Do you or someone you know suffer from depression?

[Anonymous]

Do you think you can explain depression or understand it when you don't have it? Perhaps you do have it and still don't understand certain aspects. This TED presentation creates more insight as to how depression can take over your loved one's life, or maybe even yours.
"You don't think in depression that you've put on a gray veil and are seeing the world through the haze of a bad mood. You think that the veil has been taken away, the veil of happiness, and that now you're seeing truly." - Andrew Solomon
https://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_solomon_depression_the_secret_we_share?language=en&utm_campaign=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_content=talk&utm_term=social-science#t-702277

Updates

+1 y

Watch the video attached. It is the reason for the post. Share it with anyone you know that can benefit. I promise it will help - I truly hope it does.

[Karatequeen]

I have depression and I really can't explain what it's like. I've had it since I was around 10 years old. At first it's unexplainable and unbearable. The only way I can describe it is that it's like something took over and filled your head with dense fog that you can't see through. I'm exhausted constantly; I could probably stay in bed and sleep/lay down nonstop and it won't improve.

After understanding my depression more and reflecting on how it affects me, it feels like someone else has complete control over you and your head, and you don't understand why it's happening. You feel dead inside and just wish it would go away.

[Asker]

I am diagnosed with it as well am it runs my life and has for a long time now. I've been on different meds for it along with my OCD and anxiety but I don't like it. Now, I'm withdrawing since January and have to use my family members non-narcotic medication which has some SSRI in it, Otherwise, I get severe "brain zaps". I'm so numb that I don't even cry anymore.
I learned some things in the video and was hoping others could too. I really hope it helped you as well.

[Karatequeen]

Thanks for MHO :)

[karahiri]

My uncle does. He is/was suicidal for a few years too. I think I experience moments of sadness but there's always a reason and it is temporary. I can't imagine how it feels to feel down for months, if not years.

[broadsword]

No you cannot explain it to someone who has never suffered there is no point of reference. There are only 2 other things in life that are similar.
Grief. The loss of a close family member and the birth of your first child. Neither can be understood until you've experienced them for yourself.
The best I can give for chronic depression is in a 100 meter well up to your waste in water. Pitch black no chance of escape groping for the walls freezing.

[Asker]

@broadsword You make a good point about someone who doesn't have a point of reference like the loss of a loved one, child birth and depression.
However, I think that Andrew Solomon's explains the feelings well for those who haven't got a clue and where he speaks about the differences between grief, sadness, depression, and also the panics of anxiety.

[broadsword]

Agreed just my opinion to try and help. This description I gave to others seemed to get them to start to understand. Whilst link I try to deal with the terrible anxiety separately.
I have never suffered before in my life be t earlier this year through massive stress of my business sleep deprivation I suffered severe attack. I had absolutely no idea what was happening to me.
Iam only just beginning to understand what others have suffered with for years even most of their lives.

[clampfan101]

My brother, just a few years younger than me, has been suffering for quite some time. It's terrible because we used to have so much fun together. Now I have only my annoying little sister to "play" with...

[Asker]

Show him the link and ask him to watch the video - it might help him and if you watch it then it can help you understand the mindset of a sufferer. I have to watch it from time to time as a reminder for myself...

[Anonymous]

Yes and people really can't understand it if they haven't experienced it.

[Asker]

That's why it's important to get the information out because just as the presenter said, we all at least have a friend or love one suffering from it and it's just so many different variations. I'm convinced my anxiety is the biggest issue and leads to the depression. But I'm not sure it makes a difference...

[Opinion Owner]

It might be.

[Asker]

Yea, either way, my doctor wants me back on my medication which is for depression, anxiety and OCD. He offered no alternative solutions whatsoever, so whether the depression stems from anxiety is just something I like to tell myself as if it makes things better or like I have less issues than I'm willing to admit... even though I just admitted it : Ugh...

[Opinion Owner]

Do you see a therapist as well?

[Asker]

No, I can't afford that. I can't even afford the Lexapro with no longer having health insurance but my mother was able to find a site taking the price from $100 to about $20. I've been withdrawing since January since the insurance ran out. So, I don't know what to do.

[Opinion Owner]

Oh that sucks.

[Asker]

The bottle is just sitting on my dresser because I'm afraid to commit to it again. It makes me physically ill.

[Lyndsielee666]

I was really depressed before i had my daughter but i don't think i can explain how it was. It was horrible and even now i can feel it creeping up but ifound a way to cope (:

[Asker]

How do you cope?

[ElizabethBiersack]

I know a couple people that suffer from it. And I'm certain that I have depression as well

[Asker]

You should really get a diagnosis. Unfortunately, it manifests.

[reptocarl]

I'm totally disabled and no longer work because of it

[Asker]

I'm so sorry, friend...

[Waffles731]

Yes, I have suffered from major depressive disorder since I was a toddler

[MisterDude007]

I do.. but i m used to it

[Asker]

I hope the presentation was able to make it more understandable thus, tolerable in the long run. It is tough...

[MisterDude007]

Whaaat? Sorry u got to technical there.. but ya I'm OK and u will b too just b strong

[Asker]

I don't understand what part was technical. I said I hope the presentation (the video presentation in the link) helped you because understanding all you can about depression when you have it makes it easier to deal with in the long run.

I don't think it's a matter of being strong or weak - I feel like I'm extremely strong considering the unfortunate circumstance. But thank you for you well wishes.

[MisterDude007]

Lol I didn't watch that sorry.. your welcome

[Asker]

You didn't even watch it. Well, we're not even talking about the same specifications regarding the topic. It would have been courteous if you mentioned that to begin with.
Anyway, the information is there - do with it as you wish.

[MisterDude007]

Haha sorry XD I was just trying to b nice :c

[Asker]

It's ok, I just figured you at least looked at what my post was about. The information I posted was intended to create a dialogue particularly between those who could benefit from it - I hope you can because depression is tricky in how it can seem to have subsided but out of nowhere, finds it's way back.

[adquidorator]

I suffer from it :(

[Asker]

Me too and I've learned that the more you understand it, the more chance you have of making it tolerable. I hope it helped even just a little but for you.

[apple24]

Yes i do suffer from depression.

[OrdinaryGentleman]

Yup, its not fun.