Intro/years of dealing with depression

[rustynails]

Hi,my name is steve and I'm fairly new on here. I'am 34 and have been experiencing depression from the age of 15. on and off medication but have taken med constantly for 6 years. lately being depressed is still pretty bad some days. I work about 20 hours aweek in cleaning early mornings. lately finding energy to work is getting hard. when I'm at home,getting anything done and finding motivation is pretty tough. I lay down a fair bit and tend to shut myself inside allot. I also have been living alone for ten years and the only family I have is my mum that lives in town.social life is pretty limited apart from trips to town,bills,shopping,things that you have to do. I find it hard to meet new people and I'm abit reserved/quiet. being lonely is something I have felt for a long time.

[blondguy]

Hello Steve

Welcome to The Beyond Blue Community and thankyou for posting

You have experienced depression for a long time and I understand where you are coming from. I have been on AD's since 1997 and still on them.

I live on my own too and it can be awful without people around. I feel like I am reading about myself when I read your post. I too have my mum living 'up the road'.

If I may ask you....do you still have a good GP that you can visit and 'vent' too? There is nothing wrong with being a bit reserved or quiet....so am I. I have difficulty meeting new people as I tend to get very nervous...so to speak.

Maybe we can help you even just a bit by being here for you. There are many wonderful people that are like you and I on here. (I have been on here for the same reasons)

You are not alone. I admire your courage for being on the meds. They provide us with a platform on which we can help ourselves heal. You are also working which is another bonus for you Steve.

I do hope you can post back....it would be great to hear from you

My Kindest Thoughts for You Steve...

Paul

[pipsy]

Hi Steve. Welcome here. You've been fighting alone for years and it's not getting easier. I would like to suggest you ask your Dr for a referral to a counsellor/psych to give you some guidance for the days when life simply gets too much. I do admire you for fighting so long, but getting some help would mean a problem shared. There's no shame in admitting you need help. In posting here, you've taken the first step. Have you had your AD's reviewed lately, it could be you need a stronger/different dose. Hiding from life is a common problem when you're suffering depression. It's easier to hide than it is to face the world. Living alone is not really good either, perhaps you could think about joining a social club when you're feeling better. What about getting mum to move in, or perhaps moving in with her if possible. Depression is debilitating and crippling, getting some help to control it would be major, but it would help to clear those dark clouds away.

Lynda.

[blondguy]

Hello Steve

Welcome to the Beyond Blue Community Steve and Thankyou for Posting

You have had depression and the isolation for nearly 20 years which is a long time. I understand where you are coming from especially with your bad days. I have had severe anxiety/depression many years and I feel your pain.

I have read your post a few times and its like reading my own history except you are 20 years younger..If I may commend you for being on meds for the past 6 years...that is a huge step towards recovery and you have been building a platform on which you can heal. If I may ask you.....do you have a GP that you are comfortable with at the moment? They are more 'depression' literate than when I first reached out for help.....and can be an invaluable source of encouragement and healing...even before getting a referral that you have had of course.

I admire you for having a job for 20 hours a week. I was terminated/made redundant in January this year and am looking for work as I write this.

Lacking the energy to work and to find motivation are signs of depression. I also live alone and have done so for a few years now and I miss living and spending time with someone. My mum also lives down the road from me and she is 86 and frail. I see where you are coming from Steve.

I hope you can post back and talk some more when you are comfortable doing so...

We are here for you Steve...My Kindest thoughts for you

Paul