Can Depression Make You Feel Worthless?

[Loren Booda]

In a few years, depression will become the world's leading disability; you are not alone. Find a caring, competent psychiatrist through a local teaching hospital (university medical center) - they might even work for a sliding-scale fee. For serious depression, an appropriate modern antidepressant and cognitive behavioral therapy are together shown to be twice as effective as either alone. If you agree to such a regimen, keep your doctor informed of any side effects you experience.

Stay away from stimulants, street drugs in general, and those who use them. Most herbal "cures" are unfounded. Exercise is a great palliative, as is proper diet (low sugar, salt and fat). Try to find a support group for depression nearby. Belief in a higher power and/or meditation are often helpful. Seek employment, even if as a volunteer; pursue hobbies. Importantly, try to reduce stress in your life. Keep a steady daytime and sleep schedule; maintain a diary. Make a positive effort to initiate socialization. Above all:

Know that life improves and has great meaning!

 

[Saint]

Life is like a burning furnace, we are BBQed inside,
therefore----Depression.

Happy-go-lucky could be better.

 

[Moonbear]

I am really greatful for your good intentions. Thank you very much. But I do not want to cheat myself: I have nothing to give to this world, and even If I had sth. I wouldn't...
Thnk you once more, bother/sister

That feeling that you have nothing to give is part of the depression and the lack of energy that goes with it. If you treat the depression, you'll have the energy back to concentrate and do productive things and make a contribution to the world. If that's something that bothers you, then consider making yourself the promise that once you get treatment to get your energy back, you'll go do something to help society. Volunteer at a food bank, or to build a house with Habitat for Humanity, or anything where you'll be around other people and doing something good for society. How else might you contribute to society? Perhaps you can think up some other ways. Give yourself something to look forward to. That's the hardest part, rather than looking back at what you feel you haven't done, look forward to what you can do differently.

For those saying it is temporary, that's not always true. It depends on the causes. It also can be cyclic, especially for those with bipolar disorder, where they go through periods of depression, then cycle into manic phases. When you're too down to pull yourself out of it, you need to see a doctor and get help. Keep in mind depression can be a symptom of other problems too, so seeing a doctor is the most important first step. You might not need SSRIs if there is something else that needs treating. Only a doctor can help you determine this. Schedule a check-up and let the doctor know during the check-up that you are feeling depressed. While it might be helpful for the doctor to know you are feeling depressed when you schedule the appointment for him/her to schedule enough time and make your appointment sooner than later, if you can't bring yourself to give that as your reason, then schedule it as a regular check-up.