Im 27, and im suffering from severe depression, Is there anyway I can lead a normal life and be happy?
490156
I believe you can have a normal life and be happy.  I hope so as well.\n\nDepression is a self-feeding downward spiral.  Negative thoughts about problems turn into a pattern and those thoughts can even begin to feel good.  Some well-meaning friends tell you to snap out of it but that does not help because it's like saying you are the problem.  \n\nDo you know someone who is a good listener that you can trust?  Ask if you can talk with them and then honestly tell them how you are feeling.  Sometimes it is good to just vent a little.  Maybe the friend may have a different take on the situation that you have not considered before.\n\nI hope you realize that you are not the problem.  You have probably dealt with some difficult things that have knocked you down for a while.  There is a saying "No man is an island".  We can't always handle everything ourselves.  I have not seen any other responses yet but I can almost guarantee that you will see many encouraging words here that show many people are pulling for you.  All will not get better overnight and the past will never be changed either.  I hope you amy be able to be a little patient and regain the strength to move ahead again soon.\n\nKind regards.
840256
You need to talk to a Dr. you sound depressed. But no one but you can change your life. If you feel like your stuck and cant do anything about it it could be depression.
240864
Low self-esteem seems to be a common problem.\nI think that if you try to focus on the positive things\nin your life,get a more optimistic attitude,it would be a good first step in the right direction.\n Other than that,if you can't do therapy,try to recognize\nthat there are people who care about you in your life and that's most important. No matter how it may seem,your world is not really coming apart.From your post,things may not be as perfect as you would like but they could be a lot worse.\nHang in there.
782388
there are a number of things that may improve your general mood. But if you have depression you need to deal with it as well as the cause of it.\n\nIf you feel like you can't talk to your Doctor about it, register with a new one. Explain what you are feeling and they will support you.
685795
I have had several times in my life such as yours. The best thing to do is to try to look at the good things in your life rather than the bad. Life has many ups and downs, however the downs stick out more than the good so it is important to try to focus on those things that make you happy. Time tells all and things will surely get better. Your attempts to make them better will only help along the way.
680861
Hey Olivia,\n  Yes, you do sound depressed (understandable), no you are not happy and no you are not living a normal life.  But the key words in your question were "I hate life but I think it's worth living because every day is different".  That means to me you are a very smart, emotionally balanced and mature young women that is gonna be "okay".  Just remember what is going on is not your fault or responsibility and that as long as you believe every day is different, you have the ability to overcome this and many more obstacles in your life!  You're gonna be okay kid!
394848
One thing that I have found that works for me is to focus on other people. Do you know someone that it would brighten their day to get a phone call or go for an ice cream? Do you have time to volunteer somewhere? The more that you focus on your depression, the worse it will get. Also, you should talk to your doctor. There is no "one thing" that will work by itself. It takes a combination of things. Sometimes meds and a change of pace. Make a list of all the things you are (ie: daughter/son, wife/husband, but then go on to include things that only you know you are, like if you write poetry-then you're a poet.) Read over this list everyday, more than once a day if it helps. Make a list of the things you are good at. Do the same thing. Read it. Just remember, if you get to the point of feeling like you are going to end it all, call someone! There should be a 1-800 # in your phone book under crisis prevention. Maybe sign a contract with someone close that if you get to that point, you will call them first.\nI wish you well.
749674
It depends on a whole lot of things such as stress, worry, new situations, etc. I wouldn't go and get medicine for it as this depression could be just a brief "growing up" phase. Things will get better, I promise, just talk to someone you trust and hash things out with them.
318601
WOW! you sure what a lot don't you? There is no way that a human being can always be happy, just like there is no way that you can always be sad. You can have a general good outlook on life and try to be happy with the situation that you are in. If you live a honest, decent life where you try your best you will find happiness.  If you help your fellow humans by volunteering of your time, talents and/ or money you will find happiness. Thinking of and helping others lets you know that your situation could be a lot worse.  In turn this makes you thankful for what you have.  If you try to always find happiness through materialistic things that you own, you are doomed to always be unhappy for the most part.  There is always something new and better around the corner. If you spend  some of your free time with family and friends ,you will find happiness.  You sound very young and unsure of yourself.  Be proud of what and who you are.  God bless you and Good luck!
639710
Hello there! I am sorry to hear you are feeling so down. People are so quick to say someone has depression. You say that you act like you are the happiest person on earth, but you aren't happy on the inside. You just have to believe that you do deserve happiness! I believe that you just have low self-esteem and self worth. 17 is a hard age! Believe me...looking back I felt the same way and wondered what the heck was wrong with myself. Just the pressures nowadays that are being put on young people is enough to make someone want to give up! I know to be happy is easier said than done sometimes, and it is a lot of work sometimes. Once you start believing in yourself it will get more simple. Life is too short not to have fun--experience life. I am not saying go out there and do foolish things, but enjoy the silly stuff. I am an adult and I still like to go to toy stores and play with the puppets! Because it makes me happy. I am not here to make anyone happy but myself. It sounds selfish, but before we can help others, we have to help ourselves. Just the fact that you asked the question on here shows that you are ready and willing to make a change for yourself. I have done a lot of "stupid" things in my life, but I have learned that loved ones are there for you no matter what you do. If people really love you, they are there for you no matter what! You can make little changes in your life. Use positive affirmation..when you start to feel those thoughts of hopelessness creep in--say to yourself that you are not listening anymore. If you are still feeling beyond hopelessness, there are many people you can go to to talk about it. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for some help and guidance. It is you standing up and saying you are sick of being that way and taking control of your life. I wish you luck and hope that I helped a little! Take care!
108026
many people find themselves depressed and fed up and some point during their lives.\n\nin some cases these feelings blow over in a few days; in others they can linger and make it difficult to function.\n\nthere are a number of things which may be helpful- you have asked us "what do it do?" and you may wish to dirrect that question at yourself in the form of "what do i want to do? how do i want to respond to my depression in ways that i'm not doing right now?" \n\nthere are many ways to approach depression positively. take up meaningful work or volunteer work, speak with a counselor, focus on your goals and positive assets as methods of healing... only you have the greatest insight into your personal situation, both inner and outer.\n\nwork with what you feel and what you would like to feel. look at avenues for change and growth (relationships, counseling, opportunities for enjoyment) and trust your heart.
561971
WELL YOU HAVE TO FIND SOMETHING YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT.  YOU SEEM A LITTLE DEPRESSED ALSO, LIKE YOU HAVE NOT ACCOMPLISHED ANYTHING, BUT WHAT YOU DONT REALIZE IS YOU HAVE PROBABLY DONE A LOT MORE THAN MANY OTHERS IN THIS CRAZY WORLD...YOU NEED TO LOOK DEEP INSIDE YOURSELF AND FIND SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY.  I SUGGEST VOLUNTEER WORK WITH AN ORGANIZATION THAT MEANS SOMETHING TO YOU.  THAT WOULD BE A GREAT START!  AND AS FAR AS A JOB GOES...YOU GOTTA PAY THE BILLS SO WHAT IF YOU DONT LOVE YOUR JOB RIGHT NOW...STOP WHINING ABOUT IT AND MAKE THE BEST OF IT UNTIL SOMETHING BETTER COMES ALONG...YOU ARE NOT ANY DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF US....NO ONE IS EVER 100% HAPPY ALL THE TIME...YOU NEED TO LEARN TO DEAL WITH LIFE'S LITTLE CURVE-BALLS AND MAKE THE BEST OF WHAT YOU HAVE TODAY!!
907842
I suggest you go to church.  You might find a special someone that can really help turn your life around.
541822
I'm so sorry that you feel that way, if it is indeed you that you are speaking of. I went through that when I was younger. I wish that there was something that I could tell you - I wish that I could map out all the things that finally brought me out of it, but it's just not that simple. I'm in another kind of depression now - in grieving for my father, and it's so different from my previous experience with depression in a good way. This time, it's a natural and almost calm kind of depression. The mind is a powerful thing. \n\nA doctor can try to diagnose and treat the mind, but in the end, the workings of the mind are still largely a mystery. \n\nI can tell you that you must remain strong and believe that in time, things will change. I remember thinking that when I was depressed as a teen and being scared, because I didn't know how long it would take. Nevertheless, if you keep trying and you keep looking, you will be brought through safely to the other side of the forest. \n\nIf there's anything in your life that you can change for the better, then that's another thing I advise. If you have a job that is stressing you out, for example, consider if it might be worth it to find another. \n\nKeep up with your doctors, and if you haven't already, try a different medication. Just remember that there's only so much they can do for you. I used to rely so heavily on them to "save" me, but I only found more depression in that and some disappointment, too. If you haven't been to an actual counselor, please consider doing that. I found counseling to be much more effective than my doc and his prescriptions. You may have to really search for a counselor that "fits" you. Don't be afraid to let them know what you want to get out of the counseling - I found that creative things helped me the most. That meant drawing my feelings, writing letters to those who hurt me, and things like that - then I would share those things with my counselor and we would discuss them.\n\nA few things that sound cliche, but do work are exercise, forcing yourself to go out with friends and have fun, treating yourself, any active thing that will give you some kind of fun. It'll be hard to get yourself going at first, but after a little while, you'll find yourself laughing again, even if it's just for that day.\n\nI also agree that you need to identify the source of your pain in life and think about how it's making your mind work. Even a chemical imbalance is accompanied and compacted by environmental factors. Read up on psychology and philosphy. (I think you may do that already, though). Both subjects can give you insight into yourself. \n\nOne thing I realized and held onto was that the only person I can control is myself. I can only do what can be done today, then I must be happy that I've done my best and start all over tomorrow. \n\nIf it is you that you are speaking of, then please don't hesitate to IM me whenever you like.
285322
Is there someone in your family you can talk to about how you're feeling? A close friend? If not, there are hot lines you can call where they have experts available to help you, and help you find solutions to your problems. When people talk about killing themselves, it's usually a cry for help. You need to seek out that help (you've already taken the first step.) There are experts with a lot of experience that can honestly help you deal with whatever pressures, difficulties, or depression is causing you to feel this way. A lot of people have felt exactly the same way you are feeling, and have gotten through it. You're definitely not alone, and happiness is not something that is unattainable, even though it may seem that way now. I wish I could offer you better advice. I certainly know how you feel.
233192
try to find things that intrest u then start contrentrating onthings that help u keep ur mind off the depression if severe see a counseler talk to freinds and family get out of the house and do activites and enjoy yourself hope u get better and find some joy
521200
Try group therapy.  There are free ones.  Look in the newspaper under the community calendar.  There are ones through churches, different clubs and hospitals.  Being able to anonymously talk about things may very well help.  Also, you should try to exercise and eat healthy.  This certainly can affect your hormones, etc...  Search out things you've always wanted to do and do them.  Make an effort to enjoy yourself.  Even when you would rather just sleep, do something.  If the sun is shining, go outside.  It is not easy recovering from depression.  Half the battle is making yourself aware that the only true cure is making the choice to be positive and happy.  It is terribly hard to do.  I did have the help of welbutrin (anti-depressant) for about 3 months to help me through some serious depression.  It simply gave me more energy.  Other than that, I just had to realize that depression comes from within me.  There is no outside source.  I didn't become depressed because I was going through bad things.  Lots of people go through bad stuff all the time and they are not depressed.  It was my mind and heart.  I finally decided I wanted to be happy and consciously made an effort to be so.