What Depression Is Like

[brianthephysicist]

I've linked to this on Vocation Station before but it bears repeating.

 

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2011/june-online-only/bipolarpriest.html

 

(The article is from an Evangelical magazine but it is written by a Catholic priest.)

 

:like:

[carmenchristi]

Seems like a good article, but I'm getting depressed reading it! Been there, done that too recently :/

[franciscanheart]

It was oddly reassuring for me. It's like, "WOULD YOU LOOK AT ALL THIS DEAD FISH? MAN, OUR FISH ARE REALLY DEAD, HUH?"

[Annie12]

How would one deal with depression when one thinks they have it but not one person cares and when they tell their loved ones they  insist they are being a hypochondriac? Basically how does someone deal with it if they also have to deal with loneliness?

[HisChildForever]

How would one deal with depression when one thinks they have it but not one person cares and when they tell their loved ones they  insist they are being a hypochondriac? Basically how does someone deal with it if they also have to deal with loneliness?

 

Find a therapist and psychiatrist, and for social support you can find a support group.

[MissyP89]

Most universities and colleges offer counseling services for students. See if you can find some help there if you're not having luck with your family.

 

p.s. Now that you're an adult, it's okay to take matters into your own hands. I'm not sure what your financial situation is, but you may need to just call a therapist yourself and do this on your own, if you want that kind of help. I know how hard that is, but in the end it'll be more than worth it.

Edited June 13, 2013 by MissyP89

[EmilyAnn]

Find a therapist and psychiatrist, and for social support you can find a support group.

This. If you think you are suffering from depression (or any other mental illness) then seek help from a professional. 

[LinaSt.Cecilia2772]

I second the getting help from a professional. My family had a hard time understanding me and my depression (they still kinda do, but its WAY better than it was before), but getting the therapy and counseling that I needed truly changed everything in a positive way.

 

When my depression came on from various situations, I was very reluctant to getting help because all my life my family and I never thought that I needed it. It never occurred to me that sh*t would happen in life that can cause such depression and anxiety. But it does, and even though my family and I were very reluctant in the beginning, counseling and therapy has truly changed my life in ways that I never thought would be possible. It's still a work in progress (always will be), but I honestly don't think I would be where I am with being comfortable in my own skin, with my relationships with friends and family, dealing with my emotions, dealing with life, and the magnitude of my faith if God hadn't of blessed me with the gift of good counselors and the therapy they provided me with.

 

Therapy and counseling isn't easy by all means, but the saying goes that "sometimes things get worse before they get better," which was definitely my experience in my situation. But every situation and every person's depression is very different and it's more complex than people think. Sometimes therapists don't "click," and you have to shop around to see which one fits well, which can be frustrating. But don't lose hope on finding one, because not all therapists are alike. Find one with consistency, a good listening ear, that doesn't judge, that treats you with respect, and that treats you like the human being you are. Some can be pushy and make you feel like what you're feeling isn't "normal" or "human." But you can't help the way you feel, and those who don't try to know or try to understand that aren't worth your time.

 

Having a support group of friends that have gone through similar experiences helps A LOT. My depression was grief fueled, and having people in my support group who understood the mental magnitude that grief can bring truly helped me in knowing that I'm not alone, and that I can get through it if others have gotten through it.

 

I pray everyday for those who have gone through or are going through depression. Know that it's OKAY to ask for help. It's a sign of strength, not weakness.

Edited June 13, 2013 by LinaSt.Cecilia2772

[Annie12]

I know I am depressed but I don't know if its is because it is a mental illness or because pretty much all of my friends either treat me badly or have left me. I am left trying to make sense of it all. Sometimes I feel like Its all in my head and I'm being a baby. I don't know.

[Lil Red]

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression

 

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of depression often begins with a physical exam by a doctor. Because certain viruses, medicines, and illnesses can also cause symptoms of depression, your doctor will want to know when your symptoms started, how long they have lasted, and how severe they are. He or she will ask whether you have had similar symptoms of depression before and about past treatments you may have received.

Your family history of depression and other mental illnesses is very important, as is any history of drug or alcohol use. Although there is no "depression test" that a mental health expert can use to diagnose symptoms of depression, there are certain features, which he or she will look for in order to make the proper diagnosis of depression.

 

What Are Symptoms of Depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

[Winchester]

I know I am depressed but I don't know if its is because it is a mental illness or because pretty much all of my friends either treat me badly or have left me. I am left trying to make sense of it all. Sometimes I feel like Its all in my head and I'm being a baby. I don't know.

 

This is why you talk to someone else about it. So you can tell if it's clinical or just the general crappiness of life. Like red said.
 

[xTrishaxLynnx]

I know I am depressed but I don't know if its is because it is a mental illness or because pretty much all of my friends either treat me badly or have left me. I am left trying to make sense of it all. Sometimes I feel like Its all in my head and I'm being a baby. I don't know.

 

You're not being a baby; those are very difficult things to be going through and whether the feelings are from a mental illness or not, having someone to consult, such as a therapist to talk them through with, would be helpful.
 

[CatholicsAreKewl]

I know I am depressed but I don't know if its is because it is a mental illness or because pretty much all of my friends either treat me badly or have left me. I am left trying to make sense of it all. Sometimes I feel like Its all in my head and I'm being a baby. I don't know.

 

It's not uncommon for people dealing with depression to be hard on themselves. I suggest you consider finding a counselor. It might be a good idea to talk to the professional before going, just to see if she/he is a good fit. 

 

Btw, this clinical therapy seems to be one of the most tested for depression:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rational_emotive_behavior_therapy

Edited June 14, 2013 by CatholicsAreKewl