Depression - does it really get better?

[prettydaisies]

I would really like to hear some stories please. I have had mental health problems for a while I think. I have been on ADs for the past 3 years and sort of muddle by. However things are never great and I struggle to put on a brave face and carry on. I'm married, have 3 children and have a full time job. Maybe how I feel is just normal. I'm not sure anymore. I so wish there was a blood test that I could have. I don't really enjoy anything. Sometimes self harm because I feel worthless and do think about suicide. Dr's currently changing my ADs, but will it really make a difference?

I met my DH at uni, not long after he was diagnosed with depression. At that time, on a bad day he would self harm and often couldn't get out of bed and face the day. The ads made him a zombie and his emotions were numbed.

He gradually learned to cope better, so even on a bad day he can now even go to work, and doesn't need to self harm any more. He is slowly reducing his meds (work in progress over several years).

He has definitely learned coping mechanisms and CBT and counselling have both helped.

Good luck on your journey, it can get better, you can do it!

Sorry forgot to say he had to try I think 3 different ADs before hitting on the one that worked for him, and it took 3 weeks each time for them to kick in properly.

It's tough but with it, and yes it can make a huge difference getting the one that works for you.

Thank you. I will keep trying. I went to a psychologist to see if I could have cbt but he said the issues were too ingrained and a course of cbt would make no difference.

I got better.

I had psychosis twice which was followed each time by severe depression. I was suicidal.

My psychiatrist changed my medication and it seems that he stumbled upon the right medication for me. It is just over 18months since I switched and I am back to my old self and enjoying life again.

Things that also helped were resuming an old hobby which I was good at, and saying to my family 'sorry guys, my needs come first' and taking time for myself and not feeling bad about it.