Does anyone ever truly beat depression?

lookingforme · ‎25-10-2015

I experience those "waves" my psychologist told me happens; waves of good and bad. But it never gets easier, it always blindsides me and each time I'm left wondering how much strength is left in me actually. The better you feel the worse it hits you, or the worse it seems anyway. Even in the good days are not always good, it just a higher ratio of good to bad.

Just wondering I suppose...

Zeal · ‎25-10-2015

Hi Looking for me,

People can completely overcome depression, but a fair proportion improve significantly and then live with fluctuations or relapses. If you satisfy important aspects of your life that can influence depression, such as: correct dosage and type of medication (if you need meds), adequate sleep, balanced nutritional intake, good relationships with family and friends, reasonable work and living conditions, and interests/passions outside of work, then you are far more likely to make a full recovery.

Keep seeing your doctor when you need advice.

Best wishes,

SM

newvin · ‎25-10-2015

at times in my life i have beaten it to a point of it being so low on my list of things i call it compartmentalization
that i don't pay attention to it but for it to stay like we need to do everything we can to help our-self's

i have found the more i tell myself i can do this, i can fight this, have before, the better i know what sets me off(interpersonal skills) the more things i do just to make me happy, also setting smaller goals like day by day goals or for work hour by hour.

so in my opinion which is only one persons opinion so take it with a pinch of salt yes we can get to a stage where depression is no longer in control of you but you are in control it its not gone but it is no longer the evil monkey on your back its a inner child like voice that pops up now and again that you shut down as soon as you start to feel it
with me i have this thing where i loop in my brain subconsciously i want to die or i hate myself this is a learned trait from years of not helping myself.

now days i basically tell myself that's a bad neuron and i must ignore it i have loads to live for even if thing feel hopeless now the only way is up

the bottom is a trustworthy rock use it to build back up again you can and will do it if you stick at it
exercise, diet, socialization, hobby's, just generally keeping yourself from introspecting too much

also take a step back form your life as a current moment and see how far you have come to get to this point how many times have you beaten this bullshit to get here today and send this message to us

but most importantly i think is to go through the proper channels i have had amazing people assigned to help me my last councilor David changed my life for the better in almost every way also the correct medication had made a massive impact on the severity of the lows and keep me more on a plateau and i have moments of true happiness which felt impossible less than 2 years ago

stick with it mate pm me if you need a chat

JessF · ‎26-10-2015

I think a great source of misery is treating depression as something that is to be overcome, permanently, rather than just managed. It is a part of life. It is a bit like asking, does anyone ever beat tiredness? Well, the answer is no, because every night we need to go to bed and sleep again.

SM makes a good point about the elements of your life that need attention to make sure you have the best chance of staying well. Connections with friends and family, keeping active physically, finding new things to stimulate you and learn about, being generous with your time and thoughts to others, being mindful of the world around you and getting absorbed in the moment... these are all important elements of life that need attention, just like a garden.

lookingforme · ‎06-11-2015

Hey all,

Thanks for responding.

SM - I've been thinking all of that myself. And that's why day in and day out I try. I'm exercising well and eating clean. But current circumstances mean that the socialization aspect is sorely lacking and my goals require waiting when all I want is to be there. But I do have them. I am actually immensely improved on this time last year.

Newvin - I consider myself functioning, there are just days where it is harder. And those loops that you talk of, they're in my head as well, with morbid thoughts (as my old counselor put it). They play, but I'm able to just put them aside and move on on most days. On others it feels like I'm white-knuckling it so nothing more than the thoughts occur). But yea, as I've said earlier, I'm working on it. And thanks, I'm definitely in the mindset to stick with it and note my progress, and know that every day is a victory if I continue.

JessF - I'm realizing it more and more that the expectation of overcoming it is a source of misery. Living with ti is more realistic, and not even noticing is optimistic. I'm definitely trying. I will have my time and I have to be patient and work at it.

Thanks for the support all

lookingforme · ‎20-09-2016

When I started on this journey, when I finally decided enough was enough, to get some help after years of just being battered by my own brain, I was relieved. A sense of being unburdened by having someone else accept my thoughts, my feelings, and validating them, telling me that it is okay, that I am not a monster, not a thing and not nothing either. I have a place and I have a part to play. It helped me move away from the edge of the platform as it were and give time another chance, and me one as well. I thought I could because I wasn't doing it on my own anymore.

Now? It has felt like years have gone by, more years than I have been alive really, but it has only been about 18 months. I haven't got anywhere. It's like I have moved sideways rather forward. Always facing the issue in an arc, but never getting closer or passing it. I find myself with the same aches in my soul, the same loneliness and emptiness that seems to define the words rather than just be described by them. And it has dawned on me that I am alone in it after all, because it is up to me to do the things that can only be given to me by suggestion. Take my meds, practice this mental self control, change your views...words that are thrown at me but it is up to me to catch.

I find I have no more energy to do so anymore...to do anything, even lying here costs too much because I still have to breathe, I still have thoughts, I still have emotions.

What I have learned so far is how very inconsistent all of this mess is, how there is no guarantee even when I try, and how trying costs me so much that I feel as if I have to sacrifice chunks of me only to get more fragile pieces back. And I crumple and break so easily, over and over...

So I ask myself, how long is a long enough time for the burden of trying?

Zeal · ‎20-09-2016

Hi looking for me,

You sound so overwhelmed and defeated - depression is unfair like that. While you are right in saying that changes ultimately need to be made on a personal level, this does not mean you're alone. Keep close to your family as much as possible. When I was really struggling several years ago, just being around my family (even if I didn't engage positively) was helpful. If you live alone, could a family member stay with you for a while? If you are having suicidal thoughts, please don't hesitate to call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Beyondblue's 24/7 helpline is great for advice and support too (1300 22 4636). If you are in dire and immediate strife, it's best to call 000.

You are brave in posting back here. It shows that you are a fighter, and have a good help-seeking instinct. Hold onto this and know that your situation can improve.

I hope this forum community can provide advice and support 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

Canon500d · ‎25-09-2016

G'day lookingforme.

Depression used to blindside me too. It would sneak up, exploit a weakness and then it consumed me.

It was through a major event in my life just over 8 years ago that I learnt the reasons why I felt sad sometimes to the point I would sit alone and cry, feeling worthless and had dark thoughts. I sought help with my GP and a great psychologist. They both told me I suffered 'clinical depression' .

The GP prescribed meds and the psychologist gave me the tools to help me recognise when depression was trying to blindside me.

2016 has been the year for me. I'm off the meds and rarely see my psycholigist. Recently I could the signs of depression coming on. I'm proud to say it came and went without consuming me. I went a little quiet and having to the tools to deal with it has helped me immensely. Strange to say, I was conscious it was happening, the affects were minimal and it faded away.

So, my answer to your question from personal experience is depression may always be in the background and over time, how much we suffer is determined by how much we let it consume us.

blondguy · ‎26-09-2016

Hello lookingforme

I really feel your pain....You do sound like you are in a dark place. This is my 20th year with depression and it does get better...absolutely.....with super regular counseling and meds if required...

Unless I have missed it....how long have you had this awful illness?

My Best for you

Paul