New here

[Lilypad03]

I am a 36-year-old female with 5 kids. I have lived with depression since I was 8 years old. It took until I was an adult to seek help. I have had different diagnoses, but now it's MDD with PTSD. I used to be told I was bipolar, but I didn't experience mania. I'm working with a therapist and trying different medications. I want to know how you guys snap out of depression episodes. These episodes make it hard to function and be a good parent. I just want to stay in bed and do nothing. Nothing brings me joy or helps me escape these thoughts. My husband supports me, but it's not fair to him. I have thoughts of not being here, but I talk myself out of it. I fear not being able to escape depression even in the afterlife. I need help and don't know where to turn. Thank you for listening.

[gajh]

I just want to welcome you here. I am sorry you are suffering. I am glad to hear that you are working with a therapist and trying meds. I don't have any easy answers for you. I find this site extremely helpful. I look forward to checking in each day and connecting with others who understand. I benefit from hearing others' stories. I get tips on books, YouTube videos, and websites that have helped other people. I hope it helps you to know that you aren't alone. I hope you get as much out of this site as I do. I hope you find something that helps you escape the thoughts. Meditating, listening to music, reading, exercising, anything to distract yourself. I wish you the very best.

[Blackdoglover]

Hi Lilypad, psychotherapy is just one component of getting to recovery from depression. It is a necessary on though. Try getting the gene test to see which antidepressant is best for you. I honestly didn't know how to get out of the bottom until recently and that is making sure I recognize the signs when I'm going down hill. It's extremely difficult. I have recently been having ECT therapy since I was an in-patient this past spring after a serious suicide attempt. This treatment and the doctors have saved my life. Investigate all options available to you. In solidarity, peace, hope, and love, Blackdoglover

[hypercat54]

Hi and welcome to the site. I think you are expecting too much to be able to 'snap out of it' especially if you have been suffering since you were a child.

Set your goals very small at first with the help of your therapist. Remember that baby steps lead to more and it's like a domino effect. The more you progress then the more you will.

Remember too that depression thoughts are false and not to be trusted. I will say categorically that unless you want to leave your children with lifelong hurt and guilt you have to stay with them.

Depression is a very nasty illness where you lack motivation so you have to force yourself to get up and deal with practical jobs.

Recovering completely from depression isn't always possible but becoming less depressed and much more able to cope is very reachable if you persevere with treatment. You can learn skills to mitigate the worst effects. You also need to ensure if you can a very strong support network.

This is from a lifetime of depression starting when I was a child too. I get that with children you must be very busy but it is essential that you get some me time even if it's just half an hour or so as ignoring your own needs will only makes things worse.

I hope this helps a bit.

[Snowydoe]

Lilypad03, Hi and welcome. I have also had depression since I was a child. Snapping out of the depression is not easy and yes you certainly feel like staying in bed and doing nothing.

Medication actually helped me a lot. Hopefully your psychiatrist will be able to find one that works for you. It made the difference of night and day for me.

As far as being at the place where you don’t care to wake up in the morning, I had one counselor that told me to always remember that children whose parents commit suicide never recover. So when you are at that point seek help anyway you can find it (without drugs or alcohol of course).

Also, know you are not alone. I’ve been there more times than I can count. I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you and those babies.

[Hypsie]

The replies were great and summed up anything I'd have to say. If and when I can, I try to go for a walk OR I have found fishing at the pond down the street very helpful (spring 2024).

[BlahhYataYata]

Hi Lilypad03. I’m also new. Have 3 kids. Very difficult day to day when dealing with depression. I can relate to everything you said. I’m here if you ever want to chat. Hope you’re feeling a bit better since your original post