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.

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angelite 09/13/2009

i have had so many ups and downs in the past several years since being diagnosed with depression... the ups feel so wonderful, but i have yet to really find a way to cope with the downs. when i start feeling down i really want my life to end, despite the fact i know this feeling is temporary and it will get better.

anyone else having trouble with this> how do you get past your down times? anything that makes them pass quicker?

deleted_user 09/13/2009

I struggle with the same thing, daily. My doctor just started me on Lithium and I am having the most relief that I have had in years. You have to find the right med for you. Hang in there. Like you said, it will pass.

deleted_user 09/13/2009

I hope this passes soon for you hon. Best wishes for you. Hugs Lexi

MaybeICanHelp 09/13/2009

Are you familiar with bipolar disorder? It sounds like that might be what you have. If you swing back and forth between periods when you are really happy, energetic, and ambitious, and other periods when you are very sad, tired, and apethetic, and the swings seem to come on for no particular reason, then it is likely that you are bipolar. Lithium usually is helpful for controling the mood swings.

angelite 09/13/2009

thank you for your replies!

i don't think i am bipolar - but who knows. the ups and downs aren't frequent. i'll have several good months - but then something can happen to stress me out more than usual, or if something bad happens i find myself at the very bottom again. honestly though, in the past several years when i look back, i cannot recall a time where i was 100% without depressive thoughts.

been on effexor xr for over 2 years now -- on the max dosage my particular doctor will allow. i guess it works most of the time -- because i recall feeling much worse more often before.

i am just tired of the lows when i feel them --- seems to frequent, or more than i want them to be.

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