Depression

Hello there,

I found all the topics on this website very helpful. I have been suffering from depression on and off since I was 19. Im now 23. The depression usually starts around christmas and lasts until may. I become unable to function during this time and find it hard to get out of bed even if im absolutely starving. I havent tried meds for longer that 3 weeks but as this has repeated itsef for 4 consequtive years I feel i really need to do something about it now. Im am currently having Acupuncture and talking with a councellor. My therapist says it is Post traumatic stress disorder. I was held at gunpoint in an armed robbery in my family home when I was 11. I then has a bad caR crash where I was very lucky to be unharmed at the age of 18. It was the year after this that my depression and anxiety began. I seem to lose all confidence when the depression comes on and its liek a viscious circle. This year i want to start planning for prevention for next year. When I come out of the depression I almost try to forget it even happened.I also have many doubts about my relationship with my girlfriend. Is this common? I stop loving her and get it into my head that were not meant to be together. Its really frustrating.

I would appreciate your thoughts and opinions on my situation

I am actually the partner of a depressed male who is now questioning our engagement since he became depressed. I have read several books regarding depression and a common trend among the depressed is that they tend to push away those they love the most. This is the only reason am I still with my fiance. He has done and said some really hurtful things but I have to keep reminding myself that this is the depression talking, not him. You have to do the same and realize that an intruder has entered into your relationship. When one partner is depressed, the entire relationship becomes depressed.

Hi,

I know how you feel, I am now 22 and have been depressed on and off for about 3 years. The last year has been really bad for me after I broke up with my girlfriend. I've been seeing a counsellor and takking antidepressants for the last 3 months.

Like you I have a complete loss of confidence for a long time and my worries/ anxiety just eat away at me like a viscious tornado of thoughts running through my head.

Relationship doubts are very common but it is certainly made worse by the depression. I had been with my girlfriend for 4 years when we broke up and I think depression did play a part in it, it wasn't the only reason but it didn't help. I was definately pushing her away without even realising it, I just wanted to be alone with my own thoughts and didn't speak to her or support her as I shud. I used to leave myself notes like "I hate my life, no-one cares about me" etc. she has since told me that these made her feel terrible and made her want to be with other people to get the support that i wasn't giving her. I've found that depression makes everything seem negative, relationships, friendships, everything. I think you should maybe try to talk to your girlfriend about ur low feelings. It doesn't have to be a major event, just let her know that you do feel down sometimes. If you do love her when your not depressed say that, it's not her fault that you feel like this it's just the depression that affects ur perception of the relationships. If anything we need more support and help than ever when depressed so if you have someone to talk to or be with try to hold on to that.

On your meds have u tried Citalopram? it is supposed to deal with anxiety and depression. It helped me alot but it did take 4-5weeks to kick-in and start working. Also i don't know if anyone has mentioned it to you but you could have S.A.D (Seasonaly affected disorder) it is a form of depression and directly affects ur mood from December to April/May. Also i found the following website very useful, It gave me a much better understanding of depression, what to look out for, how to deal with it, and the personal stories are very interesting to read.

http://www.studentdepression.org/warning_signs.php

keep well

e