Depression

[denis53]

Hi all I'm Denis 53yrs I was told that I am suffering from depression I've told my wife and my best friend but I'm not sure what to do next or what to feel or how

[Hidden]

Hello denis53 nice to meet you and welcome to the site. Can you ensure you please read the community guidelines under the pinned posts on the right. Thank you. x

[Satsuma]

Welcome .. You will probably feel great relief knowing what it is you are up against .. I cannot tell you how u will feel nor what to do .. Only that you will find coping stradegies to deal with deprrssion and get to know your triggers so u can avoid them.

[Biggles22]

Either self treatment with lifestyle and mood gym (Google it) or go and see your doctor

[denis53]

Thank you

[Olderal]

Hello,Denis, I assume that its your GP who has told you you have depression. If this is not so you should certainly see your GP to have this diagnosis confirmed or otherwise by a health professional.

Depression is never the end of the world and although it can be very serious it can be coped with. The good news for you is that if its taken 53 years to find you are suffering from depression then you are either an incredibly strong person or the depression is likely to be of a not too serious nature. You don't have to do anything except be totally honest with your GP, follow their advice and carry on with your normal life as much as possible. You have done the right thing in telling your wife so that any minor changes she may see in you do not worry her.

My only other advice would be to as far as possible ( and I'm assuming a health professional confirms the diagnosis ) is to keep the information to your wife and medical support only. I say this because practically everyone carries some preconceptions ,usually not positive about mental health problems and knowledge of depression in you will inevitably change relationships, rarely for the better.

Olderal

[Rick1on1]

Hi Denis,

If you are depressed, then you are feeling emotions that may be difficult to describe. Can you tell us how you came about the diagnosis and what your experiences have been over the last year?

Rick1on1

[denis53 in reply to Rick1on1]

I was diagnosed by a specialist I was asked to see by my GP. My dad was killed in an accident 2 and a half years ago (court case pending). Not sure what I'm feeling right now about myself or anything else just trying to figure it out for the moment. Thanks Rick

[Rick1on1]

Grief can be a huge contributing factor to depression. Sorry to ask but is there any guilt?

I have noticed that the grief and guilt combination can leave people feeling totally numb and a bit unsure about how they should feel about.

[WhiteAlice]

First off denis 53, you aren't required to feel any particular way. You feel what you feel. What to do next is breathe! Take it in steps. You've seen your GP & a specialist. Check. You've identified a trauma in your life. Check. There wasn't closure if there is still mitigation. That's a lingering negative event. Check. You are on the right path! Therapy can help you deal with thd trauma. If necessary, medications can help you relax enough to sort through it. If your friend and wife are supportive, that will be great for you. We're here if you'd like to talk it out.

[figgs]

I too have depression and I have had four sessions of CBT. .Had one this morning It makes you change the way you think .Its not easy but my THerapist said that I am making good progress