Hello

[zooey]

Hello to everyone. I don't really know where to start, but I've been sitting at home needing to vent and I honestly don't think I can do that with my friends or family. How do you describe what depression feels like?
I've been depressed for around 7 years. I came off my fluoxetine last summer and have been feeling it ever since. The thing is I also kind of feel more like myself. I feel like playing the piano more and am getting back into some of my old interests. But then again I've also spent most of tonight sitting on the bathroom floor in tears. I just feel a bit hopeless. Has anyone ever gotten over their depression? Sometimes I feel like I'm fighting a battle I've already lost.
Anyway, thanks for listening.

[Emotional_77]

First welcome to the site, you have found a great place.

The thing is, hard may it to be to hear this but depression isn't something you can just get over. Especially having it for seven years like you said, you are not going to overcome it just like that and you will have it for the rest of your life. Depression though is something that is treatable, just cause your depressed does not mean you can live a full and meaningfull life. It's just that depression makes life a bit more challenging but the up side to that, it also makes you a stronger person. Don't think that you will never be happy cause your depressed cause there is hope out there, you just got to find the right things.

Lots of luck to you.

[zooey]

I know really that it's not going anywhere. I think I just needed to hear it from someone who's not just trying to make me feel better or positive or something! And I am coping really I guess. It's just tiring having to cope all the time rather than just being able to get on with things. Here's hoping I find the 'right things' eh? Thanks for your reply by the way. It made me feel a little less alone and a bit more hopeful. x

[aim]

Hi Zooey! I have to tell you that I had clinical depression for a little over a year about 12 years ago. I was able to crawl out of my depression, and do not suffer from it any more. My issues right now, and have been since then, are health anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder.

I got through my depression with the help of therapy, medication, a very supportive family, and when I began working with children. I think everyone must find their own combination of what works.

I have to say though, I'm not sure I will ever get through my anxieties. I'm beginning to see them as my cross to bear in this life...my cross that can only be controlled with medicaton, as this point.

So, good luck, Zooey. Don't stop fighting the good fight, and please hold onto hope that you can get through it... you just have to find the right combination for YOU.

[Emotional_77]

Ok, I'm glad it made you feel a little less alone, I get scared when I write replies that I will come out the wrong way and offend someone. I hope that was not the case for you.
Take care.

[aim]

Emotional... I get nervous about that too! Always afraid of hurting someone's feelings when I'm genuinely just trying to help. You give great advice girl! No worries!!

[Emotional_77]

Emotional... I get nervous about that too! Always afraid of hurting someone's feelings when I'm genuinely just trying to help. You give great advice girl! No worries!!

Awwww, so do you!! you have been posting like crazy and giving love and support to everyone here, many thanks to you hun.. Do not ever leave, we all need your advice

[aim]

Hey! Thank you soooo much! I never want to sound like some kind of obnoxious know-it-all because trust me, I don't know it all-quite the opposite!! I've just been where so many people are, and I know the hurt, pain and lonliness that accompanies depression. I'm not out of woods as far as my anxiety and irrational thoughts go, but I really do only want to help. Thanks for your kind words and for noticing that. You are an asset here too, emotional!!! Glad the forums have given me a chance to get to know you and so many others a little bit better....

[Emotional_77]

just a hug for you

(((((aim))))))

[aim]

ah... gee thanks, miss! (((((((((emotional)))))))) back at ya!