"Den Fox" <thefoolish...@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1175539316.029740.239180@y80g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

I can't keep up with everyone here, so I won't try. I just want to
say, thank you Kylie for your thoughtful words. And thank you to
whiskers, lisa, Alan, Justin and everyone here in the ng. This is
unfamiliar and strange territory for me. I have a new found respect
and empathy for those who suffer depression. It is no longer a
theoretical state for me, though I suspect it is somewhat different
for everyone.

I admit to being an odd person because I have such a tremendous
distrust for the medical community. I may overcome that mistrust
enough to seek help, but I'd rather trust myself.

Why is everyone so certain that therapy would be a great help for me
if you all describe either never-ending depression or temporary
remissions? I don't want to discourage anyone from getting help, so
please, don't misunderstand. I think everyone has to do what works
best for them - I'm also formulating the idea that there are so many
variables involved with depression as to hazard a guess that no two
are exactly alike?

Feeling 10% better today. I only thought about dying a few times all
morning.

-denfox

You're not odd Den, your you, I'm me, Lisa is Lisa and well if we all
behaved the same life would be pretty boring huh?

Anyway, my name is Jane, I was diagnosed Bipolar II almost 9 years ago now.
I tried meds, even did therapy for a while. Due to insurance I kept
switching up Therapist until I got sick of starting over for their sake and
having to back track and start my life stories over again. So I quit.

Then I realized all the meds made me feel and act like someone I didn't
know. I became a shell of a person who had issues that were being covered
up with drugs, so I quit those too.

I have been unmedicated and no therapy for about 6 years now. It's not been
all good. Though I had a good 4 years with no real drama or issues. Then
my life fell apart, my mania decided to rear it's ugly head and it all fell
apart.

I didn't go back on meds, I did attempt to get therapy but no insurance and
well as a single person who "was" trying to raise kids at the time, it just
wasn't feasible. So I decided ASD was going to be my therapist and I was
going to talk here, spill my inner pain sort of. Lay it on the line. I got
great advice, support and ***** on all at the same time and I appreciated it
all, even getting ***** on.

I recommend therapy for someone who really wants it. Someone once told me
here in this group, therapy is for those who are willing to be honest with
themselves and listen to the therapist, not leave thinking every thing they
say is *****. Know what I mean? If you're not ready to listen, to be
honest with them or yourself, then therapy won't work. They may tell you
things you are not ready to hear, but that's what therapy is all about, it's
not about being coddled, sometimes it's a slap in the face, but you have to
step back a minute before you react, you may have deserved that slap.
That's being honest with yourself.

That's what ASD is for me. I get a hug when I need it and I get slapped in
the face when I need it.

Ok I'm done now LOL

Jane- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

"Why is everyone so certain that therapy would be a great help for me
if you all describe either never-ending depression or temporary
remissions? I don't want to discourage anyone from getting help, so
please, don't misunderstand. I think everyone has to do what works
best for them - I'm also formulating the idea that there are so many
variables involved with depression as to hazard a guess that no two
are exactly alike?"

I don't think anyone is certain as to what might work for someone
else, whether you need therapy or not and, and for me, and I think
most other people here, all we can do is offer what has worked for us,
even temporarily, according to what you have posted and said about how
you are feeling and the situation you are in.

"Feeling 10% better today. I only thought about dying a few times all
morning."

This statement gives possibly a hint as to how bad you might be
feeling and why the prompted replies to seek therapy.

You asked how long depression can last....that depends upon so many
factors and no one can really predict that....a therapist and or
psychiatrist will likely have a better idea how long your depression
might last according to your symptoms, your situation, and response to
treatment, and other factors. I hope nothing I said has sounded
harsh, I am sorry your struggling and feel for you. I hope you find
some help if you decide you need it and find some relief and peace
soon. Take care...

Rose

Den Fox wrote:

Why is everyone so certain that therapy would be a great help for me
if you all describe either never-ending depression or temporary
remissions?

Maybe because, for some, it's a chronic
condition with ups and downs -- but no
"cure". A good therapist may help
provide coping skills and perspective.
So the quality of life may improve, to a
degree. It can also be an objective
source for whether or not someone is
"safe" or needs more of a safety net.

Feeling 10% better today. I only thought about dying a few times all
morning.

Well, good to hear you're feeling a bit
better and I hope the curve continues
upwards.

Gayle