HI!
I like your signature btw, "Hope is merely disappointment deferred. --W. Burton Baldry"
That pretty much sums it up doesn't it? I wish I knew more about your specific problem that hasn't gone away and that you believe will never go away. There are a few constants in this universe I am sure of: and one of them is CHANGE.
Chances are if you continue to do the same things you will continue to get the same results. If your not getting the results you want you need to change what your doing. CHANGE is not always comfortable or even desireable. But
rarely is it
never possible.
How does that serenity prayer go again? oh yeah, "God grant us the serenity (peace) to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference." Even accepting the things we
cannot change is a change from our previous perspective. And that can be a powerful change indeed.
Depression is a torment. Inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, inability to experience pleasure from normally pleasurable life events, feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death. That is torment. And the longer you struggle under it the heavier it seems to feel. You begin to wonder if it will ever pass. There is a fear that it will not CHANGE. Myabe you question, like I have, if depression isn't one of those things we need to make peace with and accept.
That is why I like your signature. I have hated, loathed and wanted to kill hope because it is the proverbial carrot that life dangles before us, always out of reach, and always we need it and strive for it. Like nature is toying with us for it's own amusement. Ever feel like that?
Take comfort in this:
94% recover from depression by making a few of the following changes:
Good relationships: studies show that relationships with partners, carers, teachers, co-workers and a supportive social network results in physical and emotional healing, happiness and life satisfaction, and prevents isolation and loneliness, major factors in depressive illness.
Understanding the real causes of depression so that people don't feel inadequate. This depression is not your fault and it's not a weakness on your part. It is a chemical imbalance in your brain often triggered by prolong grief, trauma or suffering.
A safe, supportive and non-judgemental group environment. (Like this forum!)
there are also church groups, community groups, etc. Reach out for a support group.
Identifying emotional, cognitive, and relationship patterns and learning new ways to change these, including many CBT techniques. This is usually the therapy people receive from a therapist. It focuses on relaxation traiing, behavioral rehearsal, problem solving, and exercise.
A good relationship with a therapist or physician. Also, a partner or friend.
Moderate and even gentle exercise such as a brief walk.
Meditation, prayer and relaxation exercises such as yoga or our own Meditations in Movement.
Spending time in nature and with pets. Even a potted plant or view from your office will help
Receiving support for a substantial amount of time: Experiencing an ongoing environment that is free from trauma and very supportive so that the body and the brain can heal and develop.
You may still hit a rough patch from time to time. Don't lose heart or feel overwhelmed and anxious because you can't just snap out of it. This is an illness and you have limited control. I can't take credit for this list. I found it on a web site but it's useful and immediate. Do just
ONE SMALL THING and it will help to lift your spirits. Make some of them a habit and your well on your way to recovery.
1). Remind yourself of
One thing: you are not your depression. This state of pain or panic is not an integral part of you, and it is not your fault. And it will go away.
2). Tell
ONE friend how you're feeling. You may feel awkward at first, but this is exactly what good friends are for. And what this forum is for!
3). Figure out
ONE thing that someone has done that might have triggered your current feelings, and let them know not to do it again.
4). Tell someone
ONE thing they could do to meet a need of yours, whether it's inviting you out to the movies or pouring you a cup of tea or coffee.
5). Take
ONE walk today, optimally in a park or natural setting, and notice anything that strikes you as colorful, pleasing to your senses or beautiful.
6.) Take
ONE minute to talk to your Higher Power, God, guardian angel or Universal Spirit--however you think of this kindly presence, even if you don't really believe in it. Offer this presence your gratitude, plea for help or even your anger-don't hold back any emotion at all.