[the_link]

This is a general question about dealing with mental problems over the years. Does it ever get better? Right now I am so afraid that I am going to have problems my whole life and end up alone. I guess what I mean is that with time will I get better?

[FearsomeAnna]

Link,

This is a hard question - for instance, define "better". See what I mean?

In my opinion, getting better is 20% outside help - i.e. therapy and medication and 80% attitude.

You may find that you have to change your definition of better. I'm bipolar, and for me "better" is a period of time where my mood is relatively stable. Also, surround yourself with things that make you happy that you enjoy, and you won't ever be alone - the ability to be contented in your own company is a huge attraction for most people - no one wants to babysit someone else.

I will probably have problems my whole life, but I also have to remember that I am much more than my disease. It might help you to do the same. Mental illness can change how you act and how you are, but you can always change to deal with it.



some of it's magic
some of it's tragic
but i had a good life all the way......
~jimmy buffett

[the_link]

I guess I should have defined my idea of better. I want to have a family and kids, right now I probably couldn't unless I married a therapist. The problem is that I am too content in my own company, the therapist calls it Schioid. I can easily goes days without talking to people (outside of work). I try to force my self to be social and in a relationship, and the mental battle begins leading to depression, leading to a breakup and me alone and content again, but still wanting a family. I know that its going to take a lot of hard work and time, as tough and strong as I am, I sometimes feel like a lost little boy who needs a hug and to be rerassured everything will be ok.

[darkeyes]

Yes it will get better, we do "stuble" a little, but it will get better, keep with your pdoc appts. follow directions with meds (if you need to take them) and things shall work, and do not get all upset if it takes a little longer than what you may have set as a deadline, everyone is individual, not "one size fits all" sort of thing, so try to be patient, it will work

Lots of luck!!

DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

[the_link]

I am trying, it sthe beginning of the road and it is real hard. I am reading all the posts and everyone has great ideas on how to bring themselves out of a slump but I cant find mine. I really need to do something. I have the best girl in the world slipping away. Its funny because its only been a 4 month relationship, but I really dont want to lose her. I lost her for about a week and it was devastating, I dont think I ever felt that bad, ever.

[texdave]

My first step towards dealing with depression was getting angry enough at the disease to motivate me. I got angry that I was being robbed of my life. The anger energized me to act. Later on, I had to deal with the anger, which was also hard, but it was all worth it. My attitude had to be that I was commited to change, no matter how long it took, that anything was better than staying in that black hole. Good luck, and God bless you.