Many people in the UK have suffered from depression but with time and suitable medical help they have been able to recover and have a much better quality of life but the first step now is the GP appointment which you can arrange on Wednesday morning after the bank holidays are over.
I feel the same, life feels completely hopeless. I feel as if I'm just living to reach the next day. I barely leave the house at all and when I have to, I dread it. My nerves are sky high, I've reached a point where I seem to shake constantly. I don't want to see a doctor though, in case I look like an attention seeker or whatever.
I feel for you OP. As others have said, maybe a vist to the GP will help but it seems like a 'chemical cosh' is the easy way to treat depression.
Sometimes depression is worsened just through lack of social contac and exercise. People often feel depressed because they are lonely and isolated, and just by having some social contact feel a lot better. Years ago if you lived in a community you'd know more people just by being around and working/socialising in your own area or with family.
Not the case now which is why so many people are isolated in their little boxes and can't even find someone to go for a walk/ drink with. Modern social phenomenon and one which will only get worse as time goes on.
I've been suffering with depression since being made redundant twice and not being able to get a job which then led to me losing my home in September last year. I just couldn't cope anymore and broke down. I went to the doctors and also the jobcentre said I couldn't sign on as I wasn't capable of looking for work so told me to get a certificate and changed me to ESA rather than JSA. I am currently taking anti-depressants and have just started a course of counselling, which I think is doing me good as I feel a bit more able to face the world again. I'm now renting a little flat, which was a nightmare to get but I'm feeling a bit more settled now, although I still get very emotional and still don't like being around too many people which seems to upset me and I get very anxious.
The thing which doesn't help is the ATOS appointments where you turn up literally a nervous wreck barely able to answer their questions and then later you get the results where they say there is nothing wrong with you and you're fit for work even though they had paperwork telling them that I'd never get through a work interview. After speaking to the doctor about it she said she wasn't surprised as nobody seems to pass. Why can't ATOS see that they set people back when they're trying to get better. We could do without the extra pressure they put on us, we've got enough worries just getting through the day. How can the judge if you're fit for work by just ticking some boxes about wether you can make a cup of tea or set an alarm clock!
Do go to your doctor and see if you can get some counselling. My counsellor has said it might be an idea to get in touch with MIND, but I haven't plucked up the courage to go yet and face people, but I hope to soon.
I am so sorry to everyone going through this. I have episodes of severe depression and although it is scary going to the GP it is worth it and it will help. Wishing you well.
I actually found it worse when I wasnt working, cos the day dragged so much and I was depressed and very bored as well. When i actually got a job I got into a routine and started socialising with people again, i think the lack of purpose and not having a routine makes the situation alot worse.
I actually found it worse when I wasnt working, cos the day dragged so much and I was depressed and very bored as well. When i actually got a job I got into a routine and started socialising with people again, i think the lack of purpose and not having a routine makes the situation alot worse.
I agree with this completely. Working really helped me. Just the structure, and routine, and keeping yourself busy as well as interacting with people and not isolating yourself which it is incredibly easy to do when you don't have any commitments like a job.
I feel the same, life feels completely hopeless. I feel as if I'm just living to reach the next day. I barely leave the house at all and when I have to, I dread it. My nerves are sky high, I've reached a point where I seem to shake constantly. I don't want to see a doctor though, in case I look like an attention seeker or whatever.
I'm sorry you're feeling like this OP
Sympathy with OP and you. Know how you feel. Please talk to a doc, he will get you the help you need, that's what they are very well paid for.
I actually found it worse when I wasnt working, cos the day dragged so much and I was depressed and very bored as well. When i actually got a job I got into a routine and started socialising with people again, i think the lack of purpose and not having a routine makes the situation alot worse.
These long bank holiday weekends can be tough for some - particularly as the weather will be bad. Christmas/New year can be particularly difficult.
Just get out and get some fresh air - that can often help. Or visit a library/park/museum.
I am getting a little depressed due to some noisy neighbours at present - but then so is half our block so at least I know I am not alone!:D Still makes you want to get out and about.
I can relate to this because im currently out of work i had to resign from my Job over 15 months ago through an incident which looking back now i wish i hadnt. I dont leave the house much and dont meet friends that much. I was almost tempted to speak to my GP the other day whilst i was there on a seperate health issue but i didnt. I know a lot of people get put on Anti Depressants and stuff and i dont think i could take them. I think i have sat on my ass to long and prob need to excersise make myself proactive. It seems the more time you have on your hands the worse it can get so come next week im gonna make a change fed up of feeling down.
It changes the next. I'm just waiting for life to flow. But. I dunno.
I really sympathise. I've had many times like that myself. I hope things change for you very soon NedTV.
I don't know if this applies to you, but I've found a lot of people feel this way if they are lonely and feel unloved, particularly if they're that way due to uncaring and horrible behaviour from family having lead to estranged relationships from family, and if they'd also had bullying or lack of compatibility from non-family contact people. I've found spirituality can help - whether it's going to a Spiritualist church, exploring meditation, exploring New Age beliefs, even reading about things like this, or perhaps joining a church congregation- because it can make you feel less lonely and alone, and less not a part of your surroundings and environment.
I know counselling and CBT are great for some people, so they could be for you - can I just say though that I've found it's not for everyone, and some people can find it a very unhelpful and distressing experience, (such as people with certain personality disorders, who find it extremely difficult to trust others, and have a tendency to become paranoid - they can end up feeling the counsellor is someone judging and hurting them) - so, in case this applies to you, I'd just keep an open mind and see if talking therapies work for you if you go with that after seeing your GP - don't think there's any shame if you can't get on with it, or you can't face it again after how much distress it caused you last time - it's not for everyone.
I've been suffering with depression since being made redundant twice and not being able to get a job which then led to me losing my home in September last year. I just couldn't cope anymore and broke down. I went to the doctors and also the jobcentre said I couldn't sign on as I wasn't capable of looking for work so told me to get a certificate and changed me to ESA rather than JSA. I am currently taking anti-depressants and have just started a course of counselling, which I think is doing me good as I feel a bit more able to face the world again. I'm now renting a little flat, which was a nightmare to get but I'm feeling a bit more settled now, although I still get very emotional and still don't like being around too many people which seems to upset me and I get very anxious.
The thing which doesn't help is the ATOS appointments where you turn up literally a nervous wreck barely able to answer their questions and then later you get the results where they say there is nothing wrong with you and you're fit for work even though they had paperwork telling them that I'd never get through a work interview. After speaking to the doctor about it she said she wasn't surprised as nobody seems to pass. Why can't ATOS see that they set people back when they're trying to get better. We could do without the extra pressure they put on us, we've got enough worries just getting through the day. How can the judge if you're fit for work by just ticking some boxes about wether you can make a cup of tea or set an alarm clock!
Do go to your doctor and see if you can get some counselling. My counsellor has said it might be an idea to get in touch with MIND, but I haven't plucked up the courage to go yet and face people, but I hope to soon.
I really feel for you, as well as all those on this thread who've gone through gruelling times. I read this recently - http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/gps-vote-to-end-the-atos-farce/ I know so many suffering through Atos. I think the tests are a scandal. They are picking on all the wrong people with these medicals.
Comments
How old are you and what is your work situation? Do you live on your own and have family / friends nearby?
I would second that good advice, Missjef. The GP can prescribe modern antidepressants and/or other treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy.
There are also self help options too such as this website here http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome and this book here http://www.overcoming.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=7670 but I would stress that these options should be used in addition to any professional medical help and not in place of them.
Many people in the UK have suffered from depression but with time and suitable medical help they have been able to recover and have a much better quality of life but the first step now is the GP appointment which you can arrange on Wednesday morning after the bank holidays are over.
Good luck, NedTV.
I'm sorry you're feeling like this OP
Sometimes depression is worsened just through lack of social contac and exercise. People often feel depressed because they are lonely and isolated, and just by having some social contact feel a lot better. Years ago if you lived in a community you'd know more people just by being around and working/socialising in your own area or with family.
Not the case now which is why so many people are isolated in their little boxes and can't even find someone to go for a walk/ drink with. Modern social phenomenon and one which will only get worse as time goes on.
The thing which doesn't help is the ATOS appointments where you turn up literally a nervous wreck barely able to answer their questions and then later you get the results where they say there is nothing wrong with you and you're fit for work even though they had paperwork telling them that I'd never get through a work interview. After speaking to the doctor about it she said she wasn't surprised as nobody seems to pass. Why can't ATOS see that they set people back when they're trying to get better. We could do without the extra pressure they put on us, we've got enough worries just getting through the day. How can the judge if you're fit for work by just ticking some boxes about wether you can make a cup of tea or set an alarm clock!
Do go to your doctor and see if you can get some counselling. My counsellor has said it might be an idea to get in touch with MIND, but I haven't plucked up the courage to go yet and face people, but I hope to soon.
same here
I agree with this completely. Working really helped me. Just the structure, and routine, and keeping yourself busy as well as interacting with people and not isolating yourself which it is incredibly easy to do when you don't have any commitments like a job.
Sympathy with OP and you. Know how you feel. Please talk to a doc, he will get you the help you need, that's what they are very well paid for.
Thank you, hopefully I'll pluck up the courage to see a doctor eventually.
These long bank holiday weekends can be tough for some - particularly as the weather will be bad. Christmas/New year can be particularly difficult.
Just get out and get some fresh air - that can often help. Or visit a library/park/museum.
I am getting a little depressed due to some noisy neighbours at present - but then so is half our block so at least I know I am not alone!:D Still makes you want to get out and about.
I really sympathise. I've had many times like that myself. I hope things change for you very soon NedTV.
I don't know if this applies to you, but I've found a lot of people feel this way if they are lonely and feel unloved, particularly if they're that way due to uncaring and horrible behaviour from family having lead to estranged relationships from family, and if they'd also had bullying or lack of compatibility from non-family contact people. I've found spirituality can help - whether it's going to a Spiritualist church, exploring meditation, exploring New Age beliefs, even reading about things like this, or perhaps joining a church congregation- because it can make you feel less lonely and alone, and less not a part of your surroundings and environment.
I know counselling and CBT are great for some people, so they could be for you - can I just say though that I've found it's not for everyone, and some people can find it a very unhelpful and distressing experience, (such as people with certain personality disorders, who find it extremely difficult to trust others, and have a tendency to become paranoid - they can end up feeling the counsellor is someone judging and hurting them) - so, in case this applies to you, I'd just keep an open mind and see if talking therapies work for you if you go with that after seeing your GP - don't think there's any shame if you can't get on with it, or you can't face it again after how much distress it caused you last time - it's not for everyone.
I really feel for you, as well as all those on this thread who've gone through gruelling times. I read this recently - http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/gps-vote-to-end-the-atos-farce/ I know so many suffering through Atos. I think the tests are a scandal. They are picking on all the wrong people with these medicals.