[ocean40]

I've had depression for many years and lately the symptoms have been worse than ever. I'm on meds and see a psychologist for counseling (I don't find it helpful and frankly, a waste of money and time). I drag myself out of bed to go to a job that I'm taken advantage of and underpaid. After work, I go to the gym on some nights even though I'm extremely tired. Once I pull in the parking lot, I have to sleep for a few minutes before going in. Then I come home to a verbally abusive sibling who makes fun of me for everything including the depression. I never admitted having it but he found one of my prescription printouts. I have very few friends that I don't see much of. A couple of them know about the depression but not all. All that to say that my life is constant misery and loneliness. I want to believe things will get better and not give up but things only seem to get worse. I know I'm not alone, what do others do?

[Travelinglady]

Hello! I am wondering if you need to see a new psychologist, since the one you have is not helping. And how about your meds? You might need to be on something different.....

I am sorry you are having to deal with a bad job (but at least you have one) and a bum of a brother. If I were you, then I would tell him to lay off his criticism. Depression can be a disorder like diabetes, and even if it's situationally caused in part, then he is not helping. Do you have to live together?

What are you doing at the gym? I think something like the treadmill or the bicycle--or swimming-- would be the best activities.

Hang in here. People do get better. It often takes experimenting with what works best for a given person.

I hope these suggestion are a start, anyway.

[bharani1008]

I agree with Payne1. I've never seen a psychologist but my psychiatrist kept changing my meds and now I'm doing much better. It took 2 years to get the right mix.
Also correct about it being a real illness. Yes it can be circumstances also don't come down on yourself for being ill.
Can you join some kind of organization where you can meet nice people? Congratulations on belonging and going to a gym. That means you do have strength.
Good luck.

[ocean40]

Thank you both for the support and advice. I've tried many types and combos of different meds, nothing seems to do the trick. I try to attend social events but deal with social anxiety. My living situation is for finanacial reasons. Even though I go to the gym, I can't seem to lose weight. I'm probably 15 poulnds overweight.

Weekends are especially difficult with hardly anywhere to go and no one to see. When co-workers ask what I'm doing, I either have to make somthing up or say not too much. It's embarrassing and I'm always envious of their plans and lives.