Posted by Bob on September 22, 1999, at 22:42:39
In reply to someone tell me what this is, posted by elle on September 22, 1999, at 18:57:29
> What does this all mean? What is depression? Is it feeling so bad about how you look or where you came from that you don't ever feel like you are normal?
Elle,
It means you need more support than your family doctor can give you, but he was a good place to start. This is also a good place for support, but psycho-babble isn't enough, either. As for what depression is -- you can look at this site or other sites for all sorts of clinical information, such as the indicators that doctors use to diagnose someone as having some sort of depressive disorder. You can look at the things we say here, the descriptions of our experiences past or now. To me, they all sound unique but oh so familiar at the same time.
The bottom line is that you need to see a therapist -- MSW, CSW, psychologist, psychiatrist, whatever. What you experienced, particularly about your father's death, certainly qualifies as feeling depressed, but your own questions, your inability to answer your family doctor about how long you've felt this way all say that it may be more than a response to a loss. You need the support of someone trained to help you through these issues. Medication will help you feel better, but it won't change what you believe or how you act, how you treat yourself or others. For that, you need to talk to a pro. Ask your family doctor for a referral.
Don't feel ashamed for feeling this way. Don't blame yourself for it. Look around on this board and see what the rest of us have been through, and see the support that is here for you. You'll find that while many of us lean on the rest pretty heavily now and then, the leaners have a lot more to offer in return for what they gain.
Take care,
Bob
poster:Bob
thread:11902
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990914/msgs/11916.html