Hi everyone

[BoyInBlue]

Hello all, new to the forum and thought id better introduce myself. I am a 24 year old male and been living with depression for some time now, id say roughly 5 years.
Ive been to the doctors a couple of times but never took their advice and just thought that the feelings would pass, usually they do and I have a very brief period of contentedness but the dark cloud of depression always decsends on me yet again. Right now im in a dip and just don't have the energy to carry out the smallest task.

I have plans and have always wanted to make my mark on the world but everytime I try to get something going I fall flat on my face because my drive and ambition just dissapears. Instead of repeating this endless and pointless cycle of building myself up only to come crashing down Ive decided to take on the beast, Ive made up my mind, everything else can wait, Im gonna focus on getting better.

Ive got a doctors appointment this friday, never been prescribed antidepressants but am certainly willing to give them a go. I joined this forum hoping that I could talk to you guys about various issues, I cant really open up to friends and family about this, if anyone asks me if theres anything wrong with me I usually get quite defensive and look at them like they're a piece of you know what, I know its wrong but I can't help it, i dont want to seem weak.

Anyway I hope I can have some good discussions with you guys and I will also do my best to give good advice and help out where I can.

BoyInBlue.

[Zaf]

Hi, I havent been here long but everyone is very kind and helpful, you're right that you need to concentrate on getting well.

Other people's attitudes can be a bit of a problem but you'd be surprised how many have had this illness themselves and have kept it hidden.

Its not weakness having depression, its an illness, just like having pneumonia or a broken leg, I know sometimes its difficult convincing yourself that but please believe me, you are ill, not weak

Z x

[cornish]

hi and welcome, you really do need to listen to your gp, they can help a lot but it takes time

as zaf said it is only an illness and theres nothing to be ashamed of, its the ignorance of others that cause problems

[lightenup]

Welcome to the forum, certainly having depression is not a weakness, so don't think that.  Your illogical mind tells you all these things, when you are in this dark place.  Please be honest and frank with your Dr, also be prepared to give several anti depressents a go if the first one doesn't work for you, and you will probably feel worse before you feel better, it takes 4-6 weeks to get into the system.

Hold on to them hopes and dreams for your future, and by taking little steady steps you will get there.  You just need to get better first.  

[BoyInBlue]

Thanks for the kind replies, really appreciated. Already feel that joining this forum was right thing to do.

I think this is basically what im trying to face up to at the moment, the fact that it is an illness and something that needs treating, you are all wise in your words. Its the tiredness and lack of concentration that really gets to me. How much does this effect your lifes? and do u have ways of dealing with it?

Hi lightenup, nice to meet you and thanks for the reply. You said that you might 'feel worse before you feel better', with the ADs, how does that happen(not to sound too ignorant), do you mean that your body takes a bit of time to get used to them and the side effects?

[lightenup]

HI Boy in Blue, the AD's can have some side affects, maybe make you a bit shaky or a bit more agitated.  It is best that someone keeps an eye on you if possible and if you feel worse you need to get help immediately.  It takes at least 4 weeks for the meds to settle in.

For me the lack of concentration and tiredness is awful, can't read a book as I have to read page over and over again..........such a pain. Keep posting and others on here will try and help:)   

[cornish]

The ad do take a while to work but try and stick with them for at least a month before considering a change, but if you do feel considerably worse( I mean to the point u can't cope at all) or the side effects are to much to bear(some will subside) then get back to your gp asap.

I haven't found a solution for the concentration but With the tiredness im my own worst enemy, I just work flat out for as many hours as possible to burn my self out. But after I sleep well and then feel a bit more fresh

[Zaf]

It can take a bit of juggling to get your medication right and then they do take a few weeks to kick in properly, as everyone has already said if you feel worse while taking them go to your gp immediately.

I dont remember any side effects on any of the ones I've been prescribed, but some just didnt seem to work.

The tiredness and lack of concentration is horrid, I find if I do too much one day I then have a day or two when I can barely function so I try to pace myself, I think we all have to find the best way individually, for me avoiding stressful situations if I can is very important.  It can be a long and bumpy road back to health And I know everyone here will help you as much as they are able

[Pete]

Hi ,

Reading your post I feel such a connection  with you and  your symptoms that I am now beginning to accept that I may well really be suffering from depression and not just making it up in my head. Without even trying you have sort of helped me and if we can work togetherto get sorted then i'm open for it. I just want to be a good person and not keep messing up due to whatever reason and this is the first step eh

[BoyInBlue]

Thanks for the advice on the ADs, I will take note.

Hey Pete glad to be of service matey  :), seems as though you're in a similar situation to me right now so ye let me know how you get on and I will try to do the same.

[Munchroom]

Hi and welcome  :)

Hope the Dr's appointment goes well today. As the others have already said - be completely honest and frank with your doctor, nothing you can tell them will shock them and they are not there to judge! They are there to help so please let them 

Nay x