[Val6]

A quick background:
I am almost 20 years old and I have been depressed for about 3 years now. I've been on Zoloft and gone to a psychotherapist and niether seemed to work. I've been more depressed than usual lately, and I found this website and thought I would try it out. I'm considering trying another medication. Both of my parents are on Effexor and it seems to be working great for them, my dad is a completely new person. I just want to be happy, have hope, and love life again. I miss the person that I was 3 years ago, as I'm sure some of you can relate.
It seems that I get depressed whenever I am alone. When I am around family, friends, or my boyfriend, I'm usually fine, probably because I don't have the time to think about things. Does anyone else have this problem? Even though I hate being alone, I sometimes avoid going out with friends or being in other social situations. It can get very frustrating.
Any empathy or advice would be appreciated. In a sad way, it's good that I'm not alone in this.

-V

[Christina86]

Hi ((((Val6)))) welcome to PC

I feel the same way you do. It seems that everything seems even just a bit better when you're around people and then you crash when you're alone. It sucks.

Keep posting, and take care of yourself.

[(JD)]

Yes, that is common. I'm sorry the therapy you tried didn't work out, but suggest you try again, perhaps with another psychologist.

The key, for now I think, is to find things to distract yourself from those negative thoughts when you are alone.

[pamelasu]

I am sorry you are feeling so low! I hope that you get feeling better soon! Don't loose hope. Maybe come up with a goal to work towards! That might help you to see some light! Wishing you the best of luck!

[jacq10]

((((((((((Val6)))))))))
I'm sorry to hear that things are seeming worse at the moment ... i've been there, and i know how bad it can be at times. And i completely, Completely, get what you are saying about becoming more upset when you're alone. Thats why - as hard as it can be sometimes - i know i always try my best to just be around people, even if i'm not saying a whole lot or really doing anything ... just something to keep my mind from wandering off into more negative thoughts.

If its something you want to do, keep trying to see which meds are the best fit for you. Do you have anyone that you can talk to about any of this? Talking helps alot sometimes too ... even if it hurts at the time.

BUT, welcome to the site! there are certainly many people here that can relate to you.

Take good care,
Jacq

[Forsaken]

Hey Val6. Hopefully I'll be able to chat with you sometime (Seeing as we're same ageish). It's a great site, stick around.