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.
Hi Everyone. I'm now to this group, but certainly not new to Depression. I've been in an awful way for a while now. I'm 49 yo. I was a nurse for 26+ years and lived alone in myh own apartment. I had friends and was engaged. I hurt my back bad lifting a heavy patient and have Fibro, multiple herniated discs, etc... I"m on Disability now for the past 5 years. I've lost everything including my home, all of my friends, my fiance, etc... and have had to move back home with my mom and s-dad, which is not a good situation for me. In the past 2.5 years I've become the sole caretaker of both my mom and s-dad by default. My pain is unbearable. Meds don't help. I am on an anti-depressant and see a counselor once a week. I have no help with my mom and s-dad and they blatently refuse to allow outside/professional help to come into their home. I do pay rent to stay here. I'd leave if I could, but I have no money to do so and also, I have a dog (a 3 year old Pomeranian named Bailey) who is my world! I'm on Medicare which does not cover chronic pain issues...not the ones I have anyway, and I fear homelessness should anything happen to my mom. I have 2 stepsisters who don't visit and refuse to help me with their father. I'm feeling desperate. My doctor and counselor both know how bad my depression is, and both try to help, but know that I can't afford any other options. I'm so lonely that it hurts. The depression is oppressive! I'm on Zoloft, which is the only anti-depressant that I can take. I've been tried on them all.
Any and all support would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Kathy
Any and all support would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Kathy
I am sorry you are faced with so much. I wish I could fix some of it.
I am compelled to say what a tremendous person you are .. to be taking care of your Mom and S-Dad. I am sure it is a challenge.
Read a few posts and get the feel of this place. You have done a good job of introducing yourself. You will be 'in the flow' in no time.
Good luck to you. You are to be admired.
Welcome to DS. There are many caring and supportive people on DS.
i hope that you can find a bit of relief here.
This depression bad. I feel frozen! I'm fast becoming agoraphobic and don't go out unless my mom and s-dad need groceries and I try very hard to get to my weekly therapist appointment. I have no friends to call and no RL support system. The panicky feelings never go away, and when I'm lucky enough to get some sleep, I've been waking up with panic attacks. I had a friend (of 23 years) who was always there for me, as I was there for her, but she ended our friendship just before my mom was going back into the hospital in Oct. 2010 for cardiac surgery. I can't have any friends, can't date, etc... b/c no one wants to come into my parents small house. I don't blame them and wouldn't subject anyone to the negativity and dysfunction that constantly looms in this house.
I wish I could get on Seroquel, on a very low dose, that my doctor did write a pres. for. It's now being used in addition to an anti-depressant for people who are not getting relief from their anti-depressant alone. Unfortunately I can't afford this med. It would cost me $205 a month. I'm un-insured and am not eligable for any type of Assistance. I've tried to get Assistance multiple times and have been denied b/c "I make too much money", and also, the gov't counts the income of all of the people under the same roof, as your income. My mom and s-dad have a good pension, good social security and other investments.
I'm just so sad and can't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I need help and friends. Thank you ALL for being here!!!
God Bless,
Kathy