Dealing with severe moments of depression

LegacyUser

I'm dealing with a bout of chemical depression at the moment and am really struggling to get through each day. I was wondering if anyone had any tips or ideas to get through this that I haven't thought of already.

I've had depression before but it was always reactive, not chemical. I've dealt moreso with anxiety and have come a long way over many years with help from a therapist. Everything is actually going well at the moment and I'm at the best point that I ever have been in my life (though everything is not perfect) but this has hit me like a ton of bricks.

This is a completely different feeling and the moments where it's really bad are so painful. I've just started on an antidepressant a few days ago and I'm waiting for it to kick in. Apparently it can take a week or two so I'm just trying to get to the point where I feel some relief.

I'm seeing my therapist once a week. I have my parents who I can call if I get really bad. I'm trying to keep busy with work, friends, walks and mindless activities but it's a massive struggle and I'm dreading the next breakdown because they've been getting worse and are so unbearable.

I just want to feel even a little bit better but it feels like time is passing so slowly. If anyone has dealt with something similar and can offer any tips I'd be really grateful.

Merkin

Gentle reminder to everyone that any advice pertaining to medical advice or advice surrounding medication won't be permitted, thanks.

ahappychappy

I don't suffer with depression but my partner has suffered for over 20 years. Through that time some episodes were minor in hind sight and others were long periods of very low mood which required hospitalisation.

You say you are low and struggling, can I just say you are doing yourself and your family proud. You are seeking support engaging medical assistance, identifying the black dog.

The only advice I can give is your steps you are taking for yourself are bigger than you think. One day at a time, one hour at a time whatever it takes to get to through to the recovery.

Wishing you good health.

ambid

I don't know if you're well enough to concentrate on reading right now, but I find useful the memoirs of people who themselves have struggled with depression. I find their insights and coping mechanisms to be useful. Some on my reading list right now are:

Noonday demon - http://goo.gl/pIosHS
Managing your depression - http://goo.gl/sEDDPk
Shoot the damn dog - http://goo.gl/9KWDXe
Depression is a liar - http://goo.gl/5R2rpO
How I tamed the voice in my head - http://goo.gl/Hbocnr
Change your brain - http://goo.gl/Jst9f5

That's the order I'm trying to work through them too.

There are also good mental health talks on the TED.com site and their podcast channel, especially by an inspirational guy called Andrew Solomon.

There are also some good mental health documentaries on YouTube, and turn2me.org is a great site.

The meds can sometimes take a few weeks to work so please do try to find another coping mechanism in the meantime.

Wishing you well.

LegacyUser

Thanks so much for the replies, they're really helpful especially as it's been a very tough weekend. This is just brutal.

jockeyboard

Aware do online or group cbt for free. Check them out, very good service to add to what your doing already.
I have been where you are so i understand. You WILL feel better again.

m-a-i-

I can't imagine what you're going through OP but have experienced severe depression myself.
I don't know you but I'm proud of you that you have taken the steps that you have done so far. Even posting on this is a brilliantly brave and positive step.

While I can't give you advise on medical I can find that worked for me is taking an hour at a time. Something like the unbreakable kimmy schmidt. If you can cope for ten seconds you can make it through the next. Do one little thing that makes you smile a day... whether it watch kittens on youtube, buy yourself a totally posh hot chocolate, read a page of your favourite book that kind of thing. These little things are very hard to do when you have depression but they help so much

Hugs and Love OP x

LegacyUser

Well after a few horrible days of lying in bed and not doing much apart from crying, I had another doctor's visit and adjustment in medication so I'm finally feeling a bit of relief. I know this probably isn't the end of it but I'll take it.

I have to say thanks again for the lovely and very helpful comments. I came back every once in a while over the last few days to re-read them and they really did help and I really appreciate it.