[underwhelmed]

It has been brutally difficult. I cannot get out of bed in the morning. I have no identity.

I am on three medications for depression and OCD. The medications barely seem to help. I am bored and alone most of the time. I do not believe that I will be able to secure a job which I so desperately need. I have lost the will to fight. I am burned out and have been for a long time. People say there is always hope, but I have given up. Why is life this way? What can I do?

Then I look at other people and they appear happy. They do not struggle with life the way I do. They are not financially ruined the way I am.

There is nothing anybody can say except “sorry you are going through tough times.” And yes, go outside and exercise.

It appears all so hopeless. It is late in life for me (not that I am an old man). Maybe too late to correct the problems. Am I doomed to sit alone every day? I am in serious trouble. The pain is horrendous. What am I doing wrong? What can I do to change my life?

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Underwhelmed!

Ah, a couple of classics:

• "Sorry you are going through tough times."
• "Go outside and exercise."

And my personal favorite:

• "Take these pills and fake it till you make it."

Just in case you haven't already tried...if you are in the US, have you called 2-1-1 (United Way/AIRS)? Were they of any help?

[Leed]

I assume you're in therapy, right? And of course, they aren't doing any good, right?

It would seem to me that your medications ARE NOT working. If you're feeling THAT bed, something is definitely WRONG. When I start feeling icky again, I talk to my doc and tell him, LOOK DOC, I don't feel worth a crap -- what's going on??? So we adjust the medications so I start feeling better! Either he puts me on a different A/D that DOES work or he increases my dosage! But he sure doesn't leave me in misery!! First, you have to TELL him you're in misery tho. Make sure you let your doc know! And if he doesn't do anything about it, then CHANGE DOCS!

You don't have to feel like this. Make sure your doc knows! Hugs, Lee

[underwhelmed]

Originally Posted by Leed

I assume you're in therapy, right? And of course, they aren't doing any good, right?

It would seem to me that your medications ARE NOT working. If you're feeling THAT bed, something is definitely WRONG. When I start feeling icky again, I talk to my doc and tell him, LOOK DOC, I don't feel worth a crap -- what's going on??? So we adjust the medications so I start feeling better! Either he puts me on a different A/D that DOES work or he increases my dosage! But he sure doesn't leave me in misery!! First, you have to TELL him you're in misery tho. Make sure you let your doc know! And if he doesn't do anything about it, then CHANGE DOCS!

You don't have to feel like this. Make sure your doc knows! Hugs, Lee

Yes, I am in therapy. I have tried sooooo many meds and cocktails. They all seem to do nothing. I will report again to my therapist and see what he thinks. I agree with your concept, but so far every med change has failed.

[puzzclar]

telling doc is a wonderful Idea, until then push yourself to do something simple, like eating something healthy, when you get hungry.

It's hard, but you don't have to feel this bad... but it does take time. (the four letter word that people really dislike... that and work)

[misscath007]

Talking to your doc may help. There are always need meds/med combos to try. I think I am pretty med resistant by this point so I can emphathize. I do know that even when meds do work, they are not a cure all. One thing to remember that depression causes distorted thinking so statements like "no one else is in serious financial trouble the way I am" is really not a fact. In fact, there are hundreds of thousands of folks in dire straits, if it makes you feel any better.

My depression is pretty much situational right now, I have been in this pit so long, that I see no way out. I keep hoping though. Don't give up yet. As long as there is a glimmer, it's something. HUGS.

[underwhelmed]

Thank you for the positive suggestions and comments. Anything upbeat helps at this stage. You are all very kind.