depression

Hi big bear

Hope your ok

I've suffered with depression since I was a teenager. I'm the same I like animals more than humans, they understand when you need them and they don't ask questions of why you're feeling down or upset.

I was the same as you , I was always unhappy and sad, depressions a horible illness, and I found that people who've not experienced it, they don't understand how they can help you. I've had years of counselling and hypnosis to help me with coping with my depression and anxiety.

I was put onto Setraline for my depression an danxiety and they work brillantly for me. I'm now a lot happier and feel a lot better thanI used too. I still do gets doubts of depression but they're not as bad as they were.

Are you receiveing any treatment at the moment.

Yes I take venafaxine and sleeping pills I'm on a very strong dose of depression tablets but I still feel depressed I've been taking them for 3 years now .but I've been on tablets all my life mainly .

One of the ideas I was given by one of my counsellors was to keep a diary. I found it difficult at first but it helped just to get all thoughts and feelings out. I was aslo told that distraction therapy and sometime arts and crafts can help.

Have you thought about doing some voluntary work with animals

Hello Bigbear,

I hope you're feeling okay right now.

I've suffered with Depression since I was 13. I understand the feeling of not quite being able to tolerate humans. I get like that sometimes, sometimes even a lot if I'm in a bad way. It amazes me how our mental illnesses can really affect how we think, feel and act. Are you taking any medication? I'm currently on Mirtzapine, I've been on several different anti-depressants but they definitely do make a difference compared to all the other medicines I have tried. Also, have you had any online help? or even therapy work? Sometimes that can make a bit of a difference too. I've had 4 different therapists since 14 and I not too long ago completed my last therapy 6 week course thing. It improved a bit. You should consider it, if you haven't already!

I've had a really bad day today.  Been dry-retching with worry.  Saw my doc today, got bloods done to check for hyperthyroidism, and had an ECG done as been experiencing more and more palpitations and dizziness over the past few months.  I know it's probably nothing to worry that much over, but with everything else that's going on just now, it's just adding to it.  Don't know how much more of this I can take

Wow!  What a difference an hour talking to a complete stranger makes!  Just had my very first counselling session, feel like such a weight has been lifted already.  I know it's not going to 'cure' me, but it feels like a huge step in the right direction!