Hello. I was diagnosed as clinically depressed Summer 2014. I was taking 20mg Fluoxetine but since November I've been on 40mg. I'm struggling - work is hard and I don't want to go in. I've called in sick a couple of times because I can't face it. I'm also struggling with being in large groups of people, even around family and friend, and socialising just puts fear into me. I always get anxious before I'm due to meet anyone and I prefer to stay at home on my own.
I'd like to know if anyone has any tips to overcome this and feel like you can get through the day please? I'm tearful a lot of the time and it's putting strain on my marriage.
Have the meds helped you at all from when you started taking them.
Hi Tanya
They do seem to work but I still have bad feelings and bad days so I'm not sure how good they are for me.
If you prefer to stay at home i would start off with some self help CD and books, ive just started with Paul McKenna change your life in 7 days ,My sister had the most worst panic attacks ive ever known ,its took her a year of self help starting with the one i mentioned and she went on to others ,she now has a degree from university and i cant believe she has turned her self around and now its me so i saw how much it helped her so i thought i will give it a go and i am starting to feel better ,the doctor just prescribed tablets but i want to make myself better without the help of tablets so im just sugesting this as it is something you can do in your own home 
Thank you, Eli Bird. I will have a look online. Well done for your sister - fantastic 😊
From experience, isolating yourself further will not make you feel better. Maybe look into what the cause of your depression is- is it a social trigger brought on by stressors (posh words for things that cause you stress) or is it a biochemical one. I suggest you focus on what you can do. It sounds like you have a partner to help you through? Having a job gives you a sense of purpose. If your job is the issue then find a new job, maybe keeping your current one until you find something else. It's maybe a good idea to talk such ideas through with a councillor and financial advisor if necessary. You only live once after all
PS best cure for social anxiety is CBT I think, I've had anxiety too
Thank you, Allycats.
I have quite a few past issues that have lead up to this point so it's hard to pinpoint the exact problem but I do have a supportive husband who feels completely helpless 😥
My job is very stressful and I have been looking for a new one.
No problem glad to help. Meditation has helped me no end, as has upbeat music. Its impossible for me to feel unhappy whilst listening to Outkast Hey Ya for instance, but Radiohead would not help, as good as they are, not really a band to listen to if you're depressed :D
Mediation can be really helpful, what I advice is don't do it in a room that you sleep in. I would listen to music that I used to enjoy listening to, I started to cook my favourite foods again. I started to think positive and said to myself yes there will be bad days and there will be good days.
Try not to isolate yourself from your partner, I ended up divorced ( that another story thou ) . Always find away as I amsure there is one thing you are sure of and that is you love your partner and family. And if they love you back then they should try to support ( not necessarily help ) you to take control of your life again.
I was like you a few months ago the doctor said take up an interest something you used to do or a new one,just go out with one person will help