lifetimefanofqueen 15.06.2010 15:20 |
I have been diagnosed with severe depression lately, I'm on anti-depresents, they havent started working yet though. but before I have had thoughts of suicide because I feel like when i eventualy leave school that I am going to be terreble at my job, and i dont even know what job i want, so that makes my future seem pretty hopeless. but then those thoughts faded away, but then as the future gets closer and more unsure it is making me suicidal again, it's weird because one day i'm not thinking about the future, i just hope for the best, or i just feel that it is going to be so empty and so not worth living that I want to end it. (I'm telling you guys because none of you know me or my friends and family so you can't tell them, only the cychiatrist knows this. so i just want to get it out this way so that it isnt pulling me down even more.) so if anyone here has been in the same position as me then could you tell me how you dealed with it please? |
Donna13 15.06.2010 16:19 |
I would suggest a distraction when the worrying takes over your mind. Something as simple as a book or TV show. Or a radio, if you are trying to fall asleep. (I've never had depression, but I have worried about the future.) |
LittleSilhouetto 16.06.2010 09:29 |
I have had depressive illness on and off. My impression is that it sorts itself out and clears up after a while. Years ago, I read a lot of books about coping with depression/building confidence etc. My quallifications are to do with health, so I did a lot of reading about it. A lot of dealing with anxiety/depression is about cognitive therapy, that is, challenging negative thoughts. You should be able to find books in the library. Some books are better than others. It's important to keep yourself busy. Try not to let it stop you doing too much. I could never take tablets , the side-effects made me ill. L. |
lifetimefanofqueen 16.06.2010 10:06 |
Thank you for you'r advise littlesilluetto :D |
Micrówave 16.06.2010 13:17 |
Now I've got depression. Thanks a lot!!! |
lifetimefanofqueen 16.06.2010 14:52 |
This is not funny. wanting to kill yourself because of pain and fear of the future IS NOT FUNNY. seriously, I'm feeling better today because I've had my friends cheer me up allday, but some days I spend all day wondering where I will kill myself and how I will kill myself. so please don't laugh about this. my tablets are taking forever to work and I am 13 and wish I were dead. |
catqueen 16.06.2010 15:28 |
Lifetimefan, i felt so bad for you reading this. I have never been 'officially' depressed, altho i spent some time as a teen on St johns Wort, basically because i refused to go to the doctor but was made take something. I dont know how helpful this is, and i know its horribly frustrating to hear it, but 13 can be a difficult age. You're under a lot of pressure to decide what you want to do, teens can be cruel, and school and the prospect of more school and then work can be overwhelming. But it will pass... its horrible while it lasts, and might feel like there is no way out or no hope, but perhaps the way ahead is just hidden at the moment. When you have a job, etc, you will have more experience, and more resources in yourself to draw on then you have now, so you will be able for it. Thats part of the purpose of school - getting you ready, helping you prepare and grow, even though that growth and preparation can be a rough path at times. Please dont harm yourself... i think most of us have no idea how much we mean to other people. There is always a way through a situation, even if that way is difficult at times, and even if it takes some time. ok ill stop now before i rly start preaching... :P but srsly, take care of yourself, and try not to worry abt ALL the problems and situations that could come up... they wont all happen at once, and you'll find the ability to deal with them at the time if or when some of them do. |
The Real Wizard 16.06.2010 16:45 |
Lifetimefanofqueen: I may sound a wee bit cold here, but I've always been one to call it like it is. You're healthy, educated, fed, watered, sheltered, and loved. You should have absolutely no reason to be depressed when billions (yes, literally billions) of people would die to have what you have. Start smiling at the fact that you won the biggest lottery in the world - to be born in a first world country. You're young, so enjoy the minimal responsibilities for now. In due time you'll find your sense of purpose in the world and, with enough determination to succeed, you'll live a fulfilling life. |
7Innuendo7 16.06.2010 18:31 |
Lifetime I'm speaking from a US perspective...be sure you get a second opinion on the medication, especially if you are prescribed lithium bicarbonate for Major Depressive Disorder. For example, a misdiagnosis of MDD -- (when you might actually be coping with Bipolar Disorder, requiring a different medication, because depression can have a biological cause) -- and then being given a lithium prescrip can potentially destroy your thyroid gland, adding to the burden of effective coping skills. Most psychologists worth their clinical analysis will admit it takes about 2-8 years to get an accurate diagnosis, for both the psychosocial concern, and then to match you with both an appropriate medication, and its correct dosage. Also, there is a tendency to over-prescribe medication. Too much money involved between insurance and big pharma. I encourage you to research and ask critical questions about Prozac, Xanax, and Lexapro. Diet, exercise, yoga, omega-3 through increased salmon consumption, increased intake of asparagus, and conduct a very careful review of your family history for mental health concerns. As you state being 13 years old, the hormonal changes associated with being a teenager can trigger depression. Especially be aware of this as you enter your middle twenties and the major portion of physical growth concludes. Regardless of where you live please do some internet searching for: a) toll-free crisis hotline counseling, b) Byron Katie 'The Work,' and c) William Glasser 'Choice Theory' and Reality Therapy. I'm not telling you every last detail because it will mean more to you if you do the work. Depending on the kind of trauma which might be triggering depressive episodes, hypnotherapy or EMDR Therapy may work better for you rather than medication and/or counseling. You have the right to confidentiality at all times in the clinical setting, and the right to informed choice -- be informed about all services available to you, and make your choice based on thoughts rather than emotions. A counselor is someone who collaborates with you on developing an authentic, emotionally honest dialogue with your inner self. Put another way: the power to heal is already inside you, and it has something to do with the connection between your head and your heart. What's the number one thing you want to change in your life? If a miracle happened overnight and your problems were gone in the morning, how would your life be different? Most important: what do you do for healthy fun? Do you do that on a regular basis? (sarcasm not welcome, folks) If you've got TONS of reading time available, try Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability by Donna Falvo, RN, PhD, CRC. ISBN 0-7637-1570-0 3rd Edition. Keep Yourself Alive! |
LittleSilhouetto 18.06.2010 15:22 |
I didn't realise you were only 13. Hormones might have a lot to do with it. It really isn't a good idea to think about ending your life. You have got plenty of time ahead of you and if ever you feel that bad, please ask for help. Take things a day at a time. Try to get some enjoyment out of each day, no matter how small. Adolescence is a difficult time and I think it's starting earlier. In my day it didn't start till we were 16 and acne lotions hadn't been invented! L. |
brENsKi 18.06.2010 16:24 |
lifetimefanofqueen wrote: This is not funny. wanting to kill yourself because of pain and fear of the future IS NOT FUNNY. seriously, I'm feeling better today because I've had my friends cheer me up allday, but some days I spend all day wondering where I will kill myself and how I will kill myself. so please don't laugh about this. my tablets are taking forever to work and I am 13 and wish I were dead. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ sorry but i think you need to learn a key life lesson: my brother was 39 when died of cancer last year...he lived his life for every drop he could squeeze out of it....when he was told he was dying - jan 08 - he defied doctord and lasted 15 months.....and kept doing stuff right up til the day he died.....and do you know what? he'd have given his right arm to be alive and depressed like you...cos at least that's alive.... count you blessings.....get a grip, sort yourself...because people who talk of killing themslves really annoy me...you have no idea what you could be wasting. and you have no right to throw away something you were given that is so precious. you may have another 70 yrs on this planet.....on the other hand you could have much less - like my brother....seize every day.....and suck in the good ness...cos there's lots to be had. and don;t come back at me with any kind of "you don't understand" crap...cos i do. i lost my aunt, my dad and my borther all in the same year....that's f*cking being depressed mate....and i'm not lkilling myself |
lifetimefanofqueen 18.06.2010 17:38 |
look brENsKi, some people can clearly handly these things better than others. I dont want to argue with you, so im asking you now can we just drop what ever it is we have against eachover and just get along, please, this arguing is so childish. can we just get along? |
Saint Jiub 18.06.2010 20:42 |
I have done well since I was diagnosed in 1989 and obtained the proper treatment. It took three one month hospitalizations over a six month period, but I was finally successfully treated with a proper mix of medications. Unfortunately, proper diagnosis and treatment takes time, possibly more than one month. Please remember that your friends and family really do need you, and will be devastated if you harm yourself. Please note that anti-depressants can occasionally worsen suicidal thoughts for teenagers. Please keep your doctor and family informed if you think this might be the case. I found the following book on cognative therapy very helpful, as it helped me to fight back against my irrational thinking that was part of my depression: link You may also want to read more about depression (see link below). It is not as simple as it first appears. link Finally, please provide an update sometime. I will be wondering about you, and hoping things get better. Also, as you probably know, the music of Queen, might be helpful sometimes: Hang on in There Rain Must Fall Don't Try So Hard Pain Is So Close to Pleasure Friends Will be Friends Keep Passing the Open Windows Don't Try Suicide If You Can't Beat Them |
Saint Jiub 18.06.2010 20:51 |
Also, Queenzone (and the internet) is often a very rough and unforgiving place. Don't harm yourself over anything that some poster might say on this site. Most people do not understand clinical depression, and can be quite cruel sometimes (intentionally or unintentionally). Feel free to e-mail me at vantricers@comcast.net if you want, but you must get your parent's permission and let them read your e-mails. |
Saint Jiub 18.06.2010 20:57 |
oops I just realized that the link about the book in my previous post was wrong I corrected it. |
brENsKi 19.06.2010 03:50 |
lifetimefanofqueen wrote: look brENsKi, some people can clearly handly these things better than others. I dont want to argue with you, so im asking you now can we just drop what ever it is we have against eachover and just get along, please, this arguing is so childish. can we just get along? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ i think you misunderstand me. this is not a personal attack on you. anyone who knows me from this site _ i have bene here years - will know this is me being consistently ME. i call things as i see them....if it think someone is being an idiot is say it, and if i think i have an example of life that will help in some way i offer it. my comments were constructive and realistic. so stop trying to put "your spin" on my responses. there was no arguing or childisihness in my reply. i thought the example of my brother dying was a fair one....he'd really have given everything to be in your shoes...alive (and miserable - or depressed) you really need to get beyond what you think are personal comments - they're not. and people often have a go at me (and my style/ways) but i think - i dish it out...so i take it return.... but i'm not apologising for my comments - whatsoever....lose someone important to you who woulda given anything to live and you'll realise how precious life is.....buck yourself up, get treatment, adress your issues and get on with it...but don't come on here bemoaning your lot in life....cos life's to short to be depressed. also - get some new music.....or old music...rainbow, rush, badfinger, beatles, purple, ufo, lings of leon, killers, saw doctors.....rock yourself out ps (edit) - how about doing something radical? distract yourself from your own misery....go and help the local needy, homeless, dying...any charity. the joy and appreciation MUST help claw back some good feeling into your soul |
The Real Wizard 21.06.2010 12:57 |
I agree 100% with Brenski's stance. There are far too many people in this world who lack perspective. Today's kids are conditioned to have a sense of entitlement and often "get depressed" when things don't go their way. No doubt there are genuine cases of depression, but the rest of them can be cured with a little positive guidance instead of medication. |
Janet 21.06.2010 14:43 |
Clincial depression has absolutely nothing to do with whether you appreciate life or not, whether you have lost a loved one or not, whether you are wealthy, or poor. It matters not what your station in life is, and people who believe that do not understand clinical depression. Those of you who know me as a long time Queenzone member know that (for the most part, LOL!!) I am a reasonably rational woman. And I have suffered from depression my whole adult life. I have a wonderful husband, a fantastic son, a great extended family, good friends a home to live in, and food to eat. Yes, I appreciate all these things immensely, and yes, I have lost loved ones. My mom in 1999, my dad in 2000, and my brother who died unexpectedly just two years ago. I do realize only too well how short life is, and I value my life and loved ones greatly, and I feel I am very fortunate. But that has absolutely nothing to do with my depression. I received treatment from my wonderful doctor 13 years ago. But even though I improved immensely, I still struggle from time to time. True clinical depression is a real illness, a chemical imbalance in the brain, and it needs to be treated as such. Tough love is not what is needed. |
The Real Wizard 21.06.2010 15:34 |
Like I said, Janet, there are always genuine cases, and these people, like yourself, receive the treatment they need. The argument here is that plenty of people without the chemical imbalance still claim to be depressed and want to be treated the same way. |
lifetimefanofqueen 21.06.2010 15:46 |
Look here sir GH, I have got depression because I went to the hospital and they told me to go to a phsyciatrist and so i did and i was there for an 2 and a half hours and after they diagnosed me with severe depression, so dont try to turn it around to make it look like im in the wrong and i'm lying, I started up this forum to ask for help on how to get over this depression from some people who may have had depression or not, If your going to turn this around on me then get lost. |
Donna13 21.06.2010 16:50 |
My good friend had depression and I didn't even know about it. She took medicine and was seeing a counselor (which I didn't know). Then the guy she was seeing broke up with her and she committed suicide and shocked everybody. She always seemed so happy and cheerful, smiling, and making jokes all the time and she was very witty and smart. One time I said to her, "You seem so happy," and she said, "It is just an act." I laughed because I thought that was her fast wit; just another joke. Anyway, I hardly would know a depressed person from a non-depressed person, so it is good that there are medical experts who are there to help. I think there is some good advice in this thread from people who have had depression. Good luck with your treatment, and I hope you feel better really soon. |
Amazon 21.06.2010 17:03 |
A few comments: 1)Sir GH, I agree with you that the word depression is overused (and misused), but talking about 'Today's kids' makes you sound like an old man. :D It's not just kids who use the term when it isn't appropiate. Many adults also misuse the term and even resort to popping pills (and giving their kids pills) when it isn't necessary to do so. 2)Brenski, I have no idea whether lifetimefanofqueen is genuinely depressed or not. However assuming that she is, saying to her that she should be grateful to be alive because your brother would have loved to have been alive and depressed is not only unhelpful but is ignorant of depression. If you are truly depressed, not only do you not want to be alive when the depression is at its worst, but you can't just 'get a grip.' It is unlikely that anyone would want to suffer genuine depression, but even if your brother would have been happy to be depressed if it meant being alive, it's irrelevent; if lifetimefanofqueen suffers from genuine depression, her disease (and that is what it is) will not be cured because of that. If she is contemplating suicide due to her disease, then saying to her that X would love to be in her position is simply ignorant. You mention that you lost three people close to you; that is horrible beyond words, but with all due respect, that does not mean that you are genuinely depressed, as sorrow does not equal depression. It also does not mean that you have the right to reduce other people's suffering. |
brENsKi 22.06.2010 02:22 |
Amazon wrote: A few comments: 2)Brenski, I have no idea whether lifetimefanofqueen is genuinely depressed or not. However assuming that she is, saying to her that she should be grateful to be alive because your brother would have loved to have been alive and depressed is not only unhelpful but is ignorant of depression. If you are truly depressed, not only do you not want to be alive when the depression is at its worst, but you can't just 'get a grip.' It is unlikely that anyone would want to suffer genuine depression, but even if your brother would have been happy to be depressed if it meant being alive, it's irrelevent; if lifetimefanofqueen suffers from genuine depression, her disease (and that is what it is) will not be cured because of that. If she is contemplating suicide due to her disease, then saying to her that X would love to be in her position is simply ignorant. You mention that you lost three people close to you; that is horrible beyond words, but with all due respect, that does not mean that you are genuinely depressed, as sorrow does not equal depression. It also does not mean that you have the right to reduce other people's suffering. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ firstly, i have never said i was depressed. far from it. i know what depression is, and know i have never been depressed. secondly, my follow-up comments were my attempt to explain to the original poster that i was not being personal or making personal attacks. however, you now appear to be attacking me, without reading my posts in context. thirdly, i made suggestions that may help, it's up to an individual if they attempt to do anything about their situation other than post stuff about how depressed they are. fourthly, as Sir GH said: too many young people get "depression" these days...this is not necessarily their fault, but the fault of a lazy health service who write everything off to depression and prescribve pills cos it's easier than tackling the reall problem. stress is a part of modern life, stress is healthy if dealt with properly by the individual, when they don't deal with it this is where intervention is required. Janet - as a long-time sufferer - made a great comment re: the need for "tough love". finally, how dare you - your last comment is patronising in the very least. "with all due respect"???? that very statement in the context of what you are saying belittles my loss. I would argue that my loss is far greater than depression - i know what i would rather have - i'd trade depression to have my dad and brother back. and perhaps you are right sorrow does not equal dpression - where did i ever claim it did? but and it's a big but - loss/sorrow can be a catalyst that triggers depression. just because the chemical arrangement of my brain allows me to cope better does not mean my loss is any less significant than anyone's depression. |
Donna13 22.06.2010 08:05 |
I think that all doctors should just walk out those hospital doors now and enjoy their summer day relaxing (as doctors do) by lying around by the pool and reading romance novels and eating chocolates. Because the patients could always rely on the opinions of Sir GH and Brenski instead! Besides, doctors are lazy and need to face that fact, accept it, live the truth and stop pretending to work hard at the hospital. |
The Real Wizard 22.06.2010 09:54 |
Before this discussion gets out of hand, let's all be sure not to throw the "all doctors are competent and care" card. Any informed citizen knows the have been over-diagnosing things like depression and ADD for years, as it's an easy solution, and they can move on to the next patient as 5pm is approaching. Plenty of doctors see their job as a job and do the bare minimum, just like any other line of work, because they know they can - the system allows it. |
brENsKi 22.06.2010 11:09 |
Donna13 wrote: I think that all doctors should just walk out those hospital doors now and enjoy their summer day relaxing (as doctors do) by lying around by the pool and reading romance novels and eating chocolates. Because the patients could always rely on the opinions of Sir GH and Brenski instead! Besides, doctors are lazy and need to face that fact, accept it, live the truth and stop pretending to work hard at the hospital. this conversation is getting out of hand....you need to learn to read before jumping down my throat. where did i say "doctors"????????????? i said "lazy health service" - as in the organisation as a whole.... there is neither innacuracy or attack in my comments...just fact. |
Donna13 22.06.2010 12:45 |
I think it's safe to say that not only are Sir GH and Brenski willing and able to answer your medical questions (better than paying for a doctor, I say), but they are also very well qualified to answer any question you might have on any subject! How lucky we all are! |
brENsKi 22.06.2010 13:17 |
Donna13 wrote: I think it's safe to say that not only are Sir GH and Brenski willing and able to answer your medical questions (better than paying for a doctor, I say), but they are also very well qualified to answer any question you might have on any subject! How lucky we all are! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ i think YOU need to learn to read |
The Real Wizard 22.06.2010 13:42 |
Attacking the person and not the problem won't make it go away, neither will putting words in people's mouths. |
Donna13 22.06.2010 15:04 |
Their generosity knows no bounds. I didn't even ask for their advice and they are giving me top notch advice - and for free! Ah, the abundant universe gives again and again and again! |
Gregsynth 22.06.2010 15:22 |
What the hell? lol |
GratefulFan 22.06.2010 16:22 |
So, Sir GH and Brenski, there's this house in Sydney, right? Across from kind of a big cliffy thing. NEVER MOVE THERE. ;) |
Saint Jiub 22.06.2010 16:24 |
Sir GH wrote: Attacking the person and not the problem won't make it go away, neither will putting words in people's mouths. Donna was not the first to "attack the person" ... or belittle clinical depression. |
Saint Jiub 22.06.2010 16:39 |
brENsKi wrote: i'd trade depression to have my dad and brother back. If you had clinical depression, you likely would be wallowing in despair and not thinking much about having your father and brother back. |
brENsKi 22.06.2010 16:45 |
Panchgani wrote: brENsKi wrote: i'd trade depression to have my dad and brother back. If you had clinical depression, you likely would be wallowing in despair and not thinking much about having your father and brother back. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ really? ...................... spoken like someone who hasn't lost a brother and father in the same year |
Micrówave 22.06.2010 16:50 |
Panchgani wrote: I have done well since I was diagnosed in 1989 and obtained the proper treatment. It took three one month hospitalizations over a six month period, but I was finally successfully treated with a proper mix of medications.I always assumed you were a basket case, but you've just made if official. You're an ass AND a nutjob. Priceless. I didn't have to have Mommy spend all that money on doctors... I know I'm an ass. |
brENsKi 22.06.2010 16:57 |
Panchgani wrote: I have done well since I was diagnosed in 1989 and obtained the proper treatment. It took three one month hospitalizations over a six month period, but I was finally successfully treated with a proper mix of medications. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ you were clinically depressed? are you sure? or is that what your doctor told you....? he probably only said that cos he was scared of your mommy |
Micrówave 22.06.2010 16:58 |
OH MY GOD!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brenski wrote: just FACTI'm hoping that Brenski's tenure with Treasure Moment is similar to Paul Rodgers with Queen. No long term commitments here, maybe just an album. I think he's using them to put his songs out there. Perhaps Brenski's 'Tell-It-How-It-Is' lyrics will mesh well with Treasure Moment's 'You-Are-A-Slave' rhythms and produce a new music the world is not ready to hear. |
Amazon 22.06.2010 18:24 |
brENsKi wrote: " however, you now appear to be attacking me, without reading my posts in context." Oh please. I'm not attacking you, and I have read your posts in context. You said that "i call things as i see them" well this is me doing the same. "thirdly, i made suggestions that may help, it's up to an individual if they attempt to do anything about their situation other than post stuff about how depressed they are." You weren't being exactly helpful. "fourthly, as Sir GH said: too many young people get "depression" these days...this is not necessarily their fault, but the fault of a lazy health service who write everything off to depression and prescribve pills cos it's easier than tackling the reall problem. stress is a part of modern life, stress is healthy if dealt with properly by the individual, when they don't deal with it this is where intervention is required. Janet - as a long-time sufferer - made a great comment re: the need for "tough love"." I don't know whether lifetimefanofqueen is genuinely depressed but your posts indicated that you are ignorant about depression. "finally, how dare you - your last comment is patronising in the very least. "with all due respect"???? that very statement in the context of what you are saying belittles my loss." I wasn't belittling your loss, and may I point out, you are not the only person to have suffered tremendous loss? I was simply pointing out that grief does not equal depression. "I would argue that my loss is far greater than depression" This is yet more ignorance. It's not about what is greater, it's about the fact that genuine depression is so debalitating that sufferers don't think to themselves 'at least I'm alive.' "i know what i would rather have - i'd trade depression to have my dad and brother back." Again, you don't indicate that you know what real depression is. It is a disease. But even if this true, how does this help lifetimefanofqueen? She is still going to suffer the disease. "and perhaps you are right sorrow does not equal dpression - where did i ever claim it did?" I can only go by what you wrote. ".that's f*cking being depressed mate....and i'm not lkilling myself " "but and it's a big but - loss/sorrow can be a catalyst that triggers depression. just because the chemical arrangement of my brain allows me to cope better does not mean my loss is any less significant than anyone's depression." Nobody said it was. I will point out that the person who began the comparisons between grief and depression and who tried to belittle suffering was you. You also said 'I would argue that my loss is far greater than depression' so unless you are prepared for people to disagree, then perhaps you shouldn't say it. Or it only okay to compare grief and depression if you are the one doing it? |
Saint Jiub 22.06.2010 20:10 |
brENsKi wrote: Panchgani wrote: I have done well since I was diagnosed in 1989 and obtained the proper treatment. It took three one month hospitalizations over a six month period, but I was finally successfully treated with a proper mix of medications. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ you were clinically depressed? are you sure? or is that what your doctor told you....? he probably only said that cos he was scared of your mommy The "lazy health service" diagnosed me as bipolar ... twice. |
john bodega 22.06.2010 21:32 |
If there's anyone with an informed opinion in this thread, they've clearly elected not to share it at this juncture. I know the readership of this forum is woefully ill-equipped to handle most topics, but this is one that's clearly out of reach. Depression is just one of those unfortunate topics that most 'practically minded' people will never really grasp terribly well. Someone who doesn't suffer it would throw their hands up and go "I just don't get it" - and that right there is the clincher. They don't 'get it' because it's a condition that is literally alien to them, so they really ought not engage in discussion about it until they decide to do some serious damned research. My real advice to any sufferers out there would be to not bother bringing it up on Queenzone! You'd learn more by sitting on a potato. |
Janet 23.06.2010 10:02 |
What is Clinical Depression" Clinical depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Individuals with clinical depression are unable to function as they used to. Often they have lost interest in activities that were once enjoyable to them, and feel sad and hopeless for extended periods of time. Clinical depression is not the same as feeling sad or depressed for a few days and then feeling better. It can affect your body, mood, thoughts, and behavior. It can change your eating habits, how you feel and think, your ability to work and study, and how you interact with people. People who suffer from clinical depression often report that they "don't feel like themselves anymore." Clinical depression is not a sign of personal weakness, or a condition that can be willed away. Clinically depressed people cannot "pull themselves together" and get better. In fact, clinical depression often interferes with a person's ability or wish to get help. Clinical depression is a serious illness that lasts for weeks, months and sometimes years. It may even influence someone to contemplate or attempt suicide. People of all ages, genders, ethnicities, cultures, and religions can suffer from clinical depression. Each year it affects over 17 million American men and women (source: American Psychiatric Association). While clinical depression is common, it is frequently unrecognized and untreated. Types of Depression: Clinical depression can come in different forms. It may start suddenly or build up over a period of weeks, months, or years. The following are descriptions of the three most prevalent forms, though for an individual, the number, severity and duration of the symptoms may vary. Major Depression: a combination of symptoms (described above) that interfere with one's ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These episodes can occur once, twice or several times in a lifetime.Dysthymia: a less intense type of depression that involves long-term, chronic symptoms that are less severe, but keep one from functioning at full ability and from feeling good.Bipolar Disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness): periods of depression alternate with periods of elation and increased activity, known as mania. How Is Clinical Depression Different From Normal Stress and Sadness? Feeling sad and depressed is often a normal reaction to a stressful life situation. For example, it is normal to feel down after a major disappointment, or to have trouble sleeping or eating after a difficult relationship break-up. Usually, within a few days, perhaps after talking to a friend, we start to feel like ourselves again. Clinical depression is very different. It involves a noticeable change in functioning that persists for two weeks or longer. Imagine that for the last three months you've slept more than 10 hours a day and still feel tired, you have stomach problems, you're unable to cope with life, and you wonder if dying would solve all your problems. Or, imagine not being able to sleep more than four hours a night, not wanting to spend time with family or friends, and constantly feeling irritable. And when friends try to reach out to you, you get even more upset and bothered. You lose perspective, and you don't realize that what you're experiencing is abnormal. You want to just "wait it out," and you don't get help because you think it's weak to ask for help or you don't want to burden your friends. These are some of the experiences that people can have when they suffer from clinical depression. Unlike normal stress and sadness, the symptoms of clinical depression persist and do not go away no matter how much the individual wants. |
lalaalalaa 24.06.2010 11:03 |
I have depression as well. It runs in my family. I also have a social disorder called Asperger's. I know what you are going through. What helps me is knowing there is a new life I get to go to in Heaven. Life seems pretty pointless when you don't believe you go anywhere after death. That's just my opinion. |