Anonymous asked this question on 5/16/2000:

I am a w/53yrold female suffering from chronic severe, treatment resistent depression for many years, this last episode is now in the 2nd year, I am on my third psychitrist. My current doctor is at Johns Hopkins and is well known in the field of mental illenss. If have tried every anti-dpressent known to man, I even had 7 ECTS last year, and they did not help! I don't understand what is wrong. I see ads that depression can be helped, but nothing has helped me. I want to feel better so badly, it's making me more depressed. I never go out of the house, or get dressed and most days don't get out of bed except when my husband takes me to the doctors or the hospital. Luckily I have an understanding husband and no children to care for, so sleeping all day is only hurting me. Does anyone have any advise or suggestions for me? thank you so much

Frances1234 gave this response on 5/17/2000:

Hi. sleeping all day is not just hurting you. It is hurting all the other people you could be helping. If none of the man-made things are working, perhaps there is no option but to accept that as a way of life..just as you are..miserable or not. you said nothing has helped you so there is nothing to do but help yourself..crawl to the front door in your nightgown if you have to and look at the sky and take in a little fresh air then crawl back to bed but do something! of course you do not feel like it, you are depressed. as someone said to me once..'the bed will sap your strength'. how true. at least crawl to the living room and recline in there now and then. If chronic resistent depression is your way of life now then go with it and do what you can as you can . Frances