The question was submitted
Friday, 8 January 2010
Subject: Feeling Flat...
Hi,
I have suffered from depression a few years ago to the point which I felt like I was worthless as a person. Since then, I've come a long way and have regained control of most of my life however, I still just seem constantly 'flat'... Never over excited about anything it is almost like I feel numb and emotionless. Then again, at times I spark up and remember what it feels like to be alive. I used to be on meds when I was really depressed but haven't taken any for years. I've explained my past to my partner and he thinks I should hold off on looking into getting medication as we've just made a big lifestyle change from the city to a coastal town but the flatness was before we decided this and hasn't gone away since the move. Basically, I'm just at a loss because I know my spark is in there somewhere but I just don't know how to get myself back again... Any suggestions or advice?
Thanks
Answer from DepNet
Thank you for writing to us with your question. I do have a suggestion and I hope you find it useful.
It sounds as if it would be valuable to find someone to see about how you are feeling. I suggest you don’t view it as “
looking into getting medication
”, but rather as looking for an assessment, professional support, and some advice about the best way forwards. While that could include medication, it well may not.
It is important to see someone for three reasons. Firstly, you are clearly not happy feeling flat, numb and emotionless and without your normal spark. Secondly,
you don’t want to take the risk that your current feelings worsen into a full depression, which could happen. Thirdly, if you have recently moved, you might not have many supports, and it may be helpful to build a professional support network at the same time as you are establishing yourself socially and professionally.
It may not be easy to find the right person if you are now in a new town. You will need a good local doctor anyhow. If you have not already found one, I suggest you ask around for recommendations, or book in to see one or two and find someone you like and feel you could trust and speak with. A good local doctor will be able to tell you what resources are available nearby and many rural doctors are themselves extremely experienced and skilled at working with people who have had depression.
If finding someone to see is still an issue, have a look at the Beyond Blue website (http://www.beyondblue.org.au), which lists resources available indifferent locations.
I would strongly recommend you don’t just put up with feeling without your normal spark. My advice would be to look into finding someone who can help you work out what is going on and what would be best to do about it, and see what they advise.
Good luck.
The answer was published on DepNet
Friday, 22 January 2010