D-e-p-r-e-s-s-i-o-n

Yes , that word is so familiar to all of us who suffer from this illness.

I am depressed and probably will always be depressed to some degree.
So I decided to except it and find a way to make life more pleasureable while I'm depressed. In my case I find photography helps alot . I'm not much of a social butterfly and probably will never be . I like being alone but I don't like feeling lonely . Does that make sense ? If it's a chemical imbalance as some will say , then I will never be balanced . Right?
Tell me I'm wrong ...... please tell me I'm wrong.

I am not a doctor so I cannot say if you have a chemical imbalance. I can tell you though that I was severely depressed for three or four years and did not think I would get better. But I did get better. I still have depressive times but they don't last as long. So there is hope. I hope you find yourself in a better place soon.

It's just the depression telling you it's forever.

You don't have to hold yourself to a standard of being the happiest most active person on earth. It's a nice thought but as you said, not who you are, chemically balanced or not. Let yourself know that it's totally acceptable to be a little morose. Just dont let yourself be consumed by it, ruined by it.

I'm there too!

When people ride a bicycle, when they push one pedal they lean one way. When they push the other pedal they lean the other way. The only time they are upright is momentarily!

Yet, they stay on, and are going somewhere!

I thought, how like life this is!

Now, photographing things, and sharing your insights and needs here, and 101 other things we do, are like pushing the pedals.

Hi Naturefreak,
I am so sorry you are struggling with this, though happy you are seeking pleasure and expressing yourself creatively through your photography.
I, also am no doctor; however see that you have sincere strength in character that you find determination to, as you put it, make your life more pleasurable.
It is hard for those with depression (and this includes myself) to not overly indulge in the patterns of our thinking that fuel the misery and blackness that is this disease.
I furthermore find it promising that you are asking someone to ''..tell me I'm wrong''., which clearly indicates that you aspire a more healthy state of mentality, and that is so important for the recovery that you WILL find.
Again... NO doctor. However, chemical imbalances are indeed theoretically curable. You are making a very important step as we speak by engaging in acts you find pleasurable. I have heard that (in theory) the nerve endings in one's brain will physically react to repetitious thoughts of depression and form biological links to triggers in your brain that can ultimately result in automatically connecting a response system in your head that, (to say the least) does you a grave disservice. Although you may not see it today, what you are doing is more than likely, slowly but surely, correcting this brain imbalance.
Furthermore, the chemical imbalance you were referring to is most often regarded as an imbalance of the brain's neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals in your brain which allow it to communicate. One of which is seritonin. It is shown that people with depression have far less of this neurotransmitter. Hence, an overal ''imbalance'' or chemicals in the brain.
You will be happy to know that serotonin does not exist in any finite quantity. It is accessible in many ways, including through simple exercise and some food and natural vitamins and amino acids (the latter more in theory, you'd have to look more into it). There are also antidepressent drugs, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, (or SSRIs) and you can guess what they are designed to do. You probably see the ads for them everywhere, and many people have claimed great, often life saving results through one of these prescription meds. On the flip side, there are also risks, ineffective results, and side effects. Being as how every mind is very different, I hear that finding the right medication involves a pretty good commitment to working out what works best for you. It can be an instant or gradual success, but often can be a trail and error process.
Ultimately the best thing you can do is speak with a professional and ask about all your options, because, fortunately- there are options for recovery.
I hope this helps you some. I am looking into these options myself, and leaning towards a combination of psychotherapy and prescription medication.
It can be so dark for the depressed and impossible to see anything, let alone the invisible lining of hope. Though even if I can't see it yet, I will imagine it in anyway that I can and as much as I can. And I trust that, if I envision it enough, hope will drive me to getting the help I so desperately need. I am confident it will do the same for you should you allow it.
Good luck to you with this struggle and know that there is hope whether we see it yet or not. So be happy to be wrong on this one because, if even for the first time, you can be 'balanced'.
All my best,
oceansend.

(((((((((((Naturefreak)))))))))))

You'll be right in your own way, whatever is unique and good to you!!!!!

My friend, chemicals are in constant flux in our bodies. They seldom are simply in htier own little statis in complete isolation of that which happens to the rest of us. yes, that what keeps us in depression can feel like it lives a life of its own and sets about building its self perpetuating cycles. Yet at some point, it can be broken and the balance can be altered. Easily? No. Permanently? Probably not. Definitly not in my case. But in no way are you doomed to this forever. please believe that. It seems like that right now, but it's not true, and I know I'm not the only one to say that.
As always, HHUUUUUGGGSSS and all the typos you can carry.

It's the depression that is making you think that you can never be stablized. You've felt better in the past and you can again. Yes, there are times when it seems impossible to find balance, even with something that is "chemical."

There are many physical factors that you can control to a good extent, that will help. Some of these are: having a good sleep routine with restorative sleep of 8-12 hours, eating a healthy diet, hydrating the body, taking any medicine on a regular basis in prescribed dosing.

Psychotherapy with CBT can also help you change your thought patterns. When we change our thinking to healthy, it changes the chemical makeup in the brain and helps us be healthier.

So no, you don't always have to be at the whim of your imbalance, and yes, you can feel better in the future.

Hang in there until you get there.

This is so positive. Even though depression totally sucks, it's great to try and find a way to help yourself while you're depressed. I'm really glad you enjoy photography and that it helps you feel better.

I really hope things improve for you depression-wise (((((((((((Nature))))))))))) I totally believe positive change is possible.

you are wrong sure ,photography is great it means that you are talented and you have a special sens for the nature and the beauty .