Question:
I feel like I am fighting a losing battle w/depression.....

I am 8 months out, and the depression I have battled since I was 13 is worse again, though nothing like I've fought before. I've had my meds changes(to regular Effexor) and that seems to help some. But with the stress of the custody battle about my son, the holidays, being at a new, lower paying job, having bills up to my eyebrows, etc. doesn't seem to help. Each day the thought of getting up and going to work gets harder and harder. I don't want to lose my job, but with my son's problems, my husbands irritability, and everything I'm afraid I'm going to lose it......You're the only ones I feel like I can talk to.....HELP Donna in AL    — Donna S. C. (posted on November 27, 2001)

November 26, 2001
I'm sorry to hear you're having a tough time. It really does seem sometimes like challenges in life can be overwhelming, especially when they all hit at once. Just like you had to do something "extreme" to get your weight under control, you may have to do something extreme to get your depression under control. My advice is to SIMPLIFY your life. For example, if you have serious financial problems, consider a bankruptcy or consumer credit counseling (if you have debt). Cancel services you don't need to reduce your bills (i.e. cancel some services on your phone, cancel your cable or cancel your Internet if you don't use it much). This will instantly reduce stress in that part of your life. If you're not happy in your work, consider changing jobs. If your biggest concern is that you want to make more money, consider getting more education in order to do so. To reduce holiday stress, don't accept invitations to parties and events associated with this time of year, and consider giving your son cash for Christmas rather than gifts. Let him do his own Christmas shopping (if he's old enough). My mom did this one year, and we LOVED it. (Do you realize how much $50 means to a young child???) I don't know what you can do about the custody battle thing, except ride it out ... but at least you have options in other parts of your life. It is important that you get your life under control NOW, because depression can lead to suicide, and that's the MOST extreme solution (if you can call it that). Everything else I have recommended is small beans compared to that. *HUGS* from your friends at AMOS. You'll make it!
   — [Anonymous]

November 26, 2001
I understand your feelings. I've had depression ALL my life, even as a child and it is, in some ways, worse now. I don't think it's the WLS, it just that sometimes things gang up on you. It would be MUCH worse if I did'nt have the anti depressants. If you are not on them, please look into it.
   — [Anonymous]

November 26, 2001
Having bills through the nose can make anyone lose their mind when other things are going on. Have you ever considered bankruptcy? No one ever wants to do it, but sometimes it needs to be done. I know, I've been there. I filed bankruptcy over 10 years ago. It's off my credit now, but even when it was on, it really didn't hinder me from anything. BUT - when I had all the bills just "go away" - it was like lifting a 2 ton elephant off my chest. Without that hanging over my head, I could now handle everything else in my life. It was the best thing I could have done for myself at that time. It's not difficult to do. Attorney fees are small - $200. And you are left with no bills. You can keep your house. You can keep your car. Sometimes, you have to start with that you CAN do something about. Then, other things fall in place.
   — [Anonymous]

November 27, 2001
Heavens, girl, if I had all your problems, I'd be depressed too! Presumably, you have a psychiatrist prescribing your antidepressant... but do you have seeing a therapist so that you can talk about your problems? This board is fine, but not for what ails you. Nothing will change in your life until you DO something to change things. You can't begin to DO anything about your problems while you are in the state you are in now. Call your pcp or your psychiatrist and let them know that you are overburdened with personal problems and you need counselling. Please do this today...now...you need a skilled therapist to help you sort out your feelings.
   — [Anonymous]

November 27, 2001
I think you need to first look at what you have been eating lately. Too many carbs? That could add to the problem. Then you need to look into getting some professional help. I know that most insurance companies offer a certain amount of visits a year to a CSW (certified social worker). It is also a good time to think about yourself instead of everyone else. Talking it over with someone does not solve your problems, but helps you cope with them more easily. Depression is real and awful. It may require many changes to overcome it not just one grand solution. The Best of Luck!!!!
   — Tara J.