[KittyBug]

Trying to Figure out my life. Being open and dealing with my depression out loud is very new to me. I don't really understand what I'm going through all the time. I've been dealing with depression for about 6 years. I was recently hospitalized and was forced to deal with my depression. My friends don't really understand what I'm going through. They all think it should be magically fixed or like I can control the depression. I've also been trying to find the right therapist to go to. Everyone asks if I'm ok and I say yes so no one worries but I'm really not ok. I feel like I'm stuck in 'muddy water' not happy or sad but in limbo. Any advise?

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, KittyBug!

Originally Posted by KittyBug

They all think it should be magically fixed or like I can control the depression.

Classic reaction by many of those who've never experienced depression themselves.

Originally Posted by KittyBug

I feel like I'm stuck in 'muddy water' not happy or sad but in limbo.

This is similar to the way I experience depression.

I'm a poor one to offer advice, as I've only succeeded in managing depression at a low level. Also, as you know being no stranger to depression, advice is easy to give and nearly impossible to actualize due to the paralyzing effects of the illness.

• PsychCentral 'Coping with Depression' Articles

Were you able to bring anything positive away from your recent hospitalization?

Please keep posting.

[Iamhealingme]

I have found if I pick one thing to focus on positively it helps. My sister suggested to me just the other day to go buy some nail stickers and nail polish and change the style every week. She said that whenever you look at your fingers you will see something to make you smile or feel good about yourself. I put some on the other day and I do feel a little better when I look at them.

[Snowy83]

Welcome to PC!! Hope you feel better by posting here, as you see many here can relate to how you feel and you are not alone You finding a therapist is a right way to go, I'm happy for you to finally able to face it and take the first step for battle, so I really don't have much advice to give since you know what the right things to do already, you are doing it better than me. Hang in there!!!

[jelly-bean]

Welcome! Doing battle with depression is tough. None of us have really figured it out or we wouldn't be here. Looking for a therapist that you like is a good step forward. I hope that hospitalization helped you. Your friends will not understand the problem either. We can't so you know they won't. Keep up your search for a therapist and try some meds to help you with it. Good Luck!