Newbie -- intro: Always Depressed

I always thought it was normal to live with depression since I've struggled with it all my life.

But when my therapist asked me how long I've struggled with it, I began to think of my earliest childhood memories, and began to feel sad that I even had to feel that way.

I don't know how normal it is to want to constantly run away as a kid, and to constantly feel I wasn't loved. I am starting to see an unhealthy pattern in my adult life due to the lack of affection and love my parents gave me when I was young.

I know some of my depression is caused by how I was raised but I also think there is a chemical component and have been taking Bupropion. It helps but it doesn't take away the depression completely.

Thoughts/ideas on different coping methods, and strategies to get my mind out of this funk???

[brightbronzexo]

it helps to find a hobby, something you always wanted to master, or even something you used to love doing but stopped for whatever reason, you can start working on that. Also if u haven't already u should look for a therapist, or someone that u trust to try and open up about how ur feeling, I find that it helps when u don't keep stuff bottled up all the time. Or you can always post things on here, there are alot of people willing to help and give advice. 😊

[Hidden in reply to brightbronzexo]

Thank you, I suppose you're right, I think I struggle with motivation the most but, maybe if I put enough focus and energy into it, I'll get somewhere

[brightbronzexo in reply to Hidden]

Yes!! That's what its all about, energy... Even in the morning when I'm doing my yoga stretches I try to push myself to stay on track with it and keep improving, and it's also teaching me discipline! Mentally and physically...i set an alarm each day to get up and stretch, and I make time on my days off to work on my writing, etc. I'm learning it's about focus...im still working on things but I'm improving 😊

[Hidden in reply to brightbronzexo]

That sounds like a good idea, I've never done yoga, but I think it would be fun to try, lately I've been trying to get in shape by changing my diet to a vegan diet and going running at the gym, but I'd like to do yoga, I'll keep that in mind

[hypercat54]

Hi I too suffered from depression at a very young age and realised that I didn't know what it was to be 'normal' and depression is very much ingrained in my personality. I used to get very confused when counsellors would say they would get me back to how I was before! I never knew a before and this always made me feel quite unique and unable to be helped.

I manage mine now by accepting it and the life limitations it places on me. Oh I don't mean I don't socialise and do normal things etc. or I don't try doing stuff which makes me uncomfortable but I just don't push it too far unless I have no choice. Not sure that is the best way but it works for me.

A key feature of depression is the negative thoughts ie I am lazy for not getting out of bed earlier. I automatically now follow this with a positive thought praising myself for getting up at all feeling like I do. This is a good habit to adopt.

I have had quite a bit of therapy in the past which has made me much more self aware over the years. A couple of years ago I discovered CEN (Childhood Emotional Neglect) and it rang lots of bells or me. Have a google and see if it does with you. x