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| Sun, 12-05-2004 - 9:56am |
Hello,
My name is Maggie and I'm a 28 year old female who has suffered from depression off and on since age 18. It comes and goes in cycles, but 80% of the past 10 years has been in a state of depression ranging from mild to severe. Here in the past year, my depression has been pretty severe. I have been on PaxilCR off and on for the past year and it helps tremendously. I just have not been on it because of finances/insurance. But now, I am finally getting back on. I just have had to seriously do something because it is affecting my capabilities as a parent. My poor 4 year old son sees me cry all the time and that can't be good. I guess what triggered this is, I have such crappy self esteem. Plus the man that I have been involved with for 1.5 years finally got the huevos to tell me that he didn't think this relationship was ever going to develop into a "deep relationship"...ouch. So, I'm going through a weird stage right now. I've stopped smoking (day 3 without a cig), I'm trying to lose weight (need to lose 150 lbs), and I'm trying to work on the self esteem issue. I'm seeing a counselor, but it's awfully difficult because of my work schedule. I could find one that would see me after business hours, but I am a single mom and I don't have anyone nearby that could watch my son while I do that. I started PaxilCR again yesterday. I look forward to feeling sane again. Right now, I just feel extremely isolated and frankly...abandoned. I KNOW it's not true...but somehow I can't will myself out of that feeling. I too do not like the idea of taking medication and somehow I feel like I will be the type that will need PaxilCR forever. *sigh* Anyhow, just wanted to introduce myself. I will definitely use this as a part of my uplifting from the depths of depression.
Thanks!

(((((Maggie))))), welcome!
Well, thank you for that welcome message. Luckily, my son did not really know my ex...I didn't want my son to develop a bond until I felt comfortable. I am now glad I did that. The feeling of abandonment and isolation however, started weeks before my ex left...maybe even months. His leaving didn't help though...today, I am trying to muster up any motivation I may have to put up our Christmas tree. I really really really don't want to...but I'm doing it for my son. *sigh* I'm sitting here staring at a half put together tree...lol...well, I better get back to work!!
Thanks!
Welcome to the board.
I suffered from depression from when I was a small child. I'm currently on Paxil. With both Paxil and therapy, I've finally overcome my depression. I may be on Paxil for the rest of my life, but I don't care. It's so great to finally be free of that constant pain inside me.
I've also studied for my master's degree in psychology for the last two years. I'm almost done with it. I'm currently counseling women who are on welfare, most of whom are in deep depression.
Medication helps depression in most cases. Therapy is shown to help it more. Therapy and Medication together work better than either one alone.
But there is one thing that works better to treat depression than any other treatment available:
EXERCISE.
It increases neurotransmitters that increase mood, especially dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is the brain chemical that gives life a sense of meaning. Exercise is the best way to increase this chemical to healthy levels.
Unfortunately, when you are depressed exercise is the last thing you want to do. If you can get yourself out with a walk for 15 minutes a day, you will reap great rewards. You can take your child. Or you can walk in place in front of the TV for 15 minutes. Whatever works for you. It doesn't have to be elaborate or intense. It's the hardest thing to do, but has the greatest potential for helping you.
It sounds like you are working hard to get better. That is incredibly difficult when you are working, raising a child, and dealing with depression. Please keep holding on and doing what you are doing.
All My Best,
MariaC
Hi and Welcome!
Im glad you will make this part of your routine.
*hugs