Depression, will it last forever?

Mental health
1

I have been depressed for about 13 years I am taking Citalopram medication. I have had CBT and two session of therapy. They did help at the time but it's hard to keep motivated by yourself I find. I really wish I could experience happiness again. I do have a wonderful family even a seven year old daughter. Somedays I start positive and say I'll do baking with her or something but it seems I can't .

I think on top of depression I have SAD (seasonal, affected disorder). I'm really struggling to want to get out and do anything. Having a mental illness that you try and keep hidden is a struggle. Trouble is you don't have the control to stop it.

Do you think living in a warmer climate would help?

2

Hi, I suffer with similar symptoms, and along with depression i have bpd (borderline personality disorder) and I get effected by seasons too, and have recently been researching SAD lights. you look it to the light for a certain amount of time a day and it gives you the same effect as the sun does. i have no experience with it, but it is a ligit product and proven to work. it might be a good idea to have a look and maybe give a try for a while as its a lot less drastic than moving home.

hope this helps.

3

Honestly I feel the same. I haven't been treated for depression for as long but think I've had problems with it since I was about 12 (I'm now 21) and don't feel like it's ever going to get better plus I feel like I have to hide it as well as my family don't 'believe' in it and I worry that other people won't like me if they know about it because they'll see it as too much trouble.

I'm on citalopram as well and it's the only antidepressant I've been on but I don't feel like it's actually helping a lot anymore either, I also tried counselling and found that unhelpful. It sounds like a trivial question but have you tried changing medication?

I don't think necessarily moving to a warmer climate will help with everything but are you happy with where you live in general? Maybe some kind of new start in a new environment would help but only if you really think it plays the strongest part in your problems.

4

Hi there,I suffer from depression I was prescribed Seroxat back in 2001 because I started feeling depressed as I had to finish work due to health problems and could not do what I used to do.When I thought I was feeling a little less depressed stopped taking meds then found out about the side effects of stopping,they have changed my personality and can no longer show emotions and to be honest I feel even more depressed now.I will just say this if you are thinking of changing meds just be wary of Seroxat.

5

Thanks everyone for replying I will take your thoughts on board.

6

Sorry to hear you have been depressed for such a long time. I also suffered from depression when I was younger.

As well as having good support from friends when you are depressed, there are ways of healing with natrual means. Have you tried any natural medicine? I have a few suggestions based on my personal experience and experience with clients. I'm not a doctor but work in alternative medicine.

An essential treatment when you are depressed is a liver cleanse, followed by a kidney cleanse with a qualified herbalist. I have done many of these so can speak from experience. Liver herbs and a diet free from sugar, wheat, red meat, alcohol, caffeine and dairy for a few weeks can help the liver to function better which will let energy flow better in the body. Depression is due to many factors but one problem is energy that is stagnant in the liver.

Natural herbs can help us whilst the old is being eliminated, so the following can be used to balance any mood swings during the cleanse. These herbs are recommended:

Examples are: St. John’s Wart

Passion Flower

Chamomile

Oat Straw

Catnip

Also ensure you have a mainly alkaline diet. This is a good recommendation for all health issues. Info on alkaline and acidic foods can be found on the internet. Organic foods tend to be better for your health so if you can afford it, buy organic.

Treat yourself to a bath and put in a few drops of supportive oils or heat up the oil and let the fragrance fill the room you are sitting in. Helpful oils for depression can include:

Lavender,

Clary Sage

Sandalwood

Frankincense

Lemon

Jasmine

Also make sure you are getting fresh air into your home and get out nto the fresh air every day, for at least ten minutes a day particularly in nature. Sometimes the last thing we want to do when we are depressed is go out, but a combination of the above will set you on the road to recovery. Nature if one of the best healers.

With depression it's important not to have your feelings bottled up, so hiding how you feel will only add to the problem. Be honest with others around you and make sure you have lots of support from those you trust as well as medical professionals if you need medication.

Finally, this may sound strange, but have a spring clean. Starting with your bedroom, get into every nook and cranny and have a good clear out of your home. Clear the clutter and clean well. This will also affect your mood.

If you need more detailed info on any of the above, please get in touch.

All the best,

HH

7

Thank you so much for all your ideas and thoughts. I have just been out for a walk with the dogs, the sun was shining for a while it felt okay, glad I did it.

8

Hi, everyone is different, and I suppose that`s why there are dozens of antideppressents on the market.

As for the Herbal, natural treatments, well if they work for you then why not?.

I after a decade of trying numerous tablets finally ended up on Mirtazapine, it feels like one of the older antideppressents, ie, it makes you drowsy, and unfortunately it can cause weight gain.(as well as weight loss, believe it or not!)

But it sorted my depression out better than anything else I tried.

Hope you find what is right for you.

Egggbert

9

Thanks Egggbert, I'm going to see my doctor next week, I will ask her about a change of medication. thank you for your comment.

10

Just a thought, but SAD and depression can be triggered from a lack of certain vits and nutrients (such as vit D and B12 and FISH OILS to keep brain connectors going properly) as well as lack of sunlight and exercise.

11

i wonder the same thing everyday ive been sad for over 10 years now and i honestly thought i was the only person.