The first thing I want to say to you is this: You aren't crazy, and you shouldn't waste another moment thinking that you might look that way.
Many people use anti-depressants for what they are: a tool for the times when our bodies aren't creating the kinds of chemicals we need to handle things. Normally, seratonin, dopamine and other brain chemicals are created naturally in our bodies. Sometimes we need help, and that's where anti-depressants come in.
With a daughter in Iraq, the other recent things you've dealt with and the stress from everyday life, it's no wonder you're feeling overwhelmed.
First, let's start with depression; it's slightly different from stress. The top symptoms of depression are:
--feeling down all the time, crying easily
--not getting pleasure from things that used to make you happy
--insomnia or other changes in your sleep pattern
--changes in your weight (that you aren't trying to make)
--extreme fatigue, a listlessness, you don't want to do anything
--feelings of worthlessness or guilt
--concentration or focus may seem impossible
Are those the things you're feeling?
If so, you can either start with your family doctor or with a psychiatrist -- either of them can talk with you about what's going on, and prescribe medicine if it seems best. Neither will think you are crazy. And you should know that when people are depressed, studies have shown that they get better faster when they also are in talk therapy; is this an option for you?
There are also things you can do to help naturally -- exercise is a prime stress-buster and it increases the amount of the good chemicals in your blood. It can be really, really hard to make yourself do anything, but even a small daily dose of fresh air and sunshine -- just a walk around the block -- will help, slowly.
Here's a good page on depression with a lot of other links:
It's important for you to realize that depression is an illness. It's not something you brought on or could have simply avoided, and it's not something that you'll "snap out of," as much as some people want to believe that. You're just a good person with a lot of anxiety and stress in your life, and it's not surprising that you feel this way.
Do you need help finding a doctor or psychiatrist? If so, can you tell us where you live?
Comment Reply
Anon, thanks so much for your question.
The first thing I want to say to you is this: You aren't crazy, and you shouldn't waste another moment thinking that you might look that way.
Many people use anti-depressants for what they are: a tool for the times when our bodies aren't creating the kinds of chemicals we need to handle things. Normally, seratonin, dopamine and other brain chemicals are created naturally in our bodies. Sometimes we need help, and that's where anti-depressants come in.
With a daughter in Iraq, the other recent things you've dealt with and the stress from everyday life, it's no wonder you're feeling overwhelmed.
First, let's start with depression; it's slightly different from stress. The top symptoms of depression are:
--feeling down all the time, crying easily
--not getting pleasure from things that used to make you happy
--insomnia or other changes in your sleep pattern
--changes in your weight (that you aren't trying to make)
--extreme fatigue, a listlessness, you don't want to do anything
--feelings of worthlessness or guilt
--concentration or focus may seem impossible
Are those the things you're feeling?
If so, you can either start with your family doctor or with a psychiatrist -- either of them can talk with you about what's going on, and prescribe medicine if it seems best. Neither will think you are crazy. And you should know that when people are depressed, studies have shown that they get better faster when they also are in talk therapy; is this an option for you?
There are also things you can do to help naturally -- exercise is a prime stress-buster and it increases the amount of the good chemicals in your blood. It can be really, really hard to make yourself do anything, but even a small daily dose of fresh air and sunshine -- just a walk around the block -- will help, slowly.
Here's a good page on depression with a lot of other links:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/how-can-i-help-myself-if-i-am-depressed.shtml
It's important for you to realize that depression is an illness. It's not something you brought on or could have simply avoided, and it's not something that you'll "snap out of," as much as some people want to believe that. You're just a good person with a lot of anxiety and stress in your life, and it's not surprising that you feel this way.
Do you need help finding a doctor or psychiatrist? If so, can you tell us where you live?
February 9, 2009 - 11:11amThis Comment
Reply