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.
I've been suffering from depression - started with postpartum - for about 16 years. Things had been going well for awhile - I'm on Wellbutrin which seemed to be working for me after other meds didn't - but a week ago I got slammed with a bout like I haven't had in years. I've been having suicidal thoughts, feeling that I'm a burden to my family, crying a lot, and just generally wanting to die. Also, I've found it hard to find someone who "gets it" in my life. That's why I'm so thankful to read the posts here and know that I'm not alone in what I'm feeling. Right now I'm just kind of hanging on, but I really want to feel better. I called my counselor and have an appointment tomorrow, so maybe she'll have some advice about what to do about my meds because this has been a week of just barely getting by. Also, I told a close friend (through email) about my suicidal thoughts - I had never told her before - and I haven't heard from her since. That really hurt as she has always been supportive in the past about my depression, but I guess this was just too much for her to handle. Mostly my problem is feeling abandoned and invisible - like how my friend hasn't responded. Any advice or support you can offer, I could really use right now because I'm still having moments where dying seems like the best answer and a relief - I'm sick of the pain! Thank you.
Be sure to check out my DS NEWCOMERS thread ... and you will soon feel right at home here.
Then watch how she reacts. She may be able to deal with it, she may not. Even if she is not able to deal with it very well, she may still be a good source of support. Just be careful with how hard you lean on her.
And remember to listen to her, and let her lean on you when she needs it. Even if she says her needs are so light she does not want to burden you, tell her that you are there for her!
And welcome to DS! There are many people here who get it when you say that you are depressed. We all have days where we would not take the effort to push the "I want to live" button.
Gentle hugs
And, yes, some people, a lot of people, are very upset by the word suicide---the rest of what you say usually gets obliterated by that one word. Try not to hold it aaginst her. It's really down to society and what that does to people's perceptions. She might come back around...
I know you'll make friends here easily. I know what it's like to feel cut-off from people. This place, even with its flaws, has been really helpful to me many a time. It got me connected, and confident about trying again with the "outside" world.
Hugs, hon.