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 wish it was that easy.
I know that I really have no reason to be depressed all the time. My life is not so bad. Many people have it so much worse than me that aren't depressed all the time.
So I time and again resolve to be OK. I promise myself that I will be happy like I should be given the fairly easy life I've had.
But I can't do it. I try so hard. I tell myself over and over again that I have no reason to be depressed. But instead of making me happy, it just makes me feel worse because I feel so stupid about being depressed for no reason.
I just want it to go away.
I know that I really have no reason to be depressed all the time. My life is not so bad. Many people have it so much worse than me that aren't depressed all the time.
So I time and again resolve to be OK. I promise myself that I will be happy like I should be given the fairly easy life I've had.
But I can't do it. I try so hard. I tell myself over and over again that I have no reason to be depressed. But instead of making me happy, it just makes me feel worse because I feel so stupid about being depressed for no reason.
I just want it to go away.
It has to be different from what you've been doing all along....need change, refocus, new interests or rekindle old ones......?
We "shouldn't" be any particular way. Feelings ARE. We cannot call them up on cue. I don't think a person can "resolve" to be happy. We have whatever feelings we have. The part we can control is our response to feelings and thoughts. We can choose to ruminate on something that bothers us and do nothing, or we can do something to change the situation. If no change is possible, we can choose to accept the situation. One of my bosses used to say that bad things and suffering happen to everyone, but misery is optional.
I doubt if any of us here have a "reason" to be depressed. When there is a reason for depression, it's usually because what we're going through is a typical reaction to a loss or disappointment of some kind. It will clear up on its own in a matter of time.
Depression as we know it is a physiological process. Our brains don't have the correct balance of chemicals. Its nature is that a person who has it IS depressed virtually all of the time, even in "happy" situations.
I don't think it's possible to resolve away depression any more than one could "resolve" away diabetes or a broken leg. You don't become happy but telling yourself you "should" be happy. For many people, medication helps them feel better. Therapy is almost always helpful, either as an individual or in a group. You can learn techniques to manage stress and conflict, set goals, and reframe your thoughts.