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 think I'm struggling with what could be depression, but I'm not sure if it's this or just a case of the blues...
Here's some background...
I'm a 20-year-old college student. I'm quite the classic "geek" (interested in computers, etc), but for the past several years just feel like the world's been crashing down around me. I feel like I'm sad all the time. When I'm out with friends I feel like there's a veil of happiness that does help to alleviate the burden I feel, but even then it's just a veil. As soon as I have any time for any introspection the constant weight comes crashing down upon my shoulders.
It's gotten really bad. When I came out of high school I was accepted into an Ivy League university, but eventually transferred to a school closer to home (in a large part because I was miserable). Now, I'm at a new university and I feel like I've gotten into one of the lowest points i've ever reached in my life. I have, quite literally, no close friends here (i don't want to sound like a hypocondriac, but i exhibit many of the symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder) and I'm pretty much miserable all the time.
Right now I feel like I'm living in an existential haze. I don't know if you've ever read the book The Stranger by Camus, but I feel like the main character...empty, not caring about anything. The only way we differ is that I do feel sadness...almost like it's crushing me all the time.
I've booked an appointment with a university psychiatrist on Monday, but I'm curious if any of you have any suggestions about what I should do. Should I tell him about my suspicion that I have APD? Or would that make me sound like an idiot? What treatments should I expect? Is there anything that you guys have experienced that might help me?
I'd really appreciate any help at all. Thanks very much!
Here's some background...
I'm a 20-year-old college student. I'm quite the classic "geek" (interested in computers, etc), but for the past several years just feel like the world's been crashing down around me. I feel like I'm sad all the time. When I'm out with friends I feel like there's a veil of happiness that does help to alleviate the burden I feel, but even then it's just a veil. As soon as I have any time for any introspection the constant weight comes crashing down upon my shoulders.
It's gotten really bad. When I came out of high school I was accepted into an Ivy League university, but eventually transferred to a school closer to home (in a large part because I was miserable). Now, I'm at a new university and I feel like I've gotten into one of the lowest points i've ever reached in my life. I have, quite literally, no close friends here (i don't want to sound like a hypocondriac, but i exhibit many of the symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder) and I'm pretty much miserable all the time.
Right now I feel like I'm living in an existential haze. I don't know if you've ever read the book The Stranger by Camus, but I feel like the main character...empty, not caring about anything. The only way we differ is that I do feel sadness...almost like it's crushing me all the time.
I've booked an appointment with a university psychiatrist on Monday, but I'm curious if any of you have any suggestions about what I should do. Should I tell him about my suspicion that I have APD? Or would that make me sound like an idiot? What treatments should I expect? Is there anything that you guys have experienced that might help me?
I'd really appreciate any help at all. Thanks very much!
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I have been here before, a long long time ago and now I am back.Forgive me for not just saying what I want to say,even under a triple dose of antidepressants it is still raw and seeping and I am hesitant at revealing it as at least under the bandages around my heart I don,t have to look at how raw and wounded.My child was cleaved from my heart by his own actions. my child of ten,turning eleven...
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
to start off with, they'll probaly just put you on some antidepresants.
make sure you tell them about your family's mental health history.
and don't feel too bad. we've All been where you are. so you're Not alone.
Chat to us on here and try to open up about how you are feeling. It helps honest. The journal thing on here can help to, just to get things all out. Remember you are not alone :o)
It can come and go in your life, which is what is weird about it. It seems nothing bad has happened to you, just some stressful changes, so the fact that you feel this down could signal that you have depression.
It's not normal to feel down when you have things you could be happy about.
In fact, I was surprised when I saw a psychologist and he told me most people were happy. I thought everyone was miserable like me and just dealt with it and I was just a huge incompetent loser.