Being In A Depression, What It Feels Like And Tips On How To Help You Feel Better
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Depression Can Cripple Your Existence
My experience with depression and how I cope.
There are some people that never experience what depression is and then there are those that have been touched in ways so extreme they may need medication. People that don't know what it feels like expect you to just snap out of it. That is not possible if you are so depressed you can't get out of bed.
I am bipolar and have had some severe depressions in my lifetime. Depression is a debilitating illness that can be temporary or permanent. Symptoms include sadness, loss of interest, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, feelings of uselessness, trouble focusing, or concentrating and suicidal thoughts. I have felt so hopeless I didn't care to go on living. It is a struggle just to survive. No one in their lifetime should have to ever feel that way. But it is unfortunate that people actually feel this way. And the saddest part of this is we can't just snap out of it. Or pretend it away.
Depression is like being in a dark hole that you cannot breakout of. It can immobilize you, staying in bed for days wishing you could end your life. Your emotions are overwhelming. You feel sad all time, You avoid your friends and family. You avoid all human contact. Your hygiene habits are left to be desired. They are the last thing you even care to think about. Staying in bed sleeping is all you can do. You know you should get up and do something, but you don't.
Depression afflicts more than 19 million people, clinical depression ranks among the most serious health concerns in the United States. Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. For ages 15-44. There are treatments available if you seek them out. There are medications and talk therapy. Reaching out is the most important thing you can do to begin healing from severe depression. But it isn't always easy to do, especially when your depressed, because your motivation is gone, and you are filled with hopelessness and see no point in bothering to do anything to help yourself. Finding the strength to seek out help is crucial. There is always help, you do not need to suffer alone. Call a hotline, let friends and family know what your going through.
Recovery Is Never Easy
Not everyone understands depression. Just snapping out of it isn't an answer. Understanding and compassion is welcomed from those that do not know what it means to be depressed. Knowledge and spreading the information will help those that are suffering and need help. Depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance and genetic factors, psychological predisposition, physical factors, and environmental stresses. Depression can run in families. Depression is also more likely to occur in people who are easily affected by stress.
It is hard to pinpoint my depressions because of my bipolar, but I do know I am affected greatly by stress. So that is a trigger for me. So when I start to stress I need to start taking steps to eliminate that or do something to handle it before it causes me to spiral into a depression. Most times I can do this but not always. The best advice I can give is to seek out a professional therapist. Talk things out and let them give advice, listen and hopefully this will help. Group therapy is also an option to consider. Being around people that know what you are going through.
When I am depressed I try set 5-7 goals a day. I write them out in my journal. I try to accomplish at least one goal a day. The next day I try to finish 2. And so on. Being proactive instead of not doing anything only makes it worse. I don't always get it right, but I do try. I think being an advocate in our own mental health issues is something we must do, to combat stigma and gain social acceptance. To our own lives, to achieve wellness and hope for ourselves.
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Thanks for sharing yourr experences with us I found strength in reading the BIBLE and praying,not to mention shedding a whole lot of tears. Putting myself around positive peple and places,evenwatching pleasant. Tv programs. My story is I loss my best friends last year one to that monster(cancer) and the other to the God calling his name all with a two month period anxiety kinda caught me ny surprise one nite thought I was having a heart attack was ging to the er almost every nite foe two weeks strait and to top that I started what we women callthe change in life had tje issue of blood for 61days in a 3month period thought iwas going to bleed to death oh but GOD stepped I on time.now I take each day as a gift from God because HE is holding on.to me and each day getz a little better I. Know the light is at the end of the tunnel,because GOD said he would never leave me nor forsake me....pray n cry then ucry n pray....mustard seed faith
Thank you, the only way to battle stigma is to not shy away from it, and not be afraid to let people know who you really are. Thank you for your comment, and I am glad you found a proper diagnosis and are in recovery.
I was diagnosed with major, recurrent, agitated depression. It was a 13 year struggle, but I conquered this horrific illness. The stigma remains, but we are diminishing its power right here.
Shawn-I am so sorry i didn't get to this sooner. I have been in one of the worst depressions of my life. So I get what you are going through. Plus I have OCD and worry about everything you can think of. It is not uncommon to take several meds to treat bipolar and the anxiety that comes with it. Try to let the meds work and not worry so much about them. Concentrate on getting yourself better. Do you have a therapist? They can be a great source of hope. I know the trapped feeling, i often feel isolated and lonely, but fight each day minute by minute. Walking helps me get some of the anxiety out. I take several little walks through the day. Sometimes just around the apt building. Force yourself to shower and stick to a routine. Depression is horrible, but fighting it is worth it. Please keep your chin up and I will do the same...
Hi.My name is Shawn I am a 45 year old man with a wonderful wife and sun. I honestly have everything a man could want. I have been diagnosed as Cyclotyhmic although I feel I am probably bipolar ll. Last November this cursed disease turned my life upside down once again. I have since experienced 3 cycles which has required me to miss several months of work. I spent most of November in a hypomanic state with no anxiety or depression and was looking forward to a return to work and life. Unfortunately three days ago I experienced a severe depressive relapse which has left me feeling extremely discouraged and hopeless. Mornings are the absolute worst as the thought of getting out of bed seems overwhelming. Unfortunately my anxiety which can be severe forces me to. I presently take ativan 0.50Mg at night to sleep and as a prn in the daytime when neccesary. 600 mgs of Carbemazipine in three divided doses. I have also recently started on Buspar and now take 40mg in three divided doses. My doctor has now suggested adding Lamotrigne to deal with the depression and cycling.Seems like a crazy amount of medication and only increases my anxiety. The future seems bleak as I worry about losing my job and not being able to finance my son's University Education. I worry about my wifes happiness. I worry that this time I may no be able to cope. Ultimately I feel trapped and unsble to move forward. Any advice or words of encouragement are appreciated as I truly feel like I close to giving up.
Pretty bad times right now...Never felt more alone in my entire life...i think it is hospital time or the dark hole may close up real tight on me this time...Cant creek my way out this time...the chaos is wrapped far to tight...
Hi Crazybeanrider,
your way of story telling, brings it all back. “been there done that”
you are not alone, you don't give up.
How can a person tumbling into “a dark hole of total chaos” come out unchanged? They don’t.
come out unchanged that is. What if This is as good as it gets?
Wow Crazy! Nice hub.
http://tinyurl.com/NEVER-EVER-GIVE-UP-COM
"Take Action to Get the Results You Want"
Hi Laura,
I am sorry you are not feeling well. It is very discouraging when you reach out and get knocked down, try to hang in there, check your local hospital for support groups, and agencys that may be able to help. Their psych wards should have some information to pass along.
Do you have a mental health clinic in your area? They should have sliding scale fees, also if you go to ER that is an option as well. I hope things work out for you. Don't give up, write me if you like, I have a bipolar support group.
I understand how this feels. I live it day to day. Some days worse than others.....sometimes those days turn to weeks. I cannot snap out of it. I am trying to get help but no one is available at the moment....either not taking new appointments, not being able to accept good insurance or just not being able to "fit you in". I am frustrated. I have emailed a christian organization for help.
Hi Twilightlover, I am sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the heartache you both must feel. I am glad to hear she is improving. I am familiar with Celiac Disease. It is painful to say the least. Thank you for your comments, and I wish you both the best.
hi everyone. i have lost my brother in 2006, my mother was very heartbroken .she gets better each day. but its really hard on her, in the month on march in 2009 my mother was diagnosed with the gluten disease. its were you eat the wrong food. my mother alomost died from the disease. but she is getting better each and every day.
I am glad my blog helps you feel less alone. I hope your able to find some comfort for your panic. I know having comments like yours also helps me feel less alone as well. I went over and joined your blog. Look forward to reading it.
It's such a relief to read blogs like yours. I don't feel better but I don't feel so alone. By blogging I feel for the first time some sort of understanding. The panic is always there but knowing that others understand is a comfort. I'm not sure what my problem is, but learn a little more each day. thank you.
Thank you so much. I am glad you stopped by. And appreciate your kindness.
Thank you for touching basis on this topic. A lot of people do not understand the depth of depression...thank you. And best wishes to you. Bipolar disorder is no easy journey. Its draining both mentally and physically. I wish you well.
tayo-your right,keeping track and concentrating on getting well and working at is all we can do. Tell our stories and hope what we learn someone else can use and pass on.
you'll be alright :). I was very scared when i got depressed for the first time of many, when i was 16; i guess the best thing we can all do is keep track of the things that help and those that hurt, and one day we'll get it right.
Wow Crazy! Hit it right on with this one. Nicely done, and I don't think I could have described it any better myself.
And, like the author of this Hub, my heart goes out to you Deelstra. I am so very sorry for your loss, and how great it is that you were able to begin healing by writing.
Deelstra, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your son. Suicide is to often a way out of the searing pain for those touched with severe depression. For those that find the end in that way I hope they find the peace they seek. I have lost 2 dear friends to suicide. It is shocking and painful. I know the deep dark pain you must carry with you for your son, for a mother to lose her child, that must be unbearable. I am pleased that you have written a book and used your emotions for healing. Have you thought of turning your book into an E-Book?
Nice information here. I really enjoy the depth of your writing content. I have a book, Blessings In The Mire, that I wrote when my son committed suicide. For many months (years?) I was unsure if I would follow his lead. Happily, I did not. I turned the emotion into the book, which now sits on the public library shelf under the category of "suffering." I think it's wrongly placed, but am happy nonetheless that it is on their shelves in any area. Depression is a deep and heavy and powerful disease. And your work here shines light onto that dark subject. Kudos to you for sharing here.
crazybeanrider Hub Author 2 months ago
Hang in there, do not let depression win. Thank you for your comments tearful.