Random Depression

[sdoidic]

I need some help and I do not want to go and see a therapist. For the past couple of years I have been experiencing random bad cases of severe depression involving crying that I cannot stop, thoughts of worthlessness, and thoughs of suicide. Within the past year they have been getting a lot worse and I recently went into the ER for an advil overdose. I want to know how to stop myself from doing this because I push people that are close to me away when I get in these moods. I want to know what could possibly be wrong with me but I do not want to see someone about it. I am trying St. John's Wort Extract to see if it might change my moods, but I am afraid that it will just get worse. Please let me know if and what kind of treatment other than therapy I can get for this. Thanks

SD

[Unregistered]

SD,

I went through a very challenging time, left a job I loved because of a board of directors that could care a less, opened a business~my business partner left and I lost the store PLUS I took a very good paying job doing something I HATE_ sitting at a desk and punching numbers,
I finally went to see my GP who said I have been depressed for over a YEAR--now it's time to get to work. I am now on an absence from work- taking Paxil and Ativan and really trying to get through it.
Please see you doctor-document your history, take some meds and perhaps a leave from work. It is giving me the time to begin to focus again, to hope for tomorrow........trust in your value and worth, and talk to someone.

[ignorance is bliss]

I have the same thing, im 16 years old and i get random depression every other day for no reason. I too feel worthless and like a giant nothing and invisible to everyone around me. I do not know whats wrong with me. I have thoughts of suicide almost every other day. I feel im going to be alone and that i have no interests in anything at all. I've lost interest in almost everything i used to love and there is little that i feel i have to live for. I hate the people around me and have lost hope that humans in general are good at heart at all and not false fakes and liars. I live a false life and people would never have a clue how depressed i really am all the time, i wonder if im bipolar but am not sure and would never dream of telling anyone what i have just wrote. I fear that i will not be around if my depression gets worse and im scared of what people would think if i told them. I know what your going through, your not alone. I just wish i knew how to be happy. My life is going by so quick and this is supposed to be the happier times of my life. As i get older everything will just get worse.

[eman3o555]

i understand, and i feel like i have the same problem. i'am 15years old with too many problems for such a young age. and i dont want this to continue because then im just waisting days of my life in a depressive state, or just plain unhappy. thats not good, you only get one life. after that what?? i've tried to think about that its wayyy to confusing and scary at the same time, and im not the type to get scared easily, but when your dealing with something Mentally scary its impossible not to be afraid. after you die what? "do i see black?" i would ask myself, but not even. i will have no feelings, no sight. i kinda picture people visiting my grave when i die, but know what? i wont even be able to see that! so what the ****? iam Catholic, i do believe in god,*****,heaven,& ****(maybe not so much ****). but regardless, i also have my doubts on the religion. my mother has had me involved in church ALL my life, but i still question it. Well i dont know much to do know, but i will try to cheer up, one main thing that puts a smile on my face is trying to make others feel better, or flirting with girls. strange, but those are my tacktics. i got to go im in school. im glad i got to share a bit. everyone, take it easy.

[Unregistered]

i too am depressed and i was recently asked what do i like doing... i dont like doing anything. there is nothing... ive been soo close to attempting suicide. and i realy need help fast im worried, scared and i need somthing to cheer me up. ive been like this for over a year and have even got to the point of self harming... i realy need a way to stop all this asap because i fear the worst and im afraid to tell someone especialy people i know. ive realy been struggling these last few weeks... and its made me realize im worthless.......

[Unregistered]

I need some help and I do not want to go and see a therapist. For the past couple of years I have been experiencing random bad cases of severe depression involving crying that I cannot stop, thoughts of worthlessness, and thoughs of suicide. Within the past year they have been getting a lot worse and I recently went into the ER for an advil overdose. I want to know how to stop myself from doing this because I push people that are close to me away when I get in these moods. I want to know what could possibly be wrong with me but I do not want to see someone about it. I am trying St. John's Wort Extract to see if it might change my moods, but I am afraid that it will just get worse. Please let me know if and what kind of treatment other than therapy I can get for this. Thanks

SD

Identifying the cause often leads to the best course of action. Was there a triggering event? If so, it is probably reactive (situational) depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be indicated, but most of life's adverse situations are resolved within 16 weeks, yet the medical criteria for depression, and the prescription of antidepressants is only 2 weeks!. Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, such as Advil (ref: Mercola.com) etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types. St. John's wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither antidepressants, nor the wort, nor supplements should be relied on as a sole treatment). It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can sometimes work quicker than antidepressants. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...?dopt=Abstract A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's Wort (I didn't experience any).

A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not SJW, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first, like Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, or supplements, such as SAMe, 5HTP, or L-phenylalanine, with your doctor. (1.) Take at least 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it! In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3". Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at Mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; the deficiency in vitamin B9 (folate, or folic acid) that most depressed people have, is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes of daily exercise, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly in daytime, outside. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).

(4.) Practice a relaxation method, daily, and when needed, such as: (free) http://www.drcoxconsulting.com/managing-stress.html or http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/mind...Meditation.htm or http://www.wikihow.com/Meditate or Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or yoga. (5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, (a free E course in it, which may well reduce the time needed in therapy, as should *, & ** is at: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome ) or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for, say, 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Jarsin, Perika, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal), Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, or supplements, such as SAMe, 5HTP, or L-phenylalanine: see: http://www.indepression.com/depressi...al-remedy.html (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets have old/inferior types, or mail order: Google: " ... ; supplies"). 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels; this is known to cause depression & anxiety. Try pharmacies & supermarkets for the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/...epression.html

Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. A quiz is at http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm if positive, see a doctor. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition. Use sea salt, http://www.naturalnews.com/025883.html as many people are iodine deficient, adversely affecting thyroid function. Read: The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression without Drugs by Stephen S. Ilardi PhD, & Self-Coaching: The Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression, 2nd Edition, Completely Revised and Updated by Joseph J. Luciani, & "Lift your mood now." by * John D Preston, Psy.D. 2001, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland. CA, & "Feeling Good - the new mood therapy" ** by David D. Burns, M.D., from your bookstore, or Amazon.com. See http://your-mental-health.weebly.com/b.html Many brands of the wort contain insufficient hyperforin; consider using a low dosage of 5HTP with it. Check out: http://www.foodforthebrain.org/conte...d_Content=1769

[shawty19]

i am aswell depressed,it happens at least 2-3 days once a week and so far its been getting worse..i have self harmed since i was 13 and its not getting better. Thoughts of suicide have entered my mind but i cant bring myself to do it in the end knowing how distraught my family would be as them not knowing and wandering why if i had commited suicide, an attempt of hanging myself had happened but i eventually stopped thinking about the above right now anything gets me started off..little arguments,looking in the mirror thinking im fat or ugly *bla bla* mostly its about the bad bad times in the past i have had all crushing in on my mind to make me feel guilty about everything. i havent told anyone about this except a few friends for when i am down they can try cheer me up, but it hardly ever works, i want to know is there anything i can do to help this? im afraid its going to get much worse throughout my life, please help im feeling worthless about myself and treating everything and everyone around me like they are nothing when they mean everything to me. Many thanks x

[guitarist321]

i am aswell depressed,it happens at least 2-3 days once a week and so far its been getting worse..i have self harmed since i was 13 and its not getting better. Thoughts of suicide have entered my mind but i cant bring myself to do it in the end knowing how distraught my family would be as them not knowing and wandering why if i had commited suicide, an attempt of hanging myself had happened but i eventually stopped thinking about the above right now anything gets me started off..little arguments,looking in the mirror thinking im fat or ugly *bla bla* mostly its about the bad bad times in the past i have had all crushing in on my mind to make me feel guilty about everything. i havent told anyone about this except a few friends for when i am down they can try cheer me up, but it hardly ever works, i want to know is there anything i can do to help this? im afraid its going to get much worse throughout my life, please help im feeling worthless about myself and treating everything and everyone around me like they are nothing when they mean everything to me. Many thanks x

I'm always gonna be here for you babe, i love you so much xx

[JenaY]

i am aswell depressed,it happens at least 2-3 days once a week and so far its been getting worse..i have self harmed since i was 13 and its not getting better. Thoughts of suicide have entered my mind but i cant bring myself to do it in the end knowing how distraught my family would be as them not knowing and wandering why if i had commited suicide, an attempt of hanging myself had happened but i eventually stopped thinking about the above right now anything gets me started off..little arguments,looking in the mirror thinking im fat or ugly *bla bla* mostly its about the bad bad times in the past i have had all crushing in on my mind to make me feel guilty about everything. i havent told anyone about this except a few friends for when i am down they can try cheer me up, but it hardly ever works, i want to know is there anything i can do to help this? im afraid its going to get much worse throughout my life, please help im feeling worthless about myself and treating everything and everyone around me like they are nothing when they mean everything to me. Many thanks x

I don't personally know you but I am so sorry to hear you are in pain.

I generally have great advice for people, but I'm in the pits myself right now. So maybe one day I'll be able to reply with something else than this - I know where your coming from, as much as is possible given I don't know all of your circumstances.

*Please note, these are just opinions about what to do*

TO ANYONE WHO THINKS ABOUT HARMING THEMSELVES OR CUTTING - SIMPLY DON'T DO IT!!! I too started to cut myself when I was in eighth grade. I remember the exact day. BUT IT IS NOT WORTH IT! I am now much older (we'll say over 27) and I can't have my scars removed or improved enough to not be noticeable. I'm always aware they are there and just hope people won't ask about them. But the ones down my wrists are somewhat obvious and embarrassing. By harming yourself now, you could be creating problems for yourself in the future. When people cut themselves, they are just creating scar tissue. I slowed down after a while when a random guy I met showed me his arms. They were almost entirely scar tissue! It was gross and sad at the same time!! Try to come up with some alternatives when you start to crash. Play some video games. Go for a brisk walk. Bang on musical instruments. But just don't harm yourself or others, or property. Go look in a mirror when you're upset and force yourself to smile 10 times. Jump in a shower with all of your clothes still on. Anything, but don't give up or give in!

Also, you are not alone. Not by a long shot. But I would highly recommend you seek some professional help. I know that sounds bad and you may be concerned about what people think, but you can't always live by what others think of you. I've learned over the many years that you may be surprised where you can find friends and people who care.

If you want to find people to help you - here are my suggestions. You could probably benefit from counseling or therapy. I wish I had started when I was your age. Here I am, married, and still dealing with the demons of my past and stuck. I don't recommend it! There is NOTHING WRONG WITH A PERSON WHO ASKS FOR HELP!! It takes a lot of strength to ask and I've learned it is better to say exactly what you want than to wait for others to intuitively help you.

With the internet, you should be able to do some research on people in your area. If you are not comfortable with your area, such as you are in a small community, search elsewhere. And it doesn't always have to be a psychologist. I've seen nurse practitioners, mental health counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists - there is no limit to the different titles of people that may be able to help you. Keep in mind, you have the right to decide if someone is a good fit for you or not. I saw some people only a few times, some even only once before moving on. It is important for you to be comfortable with them.

How old are you now? I realize you may have to enlist your parents help since they have insurance, but there are even alternatives to that. Some schools have counselors or psychs that visit. Just be careful not to divulge your pain to someone who is only concerned about your registration for next semester and what you want to be when you grow up! That isn't the type of counseling that would help you.

My energy has ran out for a bit. But please reply to this if you see my comments. And from the previous reply, it sounds like you already have someone who cares about you, so don't give up!

[shawty19]

I thank you so much for listening...i would consider help but i cant considering my parents know nothing about this stuff i do, i haven't harmed myself in 3 weeks so i hope maybe its getting better. I will tkae your advice and try to take as many precautions as possible to prevent this from happening again. I am 16 now, and yeah from what you said I have my boyfriend whoes there for me no matter what but he cant always be there for me thats the problem but i'm trying desperatley hard to stop. I will ask for some help from my school as there is counseling thank you for giving me your thoughts and opnions they have been a big help x