Joining this website I think is a good first step towards feeling a bit better. We all have experienced depression and we know what it like and for people who have been able to work with their depression they can give you tips on how to feel a little better.

I'm 19 too and it's really hard sometimes but I have a therapist, my anti-depressants, exercise, to help me get through my days a little easier.

Feel free to contact me anytime.

i finally gave in and made my first therapy appointment for this thursday. i'm too scared to try out anti-depressants because of the side effects though.

I am glad to hear that you are going to see a therapist. In regard to medications, they all don't have side effects and if they do, the doctor can always change to a different medication. When I first began professional treatment, I was resistant about taking any medication, but the doctor advised me to.

It is my first time on here too. I have been depressed for on and off (mostly on) for 23 years. Anti-depressants helped a lot and I wasn't too bothered by side effects. The one thing I've never really tried is talking to someone about what's going on. I've never tried therapy or support groups. There have been times I have talked about my feelings with my husband (we've been married for almost 22 years), but he gets annoyed. Today he told me he "hates" me. I'm really at a low point.

The treatment for Depression is pretty clear cut, its seeing a Pdoc (psychiatrist) and being properly diagnosed and seeing if there even is a need for meds, then seeing a Therapist (psychologist) for talk therapy, usually on a bi-weekly to monthly visit depending on the need. Once you get into proper treatment you'll learn different coping skills to deal with the depression, the trauma from the past, daily mood shifts and all the things that make day to day living difficult. The thing is, it does not get better over night, you have to decide to stick with it, be all in, and get better. If you give up, then you won't ever get better, and that's on you.

I've been BiPolar for 28 years, I've done meds and Therapy for 28 years. Can you have a successful life with Depression, yes you can. I've raised 2 amazing sons, had a 24 yr marriage that I left because it wasn't right for me, have 3 College Degrees and have had a Career all my adult life....in between the suicide attempts and crippling depression. No all of that is not the norm, I'm what they call a High Functioning BiPolar, whatever, the point is, you can have a life with depression, but you have to make that life by getting treatment and doing the things that make life worth living...nobody can do that for you.

take care,
Kat

My first time here as well. I was referred here from a crisis worker via text. Surprisingly being able to just text Some one about how I was feeling without judgement or feeling like I was a burden or anything like that was nice.

Honestly, I no longer remember a time in my life that I haven't suffered from depression, anxiety, OCD, etc. When I was younger I went to therapy and I have PTSD from it. I'm trying really hard to get the courage to go see one again. I've attempted talking to my husband as well and he just doesn't get it and it feels like I'm burdening him and he is judging me the whole time. So I don't talk.

Kuddos to you for taking that step for yourself! I've been on numerous anti-depression meds and everyone is different and every med out there is different. Some work great with little to no side effects and some are the opposite. I hated taking meds! I didn't want to be "one of those people" but I can say that if it wasn't for my meds I don't know if I would still be here.

It helps me to help others. So anyone who needs someone to talk to whether it is just to vent, advice, help etc. I am here!

Come here and ask for help, I do. It helps to find you are not alone and I kind word from an anonymous friend helps.