[lolzisaid]

I have been coming to this site for some time now and have finally gathered up the courage to start posting. I have been depressed for some time now and have sought counseling in the past but it wasn't very helpful as my therapist was...quite cold. I have my good days and my bad days. The bad days can be mild or very bad. I am often irritable and lash out at the people I care about. I have trouble sleeping as well as trouble getting out of bed in the morning. I find myself crying fairly often now. I sometimes have my normal appetite but often can't bring myself to eat much at all, though I have not lost much weight. I sometimes also get anxiety attacks. I have lost interest/enjoyment in some of the things I used to enjoy. My energy levels are low and motivation is low as well. I feel that by feeling how i've been these past few months especially, that I am letting myself and others (mainly family) down, and I don't want to feel this way anymore...
Because of this it is quite difficult for me to express my feelings about this and doing this is a big step for me. I think the anonymity helps a bit. Today I have also gathered up the courage to write to my mother about this as well. I don't think i would be able to do it face to face so I figured a note would suffice...hopefully.
Anywhos...thank you for taking the time out of your day to read or respond to this and any advice you could give me would be much appreciated.

[Pomegranate]

Keep seeking professional help. Try another therapist and perhaps see a psychiatrist to see if meds will help. Learn as much as you can about coping with depression and/or anxiety and put what you learn into practice.

Welcome to PC and please keep posting to let us know how you are doing. I hope your mother is supportive of you.

[idontknow13]

I agree with everything Pomagranate wrote you, dont be afraid to get the help you need.
I was where you are 7 months ago, it was a long and painful process as is severe depression but with the help of my therapist, new meds and this site, things are much better now. I can identify with everything you mentioned, do not wait too long to get help, it gets worse.
Take good care of yourself and Welcome to PC, you will find a lot of great people who care, keep on posting

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Lolzisaid! Congratulations for seeking out this site, and thanks for deciding to share yourself here!

Originally Posted by idontknow13

...with

• the help of my therapist,
• new meds
• and this site,

things are much better now.

Depression is a serious illness and warrants multiple approaches. I'm glad you are reaching out. May your efforts bring you increasing peace and healing!

PS: Here are a few quick "Coping with Depression" resources:

Living with Depression (PC article)
What do you do to help your depression? (PC thread)
How to Cope with Depression (WikiHow)
How to Overcome Sadness (eHow)
Ellen's Depression Primer (MentalHelp.net)

[seekinghappiness]

idontknow13 is so right. i have been where u are several times. i feel EXACTLY as u do right now. u could've been writing about me...good days and bad...irritable...no interest in things i used to love...no motivation...no energy...just feel so hopeless and helpless. i understand about the family thing. my being depressed hurts my partner and my children. they often cry for me because they worry so much and i absoultely hate that. i don't wanna bring anyone else down to where i am. give another therapist a try. you've got nothing to lose. it took me quite some time before i finally broke down and sought help and now i feel like i could kick myself for not getting help sooner. u can't do this on your own. i'm glad u decided to tell your mother. i never told my parents myself. didn't want to worry or burden them. a concerned friend went to them after i locked myself in my house for a few days and didn't answer phone or door and now they are very supportive. i am on meds now and go to therapy when i need to and for the most part i have been doing well despite this recent episode. it comes and goes. i'm headed back into therapy now. do yourself a favor and get help. keep searching for a therapist until u find one you're comfortable with. i've been through several therapists and several meds. takes time to find what works for u. don't give up! i'm here if u wanna talk. welcome to PC and congrats on taking steps to help yourself!

[lolzisaid]

Thank you all for your advice and kind words I will keep this updated.
*hugs*

[Briester]

A most warm welcome to you Lolzisaid. I hope you can find some helpful advice and are open enough to let us care about you and offer you a shoulder when you need it. Bravo on having the courage to post.

[lonegael]

Welcome! Hope you feel that this is the place to be!

[lolzisaid]

So I gave my mother the letter yesterday and then we talked about it. She was very supportive, understanding, and non-judgemental. We are now beginning to plan for the future together and it is helping a lot

[seekinghappiness]

Originally Posted by lolzisaid

So I gave my mother the letter yesterday and then we talked about it. She was very supportive, understanding, and non-judgemental. We are now beginning to plan for the future together and it is helping a lot

good for u lolzi!! congrats...what a big step! u should be very proud of yourself! now doesn't that feel better?

[txjanjan]

Hello, I just found your Web Site & it looks so very interesting & helpful that I decided to go ahead & join. I have been dealing with Mental Illness in my life for the last 15 yrs. It has been a long hard journey & now unforunatly that I am not taking alone. My daughter has been diagnosed with Bipolar Illness also. I do not know if I am posting this in the right place or not, I'm sorry if I am not. Just a lil confused at the moment. Ty for taking the time to read this, I hope y'all have a Great Day!!!....... txjanjan

[Berries]

to PC lolzisaid!