Depressed and Coping: Treating Depression When Medication Fails

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I have been there where the is no rainbow, only the shadow of despair and decline.
The only friend you have there is constant fear, consistent failure and downgrading.
You try to reach out - knowbody cares-, so you huddle alone in the corner and watch the world go around - you are just gone beyond repair.
perhaps there is hope - try to find her!!!
good luck mother prudence

crw of NJ 5:17PM October 14, 2010

I have been depressed since childhood and have tried every medication under the sun. I have become very discouraged and self-medicate with alcohol. I know this only makes matters worse. I stop for a while only to go back to it. I am in such a rut. I have been in bed for weeks now and things are getting worse. I am hurting everyone around me. Its nice to know that I am not alone though. This is my first step at reaching out.

Kim of RI 3:31PM September 11, 2010

this was truly a great letter to read Thank you for it

evelyn of WI 1:23PM August 30, 2010

the medication is never failed! http://be-the-healthiest.com/categories/anti-depressant-anti-anxiety.htm

alexandra of CT 6:52AM August 24, 2010

I am close to 60 and have been depressed for forty years. I have been on every med known. Allergic reactions or suicidal thoughts followed. I have found that sunshine and people often get me up, while alone and gloomy rooms bring me down. When I feel a down coming or if I am already there, I go sit in the sun...forced....and close my mind to everything but the suns rays. I have little support, no health insurance and less money. I often wondered if depression is learned behavior? I had a bad marriage and as the marriage went on, the depression deepened. After the divorce, I was free of meds and happy. Then, another bad marriage and more meds. Now, I am out of that but still have depression! I am trying to re- learn happiness. Can an old lady ever learn to be happy? Life is getting short and I would love to have my remaining years in the happy zone!

Mary of FL 9:34PM August 18, 2010

I have suffered varying episodes of depression, some worse than other since I was about 23. I basically agree with the earlier contributor that "Depression is a spiritual problem normally the result of selfish sinful choices" But I disagree that it is solely a spiritual ailment. Depression is a complex issue involving body, soul, mind and spirit. Sin is truly the force behind all human misery-both physical and mental and Jesus Christ and the atoning work on the cross is the ultimate remedy. But I want to give some "God provided" credit to medical breakthroughs that have produced medication that eases the severity of a major depression and allows one to "stay in the human race" while working through an episode of this heinous disease. Correct biblical thinking (mental) and taking care of your body (physical) and having a support system (my beloved and precious wife and some close friends to whom I could pour out my soul) are all benchmarks on the road to recovery. I think Ms Kotz is on to something when she says "Might the isolating, sedentary, indoor computer culture explain, for example, why the disorder appears to be surging in young adults?". I think also that our American society's departure (doing away with prayer and bible reading in schools) from biblical principles has created a moral vaccuum in our society and has produced an epidemic of quiet despair among the younger generations (a precursor to clinical depression). This is a dangerous world that we live in - dangerous in the sense that, being free to make our own choices, we can really make a mess of our lives (but also free to be very successful). But I want to close with some encouragement to any poor soul who is wasting away under this disease called depression: You may be delivered quickly or you may not. Medicine might not work the first or second time (to relieve the symptoms) but keep trying (work with your doctor on this). Find a support system (good friends, spouse or group therapy). Do not try to fabricate "good" feelings - it will only wear you out and leave you feeling more hopeless. Find a good bible believing church where you can hook up with people who have the strength and love and encouragement that you need - you might be a "taker" for a while but that is what the church is for-the weak and the strong. If I could meet you in person (suffering one), I would put my arm around you and tell you that your soul is precious and that you must not give up. John Bunyan (reformed preacher in the seventeenth century) said "why despair of bread in a land that is full of corn?" I pray finally that Jesus Christ may be revealed to the eyes of your heart - He is the source of all goodness, compassion, love, encouragement, blessing and tender care (to name just a few). Best regards and God bless you and keep you.

Mark Rusnak of MN 10:08PM July 21, 2010

The word psychology is from the Greek word "suche" meaning the soul. Treating depression by physical means such as Prozac is pointless. Depression is a spiritual problem normally the result of selfish sinful choices. Pills are only dealing with fruits not roots. Trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and have the joy and blessedness of salvation (Ps. 32:1). It worked for me back in 1996.

impressed not depressed of MI 7:42PM June 17, 2010

I am 37 years old and I have had depression off and on for 25 years. I feel like I am stuck. I haven't advanced like I wanted to in my life, I don't feel like I can completely trust anyone (I am not paranoid, just feeling unloved), I feel like I should never argue with my elders, so I very often just keep quiet. I am easily intimidated, have been crying a lot more lately, don't want to do anything that requires any real effort. And yes I am on medication! Some days I feel like I am one episode away from a mental hospital.

Lori of TX 8:35PM April 27, 2010