Posted by dannyboy on October 17, 2001, at 21:34:28
In reply to Re: AD's are not simply for mental plastic surgery! » dannyboy, posted by Edward on October 17, 2001, at 19:18:10
Edward -
Of course I don't know you, and I'm certainly not a doctor, but you've made it clear that you are very unhappy and your life is limited by your feelings. Depression is a very insidious condition, and manifests itself in many ways, and does not have to completely incapitate an individual to require some treatment. From what you have described (and certainly acknowledging your suicide attempt) I would suggest that you are dealing with depression. In this case, AD's IN CONJUNCTION with therapy with a psychologist whom you trust and respect might bring about dramatic results.
Since you have been encountering these feelings for so long, I think you have an added burden of discerning between what you would consider your "baseline" level of happiness and what is less than that. I am 27 years old, and didn't begin to suffer symptoms of depression/anxiety until about 3 years ago. Hence, I am able to remember when I DID feel satisfied and at ease and can see if medications/treatment are helping me to reattain that level of happiness. This is not the case for you, since you have been feeling **not right** since adolescence. And no, in my layman's opinion it's not a normal part of puberty to attempt suicide!
Funny you should mention it, but I didn't begin to believe that things were seriously wrong with me until I lost interest in music too... Music has always been able to exhilerate and touch me, and when I was left cold by what used to bring me so much pleasure, I was finally convinced that something was no longer right.
Even though you are motivated enough to write a message and seek help, that does not mean that you do not need help. Depression can leave people completely bed-ridden and unable to move; I don't think you need to set this as your "rock-bottom" that will force you to seek treatment. Go for it now, and see if other AD's will help you more than the others. And remember, it is HARD WORK to overcome depression! But the rewards are great....
Good luck to you,
Daniel
I agree. But it's hard to know. I haven't functioned day-to-day for a while. I spent ten months going to a mental hospital, mostly as a day patient. I don't if this happened because of depression and anxiety or just general laziness (or a bit of both). I panicked both times I went into lessons last week. I think perhaps I need some medication for that if not for my pseudo-depression.
>
> There _was_ a marked change in my personality when I was 11, from a content, hard working child to my first suicide attempt within days. But it was such a long time ago, it doesn't seem to mean much anymore. People tend to change at that age anyway.
>
> I don't feel fine, but that doesn't mean that ADs will help.
>
> A thought: would anyone with major depression really bother leaving posts on this website despite their loss of motivation and interest in life?
poster:dannyboy
thread:81515
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81544.html