[Sabrina]

Why is there an illness such as depression? I mean is it really necessary? Couldn't we just get a bad dose of measles or something? I have been in the deepest, darkest, blackest of pits and I never thought there was hope for me or for feeling "normal" (whatever that is). It is obvious that depression ruins lives, tears family's apart. It makes me sick to the stomach to read of the pain in people's lives, to remember my own pain.

Meds did not help me, I know they help others - so I shouldn't comment on that, but is there really a cure?

Sorry - just wishing that people did not have to suffer like this. I am rambling

[wi_fighter]

No, it doesn't make sense, does it?

I'm one that meds work for, but I do know I feel even better when I eat healthier and regularly, exercise daily even if it's only for a few minutes, get some fresh air and sunshine, have someone to talk to in person (even if I do have to pay for it, LOL), and stick to a tight work schedule.

It's when I give in to the feelings of self pity that I start to eat junk food nonstop, not take care of myself, can't even think about work - and then that just makes me feel even worse.

For me, when the feelings of wanting to just not care about anything but how crummy I feel, I have to nip the pity party in the bud and get back on track.

((((((((((Sabrina)))))))))

[Twisted_Soul]

I don't really understand why we have to suffer from depression either. When will it lift?> Or better question, Will it every lift?
Meds never have helped. I have taken almost every anti-depressant on the market and none make me feel better.
((((Sabrina & all thos depressed))))

[Rhapsody]

All wounds have to heal.... in this cause when the heart (or soul) is broken, torn to shreds, it comes out as depression or a mental illness.


LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Sabrina]

OK - this gave me shivers. I have actually never looked at it like this before. You have given me much to think about.

And now while I think about it, my first severe breakdown and depression started after my baby was born and erupted about 6 months after when I had to tell my first husband to leave. I actually remember my GP telling me my depression was "situational". I had forgotten all this.

Thank you Rhapsody, for always being so insightful.

[pegasus]

Sabrina,

Have you had counselling or therapy?

It may help you to cope with it. Especially if meds don't seem to work for you.

Quite often, it is to do with trauma and talking it through with a therapist can help.

[Sabrina]

I appreciate you input but therapy and counselling are not an option for me.

So here I am .....

How about talking to your family physician. mine has been so helpful no matter what I bring his way be it my physical problems or my mental ones. He is my treating professional for my depression, I also took a few depression management classes. Maybe an agency near you has these type of classes available. Mine happens to be through the therapy agency I am at right now for therapy but in another town I lived in the depression/ anxiety management classes were offered through a college and another time they were offered through the county health department. Good luck. and take care.

You can also work on you and your depression and other problems on your own by doing workbooks such as The Depression Workbook, The PTSD workbook, The Courage To Heal text and workbook, Mind over Mood workbook. For just about every physical and mental health problem there is some kind of self help workbook to go along with it. You can get these through the local library, on line, at a college bookstore near you or your local book store.

[Rhapsody]

Dear Sabrina,

If I may ask? - why is therapy or counseling not an option for you right now.... you can answer that "Q" for me in here or PM me in private if you so desire.

2 very good books (recommended by my T) that have greatly helped me understand my wounds and how they will come out or interfere in my present life when they are left unhealed or unresolved are:

1.) Feelings Buried Alive Never Die, by Karol Truman
2.) Radical Forgiveness, by Colin Tipping (and his 13 Step Healing CD)
>>>>>>> LINK: http://www.radicalforgiveness.com/

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Azalysa]

Hi, Sabrina!

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
All wounds have to heal.... in this cause when the heart (or soul) is broken, torn to shreds, it comes out as depression or a mental illness.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

That is true....for situational depression. However, in the case of depression that is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, that is an illness. Due to my own illness I've done a lot of research, reading, sitting in my pdoc and therapist's office, taking meds, etc.

The illness of depression is often likened to diabetes - it can be kept under control, but never "cured." Sometimes, however, the remissions are long enough that we can live without the darkness for long periods of time. (In my case my last deep depression was ten years ago before this recent bout.)

It is horrible...it affects every part of a person's life. The above posters have offered wonderful suggestions, particularly eating healthy, exercise, getting outside in the fresh air, etc. (I'm preaching to myself here...lol)

In my opinion, the first thing to do is get a diagnosis to see if you have the illness of depression or if it is situational. Then you will have a better idea of the path to wellness.

Warmly....

[Sabrina]

My diagnosis is Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, however I am really doing well at the moment. I just become frustrated reading of the pain experienced by others and feel helpless because I have been there too.

Financial constraints would be the main reason that I am not receiving any form of therapy. My inexplicable ice-cold resistance to face-to-face counselling would probably be another.