Sorry for the grammar, but English is not my native language, and I could not find spelling check here...
When I was diagnosed anxiety - depressive disorder seven years ago, I was searching for answers on the web, and I noticed discuraging fact, that there were no people who overcame their depression participating on such forums. One of my conclusions was that people hardly overcame depression, or if they do, they become so altered to be able to enter social contact anymore (typical depressed person"s fantasies).
Well, here I"m now healthy, socially adapted, successfull and in a good mood, but feeling a debt to people who are in the same situation, as I was seven years ago.
In other words I have some unfinished bussiness to complete.
So, dear friends my first message is that the depression is a hell on Earth but it is suprisingly well treatable, and, one day, you will be able to resume normal and happy life (althought you have doubts now - I had as well).
It is not an easy process, but many things are on your side, comparing to patients that struggled with depression some 20-30 years ago:
- Firstly, as probably your are now, I was very suspicious about the medications, whether it works, about side-effects, and so on. My first therapy was not successifull, but second showed as tailored to my needs, so it is important to give some time to psychiatrist to learn about you, so he/she may hit the right combination. There is no need to worry about the effects - modern depression medication do work, and is very safe (the only side-effect I had was sweating a little bit more, even when on highest doses). Medication work slow, so, be patient first few weeks. When you realize that you are in a process of getting better, it is a huge boost to optimism, and it is easier to persist in tretment. Bad days will occur from time to time thou, but they always pass...
-Secondly, give yourself all the help you can: beside psychiatrist you should try psychotherapy (no matter whether it is CBT, REBT, Gestalt, TA, Psychoanalysis), the most important is the rapport with your therapist. In fact, human contact is the best medicine (that is in our nature). Choose someone recommended by people you trust, and rely to your intuition. Depression is a message from our soul, that we have to grow and become more mature in some aspects, and it is good if we have on our side a "Guru" who is highly educated and experienced.
-Working with both psychiatrist and psychotherapist is a sort of safety net, as if the medication does not work, therapy will, and vice versa (usually both work, thou).
-Thirdly, but usually forgotten: take care of your body (diet and excercise). Good regime, diversified diet, as much excercise as you can by time will surelly balance your mental and physical state. People usually treat brain for mental illnesses, but I think that we should firstly treat some other organs where the process starts as liver, gouts, endocrinal glands, etc. For example if you are a "carnivore," and fail to intake enough green vegetables, you may lack folates, and that would eventually lead to damage of your health and to depression. If you do not intake various seeds (e.g. pumpkin, almonds, hazelnuts, etc.) you lack magnesium and zinc, that lead to depression as well. The same is with excercise - sedentary lifestile is a torture to our bodies and minds (again human nature), and eventually leads to depression.
That is all I can remember by now that may be of use. Of course you people may ask everything you need extra...