Advice on depression?

[Anonymous]

I have been battling depression for as long as I can remember. Even had panic attacks during elementary school, in 4th grade. Become suicidal at a young age, but with the help of a cousin, I overcame it. I had a very rough childhood. I am not going to speak of it on here, but just know I went through some stuff that no child should have been subject to. I blocked out most of my childhood but as I got older, it seemed like I can't back to me within these little "flashback" moments or through dreams. I was made fun of by the popular kids in school because I was shy, awkward and "jumpy". I remember them laughing, pointing a finger and saying that I acted like I was afraid they would kick my ass. Anyways, when I was 17 I was sexually abused and ended up getting pregnant. I had no doubt in my mind that I was keeping my baby, and I was harassed and threatened because of it. Causing me to move an hour and a half away, because I was afraid for the safety and well being of my unborn child. As soon as I could, I terminated my sons fathers rights (because he threatened to kill him where he wasn't ready to be a father) and got a restraining order. At this point I was 18, and a single parent and had no idea what I was doing. I was learning as I went. Holding my boy and taking care of him made me put my depression on the back burner. I was too focused on him to think of anything else. I eventually got a boyfriend and we had another child together after he took my son in as his own. My depression seemed to subside drastically. I don't know if it was because I was distracted or not though. Last May (2014) my baby brother got diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Ever since then, I have been a train wreck. It seems that this depression has come back full throttle and is going nowhere quick. I refuse to take pills to solve my problems. I believe that in most cases, you can go about things more natural. I've tried a lot of different methods to take away this unbearable inner battle I'm facing, but nothing has been working anymore. Please, if you have any advice on what I can do or try without medication, I would appreciate it so much!

[Wizbit]

It sounds like you've been through a lot and you've done well to get as far as you have.

I'd advise you to make an appointment with your GP. Through your GP you should be able to access counselling (I don't know where you're from so procedures could be different but in UK GPs can refer for 6 free counselling sessions). You'll find talking to a professional about everything you've been through will make an incredible difference to your life. @knotuptoit said that depression is your anger turned inwards, and talking things through with a counsellor can help to release this.

I understand your concerns about medication, and you are not alone in that. Please understand though that there are many different medications. Not all of them have scary side effects. Accepting medication for a period to help take the edge off while your brother is receiving treatment is not a sign of weakness. It is something you should at least discuss with your GP while you're there - discussion doesn't mean you have to take them. No one can make you. It is another avenue and is about treating the illness not masking the symptoms.

Whatever you decide I wish you luck. You're in a good place in your relationship and with support you will find your way back.

[bente2]

Definitely don’t take pills, they fuck you up.

As someone who has also battled with depressive episodes as i call them, i can tell you one thing: depression never goes away. It’s always and will always be gnawing at the back of your mind, even if it’s pushed back due to more important matters (like your babies). It comes as no shock to me thatvit came back so roughly, you have been ignoring it for so long and all it took was one huge “setback” so to speak for it to come rushing back.

I would try to keep a routine, and hold on to that very well. Make sure you have at least an hour a day to relax and do something you like doing, if it’s possible that is.

I also recommend going outside and staying in touch!! Don’t isolate yourself from the beauties of the world or the people you care about. Being spontanious when you can is also greay; maybe let your kid decide what you will be doing from time to time, they often come up with really nice ideas you hadn’t thought about.

[knotuptoit]

depression is your anger turned inward. i know where you are. been there worn that tee shirt. you have to learn to let the anger and hurt and all of the negative feelings out and then you will get better. i promise. i did but it wasn't easy... not after being a doormat for 49 years. i lost people that were supposed to be friends i made friends with people i thought hated me. the world is a different place now but not without blood sweat and a river of tears. good luck to you and prayers for the brother. my younger sister died of leukemia last year. i really do know what you are going through.

[Krillanr]

My sympathies for what you have been through, that's hard.

I can't tell if it's emotional or clinical depression, but either way B vitamins are good for helping with it, there are other foods and such that also help, and their are groups who help people understand how to deal with depression, they can provide information if nothing else.

I found that learning more about depression made me feel a fair bit better.

[rkf_helps_247]

First of all, understand that having anxiety and depression is perfectly normal during this age.
Now... When you're going through such a phase, never ever isolate yourself. Talk to your parents or friends or people close to you.
Coz that's gonna help a lot with it. The next thing to do is, find out what makes you anxious or depressed, and work on tackling that reasons. One tip i can give (from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE) and how I got out of depression was POSITIVE THINKING. It was super hard at first. But i tried to make a negative topic or situation into a positive one. I found reasons to make it Positive, and eventually my thoughts started to be positive as well. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen overnight. But practicing it, helped my life a lot. Another thing is, anxiety. When you have anxiety bout things, just remember to take a few deep breaths.
Try out the 4 7 8 breathing method and do it for 20-30 times.
It'll ease your mind.
When i get anxious, I'll think like "Being anxious bout it isn't gonna help do anything.".
So I'll calm myself and play some music and just relax first. Then slowly think bout it

[Enaya]

A family member of mine survived the same cancer. Keep hope darling, your baby will be fine too. I will have him in my prayers. I understand that your depression and what you have been through has been hard. I suggest writing it all out and letting it out that way. Each day, also add something they makes you happy to your life. Anything small and write about that too. The idea is to make more good than bad memories eventually

[Klaatu51]

damn at least hope u r not suicidal anymore... anyway at least can u afford raisin yer kid at least?

[Asker]

I am a medical assistant and my fiance is a wrestling coach. We have plenty money to raise our children. Finances has nothing to do with this.