Recently I spent a stretch in a psyche ward, good food, good people etc. The thing that I found very obvious was the lack of flowers get well cards etc.\nNo one ever says, "get well" soon.\nI just wonder if anyone knows whats up with that.
131951
Many wards have prohibited flowers. People  are still sometimes uncomfortable  with openly aknowleging a psych condition. They may feel that it is more polite to ignore it.
641412
What! You mean God doesn't give me extra brownie points for keeping a good average? I feel lied to. I feel let down. I feel it has all been for nothing. I am now so depressed. \nLove & Light \nSharon
370650
Registered Nurse here; Hun you hit the nail on the head, you have the symptoms of depression.  Depression is a real illness, like cancer, diabetes, cardiac problems etc.  It doesn't have anything to do with wealth or fame.  Doesn't matter how many friends you have.  Regardless of how great your life may appear, depression occurs from within.  Since you wrote you often think of suicide, this is a Red Flag, you need some mental health help.  Something is wrong, your depressed.  Now you can turn this around, but probably not by yourself.  Well probably require a good psychiatrist, therapy, and possibly a medication regimen.  It is not your fault you feel this way, or have these thoughts, it's actually a chemical imbalance in the brain, that for whatever reason became a little unbalanced.  The great news is we have the tools and medication today to regain the balance.  But you have to do your part and this begins with making an appointment either with your personal care physician, or a mental health clinic, or psychiatrist/psychologist.  Thanks for allowing me to address this sensitive question.  Know your not alone, and you will get better.
56676
Grannywinkie, Did you see the question I asked just for you earlier today? I haven't heard from you in a bit and am glad to know you're okay. How are you feeling? Do you have something to eat? \n\nLibby
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Gosh I feel bad for you...sounds like a hardcore case of depression.  It's so easy for other people to just tell you to seek therapy, isn't it?  I have lifelong bipolar disorder, so I know how it feels to have been down in the depths of depression...thankfully for me, I eventually snap out of it and go into "happy" mode.  In my experience, talking to a therapist has not helped.  They ask me a million questions, write them all down and make me feel like a science project, give me a prescription, and send me on my way -- all for $175 for a 30 minute appointment.  I have found that when there is a constant vague feeling of depression for seemingly no reason, it is because I have suppressed that reason.  Identify the sources of your unhappiness.  For me, I finally realized that it was about three different instances in my past that had changed my mindset or my innocence in some way -- made me jaded to the world.  I'm still working on it, but I'm hoping to confront and forgive or be forgiven by the people involved.  And yeah, I've had my heart broken and I still have feelings years later, so it's perfectly normal.  If you have self-esteem issues, work on something that you enjoy and that you are good at -- don't worry if you fail at first, practice makes perfect.  Help others or be a friend.  It's almost impossible to feel low about yourself if you know you are good at something or worth something to someone.  If your self-esteem is in the dumps because you are worried about what people think of you, then don't be.  Look at people who are stupid and unattractive and have confidence -- if they have it, then why shouldn't you?  Basically, you need to recognize meaning in your life.  It's already there, you just need to find it.  All right, enough Dr. Phil crap from me.  Good luck and bless you.
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I have had this problem with many services.  The pharmacy is a good one.  I take so many meds that sometimes  I accidentally get cutt off of their automated refill system.  I will die because I have diabetes meds and drugs for my mental illness.  You can say I have a wooping pharmacy in my bathroom.  \n\nA couple times I get right down to the last one (number14)Then something  happens and I get disconnected.  Which means that I have to call back and give all those horrid pill bottle numbers to them.  I do this late at night so that I dont freak out on one of my loved one lol.  \n\nAnother automated system that I despise is aol tech support.  Oh man I could go on about them all day.  Whenever they tell you to say something(the automatic teller)is prompted.  Then they do not get anything right you tell them.  \n\nBecause of this they will trasnfer you to their first available tech support person.  Then you will wait forever listining to doctor office music.  Then finally somebody answers and you are like WOW!!!!!!! Finally...\n\nUnfortunately this representive speaks very broken english.  This really sucks.  I try not to loose my patience but my God I cannot understand what they are saying.  Then you can always call back and wait again.  Hoping and praying it is someone that you can understand.  \n\nI could go on but then I would be here for a long time.  Good question and YES it makes me mad.
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what do you do as a job? i found that i had to change my attitude in a lot of different areas of my life. i don't know exactly what i'd suggest for you since i'm not sure what type of work you do. are you religious at all? that is something i got away from and i found myself sinking deeper and deeper into anger and despair. have you talked to your doctor about it? i have had to stay on an antidepressant. my family has a history of depression. sometimes we just have chemicals in our brains that are out of whack. it is hard to deal with life if your brain isn't working properly. i have made myself always look on the bright side. i dont' know you, but as a starter, you can be happy that you have a roof over your head and at least some type of employment. i honestly know how you feel. please don't consider killing yourself. i don't know how many times i made passive/aggressive attempts to harm myself. i was wreckless and i did not care at all. it's an awful feeling. i really suggest you talk to a doctor. psychological sickness is the same as physical sickness. some people do not understand that. there are methods to heal yourself. please talk to someone. i'll say a prayer for you.
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I would go to your primary care physician and be completely honest as you have been here.  It could be depression without your knowing it, it could also be hormonal or loads of other things.  Wouldn't you rather just feel better?  I went, and am so grateful I did.
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I am about to have a tumor the size of a cantalope removed from my body this Friday.  I also have a mass on a kidney.  I would be leaving behind three great little kids.  I care if you live.  You don't know what you have until there is a threat that it will be taken from you.  When I was younger I admitted myself to a psych hospital for three weeks because I didn't see any more reason to live.  Back then I really couldn't see any future for me.  If I had only known all the good things that were down the road.  Life is a gift and the best is yet to come.   Even if things are tough now, believe me, better days are ahead.  I care very much.  I don't want to die, and it hurts me to think of someone not understanding what they are throwing away.  Please seek help if you are serious.  Your are worthy of a wonderful life.  You deserve good things.  I don't know you, how old you are, what your situation is or if you are just bored and typing this question to see what people say but no matter what your reason for writing, I can assure you as someone facing some scarey stuff, I care very much that you CARE that you live.
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I'm currently dealing with the same things.  It got so bad for me that I had to take time off from work.  What I find helps is to see my dr on a regular basis, and I go see a psycologist also, just to talk and help to get things out and deal with them.  I started keeping a journal again.  Just write, don't think about what you are writing, just write. Its amazing what actually comes out when you don't think about the words.  \nTry taking a nice warm bath, play some relaxing music, light a candle, and just relax.  Slow deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth.  I mix in some lavendar oil with my bath, its very relaxing.  \nTry taking a walk, not a quick run/walk, just a stroll.  Try to enjoy the beauty thats around you, because no matter where you are theres something beautiful.  That helps me to think positive, since in depression  you dont want to be a positive person.  \nTake any medications the dr gives to you.  In time, the majority of them will help.  Only you're doctor can determine which is right for you.  I am on several right now, and I am noticing a difference in myself. \nSurround yourself by friends and family, granted that they aren't the one causing you anxiety.  Talk, and listen to what they have to say.  Enjoy a cup of decaff herbal tea.  Limit your caffiene intake, since it can make your anxiety worse.  \nTry taking up a hobby or craft to keep your hands busy.  I have been doing plastic canvas work, and its helping me keep busy, and when I feel stressed or anxious, I work on my project until the feeling passes.  I have also been trying to read.  it helps me relax also. \nI hope this helped, its whats been getting me through the last few weeks.  Good luck to you!
116324
It is caused by something new or something we thought could never happen to us, but did. I'm experiencing anxiety too. My thoughts reach the deepest crevasse, the infinite, and all permutations covered. I do not have first aid. I only give you my current state which i have about a week after this new year. It's agonizing; I'm emaciated and people around me still talk about if this food is delicious or if that car looks classy or not. You get what i'm saying, i suppose.
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I understand how you feel and I think it's great that you're open to medication management and psychotherapy to improve your mental health.  However, in the beginnning with all medication management plans, it's imperative that you get the right combinations of meds, dosage and be monitored regularly in the begining.\n\nTreating depression is much more complex then treating an infection, like a cold or flu.  You're going to need to be an active participant in giving the Dr. information on your moods, thoughts, side effects and overall state of well being. \n\nThe mood disorder that your diagnosed with, will ultimately determine the type of medication your prescribed.  Each medication comes with a theraputic schedule for dosage and some require close supervision, as improper dosage changes can have detremental results with nasty side effects.\n\nThe point is, in the beginning, you'll have to be held on a short leash and be monitored until your Dr. figures out how you will react to certain meds/dosages and ultimately what blend will provide the best results.  Once you are at a theraputic dose where your brain has soaked in enough of the drug and you experience positive results, you'll only have to see your psychiatrist for maintenance purposes, for as little as once a month.\n\nI understand the money issue, I've been through it myself.  However, if you were diagnosed with cancer and you had to choose a more expensive and effective treatment vs. no treatment, what would you do?  It doesn't matter how, but you would certainly find a way to pay for it.  Mental health is equally important to your psychical health and you should prioritize it as if you would a terminal illness.\n\nGranted, I've spent tons of cash on therapy and it stressed me out plenty.  Right now, I've come from what I felt was a bottomless hole of depression, to the point where I look forward to every day!  I would have spent triple the amount I payed if I had to.  You really can't put a price on your health.\n\nI hope this helps and good luck in getting better!
211599
Ok I have a few things you can try:\nResponse Line\n \nA "warm line" (not a crisis hot line) for anyone looking for resources, referrals, or just a chance to connect with others regarding dealing with mental disorders. Call the NAMI CCNS office (847) 724-1460 and leave a message. Messages are picked up three times a week by our response tearm members. \n \nI know that the Dane County line can help people find low cost treatment. \n\nhttp://www.ccfhchicago.org/INDEX_net.asp\n\nhttp://www.therapistfinder.net/hospitals/illinois/cook.html\n\nAll you have to do when you get the clinic or therapist name is to ask point blank if they offer a sliding fee? If not, they might know of someone who does.
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I am 22 and unmedicated for Bipolar. I think about or attempt every winter. The happiest time of the year. I live a couple of hrs away from my nearest family member but they have never come to see me. even when they are in town for business they will not call they just pass on thru and keep on going. They know where I live and my cell but they will not call or come by\nThe lonlyness of the holiday sesion, seeing every one happy and in love it is just depressing when you are alone. Feeling like no one cares about you or loves you during thanksgiving & christmas. Lets be thankful for what we have right well what do you have really? what makes it the happiest time of the year? Family they haven't rembered me sence I was 12. Friends they have there own familys and can't come by when needed.\nSo every year I sit and I think and I plan.\nLast year I was about to when I got a call from my sister in law telling me that my mother was in the hospital for emergency heart surgery. I couldn't leave my mom in the hospital possible on her death bed wondering if I was going to come or not. I couldn't break her heart when she might not survive to see the next year.\n\nbut now the summers half over and i wonder what will this year be ike?
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I spent like 3 months in grmany for doing an internship , i was feeling the same thing that you may be feeling . Kind of Lonely/depressed/confused.Discombobulated is the word if i may say. Actually this decision is for you to make.Are there other people from your country there ? Do you really like them ? do some introspection.Remember ,your mental health is more important than economic well being. Because ,if you do not ,things may go out of hand too.For me , I just cut short my trip & came back.
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I'm not a mental health provider but I've had bipolar disordar for 15 years. There's help out there. Medicines, therapist. Get to a phone book, now! Look up mental health providers and call!  I hope you get a chance to re-read this answer, I've been thinking about you all night. Last week I felt "weird" and ended up talking to a caseworker at my insurance company for thirty minutes until my husband could get home from work. He stayed home for a week to keep me out of the psychiatric ward.  Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. e-mail me at mybilbrey@yahoo.com if you need to.  I've been on Social Security for 15 years because I get confused and can't work.  I understand! CJB
516608
What the card says is perfect.  Maybe below it just write something like, "Any time you need to talk I'll be there." or "Hope things get better for you."  Something simple, short, and sweet.  You seem like a great friend.  God bless you!