Do you live with chronic depression?

I am glad that you are at least able to get some counselling and that it is free as well. Yes, it is amazing that some people seem to 'bury their head in the sand' to avoid thinking about issues like mental illness. Those banal phrases like 'pull up your socks', 'get a job and you will feel better' etc are most annoying. My husband suffers from PTSD and so many people do not understand what he goes through, even his own brother doesn't understand. Now we just take each day as it comes, because sometimes we have good times which helps us get through the bad times. So my heart does go out to you tigrashadow and I hope you continue to get all the support you need from not only the professionals but also family and friends. Remember, only those who can support you through the bad times should be allowed to come knocking on your door in the good times.

thats a beautiful comment. my counsellor thinks some of my stuff comes from PTSD but who knows. i hope your husband has more good days than bad and its wonderful to know you are there to support him.....my friends and mum are great..

Yes tigrashadow these days my husband does have more good days than bad ones. If that ever changes, I make sure he sees his treating medical people urgently. Actually he sees them very frequently anyway, so often they will pick up that he is starting down the slide at the same time as I do. :)

You are right, there are no magic cures for people who suffer from chronic depression but they can have a quality of life with the help of medication and counselling. The medication and counselling do not cure the problem, but assist the sufferers to cope with every day life. I think the problem is that people who suffer from depression often do not seek help, and the reason for this is that they have no physical signs of an illness, i.e. no broken bones or missing limbs. In general society considers that there can be nothing wrong with a person who looks physically completem but someone suffering from chronic depression can in fact have more health issues than someone with a broken leg. The support system is very important but also the carer and family of the person suffering from chronic depression also need support. That fact is only now being recognised by the medical health system. Thank you for your contibution to the discussion.

You are right, there are no magic cures for people who suffer from chronic depression but they can have a quality of life with the help of medication and counselling. The medication and counselling do not cure the problem, but assist the sufferers to cope with every day life. I think the problem is that people who suffer from depression often do not seek help, and the reason for this is that they have no physical signs of an illness, i.e. no broken bones or missing limbs. In general society considers that there can be nothing wrong with a person who looks physically completem but someone suffering from chronic depression can in fact have more health issues than someone with a broken leg. The support system is very important but also the carer and family of the person suffering from chronic depression also need support. That fact is only now being recognised by the medical health system. Thank you for your contibution to the discussion.

I am sorry to hear about your father tentwo67, and it must have been hard for you when you were growing up. I am not sure if the episodes get worse as they get older, but it wouldn't really surprise me as many medical conditions do worsen with age unfortunately. I do hope that your father is home in time for Christmas, as that would be wonderful for the family. Not only to have him with you but also to know that his condition has been stabilised. Thanks for sharing this with us and I hope all goes well in the future for you and your family.

I am sure that your family understand the situation you are in and are only too willing to help. It is a case of taking small steps, one at a time, and although you might not recover from the chronic depression, you can have a decent life with the aid of your medication. Good luck to you and I hope you continue taking one small step at a timem but only in a forward direction. :)

You are extremely lucky sweetie88 that nobody in your family or friends suffers from depression. Thanks for responding to the discussion. :)

Some people learn to cope and take no medication at all whilst others need the medication to make life for them, and those around them, bearable. I hope that you have more good days than bad days, and remember that you can also get free counselling here in Australia. So, don't be alone and suffering if you need help. In some cases, it is better to get to know a counsellor through a couple of sessions when things are 'okay' (rather than good), so when you are really down, you have someone you already know to talk to. Good luck, and remember one small step at a time.

I am sorry to hear that you suffer from chronic depression. Are you receiving any treatment for it or on any sort of medication?

You are not alone rosebug and I am pleased to be able to say that at least here in Australia there is a lot of publicity given regarding mental health and the help that is available to sufferers, as well as their families of course. I think that there are times when we just have to accept that medication is essential for our well being, whether that be physical or mental health. I am sure that your family understand and support you as much as they possibly can, because it appears that you recognise that they are supportive. Thank you very much for your honesty in sharing your condition with us, and remember to take one small step at a time, in a forward direction of course. :)

I hope that you have been getting treatment for the depression when it does hit you.

Yes, it is not nice and unfortunately hard on the sufferers. I am pleased that your friend with bipolar is coping okay at the present time - and let's hope it continues to be that way.