I wonder why I have been depressed for nearly 10 years?

Yes you can get better and you are the only one that can help your self in doing so.I suggest that you make an apt. with a Dr.Tell him that you've been experiencing depression for several years.They have so many medications out that can help you.Nothing to be embarrassed about by any means because many people experience depression at some time in their lives or another.I being one,I've been there and have bounced back.I know what it feels like to be down and out.Do yourself a favor and make the appt. today.For every problem there's a solution out there.Hang in there!

When the symptoms of depression have negatively affected you so severely, you need professional guidance and possibly medications, even if only in the short-term.

If you trust someone you know or feel comfortable discussing any part of your emotional distress with a friend or relative, that can be very helpful. Sometimes just getting a hug from someone you care about can, at least, get you through the day.

However, right now you are in a downward spiral that is perpetuating itself. This doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with you or anything like that. It just means you are experiencing emotional pain beyond the realm of your personal coping abilities. When you have a headache, you don't think twice about taking Tylenol. So, don't think twice about talking about this with someone you care about or a doctor or anyone who you think might be able to help you.

Nothing good is ever going to just happen, though. Especially because the way your feeling now won't let you experience anything in a way that makes it seem good. Depression is very common and very treatable.

If you feel overwhelming emotional pain, call 911 or go to an emergency room. That's what those resources are there for. If you feel that you'll be able to make it through the days until you can get an appointment with a doctor, then that's what I'd recommend. If nothing else, telling him will provide some relief and hope.

But, if you believe that you "can't get better", I can promise you that you won't. Even if you don't believe it, you must tell yourself that will get better. Don't feel sorry for yourself, either, try to help yourself and eliminate the reasons you feel sorry for yourself. If you don't take care of your mind and body, first and foremost, you can't take care of anything else to your satisfaction.

This is a complex problem with many causes and implications. I'm sorry, there is no quick-fix. And you have to be active in fixing it even when you don't feel like it. Medications can help and be an important tool, but they are only a tool. I can promise you that the relief you'll feel and the joy you'll feel when you overcome this will make you forget the pain you feel now, and, maybe even make it worth it because you'll see how strong you really are and that you can overcome anything, even if it seems impossible.

I have no medical or other insight into depression, sorry.

But it strikes me that you write, that you can not get over the break up from 2001.

That tells me (IMHO) that you don't >want< to let go. Since in my experience after 1-2 years, people get over it and move on. You did not.

So, is it possible, that you found a position of suffering that became comfortable to you? Llike a couch potato will sit in a rather uncomfortable position on their couch because it is safe (and one can dwell in that emotional suffering for a long time), instead of standing up and doing something else, living your life?

Please do not take this as criticism, it is just an inkling I have and as I said, I do not have any personal experience of what you are going through. So feel free to ignore my ramblings.

You might have Dysthymia; it is considered to be a chronic depression, but with less severity than major depressive disorder. This disorder tends to be a chronic, long-lasting but low-grade depression but it can lead on to Major depression.

In the diagnosistc criteria you need to have had a very mild depression for over two years. You also need to have had:

* Feelings of hopelessness

* Insomnia or hypersomnia

* Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions

* Low energy or fatigue

* Low self-esteem

* Poor appetite or overeating

For over two years.

I think you should go to your doctor and tell him about how you've been feeling. Sometimes it hasn't lasted as long as you think but the depression makes it feel like you've been this depressed your whole life and you cannot remember being happy.

He might suggest anti-depressants or even cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Give anything he suggests a go, and meanwhile make sure your eating well and doing plenty of excersize because this can also affect your mood.

Take care xx

You are unconditionally in love with somebody, and that love is not dying. So long as you love that person as much as you do - you are going to continue feeling this pain.

You can't just switch off your love for someone, but you can be more active and stimulate yourself positively by taking part in activities with other people, with friends, family, doing things you enjoy in life.

Unless you see yourself getting back with this girl soon, it is unhealthy for you to live like this. If you find another woman soon, she will be the best way for you to take your mind off the past.

Staying away from people deprives your body of the healthy bond that is only natural to occur during your lifetime to people you are close to. It has been proven that chemicals released in your body after socialising have helped to prevent conditions such as heart disease and even cancer.

The worst thing you can do is to be alone - that will only make your pain worse.

I hope this helps, and good luck.

I highly recommend speaking to a family member or friend, then a professional if necessary. Remember suicide is not the right way to go. Imagine all the unnecessary pain you would cause all the people that know you. It's just not the right thing to do.

Please think this through. Good luck, I really sincerely hope you get better.

Coping with any type of depression is no joke so you have all my sympathy. I have written an article on self help for depression because I believe (and many medical practitioners do too) that this is the way to go and it can be responsible for 80% of a cure. Anti-depressants are fine as a short term crutch but you can get hooked on them and you never really get to the bottom of your problem.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Successful-Strategies-in...

All the very best,

Robert

time will heal, there are others in depression too, probably you want to go to the reference below for more understanding:

You may find having a personal relationship with God helpful as He is love and our Creator --- all-knowing, all-powerful, eternal, holy, love. God loves us and sent us His Son, Jesus Christ, so we can go to heaven if we know and follow Him. Forever means without end -- time on and on without death. Forever is what happens after we die. Either we go to heaven and be with God forever, or we go to hell which is very bad and painful forever. The good people who are saved believers in Jesus Christ go to heaven. The bad people go to hell. We need to know and follow God in this world to get to heaven in the next world. Jesus Christ, God's Son, is our bridge to God. Jesus died on the cross to cancel our sins. We need to accept Jesus into our life as our Lord and Savior forever to receive God's blessing and forgiveness plus go to heaven to be with God forever after we die. This is about being a born-again Christian. Faith in God is a gift from God. You can pray for faith in God. Just speak out and ask God for the faith to believe in Him and to follow Him. Some people find faith in God when they realize the beauty in the world is made by God. Evolution can't explain the world's natural beauty, for example, the parks in the world, animals, flowers, peacocks, sunsets, butterflies, rainbows, etc. After you have your faith on, you can pray a sinner's prayer to be a born-again Christian. This prayer is very important and should be said with a sincere heart and faith in God. This is the prayer: "Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and that Jesus Christ is the sacrifice for our sins. I have done the following sins (state these out) and I pray to discontinue these sins. I pray to receive Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior forever. In Jesus' name, amen." You could find a Christian church and try it out. I'm Lutheran and I like the Baptist churches too. Some churches do a weekly Bible study group and these can be a fun way to make friends and learn more about God's will for your life. God bless.

you could have your hormones out of balance