I have suffered from depression for a long time despite being on various anti-depressants. Any advice?

Hi Becky

First, I'm sorry to hear what you're up against. I hope that you're feeling OK today, and are as happy as you can be, under the circumstances.

I'm 38, and have suffered from depression since age 20.

For the first 13 years I was on and off antidepressants, and even had a spell in hospital. I found myself stigmatised, at one point being forced out of a job. I've kept my depression a secret ever since: it's the only way that I've ever managed to achieve anything in life, and hang onto my gains. I live in the UK, where few, if any, employers or other organisations seem to have any empathy with depression sufferers whatsoever.

You'll probably get 100 different pieces of advice from 100 different sufferers. Depression isn't like a respiratory tract infection, in which the same type of bacterium or virus causes similar symptoms in all sufferers. It's merely a common denominator- 1 thing that you share with millions of people all over the World, most of whom will be very very different from yourself.

I've found that what works for me is just to keep busy... to work and study very very hard, do plenty of exercise, not to spend more than about 8 1/2 hours in bed a night, and to try and plan and do as many things as possible. That way, I forget that I'm a depression sufferer... most of the time!

But different things may work for you. The person who best knows you is you yourself. If you have the will to do so, yo'll develop your own coping mechanisms over time.

If you're in the UK, Depression Alliance or Depression Alliance Scotland will probably run a group in your area. If you go to one of these, you'll meet a lot of fellow sufferers, who'll be able to give you some ideas on what's worked for them. This might help you in developing your own coping mechanisms.

Good luck

Mike

zvxqj@yahoo.com

I am sorry. I have had the same problem since I was about 14 (I am now 29) and I know it makes life a struggle sometimes. I have tried Prozac, Wellbutrin, Paxil, and others and the only one that ever helped me was Lexapro. But you never know cause everyone is different. I know they can help some people some times, but as a general rule I think they are all bad for you. I don't take anything now because since I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid a few years ago and have that problem under control, my depression is not near as bad as it used to be.

I will be sure to say a prayer for you. Hang in there! :o)

I too have this drawback. Depression is a horrible factor which takes over your existence to the factor you don't have any suggestion who you're or what's going to make it quit. I consider throwing your self into whatever which possibly will pre-occupy your brain you should not have time to be depressed. What began the melancholy, any exact occasion which caused it? It is a intricate one, so typically i idea i is also getting just a little larger whilst like lightening melancholy knocks you down once more. Have relief within the feeling your no longer by myself many others suppose as you do and battle to finish the distress. I want you success!

Do NOT take prescription advice from people on Y!A. That is my first word of advice. It is very dangerous. What works for one person might not work for another person. Everyone's depression is different. For that matter, what works for you one time might not work another! It is very complicating, and you should only do it with professional assistance.

What I recommend is that you see your doctor, get a recommendation to a psychiatrist, and have them decide what you should take and what other steps you should do. Then DO IT! Do everything that psychiatrist suggests right down to the letter. In addition to that, eat right and get lots of exercise. That is your best and safest bet.

Good luck!

I'm sure you know by now that there is no majic pill that will just make it go away. If you truly desire to get better, you have to put in a constant effort. They say depression is 50% mental, and 50% chemical. What helped me, was thinking of depression as a person, my enemy. I studied it, so I knew exactly what it was going to do, before it was going to do it. And I fought it. I exercised on a regular basis, I forced myself to think positively, I focused on the good things in my life, even the smallest thing that might not even seem significant to someone without depression. I confided in the people I loved, even if they couldn't understand what I had to live with. It wasn't easy, but if you haven't tried this. TRY IT. Really try. It takes tremendous effort, but it's worth it. I know even with the will to get better, you can't just snap out of it. But there is more power against depression in a positive attitude than there ever will be in a bottle of anti-depressants. So just exercise on a regular basis and fight your negative thoughts, fight them with positive thoughts, say " NO" to them, depression is your battle. Your war. FIGHT IT! Get in there and fight, believe me you CAN DEFEAT IT!!!

I don't know who you are but depression made me waste away eight years of my life, for all that I've emerged from it stronger than ever, I did it. And so will you. Just don't ever give up, depression will become weaker than you, the walls it builds around your life will crumble and fall when you smash them down to get to what's beyond them. It's worth it!

Hope this helps, good luck to you

Go to your local mental health clinic and seek help. Depression can occur with other illnesses that may not have been diagnosed. You should get a referral to a psychologist. If you can go out exercise that is the best thing for depression.

Try alternative things.EM-DR and EFT are 2 things I am starting to try.Google them and lots will come up.Since depression is a mental health disease u have to get care.Don't give up. there is sun at the end of the rain.Don't listen to ur feeling either. Depressed people have as-cued sense of reality.Keep hopeful.

Yes, consider seeing another doctor. My daughter was on several different medications for depression that also never worked until she was properly diagnosed as bi-polar. She is now a completely different and well-adjusted young woman. It is truly vital that you get the right medication that works for you and if your doctor hasn't helped you do that, then it's time to find another physician. Seriously, don't delay - Good luck !

Awww, I'm so sorry to hear that, here try this,

Take a day off, any day out of the blue, and just relax, go to the spa, like..girls day/night off. Hang with some friends, have some fun, do something you love. Dont leave it to drugs, you can get through it hun. Wish you the best luck!!

xoxo

Zoey

Seek out a doctor who specializes in natural medicine and nutrition and ask about specialized diets. Sometimes there are things in your diet that can affect your moods and day to day behavior. in the meantime, keep a diary of the foods and beverages you consume and make notes about how you physically feel 20 mins. to 1 hour after eating. You could have an underlying illness or food allergies.