There's no way to get rid of this, is there?

[acordial8]

I am not up for spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on psychiatric help to tell me I'm afflicted with something that can't be fixed.

I've researched for 20 years now and have never come across a fix or anything that works, even slightly.

I need someone honest enough to give it to me straight: I'm depressed, and there's no fix. I have to live with this forever, don't I?

[pipsy]

Hi acordia18. Have you been to a Dr for an assessment? That would be a good place to start. The Dr assesses you. Based on what you tell him, you would then be asked if you'd like a referral to a psychiatrist/psychologist/therapist. If the answer to all three is 'no'. The Dr would then ask you what sort of help you would prefer. You need to explain you're depressed, have you any thoughts on what has caused the depression? Depression can be extremely debilitating, however, help is available. If you feel at the moment, you are surrounded by dark clouds that are quite foreboding, depression really has you in its clutches. There are AD's that can help you, however they take time to adjust to. In the meantime, while you are adjusting, you would need to return to the Dr for reviews. Please, don't think you're beyond help, no-one is ever beyond, with some people it's harder, fear of the outdoors makes it difficult for some people to venture past the front door. If this is your case, a Dr will home visit, once you explain your fear. You don't have to live in fear, you can get help. Please reach out. If our 24/7 helpline can assist, we will. Lifeline also helps.

Please get back to us, I'd love to know where you are with your illness. Depression is an illness and can be treated. Never feel abandoned or alone.

Lynda.

[JessF]

Hello acordial, it depends what you want to get rid of.

Feelings of depression are a natural part of the human range of emotion, as are feelings of elation, sadness, anger etc. There is not a treatment in the world that will guarantee you will live the rest of your life and never be depressed again for a single second.

There are, however, many treatments and techniques that can enable you to live with your feelings, and accept them - all of them - for what they are, and not be ruled by them. Perhaps you could tell us a little bit more about what is going on for you and we can swap stories about what's worked and what hasn't.

[White_Rose]

Dear Acordial

Hello, it's nice to meet you. Welcome to the Beyond Blue forum. Your post is very brief so I am not sure exactly what you are asking. Depression is an illness like many others. It may be with you for a long time or may not. Depression can appear to have been cured and return for a visit in the future. There are so many variables that I would be surprised if anyone can predict what will happen with 100% accuracy.

There are ways of managing depression so that it has little impact on your life, depending on your willingness to work on this. The first step, as in all illnesses, is to see your GP and get a diagnosis. Take it from there. Or have you been told you have depression but don't want to see a counsellor/psychologist/psychiatrist?

I had a 'flu shot some weeks ago. If I had been very unlucky and already had the 'flu virus in my body I would probably have developed the 'flu. Or I could develop another strain of the 'flu virus, one that was not included in the vaccine. Or I may have a heavy cold which is often mistaken for the 'flu and claim the vaccination was useless. Sorry to be long winded in my comparison. I am trying to say that there are often circumstances you don't know about until you get checked out by your doctor and try some remedies.

Then it depends on the severity of your depression, if this is the diagnosis, and what the most appropriate remedy will be. Have you in fact had counselling from a mental health person? I am happy to talk about cost but I do need to be sure what exactly we are talking about. I'm not sure I am answering your post with the information you want. I hope you will write in again.

Mary

[Marcsa]

Hi Acordial8,

It's hard to give a reply because I/we here on the forums don't know what sorts of things you may have tried over the years. There are lots of different folks here, who may have some good suggestions. At least it's a place for sharing experiences, so that might give you some ideas you may not have tried.

I'm not sure that anyone can give you a definite answer.