Touchy subject

[evan385]

I've been having some issues with depression, a mostly unjustified sense of despair and thoughts of suicide. Really don't want to talk about it but I would rather talk to y'all than my family..lol

[The Serpent Merchant]

I've been there before, right after my parents got divorced, and moved to different states (I was 10 at the time). Things eventually got better but it took almost 5 years for me. Stay strong, things will get better in time.

[youbeyouibei]

Not to put words in your mouth but if the thought is there, please know that suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems. I've been down that dark hole before and still get down sometimes and it sucks. PTSD is horrendous and depression isn't something to mess around with. I'm not the least bit ashamed to say I've talked to professionals and taken anti-depressants (prescribed, of course!) fighting my way out of that crap. It isn't always easy nor is it pleasant but it's well worth it in the end. My first snake, a corn, is part of what helped me through that crap. Gave me an interest in something other than my problems and a new joy in life and with that I found a reason and then reasonS, plural, to keep going. Hang in there and keep your head up. Some advice I got that was pretty simple but stuck with me is to think of things like your dinner plate: you don't try and eat the whole meal all at once but rather one bite at a time. Deal with things one step at a time and don't let them overwhelm you all at once. Take care, man.

[h00blah]

Some advice I got that was pretty simple but stuck with me is to think of things like your dinner plate: you don't try and eat the whole meal all at once but rather one bite at a time. Deal with things one step at a time and don't let them overwhelm you all at once.

That is some great advice

[youbeyouibei]

That is some great advice

Thanks! Stuck with me, more so than any of the psychology mumbo jumbo that went along with that particular conversation. Besides, if the psychiatrist would have included "bacon" in the phrasing, I'd have been all ears, lol!

[ballpythonluvr]

Whatever you do, DO NOT give up dude! You are so young and you have your whole life ahead of you, please don't throw that way. I have bipolar and have been down that road of wanting to end it all. I had to fall flat on my butt to realize that I had a life worth living. This hobby and my snakes really help me get through the bad times. Whenever I feel like crap, I just handle one of my bp's and that makes it all better. I especially love hanging out with my male normal, he is my favorite and I know this sounds stupid, but he seems to sense when I am down and will just completely chill with me. No, I do not have any scientific proof of this. This is a great hobby and can really give you something positive to focus on.

[DooLittle]

If it is that bad, perhaps you should see a doctor. Maybe some medication could help you. Just make sure you do something to pull you through. Suicide is not the answer. You are young and have a lot of life left toive. And it will get better. Granted there will be rough patches, but that's all part of it. Keep your chin up!!!

[Wiggy]

I too, would encourage you to see a professional. Even just for someone to talk to who understands these sort of things.

If it's reassuring at all, psychiatry/psychology isn't as mindless, arrogant, and imposing as a lot of babble out there makes it sound. You wont be automatically considered crazy, sick, or a threat to yourself just for talking to someone about what's going on, and they wont necessarily say that meds are the correct course of action just because you're having some trouble.

Also, do remember that you have identifiable information linked with your account (such as your picture), and the posts you make here will likely be here until the site shuts down (and may still float around the web afterwards). It's up to you, and there's nothing inherently wrong with talking about it here, but just be aware that it is entirely possible for other people to find you on here and find these posts, whether by chance, or intentional snooping.

[Mike41793]

The depression is just something in your head. You can get yourself through it with the right mindset, medication should be used as a secondary option imo. Whenever im feeling bummed out i try and focus on something i enjoy, one of my hobbies, and distract myself. Focus on your snakes or pets, read a book, do school work, or play video games. Or just go for a long car ride. Those are all things i do whenever im feeling down or stressed.

The dinner plate theory thing is also really good too imo^^^

[Ohlacey]

I know what you mean. My life hit an odd rough patch, and even though I'm a really positive person my world has taken a kind of complacent break... It can be hard to cope but I've found a few really relieving things.

The tough one was writing. When it gets bad... write. Write out your feelings and try to process why you feel that way. That gets a little of it out, even if its hard to face at the moment. After you write step outside and take a breath of fresh air. Look around... The sun will shine tomorrow and the wind will blow. Nothings quitting on you and there is a lot of loveliness in the earth anywhere you look.

Find a focal point. Once you breath some of the bad out, find a positive. Something that makes you feel fulfilled. If it's your snakes, than fixate a little. Write down breeding plans or names until you're satisfied. Take pride in what you can have with a little work, and don't lose sight of it.

Step out of your comfort zone. Do something that will take a boost of confidence. For me, working with a particularly challenging animal and making headway is always gratifying... whether its taming down a nippy rainbow boa or making some progress with a particularly ornery horse. When you're feeling complacent and empty, feeling nervous can actually be really helpful... and facing those nerves to do something productive is REALLY gratifying.

Tire yourself out. I find that depression is almost a 'tired simulator'. Though you're not doing things that would normally take a lot out of you, you're exhausted. Try and step above this by actually tiring yourself, mentally and physically. Both physical exercise and trying new things and experiences work out your mind and body. This also helps you sleep at night, which did wonders for me. Insomnia and depression feed each other profoundly... and mercilessly. It's a vicious cycle. Regular workouts will put you to sleep at night and that helps more than I can explain. (Sleeping at NIGHT is very important too. When you exhaust your ability to stay awake and crash during the day, you're feeding a lot of problems within yourself, I've found.)

Plan a few days out of your week. Include these 'new things' or work outs. You don't have to write down every day minute for minute, but plan a few. It gives you a sense of control and solidity, in my opinion!

Eat more veggies and drink more water. Pretty simple, really. Crappy food makes you feel, well, crappy. Vitamin rich meals satisfy your body and mind. They also re-hydrate you. Most depression is caused by deficiency, and drinking more water/eating natural vitamins and antioxidants works wonders.