How do I cope with long term major depression?

[Matine1]

I can't cope any more. I've had severe depression for over 2.5 years and tried everything. Nothing works. I don't know how I can keep going like this.

[4pawslove]

Hi Matine

I'm sorry to hear your so blue, some espisodes last longer then others- but there is always help when you look.

The importance of not giving up is paramount. Try finding the joy in simple things and seeking ways to get yourself better. For me meditation and mindfulness has helped me, I'm on medication and I try to notice one beautiful thing a day. You have to be strong willed and really want to get better, remember life without this crippling diesese? Im sure there are moments when you were happy. This will come again. Keep fighting cxx

[Croix]

Dear Matine1~

Hi and welcome to the Forum. I'm pleased you thought to come here as you can compare notes with others who have had similar problems. Having depression for 2 1/2 years is a pretty horrible thing to go through. I've had depression too.

Although you sound frustrated and have been trying different things it would probably be a good idea if you could bring yourself to say a bit more. That way people could see exactly what has been happening and also what sort of life you lead. Then their experiences and suggestions would be closer to your needs.

Do you mind if I ask if you have been formally diagnosed and are currently under treatment by a GP? Perhaps with a psychologist, taking meds and practicing therapies? In my own case I found I was not able to get better all by myself. I needed this sort of help.

If you are under treatment it sounds as if it is not effective and needs to be reviewed, so seeing your doctor might be a pretty good idea.

If you are not then it is high time you started. Go see your GP for a long consultation and explain about your life and how you have been feeling. You may be tested for depression, given meds, a health plan and sent to a psychologist. I found I had to write everything down first and go through the list in the surgery.

Do you have a family, partner, children, parents and do you have any good friends? Is there anyone you can talk to who will understand and give you support. Being alone in this situation is not good, people can help.

Very many people have lot on their plate, some study, some work, others have kids, some both. Others have illness or death to cope with. In just about all cases the background levels of stress in a person's life need to be as low as possible. I find the more stress, the worse things get.

I'd suggest, if you haven't already done so to have a read on The Facts menu above, it has lots of information on depression, its causes, symptoms and treatments. In addition you could have a browse though the depression section of this Forum to see how others have got on.

We'd like to help, please say more

Croix

[Doolhof]

Hi Matine,

I too welcome you to the community here. 4pawslove and Croix have already made themselves known to you. There are many people here who understand how you are feeling.

Depression and mental health issues can feel like we suffer in silence because some people don't seem to understand how much these conditions can affect people.

I have moments when my depression is really quite unpleasant, it is then that I need to push myself to do something I usually enjoy. I go for a walk, head out in the garden, do a little craft or try to read a book. It can be a struggle. Some days I don't succeed very well and that is okay, there is always tomorrow.

You are obviously in a bad place right now, as Croix has mentioned, if you share more of your situation if you feel comfortable to do so, people here may be able to offer you some suggestions on what has worked for them.

Hope you r day goes okay. Know that people here care for how you are feeling.

Cheers for now from Mrs. D.

[interloper]

Hi Matine.

Two and half years sounds like a long time. I've been in a similar boat but for a lot longer. I've been pretty good the last week or two but can feel myself slipping yet again.

I can definitely relate to the problem of nothing helping. GPs are under the pump and it is difficult to explain your headspace in that type of forum. Psychs seem to push whatever they studied whether it works or not. Meds need patience "to find the right one" and there are some pretty bad side effects.

After 15+ years of moving in and out of various intensities of depression there has been two things that has helped me.

Firstly, making plans for the future. Ambitious plans that are still in an achievable range. But they must be ambitious and a stretch. Planning and working towards the plans and goals is far more rewarding than actually achieving them I've found.

The second thing is the concept of sehnsucht. When nothing works, and I made a post about that a while back, I was wondering what the hell I could do. I came across this idea and it has changed my perspective of the world. It may not suit you at all, but it may be worth having a read about...