Coping with Depression

David,

I'm so sorry you are struggling. I've struggled with depression to the point where I loathe/hate depression. It is possible to run from your life while running, biking, and swimming. It is something I am mindful of myself - taking care that I'm not avoiding my life while tri'ing. If you've never talked to a therapist, I recommend that you start doing so now. Therapy is the best money I've ever spent. Don't do it because "it's that bad" - do it because it can be so much better. A good therapist will help you look at the pieces of your life and put them together, like a puzzle. A good therapist is a guide; they won't solve your depression for you but they will help you get where you need to be. You've got to do the work.

Something my therapist told me many times: depression is what happens when we take our anger and turn it inward. Maybe you should start journaling and try to learn for yourself what it is you are turning inward. It's a good place to start, especially if you are therapy-averse.

Take much care of yourself.

David,

It can be that bad. Depression is very insidious and subtle. It can be severe before you even realize it. Please get some help for this. It is common and you would be surprised how many people experience this but fail to get help. Definitely seek a good counselor, and if medication is warranted, a counselor can make a referral for that.

Take care,

Pam

hey David,

Therapy will help tons. Keep in mind a couple of things. There are good ones and bad ones, and ones that are good for you, but not good for others. You can interview a few first, and see if one resonates. BUT..don't forget that sometimes right when you think "this therapist is no good, I want a new one", its because they are hitting on something that you don't want to face.

I've been having a time of it lately, lots going on for me...the training is helping, but I know I was bottoming out. For mild depression, you can try st. johns wort, (since its not FDA controlled, you have to make sure you're getting good stuff). It's all natural and made a big difference for me. It's not a cure-all of course, but it might help to lift you to a better place. The best I can explain, is that when I fall into the "bog", it just isn't as deep. I recover from situations more healthy, and setbacks don't take me down.  

therapy+st. johns wort+training =

David,

I agree with everyone else...help is so important.  Don't feel ashamed or that it's "bad", or that you are weak....you're not, and it only will make things worse.  You are not alone and you will feel better with help.

Good luck

Well, let me add to the chorus.....  Yup, been there, done that (hell, still doing it), got the T shirt.  It's more common than you think, and more common than most people are willing to admit.  It's not a weakness, just the way things are.

And it is cyclical, so you have to remember that "this too shall pass."

Some great advice in this thread.  Seeing someone might help.  OTC remedies might help.  Rx drugs might help, but you never know until you take the action to do something.

This is an excellent thread.  Even though it's best to seek out the help of a therapist, there is nothing wrong with sharing your thoughts.  We can't be with the therapist 24/7 so a lot of what people are suggesting are practical things we can do on our own.  I'm going through some tough times right now.  My therapist is wonderful which helps a lot.

My training and the goals I have set for myself give me something else to focus on besides my problems.  Usually I keep journals of my struggles, but this time I have not been inclined to.  I don't know if that's good or bad.  Most of my writing is focused on my training blog, forum posts, and a tri blog I've finally started working on.

Hang in there, and find someone who can help you get back on track.  It's money well spent.