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.
Im new here and admittedly not to tech savvy so Im not sure if this is the right place to post this. If not, please let me know.
I am a long term depression sufferer with my 1st and most major episode 20+ years ago. Ive had several relapses but none as severe. I am relapsing now which I believe has been triggered by some recent dental and health issues. I havent been to a dentist or doctor in 4 years so its not surprising that Im in trouble now.
I am working to get things under control. I met this week with a new Psychiatrist but that didnt go well (all he did was talk about himself and his office looked like it could be on an episode of Hoarders and thats from someone like me who is super messy herself). Back to the drawing board on that. I do have an appt with a new Internist next week. Hopefully that will go better.
One of my big issues is that I have a very VERY small support network. Only my brother, 84 and 85 year old parents no husband, children, nieces, nephews or extended family to speak of. I only have 3 friends only 1 of which lives locally. Its my own fault about the lack of friends I do not hold up my end of friendships. I wait for them to reach out almost all the time and eventually people get tired of that. I cant blame them.
My brother has the brunt of the burden with me. He loves me and tries to be supportive and does do a lot for me. However he struggles with really understanding whats happening and is often very frustrated with me.
So I am trying to change things. I am reaching out here for some new friends who I know will be understanding and supportive. As I said in the beginning Im not too tech savvy so I am not sure how I find people on this site to reach out to. I will continue to try to figure it out. However please feel free to friend me if you think we might be able to be mutually supportive. I will work hard to uphold my end of the bargain and pay it forward.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this.
I am a long term depression sufferer with my 1st and most major episode 20+ years ago. Ive had several relapses but none as severe. I am relapsing now which I believe has been triggered by some recent dental and health issues. I havent been to a dentist or doctor in 4 years so its not surprising that Im in trouble now.
I am working to get things under control. I met this week with a new Psychiatrist but that didnt go well (all he did was talk about himself and his office looked like it could be on an episode of Hoarders and thats from someone like me who is super messy herself). Back to the drawing board on that. I do have an appt with a new Internist next week. Hopefully that will go better.
One of my big issues is that I have a very VERY small support network. Only my brother, 84 and 85 year old parents no husband, children, nieces, nephews or extended family to speak of. I only have 3 friends only 1 of which lives locally. Its my own fault about the lack of friends I do not hold up my end of friendships. I wait for them to reach out almost all the time and eventually people get tired of that. I cant blame them.
My brother has the brunt of the burden with me. He loves me and tries to be supportive and does do a lot for me. However he struggles with really understanding whats happening and is often very frustrated with me.
So I am trying to change things. I am reaching out here for some new friends who I know will be understanding and supportive. As I said in the beginning Im not too tech savvy so I am not sure how I find people on this site to reach out to. I will continue to try to figure it out. However please feel free to friend me if you think we might be able to be mutually supportive. I will work hard to uphold my end of the bargain and pay it forward.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this.
I am new here too, Sally...nice to meet you. Whether or not this is the "right" place to post for new members, I am not sure either, but your post sure resonated with me. I am sorry to hear about your health issues. It sounds like you are hopeful. And I am glad to hear that you are trying to change things.
The visit to the Psychiatrist sounded like similar experiences I've had with mental health professionals, and if you are in a position to look for another one, then that's really great. Reading about your visit reminded me of the time when I saw a therapist and finally had to ask him to listen and show a little more empathy. He responded jokingly, "If you want empathy, you'll have to make your appointments before 3pm." He thought he was being witty and cute, and if I weren't in such a bad place emotionally maybe it would have been funny. It sure wasn't. I have found another therapist, but I'm having difficulty getting myself to actually go.
I have struggled with depression and anxiety for a long time as well. Regarding support, I am in a similar place as you too. I am not married anymore and do not have children. I have a few friends to reach out to, but I only do so when I am feeling good. My mother, who is 71, and one of those tough as nails go-getters (that I have always wished I could be :) is supportive, but she gets very frustrated with me. I have a lot of family who have there own families too, etc.
I think the main thing is we are hopeful. I am thankful I have not given up. Another thing you said sounded familiar too...lack of holding up your end of friendships. (Raising my hand :) ...probably part of depression, right?
I am glad you are here and your post made me feel less alone, Sally. Stay strong and have a good evening. I hope to keep coming back here regularly. I attended college on campus last semester as non-traditional student, but need to switch to online classes this semester and focus more on therapy and support groups.
P.S You sound like a great person.
This is as good a place as any to get to know people, and a "Hi I'm new ... " post is rather common for new members!
There is a group for new members, here is a link:
http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/new-to-ds
It is intended to be a "read only" group, so replies to posts there tend to be removed. If you have questions about the ins and outs of DS please feel free to post about them, or send a PM to me or WanderingVet.
I believe the way your doctor treated you was very unprofessional. It may be worth it to make a complaint to your state board. Not to get money or any compensation, but to help them get feedback on interactions that do not work.
DS is a peer to peer support network. We are not doctors or health care professionals, so please do not use DS as a replacement for professional care.
Gentle hugs and welcome!