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.
Hello there.
So, honestly I'm not really sure if I belong here or not. I haven't been diagnosed with depression, and I'm not sure if I even have it or if this is just in my head. However, my friends have given me some reassurance that it's not in my head, as when I asked them if they think I have it, neither hesitated in answering yes...despite the fact that I hadn't even explained why I thought I have it.
My main issue with it is the lack of motivation. It's been really messing me up, because I hardly have the motivation to get up and do the things I need to do, and I hate myself for not doing those things, yet I still do nothing...and it doesn't make much sense to me. I'm trying to find ways to push myself to do these things anyways and to get my motivation up.
Another big issue I have is withdrawing from...pretty much everyone. I've always been rather introverted, but in the last couple of years, I've withdrawn more and more to the point where I hardly come out of my room, and I don't talk to my friends unless they talk to me first. This was actually what led me to start considering depression, because it suddenly dawned on me at some point that that was a sign of depression, and I started looking into it and realized...Hmm...feeling anxious, irritable, not able to concentrate, pushing people away, switching between calm and sad seemlessly (This usually seems to happen at night with me, and then I'll usually ask my girlfriend to stay up with me until I feel better), feeling empty...This sounds like me...Granted I'm not entirely sure what 'feeling empty' is supposed to mean...but I've had several periods of just feeling nothing emotionally, and I think emptiness is probably the best way to describe that feeling.
Anyways, I would bring it up to my parents and see about getting an actual diagnosis and maybe antidepressants or whatever I'd need to be on to get my motivation and willingness to socialize up...but we're low on money, and I don't really want to add the cost of seeing a psychologist and meds into the mix...so I'm here instead...so hello!
So, honestly I'm not really sure if I belong here or not. I haven't been diagnosed with depression, and I'm not sure if I even have it or if this is just in my head. However, my friends have given me some reassurance that it's not in my head, as when I asked them if they think I have it, neither hesitated in answering yes...despite the fact that I hadn't even explained why I thought I have it.
My main issue with it is the lack of motivation. It's been really messing me up, because I hardly have the motivation to get up and do the things I need to do, and I hate myself for not doing those things, yet I still do nothing...and it doesn't make much sense to me. I'm trying to find ways to push myself to do these things anyways and to get my motivation up.
Another big issue I have is withdrawing from...pretty much everyone. I've always been rather introverted, but in the last couple of years, I've withdrawn more and more to the point where I hardly come out of my room, and I don't talk to my friends unless they talk to me first. This was actually what led me to start considering depression, because it suddenly dawned on me at some point that that was a sign of depression, and I started looking into it and realized...Hmm...feeling anxious, irritable, not able to concentrate, pushing people away, switching between calm and sad seemlessly (This usually seems to happen at night with me, and then I'll usually ask my girlfriend to stay up with me until I feel better), feeling empty...This sounds like me...Granted I'm not entirely sure what 'feeling empty' is supposed to mean...but I've had several periods of just feeling nothing emotionally, and I think emptiness is probably the best way to describe that feeling.
Anyways, I would bring it up to my parents and see about getting an actual diagnosis and maybe antidepressants or whatever I'd need to be on to get my motivation and willingness to socialize up...but we're low on money, and I don't really want to add the cost of seeing a psychologist and meds into the mix...so I'm here instead...so hello!
I will start with your first paragraph and go from there:
To be absolutely sure that you have depression you will need to be checked out by a doctor that specializes in depression. Whatever I say is only guessing. However, a lot of people with depression have many of the symptoms you speak about. It usually starts with not wanting to do anything, unmotivated, sad, and hibernating. Many people think they are going to be judged. Don't worry about that. You have plenty of support here!
Feeling empty means just that. Nothing feels right anymore. There is no joy where there use to be joy, nothing is exciting and seems like a chore now. The sadness is a good sign of depression. I hope you will get diagnosed because there are different types and levels of depression. Some is physical, some is bi-polar, where you go from up to down with no warning. Some is situational. So, that is why it's best to get a professionals opinion. I hope you can go soon and get some answers. Please keep us up-to-date as how you are doing, okay? And again, welcome.
Hugs GB
Coming here to this group is a good start. There is a world of information and personal experiences here and its a great place to vent, get answers, or if you just want to be in the company of others in the same situation.
I been trying to get motivated for the last 20 years and have yet to do so. Its not only you who feels that way, trust me.
* Gods blessings to you.
Great things have been said here. I too am familiar with the lack of motivation. This group has already helped me as well.
Otherwise, I send you many hugs and wish you all the best. It sucks but it does get better...
I can see where you're coming from there, catmandoo. I use the internet to escape my problems rather than actually solve them. I guess that's why a lot of the things I've been doing to try and motivate myself and manage my feelings involve the internet. Like I have to make this medical formula every morning, and I'm now forbidding myself from getting on the computer until I'm finished making it...meaning I don't get to talk to my girlfriend until I'm finished with it, as she'd be on skype. Obviously, I want to talk to my girlfriend, so this seems to be working so far.
Thank you for the recommendation. =)