I am so sorry you are feeling this way. These distraction techniques are very broad and I agree that they seem quite unrealistic, always. A question of how can you help yourself. All you want os to scream and cry and disappear? I’m with you. But hold on to that little boy, hold on to the times where he makes you smile, remember a time when you were happier and decide what you need to get back there x

Restful, I am sorry that you are having a hard time. You are not alone. It can get better. Do you have a therapist? Sometimes talking about your depression can help. You may need medication which can also help. The hardest part is getting motivated to take action.

Suicide and death really aren’t good solutions. It hurts your loved ones and friends and does not give you the opportunity to find peace and live the life you you want. It is within reach, you just need to believe.

Celebrate the positives in your life. Little things like just getting out of bed and taking a shower, making a meal for your son. Any little thing.

You can also join a chat group by downloading an app specifically geared towards your depression: 7 cups for anxiety and depression, Health Unlocked chat group, Replika- My friend. This allows you to connect to others.

If things get really bad, call the crisIs line which is also free. They have trained therapists who will talk with you and give you resources; 1-800-273-8255.

I hope you find recovery and peace. Best wishes.

Thank you for your support and kindness it’s nice to know there are a few good people still out there.

I know what you mean. It's just a distraction. I have been feeling the same way, too. Some days are better than others. I hope you have a better day soon.

Hi Restful, I agree with Secouya that perhaps you would benefit from antidepressant medications to correct the chemical imbalance in the brain that induce you to have these suicidal tendencies.

I note from your posts that you have these cyclical episodes of severe depression where you want to exit this world at the peak of depression, but then the feeling wanes when you accept our advices and support. These depressive episodes would fluctuate with the neurotransmitter levels in your brain (e.g norepinephrine. serotonin, dopamine). and arise whenever the neurotransmitter levels have dropped.

Norepinephrine (adrenaline) helps our bodies to recognize and respond to stressful situations, so therefore people who are vulnerable to depression may have a norepinephrinergic system that doesn't handle the effects of stress very efficiently, and thus succumb to depression.

On the other hand, serotonin is involved in controlling many bodily functions, including sleep, aggression, eating, sexual behavior, and mood. Thus a decrease in the production of serotonin by the serotonergic neurons can cause depression and trigger suicidal mood in some people. Furthermore, low level of serotonin also triggers a drop in norepinephrine which leads to more depression and increases the "mood" for suicide.

Dopamine controls our desire to seek out rewards, and regulate our ability to obtain a sense of pleasure. People who have low dopamine levels don't receive the same sense of pleasure out of activities or people that they did before becoming depressed.

In sum, your doctor can prescribe you medications that regulate the neurotransmitter levels in your brain so that you will not suffer cyclical episodes of depression and suicidal tendencies every time that you have experienced stress in your life or work. Hope this will help. Best wishes, Marie

Dear Restful (I like your nickname by the way):

I am truly sorry you are feeling this way. I completely relate to and agree with your comments about distractions. I can feel deep, deep depression at times, though I am not there at the moment thankfully. So many people, who are trying to help, offer me ideas for ways to come out of the distractions. They can't feel what I feel. They don't understand that after the distraction is over the depression comes racing back. Racing back.

I don't know what to do when you are in a deep depression other than have faith and belief that things will get better. Think back to other depressions you have had. Hopefully you have had the experience of getting better. Let it be okay to feel depressed. Don't fight the feeling, just observe it. That feeling is not who you are. Be restful. Know that things can and will change.

I'm wishing the very best for you. Know that there are people who do understand and who do care. Be well my friend.

I am so so sorry you’re feeling like this! You are absolutely right. It doesn’t just go away, it’s not that easy. I hope it starts to look up for you. For me, sometimes I need to let it be and let myself be sad. Cry, stay in bed all day - let your feelings be felt.

I am sorry you are struggling with severe depression. I agree it is very difficult to try to move on with your thoughts because depression is a chemical imbalance. It takes the right medication and counseling to feel better. I have struggled on and off with severe depression for over 22 years. I was even to a point a few times where I had to be hospitalized for fear of hurting myself. The thing that frustrated me the most was I had a good life, a good husband, wonderful children, a nice home, and a strong faith in God. I couldn't understand how I could be struggling. Then I learned depression isn't something I can control. It is a disease, not who I am. I had to find the right medication which took a while. I also learned my triggers of being too critical and hard on myself.. trying to please everyone, and not taking care of my own needs (personal nourishment not just physically, but also emotionally). I learned encouraging self-talk helped me tremendously. I would change my mindset and what I though about myself. I knew God made me uniquely and wonderfully made, but it isn't what I though of myself until I received the right help and encouragement. I took this health and life coaching course which taught me how to not be judgemental but curious about why I was thinking, feeling, and acting a certain way. That really helped along with some other breathing and mindset techniques. I was doing great for over two years, then my chemicals went haywire again, every month I would spiral for 7 days. I learned then that is was due to my hormones being off balanced during my menstruation cycle. Being aware of what was causing my depression was helpful and I knew I would feel better. My recommendation to you if you are not already seeing a doctor, please go see one, Try finding the right combination of medication and counseling for you. I will be praying for you and am here to chat anytime you need. Know you can and will feel better with the right help and time to feel better. Hugs and God bless

Talk to me hun, im still here for you. Tell me what you need. I hate seeing you like this tell me what I can do to help, sending love and hugs

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for reaching out. This has always been a reliable support platform for me when I need it the most. I take all of your words very seriously and it truly helps.

I agree with you. This platform is very helpful and encouraging. Glad we can be here to support one another. Keep on reaching out and sharing. Hugs!

Hi Restless,
Forgive me for being late in responding. How are you doing today? Better I hope. I don’t suffer from depression so can’t relate, but I feel your frustration with people like me that think you can walk it off, focus on other things, etc. several have mentioned meds. I would surely agree you should talk with your Dr. about your feelings and perhaps get meds to help balance your emotions and thoughts .

Praying you’re in a better place today. Try not to overthink. Take life one day at a time. I hope you can find some help in these articles bit.ly/2Ef0KMr