[neurokinin6626]

I was diagnosed with depression when I was 15 and I have struggled--mightily at times--with it for the last 25 years. I have tried every treatment known-drugs, surgery, psychotherapy--but only one, VNS, was effective, but its effects faded after a year. I would like to hear from anyone who suffers from intractable, chronic depression, and would like to hear how they manage to cope with their illness, or fail to manage, or hope to function better with their illness. Thanks and good luck to all. As Carrie Fisher pointed out in Wishful Drinking, they don't award medals for those who must wage the War Within yet survive and function, but they should. I commend and admire all who soldier onward.

[shortandcute]

well, i just take it one day at a time

[Sam2]

Originally Posted by neurokinin6626

I was diagnosed with depression when I was 15 and I have struggled--mightily at times--with it for the last 25 years. I have tried every treatment known-drugs, surgery, psychotherapy--but only one, VNS, was effective, but its effects faded after a year. I would like to hear from anyone who suffers from intractable, chronic depression, and would like to hear how they manage to cope with their illness, or fail to manage, or hope to function better with their illness. Thanks and good luck to all. As Carrie Fisher pointed out in Wishful Drinking, they don't award medals for those who must wage the War Within yet survive and function, but they should. I commend and admire all who soldier onward.

Hi. I've been depressed since I was ten. I'm forty nine now. I can't take antidepressants of any kind, they all put me on the floor, even at less than therapeutic doses.

I don't know that I deal with it. Being able to help on this forum helps me some, but mainly I live an isolated life. In addition to depression, I have chronic pain issues, which don't help the situation, but I'm working on accepting them.

I've not seen a therapist for years, because I don't trust them. Several broke confidences, one was so irrespondible with medications that he lost his license. Right now, my close friend helps me cope. I can't think of the last time I was happy, but I've managed to stay alive so far. I don't know if that answers your question or not.

Sam2

[onlytime]

I haven't struggled with depression with quite as long (I was diagnosed when I was 13 and I'm 22 now). But I've also tried pretty much every medication out there, been in therapy for years and have been hospitalized more times than I'd like to admit. The last time I was hospitalized, the psychiatrist brought up ECT. I refused but it was somewhat reassuring that there IS that last resort.

As for functioning, I honestly don't know how I do it. One day at a time, I guess. Or one hour at a time. I try to hold on to hope that it will get better. Maybe there will be medical advances in psychiatric drugs or other treatments.

Hang in there!

[golf898]

Originally Posted by neurokinin6626

I was diagnosed with depression when I was 15 and I have struggled--mightily at times--with it for the last 25 years. I have tried every treatment known-drugs, surgery, psychotherapy--but only one, VNS, was effective, but its effects faded after a year. I would like to hear from anyone who suffers from intractable, chronic depression, and would like to hear how they manage to cope with their illness, or fail to manage, or hope to function better with their illness. Thanks and good luck to all. As Carrie Fisher pointed out in Wishful Drinking, they don't award medals for those who must wage the War Within yet survive and function, but they should. I commend and admire all who soldier onward.

Have you tried Neurofeedback? This made a major difference in my life.