Depression?

[AngieDoogles]

Have any of you women ever dealt with depression? I've struggled with periods of pretty severe depression since I was a teenager. Sometimes it'll go away for a long time, years even, so it's not like it's always a big factor in my life. It's just that when I do feel down, I feel so helpless. It has nothing to do with outside situations; my life could be PERFECT in every way and I could still feel sad. Last month I dealt with this and I can't understand why. I didn't eat anything for four days (other than half of a kid's lasagna on V-Day). I have a wonderful husband and family and there's no reason I should feel depressed. And I get SO down that I'm afraid I might end up doing something that would really hurt my family, especially Brendon (hubby). I don't want anyone to know, specifically my mom, and I definitely don't want to talk to a counselor. I'm not comfortable with that kind of thing at all.

I was just wondering if anyone here has dealt with something like this and if you have any advice. Thank you so much!

[rivermom]

Please realize you are not alone in this. Many many and I say again, MANY people suffer through depression throughout their life. It's normal and can be anything from situations in your life, food/diet, hormone imbalance, etc.

I myself have struggled on and off for many years. I have skeletons in my closet and it took me along time to sort out my feelings and find the best way for me personally to deal with it.

As you, when the world is fine around them still find things just not right. There are helpful tools out there. Could be as simple as medicine from the doctor, changing your diet, your excercise routine, etc. Or...possibly there is some underlying issue that is buried deep inside that needs attention.

Just don't feel alone or isolated and realize there is so many help options out there okay? ;)

[highlans]

I personaly have not suffered from depression I dont think!! I did suffer with post natal depression but managed to get through that with out medical help. My mother on the other hand has had a life time of depression she had a very bad nervouse breakdown when I was about 15 ( am now 50 ) in them days there was very little help, it is still very clear in my mind how she was allways laying on the floor crying, I missed a lot of school as I was afraid to leave her but with my dads help and medication she got through that. Years later she saw a counselor and over the months re built her life and now in her late seventy's still takes meds but she is a lot better. I will say it may be of help to have a chat to a counselor if you do not like it stop but it could help. Good luck xx

[DianaB]

There's a depression that goes along with lack of sunlight and it is the end of winter. I can't remember the name for it but maybe a good dose of sunlight will help lift your depression. It's certainly cheap and worth a try.

[Gina]

I have suffered with depression at one time, but never anything real serious where I needed medication. I think women at one time or another experience depression. They say that if it last longer than a few weeks and it interfers with your everyday rountine you sound seek counceling.

Like Sheryl mentioned there is nothing to feel ashamed of, or isolate yourself. I think it is better to speak to your mom or a good friend if you dont want to seek help at the moment. You do need to talk to someone , like Diana mention the winter blues get people down to. Women tend to get depressed more so than men, please talk with someone and we are always here for you...

[AngieDoogles]

we are always here for you...

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all of your helpful advice and information, as well as your support. I just wanted to reiterate that I am NOT feeling depressed right now. It's an on again/off again thing that happens every once in a while. It just scared me this past time because it was more severe than normal. I feel just fine more than 90% of the time.

You may be on to something, Diana. I'm not sure if it happened at the same time or not, but the weather has warmed up and I'm feeling better. Maybe it's connected. However, I also have "skeletons" like Rivermom from SO long ago, so it could just be those issues popping up again. I get a really strong desire to write bad memories down when I'm depressed, so maybe that's therapeutic in some way?

Anyway, thanks again everyone! You guys are awesome!

[KikiLane]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all of your helpful advice and information, as well as your support. I just wanted to reiterate that I am NOT feeling depressed right now. It's an on again/off again thing that happens every once in a while. It just scared me this past time because it was more severe than normal. I feel just fine more than 90% of the time.

You may be on to something, Diana. I'm not sure if it happened at the same time or not, but the weather has warmed up and I'm feeling better. Maybe it's connected. However, I also have "skeletons" like Rivermom from SO long ago, so it could just be those issues popping up again. I get a really strong desire to write bad memories down when I'm depressed, so maybe that's therapeutic in some way?

Anyway, thanks again everyone! You guys are awesome!


I have also dealt with serious depression. Not since I have had my son (he is 2) but that may be because I have been on anti-depressants for 2 years! It has helped me out so much. If you ever need to talk, I will honestly be here for you! I know how you feel! I havent been depressed in a very long time, but when I was, boy was it bad. When I was 18 I was even suicidal. I thank the Lord I am not that way anymore!

[AngieDoogles]

I have also dealt with serious depression. Not since I have had my son (he is 2) but that may be because I have been on anti-depressants for 2 years! It has helped me out so much. If you ever need to talk, I will honestly be here for you! I know how you feel! I havent been depressed in a very long time, but when I was, boy was it bad. When I was 18 I was even suicidal. I thank the Lord I am not that way anymore!

Thank you. I just might take you up on your offer if I'm feeling bad. It's nice to have someone to talk to who is not directly involved in my life. I would feel so awkward talking to someone I know.

It's also nice to know that I'm not alone. Thanks!! :)

[cindy0721]

maybe it's just a chemical imbalance....

[Mandy]

Mood swings/depression, oh yes i have it, i get depressed at times, i used to hide it, coz i wanted to put up this happy face, but hey... that's HARD work, and there's no way to really hide it, but i never wanted people to think i was having a "pity party" so then i isolated myself when i was going thru one, but that sure doesnt help either! It's best to talk about to someone that's really willing to listen. Last week i was really down, so i came here to spill my beanbag LOL... ive come to realize that my online friends have better ears, and understanding.
You are definatly NOT alone, but it does feel "lonely" when you going thru one, it sux BIG time!
I have so many skeletons in my closet, and they open the doors from time to time, and bammmm comes guilt, anger, frustration, sadness, you name it, it's there.
Ive got happy pills that i do take when i feel like that, ive been to counselling for a huge issue, but having studied counselling myself, i didnt find that very helpful. I know i need to deal with my issues, one at a time, but keeping that closet closed is so much easier. *SIGH*

Hugs to you, and never feel alone, we are all here for you!!

[rivermom]

There's a depression that goes along with lack of sunlight and it is the end of winter. I can't remember the name for it but maybe a good dose of sunlight will help lift your depression. It's certainly cheap and worth a try.


Oh I believe this one for sure!! It is amazing how much "well being" the sunlight gives to people. Every year millions suffer from winter time blues. I know personally I do for sure.

Thanks Diana for this reminder of a possible cause to depression. I completely forgot about it when I posted earlier.

:shade: Gotta love that sunlight!!

[AngieDoogles]

Oh I believe this one for sure!! It is amazing how much "well being" the sunlight gives to people. Every year millions suffer from winter time blues. I know personally I do for sure.

Thanks Diana for this reminder of a possible cause to depression. I completely forgot about it when I posted earlier.

:shade: Gotta love that sunlight!!

I could definitely be the sunlight thing because I've never really paid attention to what time of the year I feel depressed, but if it is, I think it would only be a part of it. (It doesn't happen every year...) I think it has more to do with the "skeleton" thing. There are some pretty major events in my life that I've only told my mom and my husband about...

If I start to feel sad again, I'll definitely take note of the time of year and the amount of sunlight. Thanks!

[Mandy]

I really do believe the weather plays a huge role in our moods, and feelings. When it's rainy, and miserable, it affects me more. In summer i feel like doing things, and going out, i even notice people smile more when the weather is nice. In winter it's hibernation time for me.
Angiedoogles, those skeletons are nasty things, if you want to talk about anything at all, just know you can, anytime!

[Janet]

I had a friend who, like me, has seasonal depression. Mine doesn't get that bad, well, maybe once in a while, but my friend hung herself in her barn 3 years ago. She had one boy just starting college and one the same age as my son. She was my hairdresser and I miss her terribly.

I do great in the summer time, but boy when winter gets here and I'm shut in, or since winter it stays darker longer, it can be quite difficult if I let it. I don't take meds like my friend did, but prefer to take care of it myself. If and when it becomes too bad for me to handle, then I will seek help with it.

[RLC12345678]

I, too, suffer from seasonal depression. This year was worse than it has ever been before and I think it was one thing that contributed to my lack of participation here lately. Did you know that one of the reasons they moved up Daylight Savings Time this year is bc of the seasonal depression issue that many deal with?? You're definately not the only one.

Another thing that I strongly believe that contributed to my "seasonal depression" this year was brining home a 6 week old puppy. With the lack of sleep, hubby working 80-100 hours a week, a full-time job, and caring for 3 dogs one of which being a helpless 6 week old puppy, I felt like I was suffering from post-pardum depression (is that possible with a dog? :confused: ) I now know why they tell you to wait until the puppy is at least 8 weeks before you bring them home. :rolleyes:

Anyway, the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, I am able to spend more time outside, my hubby is only working 50 hours a week now, and my puppy is getting older and bigger and better behaved, and I feel SOOOO much better.

Hang in there. Don't be embarrassed by going to talk to a counselor or being put on medication if you need to. There's nothing to be embarrassed about as MANY of us do it.

((((((((((hugs!)))))))))

[Janet]

I haven't done it yet, but I've even considered painting my bedroom a light soft yellow. I spend a lot of time back there, sewing, reading whatever and I just thought maybe that will help with the seasonal depression.

I also was thinking that I had post partum depression. These puppies, nerves, making sure they were nursing, losing sleep...etc. etc. has really taken a toll on me this week.

It gets better....

[rivermom]

I haven't done it yet, but I've even considered painting my bedroom a light soft yellow. I spend a lot of time back there, sewing, reading whatever and I just thought maybe that will help with the seasonal depression.

I also was thinking that I had post partum depression. These puppies, nerves, making sure they were nursing, losing sleep...etc. etc. has really taken a toll on me this week.

It gets better....


Janet - the soft yellow sounds like such a beautiful and perfect color for your activity room. I am wanting too to paint. My bathroom. I am thinking a green.

I LOVE painting and I think colors really do cheer ya up!! :p

I have an antique room (just another spare bedroom) and would love to paint it a softer yellow. You give me such inspiration.

Sorry you've had a tough week. Just think though it will get better. Then you will be exhausted from "chasing all those puppies around" LOL :D

[katcarasella]

Angie, I'm keeping you in my prayers. Believe me, I know what you're going through. I'm having a bad bout of it this week, I've been in the same P.J.s since Sunday nite. I've blown off two Doctor appointments already this week, and just don't have the energy or will to drag myself to her office. All I want to do is sleep, and when my phone rang today I through it across the room. I know I have to get back on some new meds or something. I'm bipolar, but I think these past few months have played a big part in my current mindset.
Hugs, Kat

[pearl]

i've dealt with it on and off in the past, after my daughter was born it was worse. it many times is a chemical thing that you can't help.
exercise did help me. and an antidepressant. there are some good ones, but it can take several tries for a person to find one that works best for them. they could help you during the times you are in the throes of it.
i've been off the medication for several years now, somehow i don't have depression any more.
books about depression that focused on cognitive thinking also were helpful.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is the sunlight thing. definitely get sun when you are in that state of mind!
it really is a black feeling. really like a black hole.

[Ponyup]

Angie, I don't know what you are going through exactly, but I can empathize. My issues are anxiety not despression. In fact I'm very seldom depressed, but i feel anxious & paniced a lot. I'm actual doing really good right now, but my most recent bout (that you all know about) made me realize I need to see a therapist. I've only had one session but she came to the conclusion that a lot of my issues stem from when I almost drown when I was 3. I knew a lot of supperficial problems came from that but she drew deeper lines. Maybe going to a conceler just once could make you see correlations that you are unable to see on your own & once you know that underlying cause you might be more able to work through it. Please take care of yourself & don't feel ashamed a lot of us have things we struggle with. My therapist thinks I have mild agoraphobia, i thought she was crazy, but now that i think about it I have withdrawn from public places more & more since getting out of college, with out addressing this issue it could continue to get worse & i could be home bound or something. So I think you need to do something to address these issues. I would be happy to listen anytime. I'm usually on all day from 8-5 monday thru friday.

[DianaB]

Angie, I'm keeping you in my prayers. Believe me, I know what you're going through. I'm having a bad bout of it this week, I've been in the same P.J.s since Sunday nite. I've blown off two Doctor appointments already this week, and just don't have the energy or will to drag myself to her office. All I want to do is sleep, and when my phone rang today I through it across the room. I know I have to get back on some new meds or something. I'm bipolar, but I think these past few months have played a big part in my current mindset.
Hugs, Kat

I'm sure that your body just needs the rest, Kathy. After all you've been through a lot in the past few weeks and really, the last year. Don't put off your appointments for too long. Maybe get them rescheduled for next week after you've had time to rest.

[pope1982]

I used to have serious depression in my teenage years. It is no fun, feels like you are drowning in a black hole and no one can save you.

Honestly, if these things you don't talk much about are eating at you so badly, no matter how much it hurts to speak the words, you need to let it out. It's like a poison you are dwelling on. And I also relate to understanding it seems hard to trust someone, or that you don't want to complain or burden anyone with your issues. Been there too!

I've learned that expressing myself and being very upfront has made me such a happier person. I used to be so shy, I was miserable.

Embrace, reflect and move on from the things that you've been through and survived in your life, they've help mold you into the beautiful woman you are today :hug:

[AngieDoogles]

I just wanted to thank everyone for your sweet replies. I feel so much better now than I did last year when I started this thread. Feb. of 07 was one of the most difficult times in my life and I really wasn't sure at first if I was gonna make it through or not, but I did and I'm a lot stronger now because of it. I recently went back and read the journals I wrote during that time and it's hard to believe how down and hopeless I felt. Since then I've really "decluttered" my life. I now have friends who don't cause drama, but are instead supportive and encouraging, and truly just fun to be around. Small changes like that have really made a huge difference in the quality of my life. I still have down times, but nothing like that anymore, thank goodness!

Thanks to all of the ladies here at 4wt who are always able to put a smile on my face, no matter how bad I feel or what is going on in my life. You guys are awesome! :)

:ghug:

[pearl]

didn't realize it was a hear ago angie!!! happy to hear things are better. i'm all for that decluttering and non-drama, supportive friends.

[AngieDoogles]

didn't realize it was a hear ago angie!!! happy to hear things are better. i'm all for that decluttering and non-drama, supportive friends.

That's okay! :) I think I get down in the wintertime. Seasonal depression maybe? It wasn't nearly as bad this year though. I was away from 4wt for a while cause I didn't want to be a burden, but I'm back to my old self again. This year was nothing compared to last year! :)

[DianaB]

I just wanted to thank everyone for your sweet replies. I feel so much better now than I did last year when I started this thread. Feb. of 07 was one of the most difficult times in my life and I really wasn't sure at first if I was gonna make it through or not, but I did and I'm a lot stronger now because of it. I recently went back and read the journals I wrote during that time and it's hard to believe how down and hopeless I felt. Since then I've really "decluttered" my life. I now have friends who don't cause drama, but are instead supportive and encouraging, and truly just fun to be around. Small changes like that have really made a huge difference in the quality of my life. I still have down times, but nothing like that anymore, thank goodness!

Thanks to all of the ladies here at 4wt who are always able to put a smile on my face, no matter how bad I feel or what is going on in my life. You guys are awesome! :)

:ghug:

I'm glad to hear that this problem is so much better. I know that you're still dealing with a lot and I'm still concerned about you. You know that I'm always here if you need me. I think that you're a very special girl.

[WileyBlaze]

I just wanted to add: :ghug:

[CoyoteQueen]

I just wanted to add: :ghug:


Let me just say, I'm with stupid ^

LOL! glad your doing better mrs Doogle!

[Gwen]

My dad has seasonal affective disorder and he goes tanning to help it. Just once a week, so not enough to get an actual tan, but enough to get that UV exposure. You could maybe try something like that?

I'm like Pony in that I don't feel that I get depression, but if a lot is going on in my life I get anxiety and constantly worry about everything.

I hope you find something that helps you through this! Venting is a great release. I find that it helps me when I'm down, so you should just come on here and vent when you feel lonely or upset

[judy]

I'm so glad to hear that you've "uncluttered" your life in the past year! That's not an easy thing to do.

You are an angel, and deserve only good people around you.

[AngieDoogles]

Aww, thanks everyone! You guys are too sweet! What would I do without you? :)