Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Willow215 09/20/2011

Hi Everyone. I've been offline for a few months due to not having a computer, but am SO glad to be back! I've been hitting bottom with severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks... I've been on almost every med available for depression and nothing has worked. I'm currently on Zoloft 200mg daily, and it's not working. My living environment is extremely stressful and I'm totally alone. I'm on SSDI for chronic pain and live with parent b/c I lost everything when I could no longer work. Friends are all gone. No one calls. I spend 98% of all of my time in my room. I do see a therapist and she's doing all she can, but I can't afford to see her on a weekly basis. I've become pretty much agoraphobic, only going out for dr. appts. and other extreme necessities. I've been on antidepressants and in therapy on/off for the past 23 years. I don't know what to do. I'm even considering ECT, which is said to help dramatically with chronic pain and severe depression. Has anyone had any experience with ECT? I'm desperate to even consider this, but can't imagine going on living like I am. I need a friend or friends desperately. I go for days w/out talking to anyone or going out. My physical health is deteriorating rapidly. I've lost 45 lbs. over the past 6 months. I can't eat, can't sleep, etc... Any suggestions, encouragement and friendship would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks SO much!

Willow

hotdogalice 09/20/2011

were in the same boat.....we need to talk....want to be friends?

deleted_user 09/20/2011

"I spend 98% of all of my time in my room. [...] I've become pretty much agoraphobic, only going out for dr. appts. and other extreme necessities."

I've been in that situation as well. Depression makes you want to stay alone and solitude fuels depression even more. You need desperately to shift your focus from the inside to the outside. You can do that by finding an activity that helps you to know people and be around people. Physical exercise is the best antidepressant, but I know how hard is finding the will to do it. A lot of people go to the gym or to the swimming pool, however not everybody can afford to pay for it. The best solution I found for me was volunteering. People in those environments are very kind and understanding and you can be busy doing something which keeps you away from excessive introversion. Moreover you give your life a meaning, you do something helpful which boosts your self-esteem.

deleted_user 09/20/2011

I had to try many things before I found the right combination of things to keep me uplifted. Finding my faith in Jehovah, has made the most positive improvement in my life. Learning the faith behind being a Jehovah's Witness has moved me to action. I am on the way to being a baptised Jehovah's Witness. It involves getting out of the house at least twice a week, associating with people who are friendly and will help you out of genuine care for you a human being, and having get togethers with upbuilding loving people.

deleted_user 09/20/2011

hi willow. hope you see some sunshine soon.

deleted_user 09/20/2011

I have had ECT treatments; 8 to be exact. They helped my depression but I can't speak to the chronic pain as I don't suffer from it. I too had tried a multitude of antidepressants and none of them stayed effective. However, after ECT my meds seem to work better. It's been over a year now since I had ECT and I would do it again. I was in such a horrible state of depression I actually took an overdose. When I met my pdoc I asked if I could have the ECT's, I was so desperate. I hope you find some relief soon and remember that you have friends here on DS that care about you!

Disturbed420 09/20/2011

I herd ECT'S can make u run the possiability of becoming worse than before you had them? I am the same I don't talk to anyone too often anymore. No one really calls me. I hardly leave the house, except when my 2 yr old needs to go to the park, or just to get outta the house with him. I don't like leaving for too long and I find it awkard making conversation with ppl I don't know. I do go to the gym but, ppl either go there with friends they aleady know or keep to themselves. I don't even like going as much anymore, I just go so I don't feel fat and kinda feel good okay about myself for at least half the day. A temp short antidepressant solution for me

Willow215 09/21/2011

Thank you all so much for your replies! Greatly appreciated! /for me, I really, REALLY think that living in a less stressful environment would help greatly, but at this point I'm not sure if anything would help. I get scared at how bad the depression, anxiety and even panic has gotten. I'm on SSDI for the past 6 years b/c of chronic pain, but prior to that I always had a FT job as a nurse and did 6 years in Banking, had friends, privacy, independance, etc... I wonder if I could ever find my life again if given the chance... I know alot of how I'm thinking is the depression. I don't know how to feel better. I've done everything I can to feel better, but nothing seems to help. I've done the meds, therapy, excercise (swimming), gone to support groups at a church and other groups, but as mentioned, most ppl seem to be there with friends they already have. I haven't found any benefit from 'real life' groups so far.

Thank you all SO much again! It feels wonderful to know that we're not alone with these feelings.

Willow

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