How do you deal with depression?

It's very hard to deal with severe depression and suicidal thoughts without professional support. Talking therapies bring about the best outcomes, but it does require some effort and commitment to the process because it's not an easy or quick fix. It sounds like you might of had professional help in the past, so was there a reason why it came to an end?

The following information is appropriate to UK members, like yourself:

In some areas of the UK you can self refer for talking therapy and wellness/recovery programs, so it might be worth checking with your local NHS mental health trust, CAMHS team, or GP. MIND - the mental health charity also run programs, or they might be able to point your in the right direction.

From what you posted, it sounds like you are still at school/college, so I would recommend you talk to any support or care staff that may be available.

Young Minds has a good website (link follows) Child & Adolescent Mental Health - YoungMinds and it includes a list of other organisations that you can talk to in confidence.

Finally, check out this information sheet (relevant to UK members) that includes some hints and tips that you might find useful: http://www.connectingwithpeople.org/sites/default/files/U can cope.pdf

 

I'm really sorry your mum isn't taking it seriously.. you don't need that at all. (*hug*) Just remember that there are people and places you can turn to if you need help and support. Even if you are feeling very desperate, you can contact organisations like Papyrus or Samaritans in total confidence and you will not be judged or condemned. They're trained volunteers, but they will not attempt to diagnose you or scare you. If you find it hard to talk, you may be interested to know that Samaritans has a UK text messaging service on 07725 909090. They aim to respond asap (usually within 30 minutes).

Don't bottle anything up. If you want to PM me anytime, you are more than welcome to do so.

 

There's no way I could cope without Lexapro. I got to the point of feeling numb and detached from reality and nothing helped until I took Lexapro. Lexapro works so well for me that I no longer need to speak to a psychiatrist.

 

I was 15 when I started taking it. I don't think there is an age requirement. It works for most people. I know several people on it. My mom says it gives her more confidence. My cousin hasn't had a panic attack since she started taking it (2 weeks ago). My friend's grandmother said it helped her deal with the death of her spouse. My girlfriend said it motivates her and makes her feel more like herself. The side effects aren't that bad. Lexapro can make you feel relaxed to the point of being tired, but that's only for some people. It can also make you eat more, so be careful. XD

I think you should go see a psychiatrist and ask them about it. Keep us updated!

 

Well, I have good news. You can get Lexapro from a regular doctor. Just talk to the doctor and tell them how you feel. Tell them about Lexapro and that you want to try it. May I ask what pills you're addicted to?

 

Becoming addicted to painkillers is extremely easy when you're depressed. They do feel good. It happens, and all you can do is try your best to get better. Let's start with Lexapro.

 

Why won't she take you?

 

Sleep. A lot of sleep. At least in my case. I tend to sleep about 10-12 hours a day if I am allowed to. It just stop me from thinking about bad things.

Video game is also a good thing, since games are designed to grant you a sense of accomplishment and gear you toward working forward + learning new things to achieve a greater goal. Both of this gives your brain a bunch of happy chemicals. Just remember that you are not using games to escape reality, it get worse if you do, because as soon as you get off the game you will still face reality. Think of games as practice rounds so you can go back to face the real thing.

Physical exercise is also something good. Do not over work, pick something that fit with your stamina and capability. Exercise gives you adrenaline and the kind of focus that you need to keep you from being distract by bad thoughts. For me, I do archery, since the act of shooting an arrow require intense focus, and it clears my mind.

Meditation help you calms your mind if done properly, but otherwise it can be problematic if you don't know how to focus and let your thought wander where you don't want it to be.

I have been doing all of the above, and since I am still alive, I say they do help.

 

Then tell her you feel sick.

 

Personally, I'm on medication, and I write. Help is available for you if you want it, and Patrick has mentioned resources in the UK, so I'd strongly recommend taking advantage of them.

 

Personally, I'm on medication, and I write. Help is available for you if you want it, and Patrick has mentioned resources in the UK, so I'd strongly recommend taking advantage of them.

 

Ok, so first things first, most schools here have a counselling service available within the school. I am in school counselling, and I have been pretty consistently for the past 3-4 years, and its probably one of the reasons I'm not dead yet. I'd fully recommend finding out about it, maybe asking a teacher that you trust.

If you can't access school counselling, Childline is also really helpful. They've helped me once or twice, when I was on the borderline of breaking. They have counsellors that can offer advice. They intervene also, where possible.

I know what it's like to have an unsupportive mum. I got diagnosed with depression, but CAMHS refused to medicate me because of the potential side effects, and the fact that I am actually too afraid to take steps to end my own life, even though sometimes I'd like to. They offered me 3 therapy sessions that would help with dealing with my polarised thought processes, but my mum refused to take me. And I know it's really difficult, but you have to take what help you can find.

Good luck xXx

 

Ok, so first things first, most schools here have a counselling service available within the school. I am in school counselling, and I have been pretty consistently for the past 3-4 years, and its probably one of the reasons I'm not dead yet. I'd fully recommend finding out about it, maybe asking a teacher that you trust.

If you can't access school counselling, Childline is also really helpful. They've helped me once or twice, when I was on the borderline of breaking. They have counsellors that can offer advice. They intervene also, where possible.

I know what it's like to have an unsupportive mum. I got diagnosed with depression, but CAMHS refused to medicate me because of the potential side effects, and the fact that I am actually too afraid to take steps to end my own life, even though sometimes I'd like to. They offered me 3 therapy sessions that would help with dealing with my polarised thought processes, but my mum refused to take me. And I know it's really difficult, but you have to take what help you can find.

Good luck xXx