Long-term depression

Hi Donny. I can feel the frustration/sadness in your words. I believe the first thing I would do is devote as much loving time as possible to your dog. Making him happy is something you will never regret, and it is certainly not a waste of time. Make it your goal for him to love every day he has...because of you. It is a shame that we cannot know in advance how meds will affect us, rather than having to try them to find out. It is so hard to tell whether our low feelings are truly and fully in our nature, or if the meds cause some of it. My next suggestion is to begin your "getting out more" days by finding a pretty place you can just go and sit, while admiring your surroundings. This can be indoors or outdoors. I don't know what is near you, but maybe you would like a beautiful park bench where nature is at its best; people-watching in a public place, like a mall or downtown area; watching some kind of sport, again in a park or other populated area; or really anywhere things area happening. It is not necessary to have a group for this, so simply take a comfortable chair, park it in the best place you find, enjoy a snack/drink if you like, and sit silently as you take in all of the beauty and activity near you. OR don't sit silently if someone should happen to stop and pass the time. You never know! Do not go with expectations of how the time will end....just let it happen. While you are there, you will have many new thoughts as you see different things going on. Your creative juices may start flowing, and suddenly you may get ideas about things you would like to learn, hobbies you might undertake, groups you might join...any number of things. Those kinds of thoughts come from OBSERVING others to learn more about yourself. So...what do you have to lose? Keep following Dr.'s orders, but get out more...and take your sweet dog with you, if he wants to go! This can be part of making him happy, too! I hope some of this helps you; it has helped me. Enjoy the fresh air, and know that God is waiting to bless you! All good wishes!!

Hi Donny. I can feel the frustration/sadness in your words. I believe the first thing I would do is devote as much loving time as possible to your dog. Making him happy is something you will never regret, and it is certainly not a waste of time. Make it your goal for him to love every day he has...because of you. It is a shame that we cannot know in advance how meds will affect us, rather than having to try them to find out. It is so hard to tell whether our low feelings are truly and fully in our nature, or if the meds cause some of it. My next suggestion is to begin your "getting out more" days by finding a pretty place you can just go and sit, while admiring your surroundings. This can be indoors or outdoors. I don't know what is near you, but maybe you would like a beautiful park bench where nature is at its best; people-watching in a public place, like a mall or downtown area; watching some kind of sport, again in a park or other populated area; or really anywhere things area happening. It is not necessary to have a group for this, so simply take a comfortable chair, park it in the best place you find, enjoy a snack/drink if you like, and sit silently as you take in all of the beauty and activity near you. OR don't sit silently if someone should happen to stop and pass the time. You never know! Do not go with expectations of how the time will end....just let it happen. While you are there, you will have many new thoughts as you see different things going on. Your creative juices may start flowing, and suddenly you may get ideas about things you would like to learn, hobbies you might undertake, groups you might join...any number of things. Those kinds of thoughts come from OBSERVING others to learn more about yourself. So...what do you have to lose? Keep following Dr.'s orders, but get out more...and take your sweet dog with you, if he wants to go! This can be part of making him happy, too! I hope some of this helps you; it has helped me. Enjoy the fresh air, and know that God is waiting to bless you! All good wishes!!

As liz223 said, I now know that my anxiety began as an early teen due to a poor self image. I don't think anyone who knew me would have ever guessed that was the case either then or as I got older. I put on a mask of superiority and arrogance which made me a less than wonderful person to be around - I think I made a lot of effort to make others feel what I felt inside - what a jackass. Getting chronically ill gave me lots of time for introspection and then my anxiety became depression because of the hurt that I was certain I had left in my wake. My family stuck with me and have been great support and I have made some pretty amazing strides in my head - no arrogance about that, just very grateful that I have learned that being vulnerable, compassionate, and empathetic is a far better way to go through life. I am impressed by everyone who opens up about their depression because it is not viewed in the same light as other diseases, but we all can help people understand that and we will have done just a bit to make it easier for the next folks who fall prey to this nasty condition!
Thanks for all your ideas and suggestions, Gary

I have an 18 year old teenage boy who has been suffering from depression and severe anxiety and panic attacks for 4 years now. He cant function and lead a normal life. Hes been checked out by his medical doctor. Had blood work done etc..nothing is wrong physically. I have been taking him to a psychologist for 2 years. Hes tried 3 different depression medications. The last one was zoloft 25mg. which made him shake uncontrollably, his heart pound (i could feel how hard when I put my hand on his chest) and within the first half hour after taking it he laughed for 5 minutes 3x for no reason. Weird laughing, weird behavior. 2 years ago the psychologist wanted to out him on diazapam (valium) for his anxiety. I believe those kinds of drugs lead to severe addiction and death. About 6 months ago he started trying cbd oil which works amazing for the anxiety. But it only lasts short term. I dont know what to do. All the physcioligists do is prescribe pills. They cant seem to find the right medication. Meanwhile he suffers. Hes frightened of trying new medications because he sensitive to medication which makes things even worse. Hes going to counseling once a week which really isnt helping. As a mom I feel so helpless. Does anyone have any suggestions of coping methods that worked for you? We cant figure out where this depression and anxiety is coming from. No major changes in life. ( hes been drug tested so we know its not from illegal drug use, plus he is home all the time because the depression, anxiety and panic attacks stop him from leading a normal life and hes always been a really good boy). Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

I have an 18 year old teenage boy who has been suffering from depression and severe anxiety and panic attacks for 4 years now. He cant function and lead a normal life. Hes been checked out by his medical doctor. Had blood work done etc..nothing is wrong physically. I have been taking him to a psychologist for 2 years. Hes tried 3 different depression medications. The last one was zoloft 25mg. which made him shake uncontrollably, his heart pound (i could feel how hard when I put my hand on his chest) and within the first half hour after taking it he laughed for 5 minutes 3x for no reason. Weird laughing, weird behavior. 2 years ago the psychologist wanted to out him on diazapam (valium) for his anxiety. I believe those kinds of drugs lead to severe addiction and death. About 6 months ago he started trying cbd oil which works amazing for the anxiety. But it only lasts short term. I dont know what to do. All the physcioligists do is prescribe pills. They cant seem to find the right medication. Meanwhile he suffers. Hes frightened of trying new medications because he sensitive to medication which makes things even worse. Hes going to counseling once a week which really isnt helping. As a mom I feel so helpless. Does anyone have any suggestions of coping methods that worked for you? We cant figure out where this depression and anxiety is coming from. No major changes in life. ( hes been drug tested so we know its not from illegal drug use, plus he is home all the time because the depression, anxiety and panic attacks stop him from leading a normal life and hes always been a really good boy). Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

@anitamarie. I have suffered from severe anxiety and depression for more than 25 years. If you wish to know the details of my illness please click on my name. I am not a doctor but I believe your son requires treatment with medications; psychotherapy alone will not be enough. Please consult a good psychiatrist who can find the right drug for him. Some trial and error may be required. Has he tried Citalopram? It has very few side effects. If it works for him it would be great. Also, please do not have any prejudices against medication; it may be necessary in many cases. And please don't be in a hurry to stop his medication if his condition improves. Depression and anxiety are chronic illnesses which may require lifelong treatment, just like other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Because of his young age, his illness is probably chronic. I hope this is helpful. May God bless him.

@anitamarie. I have suffered from severe anxiety and depression for more than 25 years. If you wish to know the details of my illness please click on my name. I am not a doctor but I believe your son requires treatment with medications; psychotherapy alone will not be enough. Please consult a good psychiatrist who can find the right drug for him. Some trial and error may be required. Has he tried Citalopram? It has very few side effects. If it works for him it would be great. Also, please do not have any prejudices against medication; it may be necessary in many cases. And please don't be in a hurry to stop his medication if his condition improves. Depression and anxiety are chronic illnesses which may require lifelong treatment, just like other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Because of his young age, his illness is probably chronic. I hope this is helpful. May God bless him.