To run, or not to run?

Well, i wasn't sure where to post this, so if it's in the wrong place then i'm sorry in advance.

I suffer from depression, i have done for 7 years. Lately, over the past year, i have been have really strong urges to just run away. I mean like to a different country, the urges are getting stronger and stronger with each month that passes.

I know and keep telling myself that just because i run away, doesn't mean i leave my problems behind, but i just can't seem to make any sense to myself.

I actually did go last year, i got to belgium, then the realisation of what i was doing and the fact i had no where to go and was running out of money fast sank in and i came back.

Does anyone else have these feelings? Is there a way of coping with this or making the urges weaker?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards.

(((((((Sammy))))))))))

Can't say I've ever felt that way, but I'm sorry you are.

Take care of yourself.

The feeling of wanting to have a "Geographic Cure" isn't yours alone -- I think that many of us have had a similar wish to try to find a new place, a way to start over, always with the hope that things will feel different in a new location.

IMHO, there are probably times when making a change can be beneficial and allow us to have a fresh start. But I also will admit that sometimes the drive to move comes from a desire to run away. Only you (and your therapist) know what might be the force that's driving you.

All the best to you in sorting things out to make the right decision.

I'm not sure whether what I'm going to say will help you in any way but I'll try.

I think I understand what you are feeling at the moment (at least to a certain extend) because I have similar thoughts. And I'm planning to do it - just not now, I have some issues that need to be solved first. I know where I want to go, when I'm going to do this and what I want to do when I get there.

If you really feel you need to run then I think you should consider doing it. But don't do it like the last time - you need a plan first. At the beginning you have to decide where you want to go. Then find a place to live there - an apartment or a hotel room. And of course a job - no way you can skip thas point, you need to pay your bills somehow. I recommend checking online offers in the area you want to move to.

Moving often works - it's like you were getting a second chance and starting a new life. It's good to know what's causing your depression - if it is the place you live in, people you deal with on a daily basis, a job you are not satisfied with - then IMO you should go. Removing the cause of your pain should help a great deal even if it doesn't solve the problem completely. But if it's someting else, something from the past or something you are dealing with that has nothing to do with your location - then I'm not sure whether the moving will help or not. Of course you are free to try it - you never know.

I hope you'll find the solution that works for you. Keep us updated, ok?

Take care,

sparkling

Thanks for the replies peeps.

I know i am not alone in this, that is why i wondered if there was a coping mechanism for it.

I think the majority of my problems are in my head, so there is no escaping them. I should probably just go to the doc's for a diagnosis/help, but i am afraid he will send me to therapy. I would never be able to talk about my problems face to face, it's so embarrasing, sitting there being judged.

Anyways, enough of me rambling.

Thanks again people!

sammy......a good therapist will not judge you......please seek some professional help.......you don't have to suffer...........if you need anything...i'd be glad to help......julia

When I was living with my parents just after university and had a nothing job with a long commute on a major highway, I use to imagine, "What if I just keep driving?" Your "running" reminded me of that.

Even when I found another place to live in another city, things did not get much better. I then moved again and got a different job, etc. I think it's kind of like a bad dream where we're running from the "bad" guy only to learn it's us and we have to turn and face/figure out what would make us happier with ourselves anywhere we are.

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Perna said:
it's us and we have to turn and face/figure out what would make us happier with ourselves anywhere we are.

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Man does this hit the spot!

Sammy, I just wanted to send you some gentle hugs and tell you that you aren't alone.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Sammy))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thanks again everyone .

I can't bring myself to go to a therapist. I know my causes and triggers but have never spoken about them and probably never will. Who knows, maybe one day I'll have the courage.

Anyways, there are always people worse off than I am. I should be thankfull that i have everything I do.

Take care! x

To Run or not to Run that is the question. Same place I am at.
Trying to decide when it is right is hard. You mentioned judgement. I feel the same and have not gone back to my T. The thing is its in my head and if I forget for awhile and am doing well then something or someone makes me remember. Even though I am an adult one inference from my Dad or friends and all falls apart. Maybe we need to fiquire out whether we are actually ruuning away or just trying to start over without put downs. When are we making a "sound" decision? Hard to tell when we are depresssed. Wishing you luck.