Depressed

[Chu-Chu]

Um, I've been really down lately and extremely stressed. For about two weeks now I haven't really felt anything except for depressed. I wanted to talk to some of my close friends about it, but most of them already have a ton of stuff to deal with and I don't want to load them down any further. But it is really starting to get to me now to the point where I really don't want to do much of anything, I'm sad all the time, and I can hardly sleep at all. I was wondering if anyone had some good advice on some things that I could do to lift my mood because I know that being upset is okay, but being too upset for too long can be harmful both physically and mentally. Thank you so much.

[Puritan]

I would encourage you to talk to your parents or some type of authority figure, or even talking to one of your friends despite the fact that you think they wouldn't want to be "loaded down any further." Talk to SOMEONE you know and trust, and that will help you start working through your depression. I have struggled with depression many times myself, and I find that the best thing you can do is talk to people you trust.

[QtheQreater]

Talking about it helps. I've struggled with it for years. But prayer is the thing that's helped me most. God is always there for you. Ask Him to lift your burden. For me, relief never comes instantly, so hang in there. I'll pray for you.

[USSRGirl]

I second Q's comments. Prayer has been scientifically proven as the number one method for curing depression. Talking to someone you trust is good, but if nothing else talk to God. Just tell Him what you're feeling...He'll always listen, He's never 'too loaded down' not to care, and He will get you through it. Get outside, get fresh air and exercise to relieve the stress and tension. Go for a hike. A change of scenary may help. Force yourself to do things...you'll feel better after.

Hang in there Chu!! I'll be prayin' for ya.

Your Comrade in Christ,
Temulin

[Yahshua]

Hm even if you can't think of anyone talking to my dear beloved sister you have one Heavenly Father whom you can turn to in the time of the storm. Talk to Him and He will take you through and so just seek out in Him.

[Neko Niisan]

The others took care of the spiritual advice so here's a little more down to earth advice (that the spiritual advice isn't important mind, theres just no point beinf overly repetative).

First you need to discover what it is that is making you feel depressed. It may be one big thing or it may many little things, it may take 5 minutes or it may take a day, you may be able to solve it in one action or you may take a week to work through it. Regardless of the exact detaisl of whatever your problem is, you cannot find a solution until you know what the problem is. As others have said, find a confidant and just talk to them about what is up with your life. Don't neccessary sit down with the intention of "I have to disciver why I am depressed", just talk and it will come out. You can then start to deal with the problems one by one.

Just remeber that each step you take may be small but each step you take is one closer to the end. I'll pray for you!

[Chu-Chu]

Thank you everyone, it is all great advice. I don't have much of anyone to talk to because the reason I am depressed is because of family issues, so I really can't talk to my parents, it isn't news to them. And my other close friends are in some tough situations. One of them just lost someone close to them, and I really don't think I could talk to any of them.
But prayer I bleieve is the number one thing to do. Sometimes I feel guilty though for being upset when everyone else has to deal with so much more than I do anyway. But God is already helping me, lately my bible studies have been directed at exactly what I'm dealing with which is pretty cool. I know He plans these things.
But thank you so much for all of the advice. I really appreciate it.

[Angel37]

I think, b/c I'm your sister, that you're depressed b/c u r EXTREMELY sensitive and empathtic towards other people. The funeral was hard on you, even though you didn't know her that well, Mike's going through rough times and since u love him u r worried about him, I've been stressed over Lakeland which stresses u b/c I'm your sister and they r your friends, Zarn's having an emotional overload which bothers u b/c u two r close, and then Mom and Dad, well u know the story there. I think all of this is really bothering u, plus Micki and her dependency on u doesn't help.
I think u just need time away from the stress and going to Robyn's this weekend is a great idea. It'll be ok.

[Chu-Chu]

I think, b/c I'm your sister, that you're depressed b/c u r EXTREMELY sensitive and empathtic towards other people. The funeral was hard on you, even though you didn't know her that well, Mike's going through rough times and since u love him u r worried about him, I've been stressed over Lakeland which stresses u b/c I'm your sister and they r your friends, Zarn's having an emotional overload which bothers u b/c u two r close, and then Mom and Dad, well u know the story there. I think all of this is really bothering u, plus Micki and her dependency on u doesn't help.
I think u just need time away from the stress and going to Robyn's this weekend is a great idea. It'll be ok.

Hmmm....well, that sums it up, now, doesn't it? I don't think I'm that sensitive I just don't see how anyone...couldn't be....upset over these things. Keiko actually thanked me for crying at the funeral just because no one else did.....
But yeah...I hope I can finish the Retarded Book (as Robyn named it) and get back to Lakeland.

[Angel37]

Hmmm....well, that sums it up, now, doesn't it? I don't think I'm that sensitive I just don't see how anyone...couldn't be....upset over these things. Keiko actually thanked me for crying at the funeral just because no one else did.....
But yeah...I hope I can finish the Retarded Book (as Robyn named it) and get back to Lakeland.

Yeah I thought that was odd that NO ONE but u cried. You'd think Veta or Greg or Amy but...I guess they r all just too shocked....
But u cry at death ALOT. Even if u had never said a word to them, it upsets u ALOT more than normal ppl, like with Mr. Smith. U r sensitive and that's not a bad thing, just a reason u could b depressed now.
The Retarded Book needs burned. If you burn it, take pictures for me.

[Chu-Chu]

Yeah I thought that was odd that NO ONE but u cried. You'd think Veta or Greg or Amy but...I guess they r all just too shocked....
But u cry at death ALOT. Even if u had never said a word to them, it upsets u ALOT more than normal ppl, like with Mr. Smith. U r sensitive and that's not a bad thing, just a reason u could b depressed now.
The Retarded Book needs burned. If you burn it, take pictures for me.

You are invited to the burning.

[Angel37]

You are invited to the burning.

This is if I can get there.

[Chu-Chu]

yeah

[FadedOne]

Um, I've been really down lately and extremely stressed. For about two weeks now I haven't really felt anything except for depressed. I wanted to talk to some of my close friends about it, but most of them already have a ton of stuff to deal with and I don't want to load them down any further. But it is really starting to get to me now to the point where I really don't want to do much of anything, I'm sad all the time, and I can hardly sleep at all. I was wondering if anyone had some good advice on some things that I could do to lift my mood because I know that being upset is okay, but being too upset for too long can be harmful both physically and mentally. Thank you so much.

I dunno if this thread is still recent(i haven't read much at CAA lately) but I wanted to comment on this.

I noticed you said you wanted to talk about this w/ friends but they already had a ton to deal with. In other words, you dont want to be a burden to them. I really think you should not worry about the burden thing. One thing that will make your depression deeper & more frustrating is to isolate yourself out of kindness. That wont help things & will really only confused those who want to help but dont know how. Try to allow people to help you..dont push them away & dont hide. I think we all try to push people away so that we dont harm them in any way, but all we really do is prevent ourselves from getting the help/encouragement/prayer that we need.

Hey, hope your depression fades away! I know i struggle with such things alot myself. Take care.

[Chu-Chu]

I dunno if this thread is still recent(i haven't read much at CAA lately) but I wanted to comment on this.

I noticed you said you wanted to talk about this w/ friends but they already had a ton to deal with. In other words, you dont want to be a burden to them. I really think you should not worry about the burden thing. One thing that will make your depression deeper & more frustrating is to isolate yourself out of kindness. That wont help things & will really only confused those who want to help but dont know how. Try to allow people to help you..dont push them away & dont hide. I think we all try to push people away so that we dont harm them in any way, but all we really do is prevent ourselves from getting the help/encouragement/prayer that we need.

Hey, hope your depression fades away! I know i struggle with such things alot myself. Take care.

Yeah, that's true but one of my friends recently lost a loved one and most of my friends knew the person and they are having a tough time dealing with that. But I have great friends here on CAA that really help me out. Thank you!

[Zarn Ishtare]

Semper Fidelis, hun. Always Faithful, both to God and our friends. Talk at me if you need me.

[Angel37]

Semper Fidelis, hun. Always Faithful, both to God and our friends. Talk at me if you need me.

U know that's the Marine Motto, right? I know because it's on the back of all the envelopes Everett sends me XD

[Zarn Ishtare]

Yeah, Thats on purpose. As Is my love of the Number 21, as it's the number of steps the Marine at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier takes, right to left, 21 second pause, left to right, all day. The guard changes out, but it's a really..powerful statement.


But seriously Chu, I'm here, Angel is here, Keiko is here, so...Yeah. Just talk to us.

[Chu-Chu]

I despise your signature with a passion. And actually, I have tried to talk every now and then but I find it extremely difficult.

[ShadowCat]

The Retarded Book needs burned. If you burn it, take pictures for me.

J00 haven't even read mah manga yet D:

[Chu-Chu]

I second Q's comments. Prayer has been scientifically proven as the number one method for curing depression. Talking to someone you trust is good, but if nothing else talk to God. Just tell Him what you're feeling...He'll always listen, He's never 'too loaded down' not to care, and He will get you through it. Get outside, get fresh air and exercise to relieve the stress and tension. Go for a hike. A change of scenary may help. Force yourself to do things...you'll feel better after.

Hang in there Chu!! I'll be prayin' for ya.

Your Comrade in Christ,
Temulin

Ha, for the one who scratched my eyes out with sporks, that is very touching. Heeheehee..... but thank you

[Madeline]

I have advice. Go outside and blow some bubbles. Go to church and say hello to people. Call one of your friends and see if you can get together sometime...

And most of all, pray.

[Chu-Chu]

lol, sounds like fun, Thank you for the advice!!!!!