Introduction

[depressed]

Well, I have been struggling with depression on and off for quite a while. I am 43, married and have two young children. My physcial symptoms are getting worse. I sometimes don't bother going to work because I am too tired. I have two young children and feel great guilty because I am depressed. I feel guilt toward my husband because all he wants is a fun partner in life. Many days, I don't care what I do. I am feeling lost lately. I wish I wasn't depressed. I wish there was a manual to tell me how to make sure I keep it at bay but there isn't enough time in the day to get everything done. My headaches are almost daily, and I am tense and angry most days. I use to hope and think my depression was temporary and would go away but I don't think so anymore. Can anyone tell me how to live with this?? How do you work full time, take care of yourself, and your family. I don't want to sound complainy...my question is sincere!

[Obayan]

Hi. Have you read some of the other stories here to see how others are dealing with this same situation? Also, have you spoken to a counselor? They can help a lot. I hope you find the right path for you and get the help you need. We also have a chat room associated with the site here. Lots of great people willing to help.

[rebecca42]

I'm 42 yrs. old been divorced once & remarried a 2nd time. We have been together for 7 yrs. It hasn't been easy. When we first met & had been dating for awhile he told me his ex had took a ride with him( we lived in seperate states @ the time). I immediately told him I didnt accept that & he promised to never do it again. Well about 3 months later I find out he actually was still seeing her even after I moved in with him. I thought he was my soulmate but I was wrong because soulmates dont' do that. He doesn't look at it like he cheated he says because he was with her for 10 yrs. that he felt obligated. I had no clue this was going on. I spend 95% alone and when he isn't working he is either on the computer or the telephone. I'm put last on his list. I try to talk to him but he always turns it around to be my fault. I try very hard to make this man happy but everyday I do something wrong for him to feel the need to chew my ass out. I've built a wall so when that happens it doesn't hurt so bad. I don't understand his thought process. He goes off over the simple things. Everyday is a struggle for me to be happy but I try. I really need someone to talk to so maybe I can have a happy life.

[shatteredhopes]

big big hugs (((((((all))))))))

Although anxiety meds are extremely helpful to me, depression meds and even ECT did nothing for me but caused other problems often...that's not the case with everyone, some people find the right meds give them just enough to function somewhat normally.

One thing that has been helpful at times is therapy. Finding a good therapist who can help you navigate the dark waters of depression and troubling events in life can be very useful. They don't judge and most have just about heard it all so no need to feel embarrassed. You can also try writing out a journal of how you are feeling and let the therapist read it if you don't feel comfortable expressing things out loud, or even just writing things out sometimes gives me a little relief.

Welcome to the site all who are new. There are many caring people here and in the chatroom that have been a lifeline for me many times and I hope you will find it to be the same.

[mtywilli]

Hi all,
I have been suffering from depression for years but this has been a extremely tough year with three funerals, jail time being unemployed and trying to feel worth something hasn't been easy. Sometimes, like so many others, getting out of bed is a struggle then once out, all you think of is getting back in, but I have to keep thinking I have to find my reason for being other than being in bed. No one said life is easy but for those suffering from depression uphill doesn't quite cover what we deal with that others just don't understand...and we can't truly explain