Depression of sorts - unsure what to do

LegacyUser

20 year old here. For the past few months I've been getting the odd few patches of depression. There are no specific reasons really that I could post without writing half a novel, it's just a culmination of a lot of things that have happened/are happening throughout my whole life... I think.

My parents divorced when I was younger and now each have their own new families, one of my parents is extremely aggressive and impossible to talk to without arguing (which I hate doing) so that relationship isn't too good. An aunt of mine passed away a few months ago which had affected me more than I thought it would. I have 3 younger siblings who I want to keep an eye on and make sure they're okay but it's hard to split myself between the two families. I don't really see these as big problems, I'm sure everyone has problems just like them but they're just the only things that pop to mind really.

When I'm not feeling down, I'm usually the heart of the party - funny, nice, outgoing. Usually I have great craic on nights out but a handful of times in the last few months my mood has swung in the middle of the night and while depressed and drunk I've said some personal things about suicidal thoughts that I know I shouldn't have. One of those nights a sober friend got quite worried about me, I got brought to A&E and had to talk to a psychologist but nothing came of it. I drink quite a bit when I'm out, but I have no problem not drinking at all. Right now I wouldn't trust myself to get too drunk, as I know judgement is impaired etc etc.

Since last Monday I've made a conscious effort to stick to myself and sort out my head before causing any other kind of scene, I haven't drank or gone met up with my friends, just been at home or work. I was in a good mood earlier, was thinking of doing something with some friends or maybe going out tomorrow but now tonight again I'm back feeling down.

I don't feel comfortable going out or to college as I am right now, because I'll probably stick out like a sore thumb, and in fairness I'd rather try and work through things myself than talk to someone as I don't really have anything specific to say. I've always thought I was smart enough for anything really, mental strength is one of my attributes, I'm trying to 'fight' it but this depression just isn't staying away. Any advice on what I could do?

LegacyUser

1. You cannot fight depression alone.

2. You need to find someone - counsellor or close friend/family member and TALK/VENT.

3. When you feel down - try keep busy. Any hobbies you really like will help.

4. Alchohol IS a depressant. Try and stay away from it!

5. Keep going to college you need to keep busy.


The main thing here is - if you stop going out, stop going to college and dont talk to anyone, you are actually sinking lower and lower into depression.

I've gone through it for years and believe me, the above DOES work

Roisy7

Are you in college already OP? Book an appointment with the counsellor. You might only need one or two sessions, but it could be invaluable to nip this in the bud.

Give up drink totally for a while. It is a depressant and it's not helping.

Best wishes