I try to listen to my thoughts. If I slow myself down and listen, I will hear myself talking. (OK, lets clear it up right here...I am not shchizophrenic...we all have these voices.) What I hear is how bad things are, how nothing will ever change, how we cannot make it, etc., etc., etc.
All thoughts about the future.

Or...I will hear how awful my childhood was, and howcome no one cared about me, and yadda yadda yadda.
I even hear about all the loved ones and pets that have died. All about the past. And never happy memeories.

After spending about a bazillion dollars over 25 years, in counseling, and reading studying searching, just like you are doing, because I was hurting, just as you are, I learned to turn them off. When they come now, I actually say, Nope, not going there. I can stay in the moment long enough to find peace. And on days when I am truly blessed, I can be in the moment all day. That doesn't happen often, those days are gifts.
In addition to practicing the behavioral changes that I was taught, I also take cymbalta, in order to maintain the chemical balance in my brain.

I just read what I have written and it sounds so cold, Dixie. I don't mean to sound like a freaking robot. But what I learned from clinical depression was how to survive it.

When I'm feeling low and tired and need a lift, I call one of my old friends. Or I do a little craft do-dad. Anything I can think of that takes my mind off me and puts me in a happy place.

That's what I wish for you:
A Happy Place

I think what you say may be true of someone with any serious illness...many ( maybe most?)people get depressed as a result of some life changing event such as an illness or other major loss.
I hope the anti depressant helps.. It may also help with the fibro pain.
Hugs Micki
http://www.fibrowelcomepackage.com

I have had fibro for a long time, and over the years it has really worm me down, and I do get depressed and tired of feeling this way. Hope that you get the needed help from the medicine.

hang on by a very fine thread,people are praying for you.Remember you are loved!not only by many people but Jesus too!!!Your not alone,im right there with you.val

i have been being treated for depression since 94.. i was 14 then... i was told this past year that i have fibro although i knew it before hand .. most of the time when i am in a funk i just keep to my self ,stay in my room and wait it out.. nothin really helps me..**hugs**

I can usually get "Cheered up" as long as no One is trying to "Cheer me up' alot of times that back fires and just pisses me off...not sure why...but there have been a number of times I was Way low, and I have come on here....I get so wrapped up in conversation I forget I was feeling so very bad !!

I have been seeing a therapist ever since my symptoms hit in 2004 and on through testing, diagnosis and now coping and acceptance. It has made a big difference. The great thing about a good therapist is they are there just for you, and no one else - you dont have to pretend or try to please

Yes Dixe4me they do go hand in hand. We have pain, and that limits us from doing some things. I FOUND A WONDERFUL WELLNESS AND PAIN GROUP THAT IS A GREAT OUTLET FOE ME..TRY AND FIND ONE IN YOUR AREA THROUGH A HOSPITAL.

Yes, the anti-depressant will help your pain maybe. My prayers are with you.

Darling Woman, when you want to talk, I am here.

MY LITTLE KITTYKAT
SWEET LITTLE KITTYKAT
YOU MAKE ME SMILE WHEN SKIES ARE GRAY
DON'T CHANGE A HAIR FOR ME
NOT IF YOU CARE FOR ME
STAY WITH ME, KITTYKAT STAY.
WITH YOU, EACH DAY IS FEELING GOOD DAY

It sounds like you did it. You went to the doc and said you can't take it anymore and you are now on an antidepressant. I think the real question is - when your life is totally changed by any chronic illness how can you not be depressed! I find myself feeling rotten and have to remind myself that the things I was once able to do I can't now so I may as well not dwell on that - it is not going to make me feel any better. Dwell on those things I still can do, when I can do them, and remember that there are things that are worse which is really hard to think about when I'm in pain, frustrated, etc. etc. Hang in there - unfortunately, you have a lot of company in that boat. I force myself, each day, to find something that made me happy - watching a bird, looking at something funny or beautiful, a funny conversation with a friend - something I can think of that will give me a warm feeling inside or bring a smile to my face. There are days that just putting heating pad on is the thing I think about, but whatever it takes I need to find something to be positive about. Hopefully it will help you as well.

Dixie, you know that I struggle everyday with depression so I know exactly what you are feeling. I went to the Dr on Thurs and he increaed my Klonopin because the anxiety has been worst. I try to take a walk when it gets bad, I just joined a gym to release some of my frustrations. It's hard sometimes, I'm having one of those days today, just thinking and thinking and then the depression starts creeping in. If you need to talk I'm here, we can continue to get better together my friend.

They sure do! I live in constant fear, depression, and anxiety 24-7 and took every pill for each with no help.

Finding this site is the best thing that ever happened to me.I was having the worst time ever in a long time.I tried a couple of times to commit suicide due to my depression.I had to take the meds to and it was not helpful without the converstion and yet without people who understand what you are going through.Because they can understand the pain and the sorrow and how you can want it all to go away every miute of everyday.It is the best place you could be right now is here.It feels like it will never change and it gets frustrating but somedays are better then others and you have to look for those days through the good and the bad.there is always some less pain days.I wish you the best.I hope you find some relief.Life is to short for us to always cry.