Depression

There are various types of depression. What you've got is Clinical Depression (used to be known as Endogenous depression). There is no obvious cause. I've been on Citalopram (the most commonly-prescribed antibiotic) for years, and on the odd occasion when I have been off them, I've become ill again.

That's what depression IS - an illness, and it needs to be treated as such. You have no need to feel guilty. If you had a broken leg, people would see that and would sympathise. Depression is very real, and very debilitating. Take the pills, they'll help. Best of luck x

I took citalopram after a pretty horrible marriage break up. My doctor said they would “make you you again.” I took them for a short time, and they made me strong enough to cope. If you have a headache, you take painkillers, if you have a sore throat you take antibiotics, for anaemia there are iron supplements, so think of citalopram as a drug like these. Go ahead and take them, they will bring you out of the slough of despond, and you will be strong enough to make changes to your life that will make you happy again.

Thanks for the support ladies I will take the pills I can't go on like this it's just ridiculous I hate the winter too Darkness and gloom till March

Bung 'em down!

Very interesting phrase you used there Doris ‘spend every second thinking of how to fill my day’. That is really sad.

I’m not surprised you feel depressed if that’s your life. I can perfectly understand you dreading the return of winter, I’d much rather we hibernated like bears, but do you not get out and about at all? Meet people? Volunteer? See family and friends? Walk the dog?

Life must seem very bleak otherwise ?

Ah, Old Meg, if only it were that easy. The trouble with depression is that it stops you thinking clearly, and stops you from making any decisions, large or small. It saps the life out of you, and makes it hard to get up in the morning, even though you have probably been awake half the night.

No one thinks it’s easy. Being depressed can make you feel helpless. You're not. Along with therapy and sometimes medication, there's a lot you can do on your own to fight back.

Hoping things get better for you and hoping you have the support network to help you.

I've got lots of support thanks Feel bad for feeling bad!! New to Gransnet so found a new source of support

You may find that joining in with things here will help you, Doris.
I hope so, but please do take the pills prescribed; they do help.

I'm sure I will There seems to be lot going on! ?

Hello Doris19 [waves cheerily]. Take the pills and a good dose of Gransnet and you'll see life gets a bit brighter I hope. Pop into Soop's welcoming kitchen and introduce yourself - the regulars will be very pleased to meet you I'm sure.

Soops kitchen? Sound intriguing? ?

Hi Doris19......I know exactly how you feel...have suffered from terrible bouts of depression for years. I always feel so guilty as I've everything but nothing..I just feel so so empty and devoid of any emotions.. Have been on and off anti depressants for many years and they do help but I find life very hard sometimes. I hope you manage to get on the right side of this dreadful illness. Lots of good wishes and love x

Thank you so much for all of your support It really does help Feel happy to have found so many kindred spirits I do count my blessings all the time I know that I am a very lucky lady Hopefully the pills will help me soon as I have only been taking them for the last few weeks Fingers crossed I hate feeling like this and wasting all of the fabulous opportunities that are out there

Hello Doris19!Welcome to gransnet! Have posted here before about my battles with depression if I don’t take my Citalopram, they take a few weeks to ‘kick in’. I a,so struggle with Seasonal Affected Disorder, and from your post I think maybe you do too. If you can get your hands ona Lumie light( online or fromBoots) this can help enormously. Good luck and hugs to you, and anyone else in our position, let’s make sure we don’t let ‘ the black dog’ stop us living life to it’s fullest.

Thanks Nana 58I have been thinking about the lumie lamp but wasn't sure if it would work Living in the North is a pain Be great if I could go south for the winter like the birds

You summed it up beautifully DoraMarr . Severe depression sucks the life out of you. Mine is more severe anxiety, scared of everything. Good luck Doris

Hello Doris. Deep sympathy. It's horrible, isn't it. Please take the tablets as prescribed. Why go on suffering? The best of luck to you.

depression can be become a prison, then it becomes a slightly comfortable prison.

Hello doris19 Welcome to the Black Dog Club! Know exactly how you feel. I do hope you feel better soon. Go to Forums/ chat/ Soops kitchen - wonderful gentle friendly place .

Dora well said, you really understand depression. All those 'helpful' people who suggest you get more exercise, go out and meet people etc. really don't have a clue. Only someone who knows you really well and understands is in a position to suggest when you are ready to be taken out of yourself for a short while. No one on here should give you such advice, we don't know you well.

Do what the doc says and be kind to yourself.

Relatively new to gransnet........is there a Black Dog Club? Many of us would benefit from having somewhere just to voice our true feelings to like minded peop!e who really do know what it's like and what we're going through...I certainly wouldn't feel as isolated.........regards to you all.

Quite agree, Nanny. There is still stigma and awkwardness talking about this horrible thing, which affects so many people. Lets start a club , to be free and chat and share tips.

I take a very low dose of Citalopram. A maintainable dose. They have made my life brighter again.

I was low in mood and worried about everything. But did not consider myself to be depressed. Was working full time without difficulty, just no enthusiasm. And worry, worry.It

I attended my GP about something unconnected and from nowhere I just dissolved into tears. The whole heap. The full works. We had a chat and I came out with my prescription. Best thing ever. It took about 4 weeks and one day I found myself uplifted.
Bear in mind that your prescription may need the dosage upped but I'm sure you probably have to return to Dr for your refill prescription.
Good luck.