low energy

Feeling sad, lonely, somewhat worthless. I hate to have to reach out to other depressed people, not wanting to take any of the energy that they probably need for themselves. But I think we need each other. All of us who are depressed in some way. I don't understand why I feel this way, even though I am seeking help, and have been getting treatment for 4 years.

I wonder how much more effort it is going to take, on my part, to get better. Is that how you overcome depression? Through effort, treatment, and support? I have no clue at this point, and it's hard to think about the future anymore, even though I am still young, and the future could be full of so many possiblities, and so bright. I sometimes feel uncapable of living on my own. Of making a living for myself. I wonder how long this will go on for.

Depression isn't necessarily something that can be "overcome." For many people, it is an ongoing handicap that must be dealt with on a daily basis for most of their lives. So the proper focus may not be in trying to make depression "go away," but rather in trying to understand its impact on you and learning to find successful methods for coping with it.

It is possible to be a fully functioning member of society while still suffering from the malady of depression. Life will be hard, but it can still be a good life.

I think that to overcome depression we have to understand what's causing it and deal with that. I know for myself I'll never get rid of depression until some of my issues will be solved first.

As for reaching out to us, don't feel guilty about it If we're here it's because we're feeling well enough to help others and it makes us feel better

Well spoken, caring one!

You are correct. Most (all?) of us here see ourselves participating in an informal social contract where we extend some of our occasional excess energy to mutual support. As depressives, we fear imposing on others. Here we don't have to be ashamed - even if we still feel ashamed.

Managing depression involves a lot of trial and error. Life is a work in process. For us depression is part of our life. To make a better life for ourselves necessarily means getting better at managing our depression.

Good luck.

Oh boy, I think you and I are the same boat here. Unfortunately we live in a rather narrow society where, despite the adage that everyone is different, a certain mold of person is always demanded.

To you and I, that sea of opportunity in which the future is described seems to have evaporated into a mere puddle of water under the afternoon scorch of depression. Perhaps it is, say, also a far off oasis in the vast desert. Here we spend our strength searching for that very oasis, that very future, wandering aimlessly and slowly feeling more and more drained under the beat of depression's rays.

I read an interesting quote from one the signatures of a user here (don't remember who). It basically said, "Having low self-esteem is like driving through life with your handbrake on."

Easily, low self-esteem can be exchanged for depression, OCD, Bi-polar, or any of the likes. Sometimes it's enough to simply be aware of the problem and let go of the handbrake. Though other times it gets much deeper then that, gotta call in the mechanic...

Speaking of mechanics/psychologists, how's your current care provider? Sometimes it might be a good idea to switch to another care provider if your current one isn't doing you much good.

Best of luck,
~Monsieur

Thanks Monsieur, love the poetic writing Totally makes sense.

I think my providers right now are actually very good. I couldn't imagine having a much better psychiatrist, and feel so lucky for the one I've got in this town. And I think things with my new social worker-therapist are going quite well. I've had to switch therapists many, many times over the last four years, so now I'm in the mood to just stick it out with one. And she's actually very good.

I see what you mean about the handbrake quote. Sounds quite accurate, and definitely a good idea to try to let it go once in a while. Finding the confidence to live a more joyful life would be a good thing. Trying to surround myself with more supportive people. And trying not to let my thoughts limit myself in anyway. Trying to overcome those negative thoughts that tell me I can't do what I want to do because of my depression