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 thought about suicide for a while, But I decided not too. I don't have a reason not too except my son. He is what keeps me on this earth. I don't know how to get my life together. I don't want to do anything besides care for my father and see my son when I can which is only once a month. I just lay in bed and watch TV waiting to die. I hate feeling this way. I don't have the strength to move. I joined a social club thinking it would help me cope better but it doesn't. I just don't know if I can recover. If I cant get over this depression It will physically kill me. This is not a suicide threat. I can feel my body getting weaker and weaker. I am not scared of dieing , I welcome it when I feel my chest pains it makes me feel relieved that my pain will be over soon. Again I am not going to kill myself but as long as I feel like this I am not going too do anything to change my declining health. I appretiate all the moral support that the people on this site has given me, But can any of you honestly say that I will recover from this heart ache. I guess this is a form of suicide just muck slower.
I'm glad you don't want to kill yourself. When I was younger, I contemplated suicide. I did other things instead. I've dealt with depression most of my life (my birth mother, her mother). And have gone to therapy for as long. I take meds for it, that make me feel OK, I'd feel worst without them.
I have levels of depression and this past week, I've been, like you, in bed.
But try to get outside, even if it's just in your yard. Or if you feel up to a walk. Please keep the faith (I get support from my church). Isolation is the worst. I pray that you feel better, Gme
1. Get a physical-check for diabetes,HEART PROBLEMS thyroid problems or adrenal stuff-anything in the family history that might make you tired. How do I know? I have a wonderful husband who is plagued by thyroid problems.
2. Okay. Being a caregiver to your father and son is super awesome. It is an underappreciated art form and career that so many silently take on. There is a group here on DS that deals directly with caregivers.
3. Do you have ANY me time? Do you watch football with the fellows? Do you swim? Do you fish? Do you hunt? Do you go boating? Do you have a coffee clatch with the men at church if you go? (That's not to pressure you into going to church, that was just a suggestion; if you aren't Christian then choose another place where you can drink coffee and hang out with other fellows). Oh yes--DO YOU PLAY GOLF? DO YOU GO LOOK AT SPORTS CARS OR AIRPLANES? DO YOU VISIT MILITARY SITES? DO YOU LIKE TO FIX COMPUTERS?
4. Get a therapist who is right for you. Don't get a loser therapist. Get a good one who cares and is supportive, objective and downright helpful. Get a good psychiatrist who knows what it is to be a man and who knows about drug interactions and heart and thyroid conditions as well to prevent bad health reactions.
You are super awesome for taking care of folks. Super awesome. It's just that it takes its toll on you. I have a friend who teaches school and she is taking a YEAR OFF because of her father whom she has to take care of.
Not sure of what else to say but that's a good start.