New to depression?

Looking for people like me...I was on top of world a few months ago..retired for six years, owned own business, no stress. Then, I returned to teaching along with too many other changes and freaked out...resigned , but now am depressed and feel like I am in a deep pit...Finally am going to pyschiatrist next week and pray to get on some meds. Surely, this is not my lot in life now to continue like this. Being a science teacher, I understand the biology , etc, but surely there is hope for me to return to my past life?

I think it is possible to beat depression. At least i hope so. but it is difficult and there are relapses, and i also think that you are vulnerable to repeated episodes once you suffer a first case of depression. meds dont solve everything, and other troubles in your life also have to be addressed if you want to progress. i think it is good that you want to move forward and beat depression. i am kind of stuck in a rut at the moment with my depression. or rather, i am slowly getting worse rather than better. do you have a counsellor or therapist to talk to? they can help you move through depression and look on life differently.

wishing you luck.

welcome!

it sounds like you're looking it in the face for what it is...depression. it also sounds like you've had a lot of changes in your life recently...which can bring about depression.

great job at see a psychiatrist. if you're not prone to depression, i'm suspecting that this will not last long. Have you thought about talk therapy as well? talk therapy for a short time, in combination with meds, can be miraculous!

i wish you so well and keep us posted, ok?

kd

This could be a situational depression, and not long term (like kd said.) Only you and your doctor at this point can tell... whether you've battled it and this work stuff has caved you in...

Wondering why you went straight for a psychiatrist and not your regular MD?

Keep us posted?

designs,

I too would wonder if you did not take on a bit too much and became overwhelmed. This can lead to depression even good positive life choices. (nobody says it made sense) Good job in reacting quickly and not letting it go. I hope this is situational and short term for you but keep getting help and support here and anywhere you can.

Hope you get back on top of the world soon and I hope to see ya there!

Take care.

Kim

Designs, my T (therapist) keeps saying things like, "once you are feeling more like your old self ..." referring to medication stabilizing the brain chemistry, and I have to keep reminding her, with a chuckle, that there's no "old self" for me to return to because I have been afflicted for so long I never developed one! But I think in cases where a person has had a coherent life thread which is healthy and has been meaningful and fulfilling for them, I think once you start "feeling like your old (regular) self again" from meds you should be able to put things back together and enjoy again the things you once enjoyed. Right now it might seem inconceivable, but with the right medications it is definitely possible, if not probable.

Does that help?
~mal

Welcome, Designs. You have come to the write place. You will find understanding, support, love, and even some genuine wisdom. I think these people helped save me life. Certainly, they helped make it worth living again.

((((Designs)))) and (((W2F)))))))

Welcome to the board - you will find great supportive and understanding people here. You have taken a great step by finding a Dr. Let us know how it goes.

Biology was my favorite subject and my teacher was my favorite teacher :-)

Take Care

Hurray for science teachers.... I loooooove science!

Sometimes people have a small setback and get depressed. And often it just takes a few months on a med to help get back on track. A friend of mine recently stopped her meds after about 5 or 6 months.

Don't give up if the road seems bumpy right now. You are definitely doing the right thing by getting in to see a psychiatrist.

And for what it's worth, I am clinically and chronically depressed, but that does not keep me from enjoying life. I have moments where it gets rough, but depression doesn't mean an end to your ambitions. Life is a continual process of change.... It will never be the same as it was before, but it can be what you set your mind to doing. Maybe once you get on some meds, you will feel that ambition returning. And remember to give any meds some time to work. They don't work right away... they take a couple weeks or so to reach a good effect, so don't get discouraged.

Hang in there!

Obsidian

Many, many thanks to all who replied so quickly to my post!! To answer one question...I did go to my primary Dr. first and he suggested I to to a specialist and I do have a talk therapist that i have seen twice and now will continue..... Again, thanks so much to all..jen

Wow....thanks to all the caring people who answered my question and gave me some insight into this new situation with depression.

I couldn't tell you when my depression started ( I think, I started going down hill about a yr ago) .. but I fell really low about a month ago. I had my Highs and low's and now I am in a low I cant get out of!

I want my old me back!

We moved 6 months ago to a amazing place, right by the ocean, where there is mountains, forest as far as the eye's can see. It is wonderful! Much better than the flat lands of Illinois. I always wanted to be in a place like this! Now, I cant even enjoy it!

I totally understand how you feel.. One minute on top of the world.. the next minute looking out from under the rock!

If you would have asked me a few mths ago who Kathy was and I would have told you! Now, I look in the mirror and don't know the person I am. I can't get back my old life. Its not because we moved ( I don't want to move back ) but I cant get with the program anymore!

I was always the outgoing person, ready to try anything! ( twice if I liked it.. he he he ) Now, getting up and out of bed in the morning is a chore!

I am sure we can get past this.. but not quick enough for my standards! I want it yesterday!

Kathy

I have to agree - it is good you are getting help and since your depression does not sound like it has been long lasting you may be able to recover quickly. Welcome to the forum - this is a great bunch of supportive people.

Thanks for your messages and pioneering effort. Glad I found you. This place looks nice. Even if I use somewhere else, will probably come here too. Let's spread the word. Everyone's asking "where?" Your friend Omni

TKs and welcome omniman! You've come to a good place in your life. Be sure to put a bookmark or favorites on it!

I remember a "situational depression" from my "prior" life... it was at graduation... just received my Bachelor diploma, came down off the stage, looked at the certificate and realized they had spelled my name incorrectly. It is amazing how fast I went from the highest high, to such a low. Even after the week I took to get the article replaced, it took another few weeks to get over it... convincing myself that it wasn't personal, and I really had accomplished all that.