[HardToBeHappy]

I am looking for support for my depression. I want to be in a face to face support group, but there are none in my area (except for a 12 step program which is based around God, and I am a non believer). I am unemployed and bored out of my mind but I can't seem to get motivated to do anything but sit on the couch and play games on facebook, and even that is getting boring after 2 months. I just wish that I could be happy, but I can't seem to. I feel like I will not be happy even if I find a job. I am alone most of the time and I think I need some human interaction but I don't want to burden my friends with my problems and apathy. I wouldn't want to hang out with me either. Do you know the feeling? Do you have any idea how to begin the ascent from this low place?

[bharani1008]

Welcome to PC HardToBeHappy. I think you will find that you have come to the right place! This whole forum is just for depression and so many people contribute to it. It's a common experience for all of us and we've all been coping with it however we can. I'm sorry you can't see someone about your depression because medication is available that helps so much. If you could go to an ER maybe they could suggest some kind of program. Also at the top of this forum is long list of support numbers for so many problems people have. If you can call some of those numbers when you need to talk to someone immediately you might feel a little better. I think you will find that posting here and communicating with people like you will in itself make you feel a bit better. You are not alone. We are here to support you.
Since you are online a lot anyway then please check out the social clubs. There are so many and my experience has been that everyone in them is kind and welcoming. I belong to a couple of book clubs and a TV club. I really like the people in them. Even though they are depressed they are often funny and always enjoyable.
It's good that you get outside with your dogs. Staying inside too much can in itself be depressing.
Take a look around and I'm sure you will find help and company that you will like.
Good luck

[HardToBeHappy]

Originally Posted by bharani1008

Welcome to PC HardToBeHappy. I think you will find that you have come to the right place! This whole forum is just for depression and so many people contribute to it. It's a common experience for all of us and we've all been coping with it however we can. I'm sorry you can't see someone about your depression because medication is available that helps so much. If you could go to an ER maybe they could suggest some kind of program. Also at the top of this forum is long list of support numbers for so many problems people have. If you can call some of those numbers when you need to talk to someone immediately you might feel a little better. I think you will find that posting here and communicating with people like you will in itself make you feel a bit better. You are not alone. We are here to support you.
Since you are online a lot anyway then please check out the social clubs. There are so many and my experience has been that everyone in them is kind and welcoming. I belong to a couple of book clubs and a TV club. I really like the people in them. Even though they are depressed they are often funny and always enjoyable.
It's good that you get outside with your dogs. Staying inside too much can in itself be depressing.
Take a look around and I'm sure you will find help and company that you will like.
Good luck

Thank you bharani1008, I will be looking into the social clubs as soon as I have my full privileges in the forums. I already feel better. Just knowing that there is support out there is giving me hope. You are very kind.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by HardToBeHappy

I want to be in a face to face support group...

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - US Support Group Locator ???

I suffer from depression as well. It's not a happy place for sure. Every day I must choose to fight it. There are days I just want to give up. I think about the fact that it seems like its a "life sentence with no hope of parole." Some days no matter what I do I am still depressed. I was on meds then got tired of the side affects and stopped taking them. I am reasonably certain to be back on them shortly as I am tired of fighting this depression on my own. I will just have to find the right med and let that help me.

Your friends are truly your friends when you become vulnerable to them and they love you anyway. I think that true friends will hear you when you share your fight with depression with them and they will understand when you are apathetic.
TRUE! I wouldnt want to hang out with me either! But you gotta give people a chance and learn to let some things just "be". Some days they will be just fine with you...others they may look at you funny...but as long as they keep coming back...well they are your friends and that is what friends do.
My ascent from the darkness always involves music.
I don't listen to "dark" music that feeds the depression, or angry music...but I am not necessarily listening to feel good music either. I like ambient, space music, cosmic...stuff like that.
Your ascent could begin anywhere...pottery, painting, favorite TV show, video game, gardening. Be open to the possibilities...could be knitting or opera....who knows? But when you find it you will know it cause your insides will go "ahhhhhh"

[Little Lulu]

I joined Co-Dependents Anonymous many years ago, a 12-step group. I don't see it as based around God, although a Higher Power is part of the program. My experience is we are a group of people who have problems with mood, self-esteem, relationships and are looking for ways to heal.

This concept of God can be God as you understand God ... for many that is the power of the group community itself and not the religious God that many of us grew up with. I'm not particularly 'religious' but this group has changed my life. It has been the biggest denominator in my healing from depression/anxiety. Wow ... the things I have learned there ... I have a sponsor in the program who has been for many years my best friend and I have many other friends in the group. The meetings are $1 - what a deal for my sanity!

This is my just my experiece ... take what you like and leave the rest. I hope you find what works for you. If you do, please share it. I think most of us here at Psych Central are just trying to get better.

[HardToBeHappy]

Thanks Spirit,
You reminded me that I have not listened to music in a while and it did always make me feel better. I love to sing too and it always makes me happy to do that. I think I will do some music listening today and maybe sing if I have the house to myself.

[HardToBeHappy]

Maybe I could try a 12 step program, if only for the group. I just wont be able to say the serenity prayer. I know many people have many different interpretations of God, but mine is that there is no difference between God and Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy and I just can't give up my control to any of them. I wish I could because it seems to help some people. Just believing in something other than themselves. I just don't believe it so I can't pretend that I do. There has to be another way.

[HardToBeHappy]

Originally Posted by Rohag

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - US Support Group Locator ???

Thanks Rohag. I checked this out but I got the "We're sorry! There are no DBSA support groups in the area you searched." message. Until I reached 100 miles out. I live in a dying town. The closest one is 53 miles from me and that is just to far to travel for a meeting.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by HardToBeHappy

The closest one is 53 miles from me and that is just to far to travel for a meeting.

Yes, I couldn't & wouldn't travel that far for a meeting. Until you can find face-to-face help, I hope you can gain something in these and related forums.

[HardToBeHappy]

BTW Rohag, my dog is just as good at the fetch command.