bad I feel all at the same time....but it doesn't work like that.
As for telling your sons how you feel...they mustcertainly know you're depressed, but what about printing out this thread to show them? Get everything off your chest here...and then show them?
