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chronic depression

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Q: Chronic depression?
Does people diagnosed with Chronic depression tend to blame their loved ones for problems??? Maybe even showing their hatred.
Please just honest answers!!

A: Yes, they can. I have done that many times in the past. Most people with depression dont think that it is something they did, but want to lay blame on others. Before I started taking medication I would blame my husband and anyone else who was around. It caused great stress in my life and made the depression worse. Now I take meds and see a doctor reguarly. This is something I would suggest. It has made a world of difference. It may take time but it will work. Make sure you are always honest with your doctors and invlove loved ones if you can so that they know what you are going though and it is not intentional.

Q: Chronic Depression?
Im Not Sure If I Suffer From Chronic Depression?
How Do I Know If I Am?

A: If you find yourself constantly losing interest in activities you have a passion for,a lower sex drive and just a new introverted perspective on life theres theres a good chance you suffer from depress. Does depression run in your family? Genetics have now been linked with depression so it is quite possible that if you’ve experienced depression once before, that you’ll fall victim to it again.

If you feel you’re constantly suffering from it. See a doctor, see a therapist and get medication for it.

Things will get better they just require work.
Good luck

Q: Could chronic depression lead to a personality disorder or could it only be a symptom?
For example if someone had an obsessive personality (NOT OCD) could it have developed as a ‘protection’ against endogenous chronic depression or could it only exist as a symptom of the existing personality disorder.

A: It is generally thought that Personality Disorders are well entrenched in the mind, say set in the mind, by the age of majority. In general that would mean that if you have a Personality Disorder, it was solid in your mind by age 18.

Depression is not necessarily a Personality Disorder, but it could result from having a Personality Disorder that makes it impossible for you to fit into society right.

Q: Can a person with bipolar & chronic depression be a danger to her son?
My ex daughter in law has recently been diagnosed with bi polar and chronic depression. She is unable to obtain a job and support herself. She has my 2 year old grandson 3 days per week alone. She doesn’t act herself, talks out of her head and does things that are not normal. Her mother worries about her as well. Could she be a danger to this 2 year old grandson of mine and not mean to be? We’re really scared and worried and social services are involved but don’t seem to be doing anything much.
I’ve got a very good relationship with my ex daughter in law and care about her and support her. But she drinks, smokes marijuana and won’t see a dr. She has 4 different types of mental illness’s. My son is involved with social services and her own mother is. We all think she is dangerous to the child and herself. she’s tried to kill herself, smacks at him, runs his bath water so hot he is afraid to take a bath, can’t give him medicine, he cries when him goes home & says no. She lived with my son until the baby was 1 & since then my son has him most of the time but she’s legally allowed 3 days. She doesn’t always take them and she has lost him once before for drinking and driving with him in the car. But they continue to let him go back to stay with her some. I will stick my nose in anything that concerns the welfare of my grandson and help my son with financial needs or whatever. We’re hoping for the best for everyone. Nobody is trying to take him from her she needs supervision.

A: She needs to be put on medication for her illness. Your grandson possibly could be in danger if she doesn’t take her meds. There are a lot of factors that would come into play. Has she tried to kill herself b/4? Does she have any violence issues in her past? If she hasn’t had either of these things and is getting help – she may not be a danger. It’s a tough call..I would rather err on the side of caution, than not. Talk to her, talk to her doctor – see what he/she says.

Q: What is the Chronic Depression Awareness Month?
I’m wonder what is the Chronic Depression Awareness Month, I’ve read that it is October, then again in December, and once again in September. Please see anyone knows what the real month is let me know.

A: October = National Depression Awareness Month

http://www.nhlgc.org/LGCWebSite/RiskServices/PDFDocuments/NatlDepressionAwarenessMonth_1006.pdf

December = Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

http://panicdisorder.about.com/b/2008/12/08/seasonal-depression-awareness-month.htm

Q: I use prescription medication for chronic depression and panic attacks and adding marijuana works, is it ok?
I have effexor and xanax for chronic depression and panic attacks but it is not enough. Adding marijuana also works best; would I be a candidate for medicinal marijuana?

A: Xanax just about destroyed my husband. He had a chronic medical issue that was causing him a lot of anxiety, and a shrink he talked to prescribed Xanax to relieve the anxiety. Within 2 weeks, I was living with another person entirely. It was horrifying and scary. He became intensely paranoid and the anxiety turned to full fledged panic attacks, something he’d never had before.

He finally saw another doctor, who explained that it was most likely the Xanax. The stuff apparently has a half life, and over time, (in my husband’s case a very short time) not only are you addicted to it, but you start going through withdrawal before your next dose so symptoms worsen. Seems this doctor knew the guy who originally discovered/invented Xanax, who now wishes he’d never brought it to market…but big pharma insists is safe…

You can’t just stop taking the stuff, either, without risking full blown psychosis. You have to wean off it very, very slowly – it took my husband three months! Some doctors prescribe valium to help with the withdrawal.

Now my husband smokes weed when he feels the need for relaxation and calm. No more pharmaceutical drugs, he’s too paranoid of them now. He will never touch another “anti depressant” or “anti anxiety” drug other than pot.

I know another person who for years has very successfully combined pot and Prozac for chronic depression. Again, not a drug you can just quit taking, but doesn’t seem to have nearly the awful problems we found with Xanax.

Q: How to get help for chronic depression?
I have suffered chronic depression for years and have tried lots of things. Am taking a high dose of anti depressants, have had various counsellors, a psychologist, acupuncture etc but depression always comes back! I really don’t think I can take much more, please help if you can, thanks

A: I am depressed as well, so I know what you’re going through.
In my experience, psychologists and counsellors don’t help. Nor do antidepressants because they treat the symptoms of depression (chemical imbalance in the brain), not the cause.
It doesn’t really help telling people your problems or why you are depressed – that’s never helped my depression, I don’t know about yours though. Some people might say it’s better to get things off your chest, but in the case of chronic depression it’s not true.
What I suggest is maybe taking a week or so away from everything? Your life, your friends, your work etc. Maybe go on a retreat for meditation or holistic experience. They help you adjust your attitude to life and really think about everything that you try and run away – it’s immensely helpful. Being happy is not about havings things, e.g. money, beauty, fame, but more about your attitude and outlook on life. Fight or flight, sink or swim. Just take some time away from everything to help you think clearly, and hopefully you’ll move on. But ultimately, your attitude and what you decide to do is up to you.
I hope I helped :)

Q: what are some self help options for chronic depression?
I’ve suffered from mild depression for a few years now, it’s never been so bad I couldn’t function but I feel like life is empty. My dear friend who has studied and suffered from depression thinks I have dystymia (chronic depression). I’ve looked into it and it sounds spot on to how I am.

I don’t really have the resources to see a therapist and would prefer to go without medication. I know there must be some good self help techniques out there…

Can anyone help a sad stranger?

A: Trying to cure your depression is a Catch-22. You have to take action, but if you’re down than it’s hard to because even the thought can exhaust you. I strongly recommend seeing a professional to help you on your road to recovery.

I know that’s not what you were looking for, but please keep it in mind.

Here’s a site I found that has great information on depression self-help: http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm

This site below is used in cognitive behavior therapy. It’s basically an on line work book that helps you learn new skills to cope with depression while targeting bad thoughts and feelings:

http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

Best of Luck!!!

Q: Can someone with clinical, chronic depression claim disability?
A friend of mine has terrible depression that is controlled by medication. Even though it is being treated, she still has her good and bad days. It has affected everything in her life and she finds it difficult to work. The problem is made worse by the fact that employer after employer seems to see her problem as a character flaw. Can she claim for some kind of disability insurance? I know people who are on disability for other kinds of chronic illnesses. Does depression count?

A: It is not likely since they can try her on another medication and “talk therapy” for her depression. It is hard to prove how bad depression affects your everyday life. She would have to have a psychiatrist or 2 or 3 to say she is depressed and can not get better even with treatment and it’s hard to find 2-3 Drs that would commit to that. There is also electric shock that can be very effective for severely depressed people. Alcoholics can get disability in a heartbeat. That always ticked me off. You can’t help it if you are depressed, you didn’t do anything to get it but alcoholics choose to drink instead of getting help. Depressed people search everywhere for help but not alcoholics. I know, I have alcoholics in my family and in my husband’s family and a couple of them are on disability, Just not fair in my opinion.

Q: How do you cope with Chronic Depression, anxiety disorders, or panic attacks?
I am looking to converse with others on how they have successfully dealt with or are attempting to successfully deal with Chronic Depression, Anxiety, and Panic Disorders,

A: I feel your pain. I had suffered for many years with anxiety and panic attacks. It was horrible. Socializing was out of the question for me, I would drop where ever I was and woke up seeing strangers around me, thats how severe my panic attacks were..I went through all the phases. You name it , I had it..But thanks to god that with self discipline and prayer Im free from those illnesses. Confront your fears, there are fears that are causing you to react this way without you knowing it..start gradually, but do it, I promise you will make it through… take valerian root , it helps the process go smoother, your self-esteem is low and it causes this nurve outbursts, so say to yourself, who am I, what do I want, and what am i going to do about it…once you discipline yourself in this areas you will feel more mind empowered and will be able to walk in a straight line..if you feel an anxiety attack coming on, breath in a paper bag and don’t think on what braught you to that point. Say this and believe it, ” Im ok nothing is wrong, its just my nerves trying to control my life” repeat it and apply it. Until it becomes real to you… you will set yourself free if you make effort on your own behalf. Medications are ok, but I went through them, and there only temporary aids… your efforts are permanent. Once you discipline yourself your on your way to freedom…if your spiritual, pray ….whats impossible for mankind is possible for GOD through jesus christ….. Good luck…

Q: Do I have chronic depression or am I bipolar?
I think I might have chronic depression or be bipolar. I have bad mood swings and suicidal thoughts often. I never understand why this happens to me. My life isn’t really bad at all. I don’t have problems with school, friends, or finding a girlfriend. The only things that are really wrong with my life is that I have no relationship with my mom and I have trust issues with everyone, I don’t even trust my best friends. Help me, please?

A: the only person who can accurately classify your condition is a trained psychologist
perhaps you should talk to someone :(
good luck

Q: GIRLS: When your boyfriend tells you that he was diagnosed with chronic depression?
The title says it all.. let’s say u guys have been together for 1 year and ur bf is always shy.
then he tells u that he was diagnosed with chronic depression a few years ago.
Do u still date him?
As u already know, there’s no accurate cure for chronic depression.

A: I wouldn’t let my judgment be swayed either way. I know that clinical depression is a big deal and can sometimes make a person too insecure for an intimate relationship, but if his condition was fatal to our relationship, we wouldn’t have lasted a year and still been happy together.

Q: Has anyone experienced chronic depression/low self-esteem and how did they overcome it?
I have been experiencing chronic depression since childhood. As time goes on, I feel more and more hopeless and have been experiencing suicidal thoughts. I’ve been barely functioning all my life and have a hard time getting good professional help. I grew up in an emotionally abusive environment and have never been able to overcome my low self-esteem. I have no self-confidence, very negative thinking and am self-destructive. Additionally, I’m unassertive. Frequently I don’t even realize that someone has overstepped my boundaries or that I’ve been taken advantage of until after the fact and then I’ll beat myself up over the incident.

A: You have taken the first step which is to recognize that you could be doing something more positive. The next step is to find the tools you are looking for. One of those tools is to get a book from a local library The Six Pillars of Self Esteem by Nathaniel Branden is a classic. Talk with the chaplain at a local hospital regarding support groups and classes that they may offer. Most colleges have a counseling and guidance department free to students even if you only enroll in one or two classes at a local community college you may be able to get some help. One of those classes might be one titled assertiveness training. You evidently have web access. If there is no campus near you, there are often such classes taught online. If you are feeling down there are crisis helplines where you can talk with a counselor. Some are National Hopeline Network
National
Contact by: – Phone
Helpline 1: 1-800-784-2433
Website: www.hopeline.com
24 Hour service:
domestic issues call
1-800-799-SAFE
covenant house
1-800-999-9999 just talk
1-800-273-TALK crisis counseling
Call 911 and talk with your local sherriff’s office for help
near you. If you feel need of immediate help don’t be afraid
to call 911.
These are some ideas. I hope this helps.

Q: Can chronic depression ever be effectively treated?
I’ve read studies that the longer someone has had depression, the harder it is to treat. What about someone who has been depressed for > 2/3 of their life; can it ever be treated to a satisfactory level?
Unfortunately it’s not chronic minor, it’s chronic major.

A: Yes! Many doctors will recommend both meds and therapy. I had cognitive behavioral therapy for about 8 weeks and it really changed my outlook and thinking. I go back for occasional ‘tune ups’. While I’m still on meds, I hope to try weaning off in a year or so (with my dr’s oversight).

Once you’ve gotten over the hump of the major depression, you will find it easier to take care of yourself and get better. For example, people will say ‘just exercise more’, but when you are bouncing off rock bottom, it’s impossible to do it. The meds will help you get to a place where you can actually start exercising and doing all the other things that people who are trying to be helpful suggest.

Q: Is there any way to get over chronic depression?
According to a psychologist that I have seen, I have been in chronic depression ever since seventh grade when my mother died. I remember visiting her a lot throughout seventh grade at the hospital.
Thanks for all answers in advance!

Question #14

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A: It is sad that you lost your mother at such a young age.
I have been depressed for many years.
I think “getting over” depression may be setting the goal too high which could lead to disappointment..
Maybe you can think about reducing the depression or having more good days than bad ones.
Cherish those days when you feel not so bad.
Try to remember what put a smile on your face so you can make it happen again.
Doing these little things helps me to feel better.
I also take medications and have therapy.
I hope you have more happy days in your future.

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