Depression is an Illness an Emotional/Mental Illness. It doesn't have a cure, but it does have Treatment, medications and Therapy. You can chose not to Treat your Depression and your life will be bleak, sad, lonely, dark and unhappy. Your daughter will suffer because of it, she will constantly see mom sad and crying, she will grow up being sad for you, wondering why you don't do something to make it better, does that caring and sadness in a child turn to anger at some point...sometimes yes. Our children get angry when we don't get Treatment to help us get better so we can be the parents they need us to be.

You've listed several excuses for why you're not getting treatment. There are many meds and you can try different ones, they don't all have the same Side Effects and its not only Anti-Depressants anymore that are used to treat Depression. As for Therapy, you make time for it, it's that simple. If you want to get better and have a good quality of life, have a decent life with your child and give her a somewhat regular life, you go to Therapy. There are many ways to do Therapy these days, some Therapists offer weekend or evening times, you can even use an Online Therapists. The Mental Health Profession community realizes that people work 9-5, M-F and can't always afford to take off during the week regularly to go to Therapy, so options are being offered.

You can't manage Depression on your own without Treatment....it will get worse, your life will suffer, your job will suffer and your daughter will suffer. You need to get back on some type of medication and find a Therapist to help you.

Take care,

hello....

I know what it feels like to be in that black hole. Years ago I was deep within as well. At that point, I could see no way out, but I was fortunate. My sister would realize just how serious this was and got me to mental health.

There I started my journey. Like you, while in there, I was overmedicated and a bit zombie-like at first (visiting friends would tell me after the fact) It was there that i would find kind counselors to listen and help, others also struggling with their own reasons that put them there sharing their experiences and viewpoints.....and eventually they did adjust to a less potent med and dose.

My mom died when I was 15 . My father was a functioning alcoholic. After she died, I thought it was my only purpose for being here to care for him and my younger brother (who would soon become dad's next drinking buddy)

I watched her do and give all that she had for everyone else, but sadly got very little back. I remember her being sad and in tears often and I wished now that i had the opportunity to change all that. As I look now back in my family.... all the women, back to my grandmothers were the same. So I see they all did have the tendency for depression...but none did anything about it.

I wanted to get off meds also. I was feeling so much better and felt I was beyond them. My Dr asked me.....if I had a heart condition....or high blood pressure (which I do) would I wanna stop meds then....if I knew it could harm me? he said then what sense would it make to stop something helping me and risk things getting bad again?

My thoughts and prayers are with you (and your daughter). I hope and pray that you may reach out and share with your doctor...your concern of being over medicated. They can work with you...maybe find a different med or a lower dosage. then this deep dark haze will be lifted away and you can concentrate again on finding hope, encouragement and strength to reach out .

With this new found strength and others to help you through, you can begin to live your life again (instead of cursing and dreading it) I can only imagine how happy your little girl will be to have memories of her mom (and her) actually living and being happy.

I am sorry you are feeling like this but, like others have said, there are medications that do not make you feel like a zombie. They changed meds. on me 4 or 5 times before they found what worked best for me. It's not a sin or a crime to take meds . for depression. You must do what you have to do for your family and your best interest. Depression is a cruel monster but,. it can be controlled and dealt with so you can go on with your life.

Sorry you are in so much pain. I have to agree with OlderCPer. Your doctor can offer you other medications with less side effects. It is most important for you to make time to see your therapist. If you really want your life to change for the better, you will follow through and make the changes. You and your daughter will have a better life together if you do this.

You don't have to live like you are. I've been dealing with depression and worthless feelings since I was a kid. In 1983, I found real hope when Jesus came into my life as my savior. Don't get me wrong, even as a Christian I still struggle with depression. The difference is, now I have the Son Of God to help and love me. I'll pray for you.

Wow.... Sounds bleak.... I was depressed for nine years... And I took mind altering medication for almost all that time

I tell you what really worked for me... Was exercise.... Hire a personal trainer who you get on with and do an hour a day hard exercise six days a week for three months.

I know that sounds expensive but you get fit and addicted to it by the end. Find a gym with regulars so you can be apart of a community.

But ultimately is there someone in your life to comfort your distress??? Sometimes we need a little help to emotionally regulate ourselves. Would love to talk more if you need to email me.

Hope you don't let the world get you down for long x