How to deal with Depression?

[dmh205]

Im an 18 year gay guy. i have a lot going for me and dont really understand why i am depressed. im in university, have a steady evening job, have loads of friends and am usually happy. but then when i am alone i think about stuff, i am very happy with being gay now but my depression began a year ago when i didnt like being gay. but now i am happy with it but still very depressed. however i feel now that is university for me? have been seeing a great guy but dont think he wants a proper relationship, im working but still struggling with money. are these things making me depressed and if i could sort them out things would be better. what can i do to deal with the depression?but i dont feel a councillor patronising me help me.

[BriWrite]

I had counselling and didnt feel it did me a lot of good, the difference was I saw mine after I'd had a nervous breakdown. Seeing one beforehand might have made all the difference, you know what they say "It's good to talk." Dont leave it too late, it's a long lonely road back from a breakdown. Good luck.

[Morrisonker]

Talking is a great remedy for depression, you can ask at your GPs surgery for contact details for someone to talk to. They shouldn't patronise you, they've gone through special training to make sure they're helping, not hindering you. There are also things like The Samaritans and online support groups which are anonymous which might suit you more. Also, St John's Wort is a good natural remedy for depression. Have a look online for more info.

Depression can be caused by anything or nothing. For short term relief I'd suggest getting out the house when you feel that shadow coming over you. Get some fresh air and you might be able to divert it for a while. Long term I can't recommend seeing a doctor enough, they aren't going to force you on drugs or to see a therapist, but they will listen and suggest alternatives.

Good luck!

[Altosruleok]

I had 2 different counsellors. The first one was very nice but didn't make a lot of difference to my life although I went to him for quite a long time. I have just had my 5th session with the second one and already we are talking about my discharge date! She'* *** the nail spot-on; I think this because she's very experienced. I've now got great optimistic feelings about my future and, because I now understand myself I don't think I'll ever suffer with depression again. I wish you the very best of luck.

[c_arolina]

I'm 23 and suffered from depression since the age of 17 but you've hit the nail on the head by realising that you are depressed, I was very low and miserable about aspects in my life and felt terrible all the time i was alone too, but despite months of counselling and psychiatric advice i didnt actually realise that i was clinically depresed and so refused medication of any sort. As soon as i realised the problem i sought help for myself and counselling does work as long as you find the right one, i had 3 before i "clicked" with the one i still see now. However counselling i believe helps you through traumatic events or experiences that have triggered the depression and not so much if you are just generally feeling miserable and low. Go to your gp and explain all, they are trained in this sort of thing and will refer you to whomever they think will be best for you. I wish you all the best

[stanleyman]

Depression is quite common amongst young men and quite probably to do with a changing life, more adult responsibilies etc. and thinking about stuff! Deciding what to do with your life should fill you with excitement not dread. Don't think about your life when depressed.

Try to keep and be more positive, don't do things you are not happy about but never ever make a decision about anything when you are depressed because things will change and this just makes you more confused. This at times is not easy I know but think of depression as a period of intense calm or hibernation that will always lift. Taking St. Johns Wort works for me to speed things up.

Enjoy your life while you can for it soon goes, don't take things too seriously, there are things you have to do and others you don't, separate them and concentrate on what you need to do to make yourself comfy, wealthy, healthy and wise. There is always someone worse off.

[cortadolove]

If you have struggled with counselling in the past, finding it patronising, it may be worth considering a few things before ruling it out again as an option - there is a short post here with a few factors to think about - https://www.clarejames.co.uk/counselling-amberley/.