new and hi

ummm this is kinda weird to me telling people how i feel but i dont know what to do. For most of my life ive felt depressed. But the last 2 years its been bad. I feel like im in a dream and nothing is real, im always down, things i used to enjoy i dont, and pretty much all the usual signs of depression. i always said i wasn't depressed. i thought it was a sign of weakness. even when i though i have all the symptoms i would say that i cant be depressed. but in the last few weeks i came to the conclusion that there is no other explanation for why im always down, i sleep 15+ hours when i can, low self esteem, i never go out with friends when they invite me, the list goes on. is this just a stage and will i grow out of it? do i need medicine? or will talking help me?

ducksfan ~ for my personal situation, a little bit of everything helps. I take an antidepressant and it is amazing how much it helps "level things out"
For me the medicine is not a fix all, it helps me to remember that every thing happening is not the end of the world. It levels me out enough to think through the problems and come up with a decent solution.

depression is a chemical imbalance...the meds help balance the chemicals.
talking is helpful also....the person i talk to says that she can see a huge difference when I am on meds, she says that i can see things more objectively instead of believing that everything is out to get me.

low self esteem - im working on this too...but i have to remember that no matter how i feel about myself---others most likely see me nothing like i see myself...so it excites me that I am making a difference for others even when i feel worse than rock.

IF YOU HAVE AN EARACHE would you go to the doctor to get some medicine? Emotional health is the same idea. Get some help! I started with my family doctor...then she suggested a counselor.

Dont be afraid to get help!!!!!!! Those people that are willing to accept help are courageous!! (not weak)

I am here and willing to listen anytime.
Good Luck!!!!

-Jen

hi duck, time to see the dr. i feel a clear dx will aide you your recovery. maybe just counselling, maybe a med combo.

 sorry been busy and unwell. so a belated welcome. we care and understand, all the best, jamie.