I don't normally post "woe-is-me" threads...

[Brad]

...but my depression is really getting the better of me lately. I'm on anti-depressants, and they helped for awhile, but they just don't seem to be "doing the trick" anymore.

I could really use some affirmation, encouragement, and even humor. I'm barely hanging on; trying to keep my head above the water.

In other words, help!

[Brian Damage]

I am here for you buddy. I have been there and done that before, but obviously everyone's depression is different, so I can't say what you are going through is what I have been through, but keep your head up high. There is sooooooo much to look forward to. You have a family now, they need you. Heck, we need you here as well. You are a great person, believe in prayer as well. That can help as good as any med.

[Brad]

Thank you, Brian. Your words mean a lot to me. I'm trying really hard to pull myself out of this. I'm going to start going back to a therapist in a week and a half, so hopefully that will help; just talking to anyone about it helps, whether they have a degree on their wall or not. It's good to know that you at least empathize with what I'm going through.

I love my wife and my son so, so much; they're what's keeping me around and making me want to fight for myself, you know? Even so, some days, I just don't want to get out of bed. In just eight years, I've gone from a strong, hard-working young man to a useless cripple on Social Security who can barely walk from the bedroom to the bathroom. I feel like a shell of who I once was.

It bothers me so much that I'm homebound 99% of my life. I want to go to work and feel like a man, or at least leave my house. It's a ****ty existence.

[Brian Damage]

Originally Posted by Brad

Thank you, Brian. Your words mean a lot to me. I'm trying really hard to pull myself out of this. I'm going to start going back to a therapist in a week and a half, so hopefully that will help; just talking to anyone about it helps, whether they have a degree on their wall or not. It's good to know that you at least empathize with what I'm going through.

I love my wife and my son so, so much; they're what's keeping me around and making me want to fight for myself, you know? Even so, some days, I just don't want to get out of bed. In just eight years, I've gone from a strong, hard-working young man to a useless cripple on Social Security who can barely walk from the bedroom to the bathroom.

I am with you there Brad. I hear you and believe me it can be hard at times. Some days are like a heavyweight fight, but therapy is a step in the right direction and I am glad you opened up here too.

[Brad]

I am, too, Brian. Sometimes it just takes a caring ear (or eye).

[Brian Damage]

definitely! Stay strong my friend.

[Stuck In The '70's]

My thoughts and prayers are with you Brad. Depression sucks and it wears you down after awhile. Just remember you have many friends here who are pulling for you and you have a wonderful family. Your son is going to need his Dad. Keep strong buddy.

[Retro4Life]

Very sorry to hear you've been depressed. Like the others have said, it's not easy to bounce back from but with help (friends, family, a therapist if necessary) I'm sure you will do it.

Remember that everything in life, including the bad times, is just temporary so tomorrow is your friend. Best of luck and stay in touch!

[JamesG]

You've got to stay strong and be there for your family.

Perhaps you should also head back to your doctor for a check-up. Everyone's bodies goes through changes overtime and maybe your medication needs to be adjusted.




I don't know your whole situation, but is it possible for you to do some sort of work from the home? They have organizations that give disabled people jobs that they can do from the home.

It may help you out a little bit so that you will have "something to do" that makes you feel more motivated and productive if that's what you feel you need.




I wish you the best.

[Retro4Life]

Another thing to consider is that even though you may not be able to physically contribute the way you want to, I'm sure you are contributing to your family's well being in other ways. They love you; your presence, your advice, guidance, humor, concern and a hundred other intangibles make you a valued member of that family. I know and understand it's hard to keep this in mind if you are not able to work or move around much...but keep the knowledge in your heart and bring it out when you need it. Your courage in the face of your struggles is also no doubt an inspiration and a great example to your family, too.

Again, I hope that things begin to brighten for you. And I applaud your courage in posting about such a personal issue.

[Janice]

Brad, I'm so sorry that depression has you in its grip again. It's only natural to feel the way you do. Your situation is taking a long time to accept. You're actually mourning your former, healthy self. I know I'm doing the same.

My illness started in 2006. Whenever I see a tv show or movie that predates that, I think to myself, "I was healthy when that was filmed." Or when I look at photographs, stuff like that. I'm sure you do that as well.

Like you, I have to constantly remind myself to count my blessings. It's just not easy when with constant pain reminding us of our situation. You got some valuable advice on this thread. I'm not sure I've been much help. Just to say that I understand your physical pain and the sadness it brings.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Sorry to hear about your depression. Depression can be hard to handle.

[TJ]

Hi Brad, I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through lately. I know others are dealing with similar issues and I feel for them. It's not something that I've really told many others, but I've been dealing with depression issues over the last year or two. My dad is in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease. He's passed out, lost unconciousness and had to be revived three different times. I know there will be a point where his memory will be completely gone, and he will no longer be able to recognize any family members. He was in the hospital in February. We're struggling to pay bills - $30000 for a 3 day hospital stay. My uncle was in a car accident a few years ago, lost his car and was unable to work, lost his house to foreclosure, was diagnosed with skin cancer and recently lost his battle with it. He was in a wheelchair in his final months, but was still hopeful of getting better and pursing aggressive treatment. I know he dealt with a lot of depression issues. He went to Gilda's Club in Chicago. It's a cancer support group. I think it was mostly older ladies, but he loved going there and they were very supportive of him. There are all kinds of support groups out there for dealing with various problems. The help is out there if you seek it.

Although it wasn't the same as the other two things, my local hockey team moved away and I was depressed about that for a long time. All these things hit me at once and I asked why me? There have been times where I haven't even felt like updating the site or even reading threads on here. I feel like I just go through the motions on some days. I find myself not enjoying things that I used to in the past. Now I've learned to appreciate the more simple things in life. I'm thankful I have my health, a roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back and a family that loves me. There are so many people out there who have none of those things. There's always people who are going to be much worse off than you or I.

You have a beautiful family and are just entering the prime of your life. Your family needs you to be strong for them. We need you posting here for many more years to come. Things will get better for you. Take it one day at a time.

[OH Nuts!]

Brad, sorry to hear about your depression. Many years ago, when I was a teen, I struggled with this too. You're not alone--many folks here care about you. Hang in there. God Bless

[Hollywood Rock Chic]

Brad, you are in my thoughts. I have my moments, when I suffer from depression; but remember that you are very blessed: beautiful family (your son is one of the cutest babies I have ever seen! Absolutely adorable), people that truly care for you, etc. Stay strong, and I hope you have many future blessings