depression - tell me your stories of hope

[cymrukernow]

I am newly diagnosed and, frankly, feeling like crap. It's like being trapped in a prison of anxiety and negativity.

One of the worst worries is - will I get better and when? What's it like the other side?

Tell me your story- I need hope x

[timelytess]

So many, many, many years of it - not sure that idea helps!

So, having been anxious, depressive for almost thirty years, on 15 July 2013, someone said something to me that broke down all my barriers, shook me up so thoroughly that I've been smiling ever since. Yes, my world fell apart. Yes, I had to give up my job - couldn't even pretend to do it any more. Learned to say ""We'll see." No, the person who shook me up isn't part of my life. But I'm not depressed. I have low days. But basically I've smiled for over two years now and I love it.

It will pass. I don't know what will make it better for you or when, but I know better is out there. Even during the long-term depression, there were phases when it lifted a lot and I could cope much better.

You will come through it. It passes. It really does.

[cymrukernow]

Thanks timelytess
I can't wait to feel normal again

Buying /selling house atm and got a family holiday in Oz booked for Dec. Dreading ALL of it!!!

[cymrukernow]

And what was the thing that made you smile?

[ScarlettDarling]

cymru yes it does get better, as long as you're prepared to ask for, and accept, help.

Gp for medication is a great starting point. Don't expect miracles, the tablets don't take all your worries away, but they do make you more able to cope. They stop everything seeming so bleak, and you will find that you start to smile again.

After a while when you feel a bit better, you may feel that some form of therapy is worth trying. I tried CBT. It didn't honestly do a lot for me, but I did like the feeling of taking control and doing something.

And timelytess I'd love to know the words of wisdom that got you smiling again....

[cymrukernow]

Thanks Scarlett I try to have hope, it's hard in these dark days.
Seeking help has been good. I have found a local self help charity who give therapies. The woman who runs it is my new bff - even though she's 84! It's somewhere to run to, and I like it cos no-one knows me there.

Have only told one of my friends, I'm so ashamed of being like this and I look like a hag.

[timelytess]

Least said, soonest mended.

[Prettyinblue]

Though I may have miss understood timeliness. I'm bipolar and for me talking has always stopped me from severe depression. Whenever I am on the edge I tell those around me.

My mum once said, when I was a very ill, manic teen who had publically done lots of embarrassing things, 'if anyone of your friends judges you they aren't your friend so you mustn't care whT they think', that held true, so much.

So now I talk about it, and if people bother, fuck em, they weren't worth caring about.

In practical terms mindfulness and acupuncture has saved my life.

[Prettyinblue]

misunderstood

[cymrukernow]

Yes Pretty I would like to think my friends would help. Just that I don't have the confidence to tell them. I have told a few more close family so have a little support network now.

On with another day ....