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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lisa Simpson on February 21, 2002, at 10:38:53
Hello. I know a lot of people here have had feelings of deep depression, deep enough to consider ending it all. But yesterday, for the whole day I felt the deepest feeling of despair that I have ever had. I was crying, and if I had had the means to end it all, I might have attempted it. It was such a very, very strong unbelievable feeling of misery I can't really explain it. I couldn't see any reason for living. Has anyone ever been struck suddenly like that, and if they have, how did they deal with it? Please give me your advice.
Thanks.
Lisa
Posted by jay on February 21, 2002, at 15:19:39
In reply to Is it worth it?, posted by Lisa Simpson on February 21, 2002, at 10:38:53
> Hello. I know a lot of people here have had feelings of deep depression, deep enough to consider ending it all. But yesterday, for the whole day I felt the deepest feeling of despair that I have ever had. I was crying, and if I had had the means to end it all, I might have attempted it. It was such a very, very strong unbelievable feeling of misery I can't really explain it. I couldn't see any reason for living. Has anyone ever been struck suddenly like that, and if they have, how did they deal with it? Please give me your advice.
>
> Thanks.
>
> LisaHi Lisa:
Yep, I have been stuck in and out of that moment many times for over ten years. I am surprised I didn't actually do it, but there where a few times when I was positive it was going to happen.
How to change it...well...I can mention a few things that help, but there is of course no "cure" or correct "answer". Since so much of science say's depression is a "chemical" problem, (and believe me, I am a strong believer in medication), as the years go on, we get stuck thinking we are physically "broken".
First importantly, get your "symptoms" under control, if you can. For many that includes anxiety, and I think psychiatry does NOT know how to treat anxiety. They pretty much lie when they say antidepressants treat anxiety. To calm you down to gain some "footing", benzos (aka Xanax, clonazepam) are a *life-saver*.
Second, have a look at your life situation. Are things really bothering you and stressing, like anything from finances to a relationship? Once you get some of your symptoms under control, then it's time to do a bit of "housecleaning", and fix or pay attention to what needs to be.
Of course, you need personal support through all of this. Do you have a good doctor, or a good partner or friend you can open your heart up to? Everybody deserves that, and I know as a counsellor, and from my own struggles over 10 or so years with depression, it is almost damn amazing how it *can* change, whow your life can go from the pits of hell, to a whole new life that you never thought you had. It is a result of (for me, anyway)of fixing those things above.
I am living proof, and I would bet massive amounts of money on it, that our depression and anxiety can go into "remission", and we can come back better and stronger.Most importantly, get help for your symptoms that you have "right now". Benzos are the best, and as far as I can see, the ONLY excellent treatment for anxiety. Once you get feeling better, you won't feel you need them anymore.
IMHO...I wish you the best..
Jay
Posted by mdertinger on February 21, 2002, at 15:30:31
In reply to Is it worth it?, posted by Lisa Simpson on February 21, 2002, at 10:38:53
Of course it's worth it. Trust me, your depression is not you, it's an illness, like high blood pressure. I've had depression for 7 years and have been in your shoes 3 times. All three times was because I went off my medication.
If you don't have medication, go to your doctor as fast as possible (or the ER), tell them you are depressed, and get a presription for Prozac (or something) immediately, because it will take 2-3 weeks for you to feel the effects. Also, the doctor can write you a note so you can go on medical leave if you have a job, although working might keep you from sitting at home contemplating suicide. Careful about talking about suicide, or they will suggest a mental hospital which is worse than the depression. Tell them you have considered suicide but you do NOT have a plan (unless you really do).
I went to the ER last time because I felt so bad. They doctors were very understanding. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Depression an illness as common as high cholesterol.
In the mean time, do not be alone. Go to your mom's, a friends, who ever. Just getting out of your house will make you feel better.
Throw on some sweat pants and go see a movie (a comedy), walk around Target, go to a gym and ride a bike (even 10 minutes will lift you enough to see the end of the day). ANYTHING but sitting at home, which is all you want to do, I know.
Mornings will suck. Just get up and get in the shower. Again, sitting around in your PJ's can lead to suicide! You don't want to end your life, your just tired of fighting depression.
So....
Get some meds now!
Don't be alone (as much as possible)!
Do something, anything to get out of the house and keep your mind off of yourself.
Posted by noa on February 21, 2002, at 17:31:26
In reply to Re: Is it worth it?, posted by mdertinger on February 21, 2002, at 15:30:31
Yes, familiar with such attacks. Strange and powerful way they transport me instantly into another reality. The idea is to just get through it until it passes--get through it with support, strategies, etc.
This is the end of the thread.
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