Depression

[∞]

I've come to realize how low I am. Throughout my day in school I can't even hold a fucking conversation. I have an extremely low self esteem (especially on RL, where I always feel I'm arguing with someone smarter than me). I can't talk to a girl without blushing nor can make friends or girlfriends or any social extensions. I'm a pariah, no one I know gives two shits about engaging in political discussion. So I spend my lunch/break reading in the hallway, and even worse people mock me for it. I come home, study, eat, nap and RevLeft. I feel so empty. Usually apathetic but some nights I cry myself to sleep. Is this what my life will be? I wish I could be involved with comrades, but none. I may not be a social creature but I'm so alone and ignored...

[¿Que?]

I've come to realize how low I am. Throughout my day in school I can't even hold a fucking conversation. I have an extremely low self esteem (especially on RL, where I always feel I'm arguing with someone smarter than me). I can't talk to a girl without blushing nor can make friends or girlfriends or any social extensions. I'm a pariah, no one I know gives two shits about engaging in political discussion. So I spend my lunch/break reading in the hallway, and even worse people mock me for it. I come home, study, eat, nap and RevLeft. I feel so empty. Usually apathetic but some nights I cry myself to sleep. Is this what my life will be? I wish I could be involved with comrades, but none. I may not be a social creature but I'm so alone and ignored...
You sound like you might be in high school, which is generally a difficult time for most people. You don't "fit in" and have problems meeting people. This is actually normal and quite common. You should consider that people your age tend to be really dumb, and your problems may stem from you being unable to connect with that level of ignorance (I don't know how old you are, but you're no doubt younger than me). Some of the people on this forum have advanced degrees, or have spent a greater part of their lives committed to studying revolutionary theory. It's understandable that you feel a little insecure. Part of it comes from knowing what you're good at. Focus on those things, but don't lose sight of your weaknesses.

The best way to overcome social anxiety is to practice being social. It doesn't happen overnight. It is more of like a skill or a subject, that you work at and study, mess up, pick yourself up again, and try again. Test your boundaries, but don't push limits. Eventually it gets easier. You may not notice drastic changes between today and yesterday, but in a year, you can look back and see that you've really made progress. It also doesn't hurt to have someone that will consistently support you, but challenge you at the same time. Some therapists are pretty good at this, but also there are teachers and even regular working people that can fulfill this role.

Try to develop a game plan. You'll want to talk to someone about this stuff and to clarify and fine tune your game plan. Then you do what you said you were going to do. Then you talk about what went well and what didn't, come up with a new game plane and repeat.

[Os Cangaceiros]

It doesn't really sound like your depressed to me...it just sounds like your life kinda sucks, and that fact is making you sad. Depression is a whole other story...that's when you're morose and withdrawn even when things are going relatively well in your life. My mother has it pretty bad, and that shit sucks.

Luckily your situation seems easier to solve. Although I don't feel that I know enough about your situation to give you advice on it. I could say "be more social", but I know that it can be pretty meaningless to hear from people in real life, let alone over the internet. One thing that someone told me in college, and is true in high school too is that you only need to befriend and get to know one person, and that usually opens up a whole network of other people who are potential friends.

(Unless that person has no friends either. Then you're pretty much screwed.)

[Quail]

I've come to realize how low I am. Throughout my day in school I can't even hold a fucking conversation. I have an extremely low self esteem (especially on RL, where I always feel I'm arguing with someone smarter than me). I can't talk to a girl without blushing nor can make friends or girlfriends or any social extensions. I'm a pariah, no one I know gives two shits about engaging in political discussion. So I spend my lunch/break reading in the hallway, and even worse people mock me for it. I come home, study, eat, nap and RevLeft. I feel so empty. Usually apathetic but some nights I cry myself to sleep. Is this what my life will be? I wish I could be involved with comrades, but none. I may not be a social creature but I'm so alone and ignored...

Maybe you should see a doctor and get referred to a counsellor or something to work on your self-esteem and confidence?

I'm a little like you in that all I do at the moment is spend time online, studying, caring for my son, etc, and I used to be really creative but when my mood drops I tend to just go through the motions of the day without really getting anything from it.

School is difficult for everyone, but it sounds like you're having a worse than average experience. I was a bit like that in school. I didn't have many friends and spent a lot of time on my own. Even if it doesn't feel like it now, things will get better. Perhaps you should try and force yourself to do something you wouldn't normally do each day, like smile at someone or talk to someone you don't know very well. (That was something I tried, and I did mke some friends out of it.)

[scarletghoul]

i know how you mfeel mate just start drinkking it really helps

[∞]

Thanks to everyone except scarletghoul

[Widerstand]

i know how you mfeel mate just start drinkking it really helps


Thanks to evreyone except scarletghoul

I love you both :laugh::laugh::laugh:

Though I'm sorry I can't be helpful, I haven't quite managed to fix my own depression yet.

[IndependentCitizen]

Well, I suffer from Borderline personality disorder. So I naturally suffer from anxiety, depression, panic attacks and the what not.

Depression in the teenage years is actually completely natural, and normal. It just happens, depression can be feelings of sadness that's deep in your mind, and not at the front. So you usually cannot figure out what's causing it. Try talking to someone, I know how it feels. PM me, and just talk about random shit, it really helps talking to someone you don't know, and has been in a similar situation. My experience is that I have 1-2 episodes of major depression each year.

Last year was the worst, I tried ODing, and I've found ways to cope since.

The right thing to do right now is to talk to someone. Make sure they're not in your life personally, try and find a forum. Or if you want - me. I know how it's like, and I can try to help.

My advice would be to continue with your daily routine, don't make drastic changes just yet. Do you have a bicycle by any chance? Ride it, go into the countryside. Get an MP3 player blasting, slap on a helmet and go bomb down some hills! I found this really helped, the countryside in the UK isn't that great, but being out doors was actually so relaxing. Sometimes real fresh air can help.

Write a story - I love reading, and I found writing small novels of my personal fantasies whatever they may be really helped. They give me a sense of hope, but at the same time the enjoyment of being eccentric with my imagination, this is also a way to get things out of your head, and bringing deep memories and such to the front. Such as great times with your family and friends, holidays, your first girlfriend and etc. I actually begun to find my own problems through writing, and I wrote them in my journal, and gave me a sense of relief because I've found something that could be the problem. Of course, it wasn't :P And mine's a disorder. Yours actually sounds like typical teenage depression, so the chances are. You can get your head out of the wrong state of mind, and look into the future, and see yourself still there.

Give me a shout if you wanna talk, I love helping people, and believe I'm a good listener :) so PM me, and we can just chat via that. And don't worry, I won't laugh, or judge and most certainly won't tell anyone (Which, I can't anyway I have no friends on here :blushing:)

[Jazzratt]

Depression really kicks the shit out of you.

I've been depressed in the past and it's made me barely functional as a person. I can interact with and even get on with people but I can't leave my goddamn bed when I get like that - I cease to function as an adult human being and regress to some kind of childish parasite fuckwit. I think that, recently, I'm going back there.

My advice, personally, is seek professional help. Usually you'll be put on some kind of medication and, if you're anything like me, be very sceptical of it. Don't be. It's pretty effacacious stuff in my experience, especially when coupled with other therapies.

EDIT: Didn't notice the post above me. Sorry to inject levity and a sense of chit-chatty offtopicness but:


the countryside in the UK isn't that great

Dude, you live near the fucking Downs. The countryside there is great.

[IndependentCitizen]

Depression really kicks the shit out of you.

I've been depressed in the past and it's made me barely functional as a person. I can interact with and even get on with people but I can't leave my goddamn bed when I get like that - I cease to function as an adult human being and regress to some kind of childish parasite fuckwit. I think that, recently, I'm going back there.

My advice, personally, is seek professional help. Usually you'll be put on some kind of medication and, if you're anything like me, be very sceptical of it. Don't be. It's pretty effacacious stuff in my experience, especially when coupled with other therapies.

EDIT: Didn't notice the post above me. Sorry to inject levity and a sense of chit-chatty offtopicness but:



Dude, you live near the fucking Downs. The countryside there is great.

Not when you live on them, I've been here for 15 years, it's incredibly boring down here. I want to explore more, would love to hit up Scottish countryside.

[Tjis]

Sunlight, exercise and doing things you're good at all help against depression. You could also join an organization of some kind, or do volunteer work. Helping others is great, makes you feel useful and expands your social circle too.

[Reznov]

Start running. No serouisly, running makes you feel ten times better then your current

And then when you go to school and a conversation begins, say that you like to run and ask the person if they like to go jogging.

If they say yes, say that you two should go running together.

[∞]

Thanks to all of you, and sure Independent citizen..anytime.

[∞]

Its not just that I feel like someone is smarter than me I assume I am wrong. Even today with my teacher we were arguing and all he said was "Our country was founded on a free market system, yeah ipads." I was quiet. I could've easily said "Innovation is a given and can be acquired easier in a classless society." Or "Our Keynesian economy is mere proof that on how we can't have real capitalism. Even Reagan had protectionist policies>" But no, I sat there and figuratively took it up the ass.

[¿Que?]

Its not just that I feel like someone is smarter than me I assume I am wrong. Even today with my teacher we were arguing and all he said was "Our country was founded on a free market system, yeah ipads." I was quiet. I could've easily said "Innovation is a given and can be acquired easier in a classless society." Or "Our Keynesian economy is mere proof that on how we can't have real capitalism. Even Reagan had protectionist policies>" But no, I sat there and figuratively took it up the ass.
...Why not something like, "Mr. Douchebag, in reference to our conversation earlier where you said our country was founded on free market principles..."

[∞]

...Why not something like, "Mr. Douchebag, in reference to our conversation earlier where you said our country was founded on free market principles..."

I don't have the courage, my self confidence is utter shit.

[¿Que?]

I don't have the courage, my self confidence is utter shit.
Then you need to start picking fights (arguments not real fights) with dumb people who you disagree with. I know, this sounds like a totally crass and heartless thing to do, but I went to your youtube channel, and based on some other posts you made, you are absolutely not unintelligent. So, find some stupid people that you would consider "easy targets" and practice on them to get your confidence up.

Then when that gets repetitive or whatever, try taking it up a notch. Find some people who seem a little smarter or more confident. Try to get comfortable debating them. And keep going until you can confidently face up to an authority figure.

Also, do a lot of self analysis. Don't think of yourself as the greatest thing since Marx and Engels, but sometimes a little ego can help you. I find that I read a lot of stuff that I have written out of pure egotistical pleasure, but in doing so, I am also noticing where my arguments are weak, which claims I am making need to be substantiated, what areas should I be focusing on more and so on.

Your teacher is older, which immediately makes him (in all likelihood) more confident, more familiar with typical lefty counter arguments, and more experience at the psychological dimension associated with debate. It's natural that you're feeling insecure, because that's part of his strategy.

But another approach you could take is to just face up to him, knowing you'll be defeated. Then you go home, get your facts straight, confront him again, get your ass whooped, go home, get your facts straight and so on and so on. This way may instill in you a more pronounced cynicism, but you're bound to eventually get in a good shot. And when you do, you'll feel like king shit of crap town.

[∞]

Then you need to start picking fights (arguments not real fights) with dumb people who you disagree with. I know, this sounds like a totally crass and heartless thing to do, but I went to your youtube channel, and based on some other posts you made, you are absolutely not unintelligent. So, find some stupid people that you would consider "easy targets" and practice on them to get your confidence up.

Then when that gets repetitive or whatever, try taking it up a notch. Find some people who seem a little smarter or more confident. Try to get comfortable debating them. And keep going until you can confidently face up to an authority figure.

Also, do a lot of self analysis. Don't think of yourself as the greatest thing since Marx and Engels, but sometimes a little ego can help you. I find that I read a lot of stuff that I have written out of pure egotistical pleasure, but in doing so, I am also noticing where my arguments are weak, which claims I am making need to be substantiated, what areas should I be focusing on more and so on.

Your teacher is older, which immediately makes him (in all likelihood) more confident, more familiar with typical lefty counter arguments, and more experience at the psychological dimension associated with debate. It's natural that you're feeling insecure, because that's part of his strategy.

But another approach you could take is to just face up to him, knowing you'll be defeated. Then you go home, get your facts straight, confront him again, get your ass whooped, go home, get your facts straight and so on and so on. This way may instill in you a more pronounced cynicism, but you're bound to eventually get in a good shot. And when you do, you'll feel like king shit of crap town.

This is the most useful thing I've ever read.
Thank you so much, I swear (though hes a nice guy) I'm going to hand his ass over to him.

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

My personal experience with depression is that you speak to a professional about it. Genuine depression is not something that you discuss with friends on the internet, it is a life or death problem that you see a doctor for.

[∞]

My personal experience with depression is that you speak to a professional about it. Genuine depression is not something that you discuss with friends on the internet, it is a life or death problem that you see a doctor for.

Why not? This mutual aid and DIY. Btw I spoke to a psychologist once...he said I was depressed. This was 2 years ago.

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

Why not? This mutual aid and DIY. Btw I spoke to a psychologist once...he said I was depressed. This was 2 years ago.
When I was depressed, I needed to see a doctor. Clinical depression led me to that, the internet did not help me.

That's my own experience and the advice I gave was based on that.

[∞]

When I was depressed, I needed to see a doctor. Clinical depression led me to that, the internet did not help me.

That's my own experience and the advice I gave was based on that.

I'm quite sure there is severities in depression mate.

[Aurora]

Some good advice in this thread, exercise is a great one and comrade if it gets really bad you shouldnt feel ashamed of goin to a doctor about it, i wish i had done that when i was 16, but ya alot of people at your age go through normal teenage depression, the problem in my experience is the longer it goes on the more difficult it is to fix until you feel you cant help yourself.
Depressed people tend to magnify negatives and shrink positives, i'd suggest that you set yourself goals to try to reinforce positives so for example if your into running set yourself a goal of running a certain distance a couple days a week (make sure its something you can do) and eventually your confidence will go up as your able to exercise control over your reality.


i know how you mfeel mate just start drinkking it really helps
Get a fucking grip

[¿Que?]

Some good advice in this thread, exercise is a great one and comrade if it gets really bad you shouldnt feel ashamed of goin to a doctor about it, i wish i had done that when i was 16, but ya alot of people at your age go through normal teenage depression, the problem in my experience is the longer it goes on the more difficult it is to fix until you feel you cant help yourself.
Depressed people tend to magnify negatives and shrink positives, i'd suggest that you set yourself goals to try to reinforce positives so for example if your into running set yourself a goal of running a certain distance a couple days a week (make sure its something you can do) and eventually your confidence will go up as your able to exercise control over your reality.


Get a fucking grip
Even taking into considerations all the scientific evidence showing how fitness inversely correlates with depression, it would only be a necessary condition to overcome depression. Personally, I wouldn't even think it strictly necessary.

In this case, I think the root cause of the depression is loneliness and feelings of inadequacy. These seemed to be caused by lack of social skills, which reinforces the loneliness and depression, reinforcing the lack of social skills etc. Exercise, or certain medications, or even a person who consistently "has your back" all can play crucial roles in breaking the cycle. At the same time, though, one has to make a conscious effort to improve social skills. This involves taking some time to consider social cues, and moments when ones own behavior is at odds with the socially acceptable response to such cues. If someone says to you, "Hello," and you respond, "Jellyfish," then clearly this is not a correct response to the initial cue, and thus will cause confusion and difficulty making a connection. Obviously, most social cues are much more subtle, but they're there. Posture, tone, facial expressions, word choice, innuendo, all these can indicate indirect expressions of approval or disapproval. Being attuned to this can mean the difference between a fulfilling or dissatisfying social interaction.

[Weezer]

I've come to realize how low I am. Throughout my day in school I can't even hold a fucking conversation. I have an extremely low self esteem (especially on RL, where I always feel I'm arguing with someone smarter than me). I can't talk to a girl without blushing nor can make friends or girlfriends or any social extensions. I'm a pariah, no one I know gives two shits about engaging in political discussion. So I spend my lunch/break reading in the hallway, and even worse people mock me for it. I come home, study, eat, nap and RevLeft. I feel so empty. Usually apathetic but some nights I cry myself to sleep. Is this what my life will be? I wish I could be involved with comrades, but none. I may not be a social creature but I'm so alone and ignored...


Now I feel like shit getting into a sectarian shitfest with you earlier.

My advice is to join some sort of club or activity outside of school, or hang out with anyone you know but aren't really friends with yet.

I know what it feels like to have no friends, went through some shit last year, it's goddamned terrible.

As for girls, there's not much I can say except go for it. If you want to ask someone out, just do it. I don't know your situation exactly, but I hope this help.

[Amphictyonis]

Holden Caulfield.

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

I'm quite sure there is severities in depression mate.
I was drunk and being pedantic; ignore me!

[Widerstand]

So, I'm wondering... I have this referral which enables me to see a psychotherapist and have public healthcare pay for it. I may get some therapy session, or at least drugs. Now I have two issues with this: For one, I'm way to angsty to get an appointment, and I would probably be too angsty to open up. Secondly, I distrust prescribed mood-altering drugs. I guess it's a bit paranoid, but I always view them as a crowd control device, designed to keep people in line.

What to do? Just suck my fears up and go, or just stick it out and hope I can combat my depression through other means (exercise and socializing)?

[Tjis]

So, I'm wondering... I have this referral which enables me to see a psychotherapist and have public healthcare pay for it. I may get some therapy session, or at least drugs. Now I have two issues with this: For one, I'm way to angsty to get an appointment, and I would probably be too angsty to open up. Secondly, I distrust prescribed mood-altering drugs. I guess it's a bit paranoid, but I always view them as a crowd control device, designed to keep people in line.

What to do? Just suck my fears up and go, or just stick it out and hope I can combat my depression through other means (exercise and socializing)?

They can't force you to take medicine. If you distrust one, just tell your therapist that you'd like find out what it does.

Just go. Maybe it will go right, maybe it won't. But you have absolutely nothing to lose. You're not committing to drugs or therapies you don't want to do, and if you don't like him/her, you can just never go back after your first session (though I'd at least give them another chance). So just go and see how it goes.

[LebenIstKrieg]

I've come to realize how low I am. Throughout my day in school I can't even hold a fucking conversation. I have an extremely low self esteem (especially on RL, where I always feel I'm arguing with someone smarter than me). I can't talk to a girl without blushing nor can make friends or girlfriends or any social extensions. I'm a pariah, no one I know gives two shits about engaging in political discussion. So I spend my lunch/break reading in the hallway, and even worse people mock me for it. I come home, study, eat, nap and RevLeft. I feel so empty. Usually apathetic but some nights I cry myself to sleep. Is this what my life will be? I wish I could be involved with comrades, but none. I may not be a social creature but I'm so alone and ignored...
Dude, I went through the same shit Usually depression is a symptom of internalised anger which causes an intense feeling of helplessness. I alleviated it by going to watch screamo bands and Moshing which usually put me in conversation with like minded people. (boxing also helps to) :)

[Widerstand]

I alleviated it by going to watch screamo bands and Moshing which usually put me in conversation with like minded people. (boxing also helps to) :)

How the fuck do people have convos at concerts? I mean really, how? When, why?

[LebenIstKrieg]

How the fuck do people have convos at concerts? I mean really, how? When, why? I'm not talking about seeing bands with quite a large following i.e 30,000 people. I'm talking about like bars and clubs For example http://www.whiterabbituk.com/.

[Widerstand]

Yeah I am too.

[LebenIstKrieg]

Yeah I am too. Lounge? I'm assuming this guys got friends to go hang out at places, If not what I'm saying means fuck all.:lol:

[Meridian]

Depression is not something that is equal with everybody. Of course we are often told that because of medical stuff, psychologists wanting to theorize, etc. But for example, some people sleep a shitload when they are depressed. Other people will hardly sleep at all.

Some people will 'get cured' of their depression once they gain some friends, or get out more, or take drugs, or talk to a psychologist. Others get cured by things that may not be as commonly thought of, such as finding some very rewarding activity.

[Widerstand]

Lounge? I'm assuming this guys got friends to go hang out at places, If not what I'm saying means fuck all.:lol:

Ugh, I guess I can see how it works in theory, thing is, or was with me at least, that I knew no one that listened to the kinda music I listen to (Screamo and Hardcore Punk), ergo no one to go with me, and that I'm extremely shy and socially awkward, so randomly talking to ppl at concerts was out of question.

[LebenIstKrieg]

Ugh, I guess I can see how it works in theory, thing is, or was with me at least, that I knew no one that listened to the kinda music I listen to (Screamo and Hardcore Punk), ergo no one to go with me, and that I'm extremely shy and socially awkward, so randomly talking to ppl at concerts was out of question.
Ah, I see I had a number of people who I had grown up with who I could full back upon If things got emotionally messy. it was just the confidence of having someone to go back to.

[Amphictyonis]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absurdism

[Apoi_Viitor]

See a doctor!

They'll help you, I promise.

[Iskalla]

Maybe you need something more within your control outside politics and school. I find any kind of escapism, including things I don't fully understand to be beneficial. I enjoy my work, I love reading and writing and so long as my mind is occupied I feel generally ok, or at least like things are at arms length. I sometimes lose my appetite or get a bit short tempered still, and if I allowed myself to I could easily slide into a depression, but whatever. You might just need a complete loss of ego, stop feeling the need to be right, acknowledge the insecurities everybody else inevitably has and embrace your own. How many other people do you know with as much drive to learn as you? At least your conscious about your situation.

I can't recommend it because I don't know you well enough, but weed has got me through some of my lowest points better than anything else. Not just smoking it, but opening my eyes to the real nature of prohibition and the historic, baseless prejudice against those than condone it. Just inhale, exhale and blow all the problems out of your mind, or at least see them from a new perspective.

[ContrarianLemming]

I really hate this forum sometimes, other times like this I like the people I'm surrounded by, you gents.

When I was 16 I was very similar, though for less usual reasons. I never had a close friend or a girlfriend, I disliked my fellow classmates, I thought they were stupid (I was extremely political then to) and ignorant of the world, I rarely had proper conversations with them and they rarely thought a thing of me, I was sort of invisible and just kept to myself during most of my childhood and teenagery.
I don't think it was a teenage thing, depression and such, I came to simply see it as being part of my personality, which was a mistake, because you should never grow comfortable with things about yourself that you don't even like, you shouldn't get used to them.

I wish I could give you proper advice - I still am not sure as to why I felt this way - because how you feel seems so similar, but how I got through it isn't something I'd advise to anyone, which was do nothing and simply wait till I was an adult, till then I'd just play my piano and read about the world. I didn't even notice that my personality had slowly changed and I started going to school more often instead of skipping it or wishing to drop out.

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

I really hate this forum sometimes, other times like this I like the people I'm surrounded by, you gents.

When I was 16 I was very similar, though for less usual reasons. I never had a close friend or a girlfriend, I disliked my fellow classmates, I thought they were stupid (I was extremely political then to) and ignorant of the world, I rarely had proper conversations with them and they rarely thought a thing of me, I was sort of invisible and just kept to myself during most of my childhood and teenagery.
I don't think it was a teenage thing, depression and such, I came to simply see it as being part of my personality, which was a mistake, because you should never grow comfortable with things about yourself that you don't even like, you shouldn't get used to them.

I wish I could give you proper advice - I still am not sure as to why I felt this way - because how you feel seems so similar, but how I got through it isn't something I'd advise to anyone, which was do nothing and simply wait till I was an adult, till then I'd just play my piano and read about the world. I didn't even notice that my personality had slowly changed and I started going to school more often instead of skipping it or wishing to drop out.
Its incredibly common for teens to feel like that, dude. I still feel 'outside' at uni, and what I've learnt to do is value people who don't necessarily fit in, as they are usually deep and interesting people. That includes valuing yourself and your own ability to look at the world. You were right in a sense to get used to your own ways, it is important to try and feel comfortable in your own skin. The more you hate aspects of your own personality, the more damage you will do to your own well-being. And the fact that you felt like an outsider or whatever was beyond your control, you didn't choose to be a certain way.

What I think is the best way to cope with this kind of thing is to take up a creative hobby, in order to channel your emotions in a productive manner. Play guitar, paint, sculpt or whatever; its always nice knowing that when you're completely pissed off with the world, you can pick up a guitar or a paint brush and express your emotions productively. Many of our greatest artists were introverts, or excluded from reality at some point etc etc.

This might be bad advice, but I can relate to a lot of the problems in this thread. The real point, for me, is to learn to value yourself, even if nobody else does, and to do whatever it takes to appreciate your value (i.e. creative hobbies).

[IndependentCitizen]

So, I'm wondering... I have this referral which enables me to see a psychotherapist and have public healthcare pay for it. I may get some therapy session, or at least drugs. Now I have two issues with this: For one, I'm way to angsty to get an appointment, and I would probably be too angsty to open up. Secondly, I distrust prescribed mood-altering drugs. I guess it's a bit paranoid, but I always view them as a crowd control device, designed to keep people in line.

What to do? Just suck my fears up and go, or just stick it out and hope I can combat my depression through other means (exercise and socializing)?
I take fluxeotine, It really does help. I've not had any side effects either, so I suggest if it doesn't get better, then get a prescription.

And yeah, exercise really can help. I took up MMA in a difficult period of my life, and it really helps.

[Quail]

So, I'm wondering... I have this referral which enables me to see a psychotherapist and have public healthcare pay for it. I may get some therapy session, or at least drugs. Now I have two issues with this: For one, I'm way to angsty to get an appointment, and I would probably be too angsty to open up. Secondly, I distrust prescribed mood-altering drugs. I guess it's a bit paranoid, but I always view them as a crowd control device, designed to keep people in line.

What to do? Just suck my fears up and go, or just stick it out and hope I can combat my depression through other means (exercise and socializing)?

I take citalopram, and it does help for anxiety, but not so much my mood. Had my dose increased today though, so perhaps it'll get better. Often with anti-depressants you might have to take several until you find one that suits you, so if you do give it a go, be sure to bring up anything you don't like about the drug.

I would go and see the psychotherapist. You have nothing to lose by trying. The thing I find that holds me back most is that some mental health professionals say inappropriate things ("What, you have an eating disorder? But you're not that thin!" etc) or they just don't have the right personality for me to open up to. Again, if you do take the opportunity to see a therpist, if you don't like the therapist you should ask if you can see someone else. Sometimes you really have to hassle the mental health services, but it can definitely be worthwhile to see someone.

[Jazzratt]

Sometimes you really have to hassle the mental health services, but it can definitely be worthwhile to see someone. Aye, this is really the case. Unfortunately my experiences with it at the minute are...less than ideal because I'm fairly sure I have social anxiety disorder [I was diagnosed a few years ago and treatment just sort of stopped when I got a job. Since then I've fallen back into exactly the same behaviours and feelings] which is inconduicive to that sort of thing. It doesn't help that I always feel like my depression isn't that serious and I should just "man up" [for want of a better term] or that it's simply pathologising being a bit sad; this despite the fact I know and have experienced it making me unable to cope with everyday life.

My fluoxetine ran out and I'm terrified of going back to my GP because I missed an apointment there and each passing day makes the fear worse. I'm meant to have seen my GP about being signed off ill, but the same problem arises. I've a rapidly dwindling amount of money in my bank account and I have still yet to go to the jobcentre, again because anxeity overwhelms me every time I try.

This appears to have turned into a bit of a pour your heart out style rant, but I think these may be problems that others posting in this thread have faced/are facing so it could be orth getting advice on that level.

[Quail]

Aye, this is really the case. Unfortunately my experiences with it at the minute are...less than ideal because I'm fairly sure I have social anxiety disorder [I was diagnosed a few years ago and treatment just sort of stopped when I got a job. Since then I've fallen back into exactly the same behaviours and feelings] which is inconduicive to that sort of thing. It doesn't help that I always feel like my depression isn't that serious and I should just "man up" [for want of a better term] or that it's simply pathologising being a bit sad; this despite the fact I know and have experienced it making me unable to cope with everyday life.

I think that's definitely quite a normal feeling. It's easy to trivialise you're own feelings as "not that bad" because there's always someone who is worse, but if it's causing a big problem and disrupting your life, then it is serious enough to warrant help.

[Aurora]

I'm terrified of going back to my GP because I missed an apointment there and each passing day makes the fear worse.
I think you should call him/her and explain why you missed it man, i once missed an appointment with a therapist because i literally was so depressed i couldn't get out of bed but i texted him afterwards and he was really understanding. Obviously it depends on your GP's personality but if its causing you anxiety and keeping you from your prozac its worth a shot and sure i dont think they're allowed to bar you anyway :p

[The Idler]

Capitalism = Alienation.
Get along to a left meeting/conference and meet some like-minded people.

[Decolonize The Left]

In general, if you choose to deal with your depression/anxiety outside of the hospital and medication you should try to do the following:
- Lots of exercise, stay active in your daily doings as best you can
- Drink lots of water
- Do not drink alcohol or do drugs
- Don't drink a lot of coffee/smoke cigarettes
- Eat as healthily as possible
- Be as creative as possible

I know a lot of these options aren't feasible, but it's the best possible solution for dealing with depression on your own and without medication. You just need to remember that there are a lot of people who care and have similar experiences and you are not alone. Others can help but they need to know you need help - so don't be afraid to ask. If you feel you need professional help, you probably do. Seek it out as best you can or have someone do that for you.

Remember that we are conditioned animals and what we do conditions how we feel and vice-versa. Take power where you can and use it to better yourself.

- August

[∞]

I guess I feel like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zULkTzSNwo&feature=fvhl

[ContrarianLemming]

I do find it somewhat comforting to see that such a great number you regular fellows I've interacted a decent few times all have problems of your own, I know it sounds peculiar but it's nice to not be alone, panic disorders, social anxiety, borderline disrorder,

I've got Delayed sleep phase syndrome myself (which is why I am often awake so very early) and if statistics are to be trusted, atleast half the people you pass on the street are suffering from something, whether serious or minor.

[Rousedruminations]

Depression is a terrible plague on the heart and mind of youngsters, teens, adults and the elderly yet solace and comfort can be found in music, philosophy or any other means which may give you a peaceful and positive end. I've been a battler of depression (extreme) for many years and it started when i was about 16 although much of it stems from my unfavourable past (childhood). Over many years i have found several things which can help mitigate depression.

- Realize that you are not alone in this struggle and its probably a phase that many people go through..

- Investigate different avenues to mitgate its domination over you.

- You are unique and so the core of your character may not be of any relevance to people in mainstream society, making you feel alone which is why u probably jump on rev-left every night as a greater amount of understanding can be achieved here than if you were to feel alienated by being around those that ' mock ' you.

- Music can be a source of tranquilty (for me anyway)

- Philosophy

- Meditation

- Exercise ( maybe go to the gym)

- Long solitary walks along the beach /forest some where serene and beautiful

- The benefits of having a lasting and loving bond with partner will also help

.. basically anything non-material (abstract) that can make you forget your own painful reality for just a moment in time everyday .. (i.e nothing detrimental to your health (smoking/drinking/ excessive partying/drugs) )

Hope this helps mate, at least i tried lol :)

[ellipsis]

I remember high school sucked for me too, but after highschool and even after college my life and happiness improved as I made and continue to make my way in this crazy world of ours. Best advice I can give you is to not stay in and think about how much things suck but get out of the house more, for walks or biking or sports or whatever helps you unwind. Exercise releases endorphins which make you happy or at least feel good.