Dealing with depression

restlesssurfer said:Honestly, today was one of the absolute worst days I can remember in a long time.😢
I spent the whole day chasing down referrals again, and when I told my doctor I needed one for a psychiatrist, she actually had the nerve to ask why. She claimed my symptoms have nothing to do with mental health.👎👎👎👎
Just hoping I can get at least one thing sorted out.😢

I ended up breaking down in tears right in front of my doctor, so there wasn't much room for a deep analysis... she handed over the referral to the psychiatrist immediately.

analogpuma0 said:Buffett, girl! Everything you’ve laid out here... I think I’m starting to feel the same way... though I suspect there might be one underlying reason for it... that I'm just far too emotional, or maybe just overly sensitive, if I may put it that way. Sadly, I feel like I paid quite a heavy price for my youth... dealing with depression and panic disorder... and since I recently ended my therapy sessions, I find myself reliving all of it once again. For me, beyond just medication—which, looking at you, you might not even need—talking things through with a psychologist was incredibly helpful... as was just having someone to talk to in general. It’s true that I’ve become somewhat withdrawn, but that’s mostly toward people who aren't aware of what I'm actually going through. I’d suggest seeking out a psychiatrist just to see where things go from there... you mentioned you might turn down the idea of pills, but personally, I wouldn't... when I was in the position I was in, I was willing to try anything. 🙂

I used to be the type to push back against medication, too. The first time I managed to pull through without it—I was home, still in college—but this second time? After the shock I went through regarding my period/hormones? No way. I'm working now, and at the end of the day, it feels like everyone is just sitting there in silence, totally numbed out on sedatives. Maybe you'll just need someone to talk to. We're all different, after all.

analogpuma0, I’m not quite sure what to tell you...
I seem to be dealing with similar symptoms, though my issues appear to stem from an autoimmune condition. I take Helex too, but very sparingly because I have a young child at home; whenever I do take it, it just knocks me out so completely that I can't function for the rest of the day—I get so drowsy I can barely stay on my feet. To be honest, I haven't actually seen a psychiatrist; my nephrologist was the one who prescribed the Helex. I am actually considering seeking professional help regarding this, as I have certain symptoms that I might not be able to fully attribute to my illness. It isn't like I have massive life crises or anything; just the usual stuff... stress, worrying about work, the mortgage, the paycheck... but I have this crushing drop in energy, mood swings, a general sense of apathy, a low tolerance for everything, extreme sleepiness, constant fatigue, that nervous knot in my stomach, and excessive sweating—just under the arms, that nervous kind. Pick your poison. I kept trying to blame it all on having a toddler (you know, the sleep deprivation and all), but lately, it has really crossed a line.
You mentioned switching back to Zoloft; did you consult with a psychiatrist before doing that? If you didn't, I think it would be a good idea, and I'll probably do the same since I can't keep going like this. I feel like I'm stuck in this endless loop, and clearly, I can't fix it on my own.
And that feeling of being a prisoner to your own thoughts... it's like I'm watching myself. Except, I don't sleep during the day because I simply don't have the time, but once I lie down at night... sometimes my head actually aches from thinking so much. Sometimes I just spiral into these dark thoughts, which leaves me totally frazzled, and then I end up feeling "sick" for three days afterward because I just can't shake them off.
The mind is a strange thing...

And why on earth did you stop taking the medication? Honestly, who gave you that advice in the first place? If it was your psychiatrist—and if it was—then surely that same doctor should be able to see how much you're struggling and suggest getting back on them... But, I have this nagging feeling that this was a decision you made entirely on your own... which, if I'm being honest, seems a bit unwise and perhaps even reckless.
So many people deal with the exact same struggles you're facing, and while pills can certainly help manage things, psychotherapy is usually what does the heavy lifting... medications might mask the symptoms, but they aren't going to get to the actual root of the issue...

wearypilot13 said:And why on earth did you stop taking the medication? Honestly, who gave you that advice in the first place? If it was your psychiatrist—and if it was—then surely that same doctor should be able to see how much you're struggling and suggest getting back on them... But, I have this nagging feeling that this was a decision you made entirely on your own... which, if I'm being honest, seems a bit unwise and perhaps even reckless.
So many people deal with the exact same struggles you're facing, and while pills can certainly help manage things, psychotherapy is usually what does the heavy lifting... medications might mask the symptoms, but they aren't going to get to the actual root of the issue...

I couldn't agree more. Most doctors just hand out prescriptions like candy because it’s the path of least resistance. They write a script and tell you to see them again in a month! My understanding is that getting actual therapy through insurance is a nightmare, but private practice is an option. That’s where you can really unload; those specialists actually know how to peel back the layers and get to the heart of things. It's definitely worth a shot...

Honestly, movies give people this totally warped idea of what psychiatrists actually are. Everyone thinks they’re these superhuman beings with some divine grasp on life, assuming they all share the exact same worldview. But the reality? They're just regular people. Their advice is filtered through their own personalities, their quirks, and how they choose to interpret everything they learned in med school. You've got atheists, religious folks, people into New Age stuff, humanists, existentialists... you name it. Some are brilliant, some aren't so bright, and everyone brings their own baggage to the table.

What I'm trying to get at is that because of all those individual biases, their advice and answers can vary wildly—and let's be real, they aren't always reliable. On the flip side, medication doesn't have an opinion or a philosophy; it just does its job. It's much more consistent. At the end of the day, it's really just about finding the specific treatment that works for you.

analogpuma0 said:Hello everyone... this is my first time posting here, and I suppose I’m reaching out because I’ve always found that talking things through is what helps me most. About two years ago, I was diagnosed with panic disorder and depression. For about a year and a half, I was on a regimen of Elon Musk and Prozac. Around four months ago, I made the decision to stop. Everything seemed to be going fine at first; I tapered off the medication gradually and didn't experience any immediate side effects. However, since I am naturally quite a sensitive person—perhaps overly emotional—and those medications tended to make me feel somewhat detached or numb, I started feeling a sense of restlessness again after about a month. At first, I just brushed it off, thinking it would pass... but about a month ago, things really started to spiral. I can't tell if it's being triggered by some minor stressors that have cropped up lately, or if maybe I just didn't stay on the treatment long enough. Regardless, I've hit rock bottom again. To make matters worse, I'm one of those people who carries all their stress in their stomach, and since I have a pretty delicate constitution, not being able to eat properly really takes a toll on me. Most difficult of all is that the negative thought patterns have returned; I seem to find the downside in everything. I have far too much free time on my hands, which I suspect is part of the problem, as I spend most of it ruminating over things that probably don't even matter. Today felt like the breaking point, so I decided to share this with you all. (For what it's worth, I've been back on Prozac for a little less than a month now.) It isn't that I have massive life crises, but rather that I seem to create them for myself... I just don't know how to stop the cycle of overthinking. By the time I finish work, I'm usually exhausted, which adds to the stress, and I often end up napping in the afternoons. If anyone here has gone through something similar, I would truly appreciate it if you could share your experience with me. I feel like I've become a "prisoner of my own thoughts."

Look... here is my situation. During my last check-up, maybe a month or two in, my psychiatrist told me I was in remission and could start tapering off my meds, provided I came back for a follow-up in three months. But honestly, after those three months, I felt so incredible—like I could conquer the entire world—that I actually skipped my follow-up appointment. When the symptoms started returning—the exhaustion, the apathy, the nerves—I went to my primary care doctor, explained everything, and asked to get back on Zoloft. My blood work came back fine, of course, but the anxiety hasn't fully vanished; it lingers, and I can tell there's an underlying reason for it beyond just the depression. I'm also worried because my eating habits are all over the place; I might eat at 7 AM and then not again until 10 PM. Since I'm naturally quite thin, I really struggle when I'm not eating properly. I even bought some B-complex vitamins, though I'm not entirely sure if they help; I've just noticed that my appetite only returns when I'm completely relaxed. I'm actually on vacation right now, but I have to head back to work this Monday, and I'm dreading how it will go. Sometimes when work is slow, I fall right back into those loops of overthinking. The hardest part is when it hits me fully; I tend to withdraw into myself, appearing incredibly tense to everyone around me who has no idea what I'm going through. The last time I dealt with this, talking to a psychologist helped, but that was when I was in a state of total despair. On top of that, there's the added pressure from my boyfriend, who doesn't really grasp the gravity of what I'm facing. I'm hesitant to admit it to him because I'm afraid of how he'll react... though yesterday, he did let me know that he cares. It's still early in our relationship, so I'm unsure. I want to tell him, but I'm almost afraid of my own feelings. When these episodes happen, I become incredibly self-centered; I just want to be alone, except for my close friends, who have been a massive support. Mental health struggles are just exhausting... I try not to let myself be swallowed by it all, but it's becoming difficult, especially since this is the second time I've been here.😢

wearypilot13 said:And why on earth did you stop taking the medication? Honestly, who gave you that advice in the first place? If it was your psychiatrist—and if it was—then surely that same doctor should be able to see how much you're struggling and suggest getting back on them... But, I have this nagging feeling that this was a decision you made entirely on your own... which, if I'm being honest, seems a bit unwise and perhaps even reckless.
So many people deal with the exact same struggles you're facing, and while pills can certainly help manage things, psychotherapy is usually what does the heavy lifting... medications might mask the symptoms, but they aren't going to get to the actual root of the issue...

I DECIDED TO STOP TAKING MY MEDS BECAUSE I FELT LIKE A YEAR AND A HALF HAD BEEN QUITE ENOUGH, AND HONESTLY, I WAS FEELING SO GOOD—ESPECIALLY ONCE I REALIZED I COULD FUNCTION WITHOUT HELEX... THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM... WELL, THAT'S COMPLICATED. THE ONLY REAL ISSUE I'M FACING NOW IS THE ANXIETY I FEEL AROUND MY BOYFRIEND, WHO DOESN'T KNOW A SINGLE THING ABOUT MY PAST... WE HAVEN'T BEEN TOGETHER VERY LONG, AND I'M UNCERTAIN IF I SHOULD OPEN UP TO HIM... HE'S A REASONABLE MAN AND ALL THAT, BUT THIS ISN'T EXACTLY A SMALL MATTER... I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO GIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY SOME THOUGHT... IT FEELS BETTER THAN THE ALTERNATIVE, WHATEVER THAT MAY BE... BUT IF THERE IS ONE THING I'M CERTAIN OF, IT'S THAT NEXT TIME, WALKING AWAY FROM THESE PILLS WON'T BE NEARLY AS EASY AS IT WAS THIS TIME.

[QUOTE=gentlebison82;21118065]I couldn't agree more. It feels like they just hand out prescriptions like candy because it’s the path of least resistance. They write you a script and tell you to check back in thirty days. I suppose getting actual psychotherapy through insurance or a standard referral is nearly impossible these days, but there are plenty of private practitioners out there. That’s where you can actually unpack everything; they seem to have a much better sense of how to systematically untangle the mess. It’s definitely worth looking into.[/QUOTE

I wonder if a primary care physician might be able to point someone in the right direction when it comes to finding a decent private specialist?[/QUOTE]

Robert Nelson12 As I was saying:
Dear analogpuma0, what can I even say to you...
I find myself experiencing some rather similar symptoms, though it seems my issues might actually stem from an underlying autoimmune condition. I have been prescribed Helex, but I only take it very sporadically; since I have a young child to look after, I can't really afford the side effects. When I do take it, it absolutely wrecks me—I feel so incredibly groggy that I struggle to function for the rest of the day, almost to the point where I can barely stay on my feet without nodding off. Interestingly, I haven’t actually consulted a psychiatrist about this; the Helex was prescribed by my nephrologist, though I am starting to think it might be wise to seek out some professional mental health support. There are certain symptoms I'm dealing with that I just can't quite attribute to my physical illness. It isn't as if my life is filled with massive, dramatic crises—it's just the usual, everyday grind, I suppose. The standard stressors like work pressure, worrying about the mortgage, and managing the monthly budget. But lately, it feels like more than that. I’ve been dealing with this crushing drop in energy, unpredictable mood swings, and a general sense of apathy toward everything. My tolerance for anything is practically non-existent. On top of that, there's the constant, overwhelming sleepiness and fatigue, coupled with this persistent nervous tension in my stomach and excessive sweating—specifically that anxious, localized sweating under my arms. I used to tell myself it was all just the exhaustion of raising a toddler, but honestly, it feels like things have finally crossed a line.
So, you're saying you've transitioned back onto Zoloft—did you actually sit down and consult with a psychiatrist before making that move? If you haven't, I honestly think it might be a necessary step, and I suspect I’ll probably be doing the same soon, given that I just can't seem to manage anymore. It feels like I'm trapped in some sort of endless, vicious cycle, and it's becoming increasingly clear that I simply can't pull myself out of this on my own.
It’s almost as if you’ve become a prisoner within your own mind... I feel like I'm looking at a mirror image of myself. Only, my situation is slightly different; I don't have the luxury of napping during the afternoon because my schedule rarely allows for it. Instead, the weight hits me the moment I finally lie down at night. Sometimes, the sheer intensity of my own thoughts actually triggers a headache. I find myself spiraling through these dark, pessimistic scenarios, and it leaves me feeling utterly nauseated. It gets to a point where I end up feeling physically ill for days afterward, just because I can't seem to shake those heavy thoughts off.
Psychology is such a strange, unpredictable field, isn't it? I suppose there's something inherently unsettling about how much of our lives are dictated by things we can't even fully grasp or explain. It feels like you're constantly trying to map out a territory that shifts every time you think you've finally found your bearings. Maybe it's just my own cynicism talking, but I've always felt that the more we try to categorize the human mind, the more it seems to slip through our fingers.

So, here is how things stand for me... At my last check-up, I was somewhere around the one or two-month mark, and I was supposed to follow up after three months because I had entered remission—you know, that period where the symptoms finally start to recede. My psychiatrist suggested that I could begin tapering off my medication gradually. However, after those three months passed, I felt so incredibly good—almost invincible, like I could take on the entire world—that I ended up skipping my follow-up appointment altogether. It was probably a mistake, I suppose. Once the decline began, the symptoms started creeping back in: this overwhelming fatigue, a total lack of motivation, and a persistent sense of anxiety. I eventually went to see my primary care physician, explained the whole situation, and asked to be put back on Zoloft. I even had some blood work done, though the results were perfectly normal, which doesn't really help when you feel this way. The nervousness is slowly subsiding, but I can still feel it lingering, and I suspect there’s a deeper reason for it all rather than just simple depression. I am becoming quite concerned about my appetite lately; I can't seem to eat at regular times anymore, sometimes skipping until 7:00 AM or even 10:00 AM. Since I have a naturally thin build, I really struggle when I don't get enough nourishment. I bought some B-complex vitamins, though I’m not entirely sure if they actually make a difference; I’ve mostly just noticed that my appetite only returns when I am completely relaxed. I am currently on vacation, but I have to head back to work this Monday, and I honestly don't know how it’s going to go. There are moments when the workload is light, which is actually when the overthinking starts to spiral. The hardest part is when the heaviness hits me fully; I tend to withdraw into myself, and sitting there in front of people who have no idea what I’m going through creates this intense, mounting tension. The last time I felt this desperate, talking to a psychologist helped, but that was during a much darker moment. To make matters more complicated, I have a boyfriend who doesn't really understand any of this. I’m hesitant to admit it to him because I’m afraid of how he might react, though he did mention yesterday that he truly cares about me, which is surprising given how recently we started dating. I want to tell him, but I think I’m also afraid of my own emotions. When everything hits me at once, I become incredibly self-centered; I just want to be alone, except for my friends, who have been such a massive support system. But this mental illness is a relentless thing. I try so hard not to let it consume me, but it’s difficult—especially since I've been fighting this battle before.

Jerry Moore2 said:I went through the exact same thing a few years back.

The way I see it, we’re looking at physical issues here, not some mental breakdown.

How old are you, anyway?

Go get your iron levels checked again—and I mean seriously check them!

That constant exhaustion and being on edge? That's almost always a sign of anemia.

The fact that you’re snapping at people and just don't have the energy to even hold a conversation... that impatience to just end the chat? Yeah, that's textbook anemia right there.

My thyroid levels were fine, and I don't deal with depression or anything, but I acted just like this when my iron was low. A few supplements really turned things around for me.

Here’s what actually helped me pull through:

I took iron supplements and focused heavily on iron-rich foods. My doctor told me straight up that the pills take about six months to really kick in, so in the meantime, you have to eat your way out of it.
I also took Vitamin B complex (honestly, it’s a lifesaver for irritability and totally safe)
And Ginseng!!!! You absolutely have to try it. It's safe, but man, the energy boost is massive.
Cut back on the pasta, grains, and bread, and start eating way more veggies, fruit, and fresh juices.
Eat plenty of fish.

I actually bought some B complex myself... hmm... but I honestly haven't noticed much of a difference...?!

Everyone is just getting on my nerves lately. I feel incredibly irritable, on edge, and all I want to do is sleep. I have zero drive; even the simplest daily tasks feel like an uphill battle. It’s like I’ve completely lost my internal compass and any sense of motivation to keep pushing forward...
I’m essentially working purely out of obligation now, mostly because my career allows me to pull in a salary that's well above average—certainly enough to afford luxuries most people can only dream of—but I find myself physically unable to even get off my couch. I tried to jump back into a fitness routine with some Pilates classes, but after showing up twice, I just couldn't bring myself to go back. I have two grandchildren who are absolute joys in my life, yet even an hour or two with them feels exhausting. Socializing with friends or hosting guests at the house feels like a massive chore; it’s draining, tedious, and frankly, just boring. Everything feels hollow right now, and I can't seem to find any spark of joy in anything I do. I am just so tired of everything. I desperately need a reason to keep going, a lever to help me jumpstart my life again...

It’s a bit of a weird situation on my end... I feel like I’ve just been going through the motions for the last month.

analogpuma0 - hey, try not to use all caps, it comes off like you're shouting at everyone online. Just stick to lowercase, alright?

Casey Palmer5 said:analogpuma0 - hey, try not to use all caps, it comes off like you're shouting at everyone online. Just stick to lowercase, alright?

Fine, 🙂 I suppose there is something else weighing on me... I start my new job this Monday, and honestly, the anxiety is just eating me alive. I haven't had any appetite at all, which isn't helping since I was already quite thin to begin with; now, I've managed to lose even more weight. It creates this intense pressure where I feel like I have to force myself to eat, but there really isn't anyone else to lean on... that's how I managed to pull through the first time, I guess. But what if this job turns out to be just as stressful as the last one? There is a very real possibility that I might just collapse from exhaustion... it wouldn't be surprising, really. I decided to open up to my boyfriend about everything tonight, and I'm planning to head to my primary care physician to ask for some helex, which I've used before to help settle my nerves when things get overwhelming... because right now, I'm only on Zoloft, and my follow-up appointment with the psychiatrist isn't until August 7th.😢

Honestly, everyone... I am just counting down the days until things finally settle back into some semblance of normalcy... it’s been incredibly difficult lately... this constant, gnawing anxiety is just draining the life out of me... it's exhausting. I can't help but wonder why human psychology has to be such a bizarre, unpredictable mess. There is simply no way I could ever quit my medication easily now, even if I had to stay on them for the rest of my life... they've given me a sense of self-assurance I never had, turning me into someone who isn't easily shaken by whatever chaos comes my way...

Hannah Cox16 said:Everyone is just getting on my nerves lately. I feel incredibly irritable, on edge, and all I want to do is sleep. I have zero drive; even the simplest daily tasks feel like an uphill battle. It’s like I’ve completely lost my internal compass and any sense of motivation to keep pushing forward...
I’m essentially working purely out of obligation now, mostly because my career allows me to pull in a salary that's well above average—certainly enough to afford luxuries most people can only dream of—but I find myself physically unable to even get off my couch. I tried to jump back into a fitness routine with some Pilates classes, but after showing up twice, I just couldn't bring myself to go back. I have two grandchildren who are absolute joys in my life, yet even an hour or two with them feels exhausting. Socializing with friends or hosting guests at the house feels like a massive chore; it’s draining, tedious, and frankly, just boring. Everything feels hollow right now, and I can't seem to find any spark of joy in anything I do. I am just so tired of everything. I desperately need a reason to keep going, a lever to help me jumpstart my life again...

I suppose I'm in the exact same boat...
I'm constantly on edge—and I mean literally. Every little thing grates on my nerves. I have no energy, and absolutely no willpower to get started on anything. I've been neglecting my husband and my friends; the only thing I really try for is spending time with my child, since she's pretty much the only thing keeping me together right now. I have no desire to socialize; I just want to be alone and have some peace. It feels like I'm carrying this massive weight on my shoulders, even though there isn't any obvious reason for it. It's as if I've just stalled out in one spot and I have no idea how to start moving again... I just don't know...

analogpuma0 said:Honestly, everyone... I am just counting down the days until things finally settle back into some semblance of normalcy... it’s been incredibly difficult lately... this constant, gnawing anxiety is just draining the life out of me... it's exhausting. I can't help but wonder why human psychology has to be such a bizarre, unpredictable mess. There is simply no way I could ever quit my medication easily now, even if I had to stay on them for the rest of my life... they've given me a sense of self-assurance I never had, turning me into someone who isn't easily shaken by whatever chaos comes my way...

What kind of meds are we talking about? Is there anything out there that isn't strictly chemical—maybe something plant-based that won't leave you hooked?

restlesssurfer said:The last couple of years have been a blur of weirdness. It started with this constant, excessive irritability—something I just brushed off at first. Now, everything grates on my nerves. I’m snapping at everyone. Nothing feels right. Then came the total loss of interest in everything I used to love. My focus is gone, my energy is zero, and I’m stuck in this loop of being exhausted but unable to actually sleep. My sleep is terrible; I’m constantly waking up. Sometimes I get these bursts of hyperactivity where I feel like I have to achieve everything at once, only to crash and give up. And I’ve never been someone who quits. Lately, I’ve just been retreating into myself. Most days, it’s just the fatigue that hits hardest. It follows me everywhere, making it impossible to live normally, keeping me under constant stress. My doctor told me to check my thyroid, iron levels, and lung function, but all the tests came back perfect. After that, she basically said she had no idea what was happening.😲👎 I read somewhere that these symptoms sound like depression. When I mentioned it to my boyfriend, he asked why I would be depressed, because honestly, there isn't a specific reason. But it’s getting harder to manage. I can't function anymore. I can't blame any medication, because I don't take anything besides an occasional inhaler for asthma when my breathing gets tight during high stress. Does anyone have an explanation? Or advice? Also, I moved into a new apartment five years ago. I thought maybe it was the bed, so I swapped it out, tried different positions, even slept in different rooms. Nothing worked.

Another thing: I have this constant, underlying sense of dread. I haven't dealt with any major tragedies, though my childhood was stressful. I don't think that's the cause of how I feel now.

Any advice would mean a lot.

Sounds like you’re dealing with depression paired with some pretty intense anxiety. I went through the exact same thing when I was about 16. It wasn't even officially diagnosed until I was in my twenties, mostly because when doctors see a moody teenager, they assume it’s just "growing pains" or whatever, rather than actual depression. From what I’ve seen, a lot of doctors just don't get it. They think it’s just being in a bad mood and you should just "snap out of it." Some of them straight-up can't recognize it. Even some psychiatrists miss the mark. Depression hits deep—it's like someone turned down the volume knob on your brain and suddenly your capacity for everything drops by like 70%. Every emotion just shifts into the negative zone. And it doesn't need a "reason," which was my case too. In some places they call it essential depression, but here in the US, people usually just call it clinical depression. I started feeling exactly like you described around 16. I struggled for a long time, but once I finally got on medication, things got better. The catch is that antidepressants aren't one-size-fits-all. I had to cycle through four or five different kinds before I found the one that actually worked for me. Even with meds, I never quite get back to 100% of how I was before; I'm more like an 80% version of myself. Some people respond better to them than I did. My advice? Don't obsess over why it started or why it's happening to you. Just find a good psychiatrist ASAP and talk about starting antidepressants. Depression is a medical condition, plain and simple. Just like someone might have diabetes because their pancreas isn't doing its job, some people have depression because a tiny part of their brain isn't firing correctly. There’s no such thing as a "perfect" antidepressant; they all have varying side effects, so you might have to trial a few. Also, contrary to what people say, antidepressants aren't addictive. Don't let that scare you. Benzodiazepines (like Xanax) are a totally different beast and *those* are the ones that cause dependency. Hang in there. If your doctor isn't listening or doesn't seem to get you, walk out and find another one. There are plenty of specialists out there now, including private practices, so there's no reason to suffer under someone who doesn't understand what you're going through.

The internet is basically a massive, messy dumping ground of info, but if you want to start somewhere, maybe try this little quiz:
http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm

There’s also this thing called the Hamilton Scale, but honestly? It’s pretty outdated. Some of the questions are just... off. Like, they focus way too much on insomnia, totally ignoring the fact that some people—myself included, if we're being real—actually sleep way too much when they're depressed. Makes sense, right?
http://www.real-depression-help.com/...ion-scale.html

Hannah Cox16 said:What kind of meds are we talking about? Is there anything out there that isn't strictly chemical—maybe something plant-based that won't leave you hooked?

Well, I suppose there are options, but when things get as heavy as they are for me right now, I honestly don't care whether it’s botanical or some lab-made concoction... I just want to recover and feel okay again... to live a normal life... even if that means relying on medication for the rest of my days... I think the first step is realizing there's absolutely no shame in taking antidepressants or seeing a psychiatrist... I haven't quite fully embraced that myself yet, but one day I will... my best advice would be to go see a doctor and have an honest conversation with them... if you truly believe something herbal might be enough, maybe ask them about St. John's Wort.😉