How do I know if it's bad enough to seek help?

Sari · 07-23-2005, 12:27 AM

I guess I've always been a little depressed. Mainly about body image, so I don't know if that's the kind of thing to go on meds for or whatever. It's gotten a little worse since I've gotten older, mainly due to body image and issues again. I've got several issues going on in my life that make me feel down, but sometimes I feel like, "you have valid reasons for being depressed, it's not a chemical imbalance problem, so you don't need to see a shrink" So how do I know?

am0rcita · 07-23-2005, 12:37 AM

I knew when a manager at work commented on my confidence level.

It felt like I wasn't quite able to cover up the things that were getting me down - the whole world could see!

KatrinaAnne · 07-23-2005, 12:42 AM

Sara,

**BIG HUGS** to you sweetheart. I want to tell you I am sorry you are feeling the way you are, I know it is not a fun feeling. I have been struggling severely with body image issues for the last four years, and it has been quite a battle, but I always tell myself I am not going to give in. I know there are some things that I dont like about myself that I can change but there are also things that I dont like about myself that I can not change...so I am working on changing the ones I can and accepting the things that I cant change. I just want you to know sweetheart, you are not alone.

I wish I could give you a clear cut answer on when you should seek help regarding depression. Sometimes it is hard to determine if we feel depressed because of certain situations that are in our life or if we have a chemical imbalance, or possibly a combination of both. I think that if you feel depressed sweetheart and it is something that has lasted for a long time then you should see a doctor. Your doctor might put you on some medicine and it might do you a world of good....it may take time due to finding the right dosage or the medication that fits you the best, but it may really help. It you can not find a medication that helps it may not be a chemical imbalance and then you may have to try to think about what may be causing you to feel so down, such as your self image, and begin a journey on fixing it....or trying to.

I have been on what I call MY JOURNEY TO SELF ACCEPTANCE for the last three years sweetheart....and it has been a bumby road. I am not where I would like to be yet, actually I am still very far away but I am a little closer to where I want to be every day, and I keep that in the back of my mind. I have really low self esteem...and it has taken away a lot of my self worth...but I do not want to let it win. I mentioned earlier in my post that there are certain things I can change that I dont like about myself and their are certain things that I cant change that I dont like about myself...but there is one thing that I can do to fix both the things that I "can" and "cant" change about myself...and that is I can train my mind. If I can learn to love myself completely for the person I am....if I can learn to accept my weight even if I change the weight that I am at, if I can learn to accept my facial and excess body hair even if I get rid of it or I just let it stay where it is, and I can learn to accept my mind, my spirit, and my whole body I can set myself free. I know this is going to take a long time...but I believe that if I keep on working at it, I will be where I want to be.

I know my exterior is just a small part of who I am. It is hard sometimes to see the beauty that is within ourselves. Sometimes I wish that I could see my self through another person's eyes...like through my best friends eyes, my mom's eyes, or my sweet Salem's eyes...because then I think I would truly love myself. Just like I wish all of my cysters could see themselves through my eyes, because I know they would love themselves and see themselves for the beautiful people they are.

I wish you the best of luck sweetheart. Please keep us updated. Sara sweetheart, take one day at a time, one step at a time, and know there are brighter days ahead.

Much love to you sweetheart ::Hugs::

sunshine4u7 · 07-23-2005, 12:48 AM

Sarabelle~
((hugs))) I don't have a clear answer for you either. But, I can share with you my experience. I suffer from low self-esteem, body image problems, and I do have some personal stuff going on as well. I have recently strated seeing a psychologist again after 3 years of prior therapy. It is very refreshing to go and talk to someone outside of the freinds whom I normally talk to . Maybe this might be an option for you.
I wish you all the best hon.,

Sunshine

barneyb · 07-23-2005, 01:26 AM

I think if you're asking the question, you owe it to yourself to seek professional help of some kind. Medication is not always the way to go - sometimes it's enough to have a therapist or counselor that you can talk to about anything that's on your mind. My issues with depression have never been about body image, so I wouldn't presume to offer you advice on that. Just know that you are soooooo not alone in dealing with this. Good luck & hope you feel better soon!

Dazee52 · 07-23-2005, 01:56 AM

Dear Sarabelle,

Listen to your heart. Like the girls above, I felt that talking to someone outside my circle at times was helpful. Just to get a fresh look at things and get someone elses perspective. Listen to what your heart says. "Getting help" is always a good thing, it means you care about yourself enough to know that you want to be a better person!

Know that we here support you and are here if you need us!

heather090702 · 07-23-2005, 02:52 AM

I agree with what everyone has said. Even if you don't feel the need to take meds, speaking to a therapist or psychiatrist might be enough to help you. It never hurts to just talk to someone! We are always here for you to talk to as well. Please feel better.

Heather

Chaque · 07-23-2005, 08:53 PM

Honestly, at what point you ask yourself "How do I know if it's bad enough to seek help?", I would suggest seeking help.

I have been depressed for many years. I gained a lot of weight in a really short amount of time and never wanted to go out of the house. I stopped going to school and stayed inside most of the time. When I did out, I felt so self conscious and anxious, it just wasnt enjoyable so I didnt want to do it anymore.

In November, I found out my husband had cheated on me a couple times. I made us both go see psychiatrists.

I cant even explain how much better I feel about *myself* now. I am still uncertain about my marriage and assume I will be for a very long time to come, but I am feeling much better about myself. Which honestly, isnt that more important anyway?

I was put on Celexa and given anxiety pills and sleeping pills. It has really helped. I dont feel drugged up either. I really dont feel any different except for feeling better about myself and not having the anxiety I used to have. Of course, in the last 6 months I have also lost ~35lbs and I had lost 20 lbs in the year before that, so I am sure that helps a bit.

Since starting theropy, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. I am still doing so much better. I even went back to school this past month.

You could at least try it. Go a few times. If you dont feel that its helping you and wont help you, then stop going. I felt better in the first session, just having someone on the outside to talk to.

Good luck with this, I understand how difficult it is. *comfort*

choirmissy · 07-23-2005, 09:18 PM

It's a hard decision to make. I spent 3 months telling myself that I was burned out and I would snap out of it once I had free time. I had two weeks off during Christmas and I didn't want to anything but sit around or sleep. I guess my answer would be that if you feel like you aren't yourself any more and are not enjoying the things you used to enjoy, it's probably time to see someone. I remember that I found a depression test somewhere on line and that too helped me make my decision. You can always come here to talk too (((HUGS)))

Miss Maren · 07-23-2005, 09:41 PM

As it's already been so eloquently put, if you are already asking the question, I believe it's time to talk someone. Just because you see a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist doesn't mean you'll immediately -or at all- be put on meds.

Therapy alone can do wonders. I'm so sorry you are struggling with this, I've been struggling with it for years as well, and it's a hard battle. I wish you only the very best in your journey.

*hugs*

Gunnie · 07-24-2005, 12:06 AM

I have been in your shoes throughout my life. Sometimes all it took was talking to someone who didn't know me to get it off my chest. In the last few years, I have needed medication to help keep me calm. I think you already know the answer to your questions. Go talk to someone and let them help you with at least an ear. You don't have to be depressed and alone. Let the professionals hear what's going on and decide what you need to feel better. (SENDING YOU A BIG HUG!)

Sari · 08-08-2005, 08:46 PM

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. I am seriously considering talking to someone. I'll update if/when I do.