I'm new here!

[TheEraOfSarah]

I'm new here. I have a long history with severe depression and anxiety. I've seen loads of therapists and tried countless medications. When nothing else provided relief, I tried ECT. I have mixed feelings about that treatment, but in the end my depression went away. So did some of my memories. Still, it was worth it. Now I am living in a weird gray area between being ok and being terrified about my depression returning. Any time I feel sad or upset and can't pinpoint it to a specific reason I start to panic that I'm going to be sick again. But the truth is, sometimes people just feel sad. I'm trying to learn to be ok with that. And most of the time, I am. I believe some symptoms of depression are still present in my life, and I still suffer from a lot of anxiety at times, but I remember how crippling my depression used to be and I'm so ridiculously happy that I don't feel that way any more. For now, of course. I'm happy to discuss any of my experiences if anyone thinks it might help them. Questions are always welcome.

[Stilltrying_]

Inspirational that you gained relief, though at the price of some memories, I know.

Keep on keeping on and thank you for posting up. I think it's important that others can see there is hope and there are answers out there, each person maybe having a different one but nevertheless progress can be made. xxx

[froggymom88]

Hello and Welcome!

I'm so happy for you on your success in battling your depression and anxiety through hard work. Keep working at it and thanks for sharing.

[jurnee33]

im just confused on if im depressed or just extremely sad ..

[TheEraOfSarah in reply to jurnee33]

It can be difficult to distinguish between the two sometimes. You can be screened for depression by a doctor or you can look up the depression screening questions online. If it's a prolonged feeling of sadness that interferes with your ability to do your normal routine, it might be depression. Here is an article from the American Psychiatric Association that has a section on the differences between depression and sadness: psychiatry.org/patients-fam...

[jurnee33 in reply to TheEraOfSarah]

thank you so much.. and im afraid that's what it is being its been affecting my ability to work since may.. I kept waiting on a change but it hasn't.. im sad so much and everything gets to me..

[TheEraOfSarah in reply to jurnee33]

It might be time to see a doctor. You can go to your regular PCP and they can refer you to a psychiatrist in your area. Or they may offer you help themselves. Either way, a medical professional will be better able to guide you through the next steps towards feeling better. You don't have to sit and suffer, it's important to take action regarding your mental health. I know it's really hard, but it's too easy to get stuck in depression. As long as you are trying things to get better, you aren't stuck, you're working on it.

[jurnee33 in reply to TheEraOfSarah]

it just feels weird for me... its so unreal to think my mind could have so much power.. that's why I cant believe it.. even when I do

[jurnee33 in reply to TheEraOfSarah]

and I don't understand how it would help me .. its so confusing on how It works

[TheEraOfSarah in reply to jurnee33]

It is confusing and complicated and no one really 100% knows how brain things work...but I can tell you that your mind is absolutely powerful enough to make you feel completely awful all the time. Your brain is so complex! The chemical reactions going on in there control everything about you! Sometimes some of those chemical reactions get a little out of whack and we need medical help to correct the imbalances. There's no shame in that. It's just like any other disease. Depression can have some crazy powerful symptoms. At the same time it can trick you into thinking you are overreacting or just not trying hard enough. If you aren't ready to go to a medical doctor, perhaps you could visit a therapist and discuss your symptoms with them. They would be able to tell you if what you are going through can be attributed to depression. They can probably also refer you to a psychiatrist if y'all decide that medicine is the best way to address your problems. They can help you evaluate your options for treatment. Even if it turns out that you don't have "depression" as a diagnosis, you are clearly suffering and a therapist can help you take steps towards feeling better.

[jurnee33 in reply to TheEraOfSarah]

thank you and your very easy to talk to .. and I can understand you.. it really lightened my day up a lot with the day ive had !! that's my problem is thinking im just being sensitive

[TheEraOfSarah in reply to jurnee33]

Any time! You are not "too sensitive." You are hurting and help is out there. Take care of yourself!

[jurnee33 in reply to TheEraOfSarah]

thank you !