I have been masking my depression for a long time and I need help. That critical voice in my head feels like it runs constantly. What can I do to help with this?
Hi. I suffered this also. Go see your GP. He/she will help you I’m sure
Hi Matthew, sorry to hear u r struggling. Masking what's going on inside is a common coping strategy but it gets so exhausting. Can I give us any more context about your situation? Therapy has helped me to try to replace the critical inner voice with more positive thinking. Mindfulness in particular can help us to accept what's going on in our heads while not suppressing it, kind of like letting a wave wash over us without harming us. It sounds a bit philosophical but it's worth checking it out cos I know many others whom this technique has helped. Talking & venting is always a good release too & that's where this forum can help & support u. We are all in this together & understand that it's a daily battle.....some days we win, some we lose. But never give up fighting :-)
Hi Matthew - so many of us hide our illness. There used to be such a stigma attached to being depressed - they would just lock you away and make excuses for your disappearance. Intelligence behind depression and anxiety has expanded somewhat - and it will expand faster and further as people are relentlessly pressured to be the best this, the richest that, the most famous something else - everybody unconsciously racing to find an ever shifting "perfection" when there is no such thing in this world. Ridiculous.
See your doctor and discuss what is going on. Medications may be prescribed. They will take 3-6 weeks to work effectively. If you feel worse or they are not working, see you doc and change them. There are many sorts of antidepressants available. Sometimes dosages will need to be tweaked to suit you. If the issues are deep and underlying, a referral to a psychologist might be an idea - your doc can give you that. Meanwhile, try not to worry, taking action will make you feel better in itself.
I am calling my doctor this morning. Just getting these comments were helpful. I feel so alone and a burden so getting these responses helped a great deal.