Trying to figure stuff out...Not ready to see a psychologist.?

Question

Ok, so I've had a difficult couple of years. I mean, I've always had these bouts of depression, but the past two years stick out the most. Let's actually say about 3 years...I went through a viciously bad breakup in September of 06, and have been trying really hard to get past it. For the most part I am...So ok, here's the thing, when I get depressed, I stay pretty much down for a few weeks to a few months. I will every once in a while during these times, find things that make me happy, but will right away go back to feeling bad. An example would be that when I'm around people I am comfortable around, I have a good time, we laugh, everything is fine. They're occupying my time. After that, once I'm alone again, I just feel the need to cry...or I get really lazy, and I don't want to clean house, or do any of my normal hobbies. I'm in another relationship now (one that I'm not sure about anymore), we've been dating for about 9-10 months now, and I don't know if it's me or him, but I'm starting to feel unhappy with it too.

I buy new things to make me happy, and it works for about a week, and I'm back to being gloomy. But only when I'm alone. I have a hard time showing my emotions to people. So it's hard for me to even consider talking to a professional about this. I'm 21 years old, and I see nothing for me right now. I can't even be optimistic. I try to be, and I know I'm working on it. This was really long, I just needed to vent, I guess...I don't know.

Answer 1

YOu open with not wanting to see a psychologist.  Is there a reason you dont feel comfortable asking for help.   Millions of people have treatable mental illness and live productive, happy lives.  Ask for help, I know change can be scary, but there is no reason for you to try and just tough it out.  You wouldnt do that if you had cancer, or diabetes, or high blood pressure.  So why with depression?

Ask for help and find the happiness you so much deserve.  

Answer 2

There are many things you can do to help treat your depression.

Moderate exercise for at least 20 - 30 minutes, daily, an up to an hour. Brisk walking is good, and try to be mindful of the feeling your foot makes as it hits the ground: it is a relaxation technique. Also use daily, one of the relaxation methods in sections 2, 2.c, 2.i, or 11, and/or yoga, Tai Chi, and/or the EFT, in sections 2.q, 2.o, and section 53, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris   whichever works best for you.

Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30%  - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.  

Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (the strength varies, but the supplier should be using a standardised hypericin content, so follow the directions)  or  supplements, such as SAMe,  or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55 at ezy-build ).

Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. Co-counselling is shown in the first 3 pages of section 2, or online therapy, or even talking with someone you feel comfortable with, and a much more detailed post is on page R.

Answer 3

It's very difficult to handle depression on your own and if you think about it why would you if a professional could help you turn it around. Continuing depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and if this can be helped, go for it like many of us have. Good luck.

Answer 4

seeing a psychologist is nothing to be afraid about.  after one time u won't be nervous anymore.  like u said u need to just get it out and u shouldn't be feeling depressed all the time.  if ur not happy with your bf then maybe u shouldn't be with him.  if u need someoen to talk to i'm online on aim now and my screename is TheBTPYoda.  hang in there.