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@jakedduck1

@taylorwatkins13

Your name rings a bell, I might have replied to you. I looked back but didn’t find your post. I’ll have to make a more intense look later.
I too was depressed, at least that’s what my doctor said. I always had a handle on my emotions but while reading a letter I started to cry and cry again while watching a sad movie. First let me say I understand people are unique and some need alternative therapies. I was criticized for saying this in the past but I sincerely believe it to be true so here goes. A UPS man delivered a package to me and we were talking about depression. His son was depressed. He told his son “You have a choice, you can be happy or sad, it’s up to you.” I truly believe that’s true. I thought hard about that and stopped my medication. I feel you need to believe in yourself and have confidence. I feel when you dwell on yourself you’re going to be miserable and/or unhappy. When I developed Epilepsy which was very severe from day one I didn’t have my emotions in order and had a nervous breakdown. I kicked holes in nearly all doors in the house, painted my bedroom black, threw my TV out my bedroom window and it only got worse from there. I was a raving lunatic. My parents took me to a couple Psychiatrists but nothing helped until my Dad got fed up. After he fixed all the doors the window, helped me repaint my room and even bought me a new TV which I certainly didn’t deserve. Then he sat me down (Probably not to gently either) and told me “How the Cow ate the Cabbage.” Maybe your family needs to tell you “How the Cow ate the Cabbage.”
Were you once social and withdrew from that? Were you always depressed? You must know why it’s hard to make it threw the day. Maybe you do need to see a doctor. You might need medication to get over the hump but don’t keep taking it and using it as a crutch. Your going to have to face your problems. You have no choice about that if you ever expect to regain true happiness. Remember, you only get out of life what you’re willing to put into it. Don’t be afraid to ask God for help, “With Him all things are Possible.” I’m sure you know how to be happy and I have faith that you’ll succeed. Please keep us informed.
Wishing you the best health and happiness ever!!!

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Replies to "@taylorwatkins13 Your name rings a bell, I might have replied to you. I looked back but..."

I’ve been depressed most of my life. I don’t know how to be happy unfortunately. I’m sure somewhere deep down I do. But I’m 25 and I haven’t found how to be just yet. I have my reasons. I will talk to my doctor about it for sure. Thanks for your blunt response. I wish it were that easy.

@jakedduck1 Leonard, I believe theoretically what you say, but aren't there some people who really do want to be happy but due to chemical imbalances they just can't get there? I think many people would be offended with the attitude of "choose to be happy" because they feel they are not choosing to be depressed, and telling them that it is their CHOICE would only make them feel worse. I would be interested in hearing the opinion of a really good professional on this.
Again, as I said, I do theoretically believe what you said, and when I have been depressed for short periods I have managed to pull myself out of it, but aren't there some people who just cannot? I would be very hesitant to encourage a person to get off of antidepressants in case that would make things worse for them.
JK

Sometimes the depression is due to a chemical imbalance, which may need medication or maybe it's more than one reason... Don't stop until you figure it out. If I didn't think I could "not be depressed" without the medication, I would stay on the meds. It's not the worst thing in the world to be on meds or to admit that you may need them... Good luck to you!

@terri672 thanks. The person who is very dear to me about whom I am concerned I believe feels he cannot not be on the meds, and perhaps that is true.
JK