Lifelong major depression...is there a cure?

By popeye Wednesday, October 03, 2007

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I have dealt with major depression and PTSD since I was 10 yrs old. The depressions last 3-6 years. i was not diagnosed or treated until I was in my 20's. Some AD's have helped but it doesn't seem to shorten the length of depression. The pattern is depression... about a year of feeling better, a good year and then a year of downhill moods, followed by rock bottom. In 51 years I have had about 23 years of no or low depression. My PTSD usually acts up at the same time as my depression. Is there any chance that this pattern will ever change? It is hard to feel attached to life or see a brighter future. Does the PTSD cause the depression or the other way around?

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Susan Cagley

10/ 4/07 10:16am

So far there is no cure I afraid to say. But there is always hope and lots of help. Here is a site that can help so many people and we don't judge anyone here. We type out what is bother us and some time we help each other out a lot. We can read what someone else is going thew and relate it to what we are feeling too. Everyone here is dealt with depression in one way or another so we help each other thew it all. You might find it in one of the site hook ups that can help. God bless and take care.

popeye

10/ 4/07 11:03am

Susan,

thanks for replying. I think I already knew the answer but sometimes I get so overwhelmed. I have some physical problems, arthritis, diabetes and I think the depression makes them worse. My philosophy has always been put one foot in front of the other. Some part of me refuses to quit trying.

I am glad to find this site. I appreciate the emotional support.

Candice

ForeverDamaged

10/ 5/07 1:23am

I was diagnosed with depression at age 11 and when I was in my early 20's I was diagnosed with major depression and PTSD and I'm 33 now and when I go thru my "rock bottom" periods like you mentioned... like I am now... I always feel so hopeless because I feel like this "stuff" will never go away or things will never get better so why even try, it's so hard to see or feel anything positive and the thought of dealing with this for the rest of my life is just unbearable to say the least. But as low & hopeless as I feel right now... once I go thru a period where I'm doing okay... I always feel like the depression is gone forever "this time" so I stop taking my AD's because I think it's over and I don't need them. So the cycle you mentioned on how you feel or the stages you go thru with your depression, I can relate. I truly hope you'll be feeling better real soon, I know feeling so alone and like I'm the only one feeling this way makes it worse so I hope that knowing that you're not alone will help you just a little.

popeye

10/ 5/07 12:18pm

You describe exactly how I feel. How do you get excited for the future if it is gonna be a repeat? I know my depression is a lot better now than it was a year ago but the PTSD is worse. When I am constantly jumping out of my skin or having nightmares every night it is hard to believe tomorrow will be better. But I am stubborn. Even when I don't want to live I force myself to go on. It is a hard way to live. I do the same...this is the last time this will happen too. So when I crash I blame myself.

You are right about it being good to know I am not alone. I isolate a lot and reaching out is hard but worth it.

Candice

Pam

11/21/07 3:14pm

hi,

I'm 28.. was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 11 - and PTSD at 21 after a traumatic experience. Anti-depressants have done more damage than good. It was manageable through university. But I have a hard time following through with things. Building relationships amd a social life - can't get myself involved in things.

I'm going though an episode now, I may have lost my job... I am not in any danger. But I do feel quite hopeless about life. Things seem to have fallen apart and it's empty and lonely. Most treatments involve "remembering who you used to be or things you used to like doing" -- having been diagnosed so early, I can't see a before or an after.. it's just this.

popeye

11/28/07 11:16am

Pam,

Yeah, sometimes I think therapists don't realize how hard it is when you have been depressed since childhood. I liked to jump rope as a kid...does not translate into adulthood well. Making friends is a huge problem. People develop those skills in childhood. I often feel like a huge chunk of "how to live" is missing. I missed all those lessons when others learned them. I really know depression...it has been most of my life. I try to identify what I like now...mostly small things. Petting my dog, nature, volunteering. I think in terms of baby steps.

Candice

kristie bean

12/30/08 11:50pm

wow!! ya know its weird how much i can identify with you guys!! my father abanded us when i was 5 i have always been depressed i have major depression when i was 19 i had a baby that died of crib death-sids. i have post tramatic stress from that day. i am 36 years old and there is a family history of suicide-my father-my grandfather-my first cousin...it is very hard to get through this life i have't to agree!! but, keep on keeping on...never give up the fight no matter what!!---just remember that even though you are very low right now your mood will change-it may not get alot better but it will change!! and you will have some good days...hang in there who knows maybe...they will invent a cure...i'll be the first in line!! i promise you that

Lifelong major depression...is there a cure?

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