depression

[patknit]

How do all of you cope with depression?   I have been extremely depressed for the last few months--can't get out of my own way to help myself.  everything seems to be too much effort and I've been finding fault with everyone and everything! It seems to be a vicious cycle  --  feeling tired, leading to feeling sad, then depression.  I have no drive.  The worst part is that all this happens inside--I appear fine on the outside, looking like I'm doing the right thing and loving life.
Help!  I guess I need some pushes from some of you.
Thanks in advance.
patknit

[Bucky]

patknit -

I'm sorry you are feeling so low.   

Have you discussed this with your doctor?  Depression can hit from many different reasons.  Some times it's a chemical imbalance.  Some times it's current life situations.  Some times it's because of your job and stress. 

Have you recently been diagnosed with Sjogren's?  With the 5 steps of grieving:  denial, anger, depression, bargaining and acceptance - if you are just now being diagnosed, it's not uncommon for you to feel depressed with your new diagnose.  Life as you knew it before, has changed.

There are other members on the forum who have had or are now in stages of depression.  If you do a search in the box to the top left, it will take you to threads about this subject.

Please take care of yourself.  I do think you should talk to your doctor and he/she can help you get things back in sink (sp?) again.

Hugs,
Bucky

[lynnmarie219]

Hi patknit,

So sorry to hear that you have been feeling like this for awhile. I have been there and it's hard to get yourself out of it by yourself. What helped me was going to a counselor to talk things out. This alone was very difficult at first....you see..I'm in the helping field and didnt think I needed to see a counselor...after all I was the one who was supposed to be helping people...but after I got over that attitude...counseling helped me a lot!

I also saw my doctor who prescribed Lexapro for me, which also helped. This was another BIG step for me to accept that I would need medication for my mood but it did help. There are so many types of anti-depressants out there today that we have so many choices now a days...so don't give up if you try this route and one doesn't work for you..there are a lot of options.

Be kind and patient with yourself....things will get better.

Keep us posted on how you are doing...we are here for you!

Hugs......

[Joe S.]

Patknit, Welcome. I like to follow the exercises in David Burns book, "Feeling Good". It is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

[quilt4fun]

Patknit,
I understand the feeling. I, too, go through bouts of depression.
  I'm thankful that I have a supportive family who endures those days when I'm not myself.
My faith in God gets me through many of those days, I know that I will not be put through more than I can endure.
I 'm praying right now for you and your family--it is a whole family thing.
I agree with others--talk to your doctor about it!  There must be several options.And one of those is the people we meet here; just knowing that we're not alone.

[Pisces24]

I would suggest talking with a counselor.   I know that seems like an  "Old Saw" but it helps to take to someone who is not family or a close friend - one who doesn't have a personal type connection with you.

Most insurances pay for at least 2-3 a year.  It is a Big relief to get stuff off your chest with someone.