Sometimes I feel like I am just fading away........I can't think, or am confused. Sometimes I get so damned depressed. I know a lot of people care about me, and a lot of people depend on me...........but sometimes....I feel like I am fading....sometimes I just want all the noise to stop.

PLEASE remember this..........if you are feeling suicidal, if you can't deal..........THIS FEELING WILL PASS. Talk to someone...call a suicide hotline...especially if you are bipolar...you will wonder tomorrow how you could have considered suicide...it's a roller-coaster some have to deal with. I will state the obvious, once you do IT, there's no coming back. It's not a dress rehearsal. Remember, you are not alone.

Tips for mild depression

  • Put aside your worries and exercise - even a walk to the corner, or a quick bicycle ride helps.
  • Grab yourself a little "me" time. Ask spouse, partner or friend for support if you have children.
  • Block out the "stress-evoking" thoughts and do "normal" stuff, ie: yard work, fold laundry, work on the car. Doing normal everyday things will help you feel a little more centered.
  • Take a nap to get refreshed or take a shower to "wash-off" the bad funk feeling.
  • Not to condone alcohol for escape, but a glass of wine in a quiet room can help relax.
  • Retreat to a hobby if possible, lose yourself in a game of bowling, shoot some pool, listen to music, read a book, or play your favorite computer game.
  • Call a friend or relative and chat. See how they are doing - someone may need your support. 

Manic depression

Someone who is manic depressive can feel depressed to the point of suicidal thoughts without reason. This is caused by a chemical imbalance. Manic depressive patients should seek medical advice, and most probably be taking medication. (Effexor, Prozac, etc.) I have a friend that kicked the Effexor habit because he said it changed his personality too much. Getting off the drugs without doctor's guidance IS NOT RECOMMENDED. In this particular case, after withdrawal, he is able to keep his depression in check most of the time. Several hints that a person is suffering from depression:

  • Constantly wants to sleep, or sleeping problems
  • Loss of interest or pleasure
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Lethargic
  • Delusional Thoughts
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Appetite Loss or overeating
  • Aches and pains that do not respond to treatment

You can also spiral into a dangerously depressive state with the shock of a life trauma. If you feel you cannot deal with life - if you just want to give up, please call a friend or suicide hotline now. The depression may be overwhelming at this instant, but it WILL subside, and rational thought WILL replace hopelessness.

Some good links about depression are:

http://depression.mentalhelp.net/ (lots on depression, even quizzes to rate depression)

http://www.teachhealth.com/ (a light-hearted layout - great coverage on "stress")

http://www.allaboutdepression.com/index.html (covers bipolar and other medical depressions)

http://www.depression-screening.org/index.htm (screening for depression)

 

I do have some comments about depression - on the flip side. I personally think that too many people are on anti-depressants. We are spoon-feed by the media that if we feel "closed in" or "tense" or "can't feel close to others" that we should be taking some kind of medication. Many of these feelings are just a fact of life. Sometimes it is good to be depressed, as long as it doesn't jeopardize yourself or others. I myself do not like crowded places. Grocery stores especially make me feel ill. It may be the smell, it may be something else. Crowded malls are not for me either. I recall several occasions I have had to sit down because I was so light-headed, I feared I would fall. Simple planning is the answer. If I have to go somewhere that is normally crowded. I go very early in the day - before the crowds come. This is just one situation where a little planning will help, versus instantly assigning yourself to help from medication. Mind you, many people couldn't survive without anti-depressants, but than again, many people take them when they really don't need to.