Depression

[kateandjack]

Writing that word is certainly easier than saying it out loud.

First of all, thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. It’s nice to know that some people out there are listening, and that a few of you may have even been through something similar.

I phoned the doctors this morning. My friend said that I should ask if any have a specialist

Comments

[sprinklerized]

This wasn't disjointed or illogical at all! I agree that you should print this off and take it with you, because I actually think it's a very accurate description.

"I feel like I’m pushing people away, when I actually need them more than ever." That's one of the unfortunate stages in the cycle of depression; it's a paradox, because withdrawing from people or pushing them away can cause them to think you don't want to spend time with them, and they'll give you space when you really need to be around friends and family. This causes further depression, and it just ends up spiraling.

Disinterest in activities that you usually love and lack of motivation are also indicators. And yes, guilt, even if it is undeserved. You can't help the way you feel, but you can GET help. You said in a comment that "People who have depression are supposed to have had some traumatic experience." but that's not true! Yes, traumatic experiences can trigger depressive episodes in people already predisposed to it (there are, after all, lots of people who go through traumatic events and don't get depressed too), but for the most part, depression is feeling sad when there isn't a reason to. And that's usually because of a chemical imbalance. If your doctor agrees to give you an antidepressant to try, you may very well experience a "night and day" difference, because there is only so much positive thinking can do if your neurotransmitters are imbalanced! It may take awhile to find the right antidepressant if you are prescribed them, and of course you have to give each one a chance to work too if you have to try different ones (it's not going to work overnight). If you'd like, I can connect you with a friend who sounds like she went through the same thing, and found new life with an antidepressant. She did the whole sleeping for 12 hours thing and still being tired, etc.

Another friend and I were discussing how there are two types of depressed people -- those who hide it so well that even their best friends don't know, and those who let it show. I know both types. I think the former is more common than the latter, and that is why most people don't know just how common depression is!

If you don't want to go the medication route, there are many things you can do to try to balance out the neurotransmitters on your own. Yes, diet and exercise are some, but formulating a plan of action is the most important.

*hugs* Hope your appointment goes well. Please keep us updated.