The question was submitted
Friday, 22 January 2010
Subject: My Depression seems a life long sentence.
I have been diagnosed with Depression since 2006 and had it for way longer than that.
I have been getting treatment in all that time and have been on medication ever since.
I started with my GP and have seen a psychologist, done Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and now see a psychiatrist.
Although the CBT was probably the best therapy in that I know im not a worthless soul and I know I have so much to offer. The problem is I still find life very lifeless and I know a big cause of it is my isolation, the fact ive no or few friends to call on and I certainly dont have a family to call on.
Ive heard it all before in relation to seeking new hobbies, clubs, sports, etc
Basically ive no interest, motivation or energy for anything. I do have a job and it sometimes gets hard to go to work but besides work and doing grocery shopping. Its a sure bet i'll be found laying in bed.
Im at a loss in life and at a loss on how I can overcome this.
Answer from DepNet
Thank you for the question. Like many, it sounds as though you were troubled with symptoms of depression long before it was ever diagnosed. I am pleased to hear that you have sought professional help. That can help you make sense of feelings and responses that you may have that could otherwise have seemed meaningless. It also puts you in the path to improvement.
Recovery from depression has many facets. There are your own efforts, having a regular balanced life, attending to diet and exercise, time alone as well as time with others, and rest and relaxation as well as time with work. It is also important to have a good sleep-wake cycle and work-life balance. It may be very hard to achieve this balance to start with, but persistence does pay off. Seeing a psychologist can really help you understand and manage otherwise negative and distressing thoughts.
Medicines can also have a role. Sometimes medicines initially developed for the treatment of depression (antidepressants) work best. Other times it is worth considering other medicines that have been found helpful for depression. It is important not to chop and change medicines at a whim, but also to review progress and make a change if things are not working out after a good try with a medicine at an adequate dose. Even the best antidepressants only help about 2/3 of people so sometimes you have to try several medicines before finding one that works best for you.
When feeling low and with some despair some people use alcohol or drugs especially marijuana to help try and relieve some of the distress. Unfortunately that tends to just make things worse and marijuana in particular can really reduce your motivation to do anything. Do persist with treatment and your efforts.
You are welcome to print off your question and this response to discuss with your psychiatrist if you think that might help better convey how you are thinking and feeling.
The answer was published on DepNet
Wednesday, 27 January 2010