Need some advice

[smile14]

Hi, I’m 21 and have been struggling with depression for a year now. No one in my family or friends seem to understand what it is like and I feel like more of a burden when I tell them what’s going on cause they stress about it and change how they act around me. I don’t feel I have anyone to talk to. I don’t always feel suicidal but sometimes I just don’t want to be able to think or feel so I take pills to put me to sleep. I don’t want to do that anymore and I just want to feel that my life is worth living. Any suggestions on how to feel a little more happy - please don’t tell me to go for a run cause I can hardly get out of bed. Thanks 

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear smile14,

A very warm welcome to our forums…

I am sorry that your struggling with depression….I don’t think anyone who hasn’t struggled with depression really knows how to understand it….

I also struggle a lot with depression and can relate to you taking meds to sleep…I have done that many times before when I was triggered into PTSD…only thing was, that once I woke from my sleep…I still had my depression hanging over me….I eventually went to my Dr. and talked to her about it, she set me up with a mental health care plan which included free counselling sessions with a professional which help me a lot by having someone that understood my depression and someone that I could unburden myself too…who also gave me some great coping strategies….

One was, when I lay down to sleep, I put on a gently spoken sleep story, I fully concentrate on the readers voice and the story mostly falling asleep before the story is finished…some people do a full body scan meditation…which I tried but it doesn’t really help me….I think it’s about finding what’s right for us…

I think finding our happy emotions is all about doing things that we like to do or are passionate about…my happy time is being with my fur babies and sometimes when doing my volunteer job at a charity shop…it gives me a feeling of being useful by doing something worthy for the community…

Not sure if I’ve helped at all…about going for a run…I’m the same when in depression, motivation is hard to find as well as getting out of bed…your not alone dear smile…

Please talk here anytime you feel up to it..

My kindest thoughts and care..

Grandy..

[jaz28]

Hi smile14,

I am sorry you are going through this, it must be hard. I'm 21 too and have had my share of struggles, and I am here to say it does get better. The first step is acknowledging how you feel and wanting to feel better - so good job. Now, you have asked for help here, but can you go further? Talk to your parents, friends, family about these feelings? Talk to a doctor? These people can help you feel better - you don't have to go it alone.

Please reach out on here always, but don't forget to ask others for help too, your life is worth living, 

Jaz xx