Comments on: How to alleviate symptoms of depression

on 4/3/2008 As I am sitting here reading this I am falling asleep. Sleeping is my way of avoiding everything. Don't pay bills,don't clean the house,don't do the laundry. Either cry or sleep. Those are my choices today. I am on medications. In fact I'm at the Highest amount of medication that my dr. feels comfortable giving me, EST (electric Shock)treatments are now suggested.I am scared of those treatmenst and the memory that it will take away .I am scared of depression. It can just creep up on me , and make me do nothing or have no interest in nothing. My Daughter is upset at me, because I am unable to do anything Depression really sucks Chronic Pain does also . They literally suck Your life away.

on 2/29/2008 PaulasPieces: you're absolutely right. Depression can be completely debilitating. There are steps that can be taken, such as enrolling in therapy to change your thinking that may contribute to the worst days. There are some good self help books/workbooks out there if you're not comfortable with a therapist. Also, medications can help to stabilize your brain chemistry to a point, but working on your thinking is an important part as well. Coming up with a proactive plan, for the days that are bad, to keep them from turning to the worst days. Maybe this is over simplification and hopefully I'm not invalidating your experience. If not helpful for you, these tips may be helpful for others.

on 2/23/2008 Everything you say is true. But when you're depressed you CAN'T!
I've been there. I'm still there.It started when I was a kid and just keeps going.
I've spent months unable to get out of bed. Had to watch my children take care of everything...the twins were 17 & my youngest was 10. That was 10 yrs ago.
I've been through it all and now there are bad days and worse days. For some there are no answers.

on 1/26/2008 Thanks for the information. It is a big suprize how much lack of sleep can affect you. Want to find out how much? Just get a good night of sleep and find out what a difference it makes.