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
targhee gave this response on 5/17/2000:
Dear Anonymous,
Thanks for sharing your experience with me. It sounds like you are a very valiant person as you fight this disease "depression". It sounds like you have tried much of what the medical field can offer. However, do you understand where your depression comes from? What are your thoughts and feelings when you start feeling down? It sounds like you beat yourself up about not being able to get out of bed. With depression that is common. I recommend that you NOT worry about being in bed right now. That comes with depression. Some days you might feel more capable of getting up and out of bed, but when you are depressed I would encourage you to sit down and write out your feelings. Try understanding yourself. Depression comes from two areas. 1st) biological, in other words your body doesn't create enough seritonin, and 2nd) our beliefs that come from our experiences. If you can do medications and deal with the beliefs at hand you might find more success. In dealing with the beliefs I suggest writing them down. One belief that you have already shared with us is that you get down because you are depressed. I ask you is it realistic for you to expect more when you are feeling down? I don't know the answer to that but I would have you think about it.
I wish you the very best.
Good luck!
Targhee