Don't know where else to turn to

[SolidSnake]

I am 18 and suffering with depression/anxiety. I have been suffering for over a year now (even dropped out of sixth form and currently on incapacity benefits), but have been feeling better on new medication (duloxtine). However, lately my depression has seemed to be coming back in full force and I feel worse than I first did. I have no friends and I mean that. I never had that many friends before my mental health issues arose, but since they did my "friends" really distanced themselves from me and broke up all contact. I don't and have never had a boyfriend (although I would love one) and I am just feeling so very lonely, which is not helping my depression at all. For days now I have felt so hopeless and pathetic and I am scaring myself with some thoughts that I am thinking. My life revolves staying in all day on the computer, which is hardly any life at all. I do have support from my parents, but it's not enough. I don't know what's the point of getting out of bed anymore. I know my mum used to use this site when she had issues with anxiety and I have just come here for some advice because I really don't know what to do anymore. If I feel this way for any longer i'm scared of what I might do.

Thanks for reading

[Lucyellensmum95]

Are you at home with your mum now? Can you tell her how you are feeling?

CAn i ask how long you have been on your medication? I think you need to go back to your doctor TOMORROW, make and emergency appointment and tell them about the scary thoughts. This is really important because these could be a result of your new meds??

There is lots of support on here - lots of us have had to deal with anxiety and depression and know how difficult it is. What we do know too is that things can and DO get better. You wont feel this way for the rest of your life - you may have ups and downs, but there WILL be happy times. I promise xx

[Lucyellensmum95]

I have to go to bed now, I will look in the morning if you feel like posting some more. There will also be lots of others around, its a bit late now so its quiet. Please go to the doctors though - and then maybe go for a walk? There doesn't have to be any "point" to the walk, just some fresh air xxx i know that sounds daft but i go stir crazy if im in the house for more than a day without going out, even if its to buy milk.

[SolidSnake]

Lucyellensmum95 Thanks for answering, my mum is asleep right now, but i will talk to her in the morning. I have been on the medication for about 2 months now. I did think they were working better when I first began to take them but now i'm not sure. The walk sounds a good idea, I will try that, thanks x

[Lucyellensmum95]

Hope you are feeling a tad brighter today x

[sensesworkingovertime]

Hello SolidS, yes good advice from Lucyellen, how are you at the moment/ Did you manage to talk to your mum? Or/and dad?

I know it sounds clichéd but you prob feel overwhelmed, you need to take one step at a time. Would it help to sit down and write things down that you think you could try to do and would help you? This is also a good idea if, because you are depressed, you may have trouble remembering things. Try writing a simple list. When you have done it, put a smiley face against it! some suggestions:-

1. See GP (as already suggested by LucyE), write down exactly how you are feeling and take that with you incase you find it difficult to put into words when you are there.
   
   
2. Get a book on depression/self help stuff, see what has helped other people. Medication on its own is not the answer.
   
   
3. Relaxation/self help CD for reasons as in 2)
   
   
4. Limit time on computer, read a book,watch a decent programme.
   Did you have any hobbies prior to this depression?
   
   
5. Important, try to get out each day, wear something that makes you feel nice, visit shop, library or just have a walk.
   
   
6. Take care of your diet and eat well.
   
   You have friends on here and you will find friends again, you sound really nice (and don't forget it's not about numbers it's about quality).
   Hope you start to feel better soon.