New to the group

[Dramamamma84]

Hello I'm dramamamma84. I've lived with depression for 21 years. it has gotten worse as iv'e gotten older. i find myself overthinking social interactions leading me to think people don't like me. Then of course I wonder why they don't like me. And i desperately crave the approval of others that I come on too strong when trying to make friends. I end up saying the wrong thing and then it backfires. Anxiety has reared it's ugly head the last decade for me. Especially at work.

Well, just looking for an outlet for those times when i'm really down. Hoping this group will help.

[Dramamamma84]

Therapy off and on over the years. Been on meds for 10 years or so.

[lovetodance2018 in reply to Dramamamma84]

Hi Dramamamma, Welcome to HU. This is a great community. I have a similar story. I have struggled on and off with depression for over 22 years. I had two years where I had no depressive episodes. Then in the past 5 months I began spiraling every month just around my menstrual, as I am getting older and getting close to menopause age . I am learning that a chemical imbalance happens around 2 - 5 days before my period and then it takes another 5 - 7 days to regulate back to normal. They call it PMDD. I am taking some supplements like B6 and extra calcium. I am also on antidepressants. I went off for two years but now back on. It could be for the rest of my life, but I am OK with that as long as I feel better. I am also staying as positive as I can during those tough times, knowing it is temporary and I will feel better. My recommendation to you is have a physical if you haven't had one in a while, see when you spiral and what is going on before you spiral. I kept a journal of my moods and was tracking when I seem to become anxious and then spiral into the deep depression and when I starting to pull out and feel better. I am also going to be discussing these episodes with my GYN and see what he recommends. Becoming aware of when you start feeling bad is so important to understanding your depression. I have come to realize depression is not who I am but something I go through. I really try to focus on when I am feeling well, I journal that too, so I can go back to it to remind myself how amazing a person I am when I am not depressed. I pray daily and give every day to God. That really gives me inspiration. I will be praying for you. Please continue to keep in touch and if you every want to chat feel free to PM me. We are here for each other. God Bless.

[Dramamamma84 in reply to lovetodance2018]

Thanks for sharing lovetodance. For me, my worst episodes are when I forget my pills for a few days. It happens every time. If I forget to take them for a few days, things set me off that wouldn't normally set me off. Or I react worse to situations than I normally would. I finally bought a med dispenser that has alarms. So I set one to go off in the morning to take my antidepressants. It's really helped.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

Welcome to the forum. We've got a great group of people here who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Not only do you have an outlet for when you're feeling down, you'll be able to benefit by helping lift people up with your replies. I identify with your symptoms and I'm sure a lot of others do too. Keep posting and let us know how you're feeling.

[Locu]

Ah man. 20 + years here as well. Nobody likes me. Saying the wrong things (not that I see many ppl lately as I’m out of job for months) feeling old an purposeless. You’ll get no help from me.

[Teddy45]

Yes I understand what you’re saying I’m the same my brain doesn’t turn off I’m always thinking or worrying about something and I am a staff nurse in A@E It’s a horrible feeling I know some days I feel like I’m looking through the haze and everything feels on real like I’m in a dream I need to talk at any time I’m always here I’m off work now for a week because I have been feeling a bit poorly xx