by bellarose » Mon Feb 18, 2013 3:01 am
I hope you're feeling better.
For myself, I began feeling depressed about age 13. I grew up in a very violatile home, where dad was always flying off the handle, going ballistic on discipline. I have a feeling it messed up my brain's chemical balance, so often being in the "flight or flee" mode. Even now, as a 50 yr old, I battle with that sense of being on the alert, and depression is my constant companion.
I have faith, came to the Lord as an 18 yr old. But, there are so many regrets and fobiles. My life has been a disaster! Not that everyone would agree, but I know what I've been involved with, and the choices I've made, and those that have been made against me, and it feels like my life is a big fat zero. But, we have the promise from God that he will work allll things out for our good. And every human being on the planet has fallen short. No one is perfect. So, we're not alone.
I have tried almost 7 antidepressants. Zoloft improved things a bit when I was going through chemo. And Prozac helped a bit, but had too many side effects. There are times I wonder, should I try the other antidepressants? Do I just need to exercise more? Get in the sun more? Change my diet? Get some sort of alternative treatment, like accupuncture? At this point, I am willing to try anything. Some have suggested online to reach out to others who are worse off. Maybe help at a rescue mission/soup kitchen, or visit the elderly who have nobody.
But, also, I think the way I perceive situations/events in life has a major impact on how I feel. Journaling has helped. Sometimes, I imagine, "If my niece was going through this, how would I counsel her?" It gets me out of my own hurt and pain and thoughts, to express a warm, compassionate word, and present it to myself.
Such as, if my niece's coworkers were ignoring her, I'd probably say, "They're likely so busy with life, they don't even realize they've not talked to you lately. You're a great person. Just reach out to others who have time. Try to not take it personally." .... Then I'd look at my answer, consider how logical it is, and try to gain comfort from it.
Anyway. I'm sorry you've been feeling so awful. I came online because I've been feeling the same. Life on earth is a bit*h sometimes. It really is. But, it's not forever. There are good things in store for us, when every tear will be wiped away, the former things will be forgotten and we will experience love, life, and joy beyond our imagination, and it will be good.