Dysthymia

[ArcticWind]

What is your experience with fighting against prolonged depression?
I'm fighting this battle for a very long time, and I wish I could find the inner strength to defeat it. The thing is that I grew used to it, and I find it hard to remember how things were before.
As strangely as it may sound, there are times when I find comfort in my gloomy state. I find it problematic to be enthusiastic about things. There aren't many things that can make me joyfull. Seeing my loved ones happy is the most consistent source of joy.
The truth is that I find this world very limited, in what joys it can offer.
The truth is I need to change my state of mind, because I fear it will affect my future. I can't see myself beeing a good housband and father with my current limitations.
I don't have the right to be resentful of God for the challenges he brought in my life. As I comfortably write this post from work, there are people who suffer and get killed for their belief in God. I just want to find a way to feel lasting happines, I want my soul to feel fulfilment, I know that what I'm asking is not much for a God that created things much more complex than I can dream of understanding.
The problem is me. I know that God is the answer to my emptiness. I wish my belief in Him would be unwielding even in times of dispare.
If I'm going to be completely healed in this life, it must come by His hand, because I can't see a possibile way to get out of it by myself.
What is your experience with prolonged depression, and what gives you the strenght to move forward, in the hope for a better tomorrow?

 

[dysert]

Hi. I'm sorry you've continued struggling with this illness for so long. I've had depression for about 20 years. The only thing that has helped me is a cocktail of meds. Until then I was totally and absolutely miserable. Now I'm content and rarely but occasionally experience short periods of joy. Are you on medication? Do you see a therapist? Things aren't going to get any better unless you change something.

 

[Press On]

Hello,

I always felt there was something "wrong" growing up but couldn't put my finger on it. Having the same experience as you deriving an odd comfort in my sadness.

I am in my senior years. Back in the day not much was known or discussed about depression and similar ailments. I was finally diagnosed with chemical imbalance depression in 1988. Medications helped tremendously and since I was already a Christian I was able to rely on my faith in a much more meaningful way.

After nearly 20 years I no longer use antidepressants on a regular basis but remain under a psychiatrist's care should any unmanagable problems arise.

The previous poster is correct. Get checked out by a doctor, preferably a psychiatric specialist who is up on the latest meds and treatment available.

Also, work on the spiritual component. Once your brain is functioning more normally, you will be able to relate to your Creator in a more meaningful way.

All the best and you are in my prayers, friend.

 

[ArcticWind]

Well, I've been living with it for the last 12 years. As for medication, I don't see how it could be useful in the long run, as it doesn't treat the cause.

 

[FireDragon76]

You sound way too judgmental and self-critical.

Forget being completely healed in this life- your salvation is not dependent on it. Just accept it is your cross to carry and make the best of it.

Our society can be really hard on anybody that doesn't walk around with a fake happy smile plastered to their face, and we can internalize the guilt for not being like this all the time.

BTW, chronic depression can be as simple as vitamin D deficiency. Lots of people are vitamin D deficient, and one of the symptoms is depression. In my case, my mood and energy levels improved when I had this treated.

 

[Press On]

Well, I've been living with it for the last 12 years. As for medication, I don't see how it could be useful in the long run, as it doesn't treat the cause.

PLEASE seek medical attention. A complete physical including bloodwork may be in order. You may have other physical problems you are not aware of.

If it's a chemical imbalance in the brain, it's a physical thing like diabetes or liver problems. Nothing to be ashamed of.

In my case, diet, exercise, regular checkups and vitamin supplements are sufficient. I do take a sleep aid to help get proper rest.

Also,(I am retired), I do plenty of manual labor, do volunteer community work, and am once again persuing a hobby I loved but had to give up in my working years. Bible reading (contemplation, not just reading words) and an active prayer life have done much to alleviate depression.

Yes, I still have to be on guard with my sword and shield to prevent bad thought life from gaining the upper hand.

You can do this . Start with the simple things first. As mentioned, it may be something as easily treatable as a vitamin defeciency.
GET GOING PLEASE!

 

[Greg J.]

I've had clinical depression my whole life, but it really exploded 19 years ago, and I wasn't diagnosed with it until about 14 years ago. I also had 1.5 years of unmedicated bipolar disorder II which was as painful as all the other pain from my whole life combined and condensed into 1.5 years (50% of people with this disease attempt suicide). I am much, much better and I have experienced that God used all of: medication, years of psychotherapy (with very good Christian psychologists), and believing the truth of what God said in Scripture even though it contradicted my own experiences. I can see that I wouldn't be as well as I am today without all of them, and even so would still be in terrible shape if it wasn't for the Lord. The Lord even showed me he was at work after most appointments with my psychologists. Medication is the only thing that helped in the short-term. I had no one to support me through any of it. Other people's (meaningfully expressed) love is something else that works in the short-term. The Lord met that need to some degree while no one else did and I have benefited from that enormously in the present and everlasting ways.

I encourage people to build deep, trusting relationships so you can give and receive support when it is needed. It is commanded by God and is a part of building on the rock instead of the sand for when storms come.

 

[look4hope]

Friend, there are a lot of us out there that suffer from this long term depression which affect our daily lives even though we put on a fake smile and move on, temporarily.

If meds aren't part of your routine, (and that is awesome)...and you try to survive every time by roughing it, than you are stronger than you think. Specially when being a parent. It is a difficult battle, but one that we must face with God beside us. He is our strength along with the people that we love.


I'll say a little prayer for you.