How do you handle depression?

I'm weaning myself off of Lyrica for severe nerve pain in my feet because the Lyrica is doing terrible things to me. Aside from the weight gain, drowsiness and memory loss, it's making me very depressed. I find I have suicidal thoughts a lot, even though I know it's the drug talking and not really me. Either way, the depression is very real and at times, debilitating. There are days I can't get out of bed; there are days I can't deal with my diabetes. I have lost interest in so many things, I've even lost my appetite. But, I act as if nothing's wrong around friends and family. I feel comfortable enough here to talk freely and not get judged; I doubt even my closest friends and family will understand since they're not actually going through it. They'll just think I'm crazy! My own mother believes depression is a choice and your mind can control your emotions; too bad she doesn't understand that our emotions are also controlled by hormones and things! I try to hide it as best I can, but it's going to take a long time before I'm weaned off the Lyrica; plus, the doctor says it will take several years for the effects of Lyrica to leave my system, so in the meantime, I need to cope. I do not want to go see a psychiatrist. I'm just not ready. I think even I'm in denial, to an extent. I just want some way to take my mind off it while I wean myself off the Lyrica. Anybody have any ideas? I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

Daks said:

Depression is most certainly not a choice, but you already know this. Sorry you have to deal with that.

I think most people suffer with depression at some stage of their lives but knowing this does nothing to keep those horrible dark emotionless numb feelings at bay or help you feel better, still It's kinda comforting to know you're not alone, especially on this forum, most here will know exactly how you're feeling, including myself.

If you're having thoughts of suicide, I would definitely urge you to get some professional help, or at least talk to family and friends even thou you feel as though they wont understand.

I know you're in a dark place at the moment but that's exactly what this is, a moment, and moments pass, no one knows how long you'll continue to feel this way, just know at some point there will be a return to feeling happy, content, motivated and alive.

You mentioned that when you're around people you act as if nothings wrong, that's fortitude! And it's a virtue of strength and personality that's rare in people.

It's such a thin line from being on top of the world to being bang at the bottom, just hang in there, focus on the things you enjoy or find something new that's totally out of character for you, sometimes we find motivation on new ground when we least expect it. Meanwhile make a fist, grind on and soldier forward.

Feel free to message me if you want to chat.

Daks x

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That was real nice, thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

Clivethedrive said:

Hi Alicia R, my brother has light therapy and he's been much happier since , maybe it might help ?

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I don't know about light therapy, per se. But, I do try to get outside every day in the natural light. That's the good thing about living in a bright and cheery part of the world -- the sun is always at your disposal! Glad your brother's making progress!