Depression Hurts - Cymbalta Can Help

Why am I writing about this, you might wonder? I was talking to a very close friend of mine and the subject came up. We were both complaining about life, about how depressed we were, and how much she missed her old friend (me!) and how much I missed my old friend (her!). Before you even think anything, I do not take any medications, I have refused to, I try to fight my demons on my own, and I just hate the thought of taking anything. But I have come to the conclusion that depression can be physically and mentally debilitating, and that when you reach that point where you can no longer fight your demons it is time to get some help. I have days that I cannot even move off my couch to do the simplest day to day chores, I might start something and not finish it until the end of the day, I complain about my weight and yet do nothing about it, I feel emotionally numb and yet I cry, I go shopping because I have to, I find no motivation even when I have the most important things in my life standing right in front of me. I go to work, but that's about the only thing that I feel motivated enough to leave the house for. I tell myself maybe meditation can help, maybe in the quietness of my thoughts I can find the answer but I hardly ever stop thinking!! Sometimes I am yelling at myself in my thoughts, be quiet, stop for a second, it will come to you! But I am not patient enough for it to come to me. And NO I am not postpartum, I think I am way past that stage (my daughter is 4).

I am still traumatized from an accident my daughter had 9 months ago. Initially it was shock, then denial, then guilt, then hopelessness, then acceptance. And although I tell myself things could have been worse, its hard to really believe that and it is hard to accept. So here I am, writing about this, hoping that if there is anyone else out there feeling the same you will do as I and take the first step to getting better. Admitting that you are not well is the first and hardest thing to do, then seeking help. The answer may not be in a pill, but maybe just having the chance to tell some one how you feel, and releasing all that tension. Emptying the bottle that you have suppressed for so long, letting go of all that has been choking you, then you can finally see the beauty in life and all that loves you.

It's time to pick up the phone and taking the first step to getting better. Life is to wonderful to let it go right by you, take a deep breath and enjoy the tiny little things in life that no one else takes a chance to notice. If you can do that, then you will find that a little at a time you can come out of it stronger, because taking a pill will not make your problems go away it will only soften them. But in the end you will still have to deal with it.

• Realizing you have a problem is the first step, seeking help is your greatest step.
• Many are immediately drawn to the script pad, but before you fill that prescription ask questions! Side effects, withdrawals, weaning off, etc. Do your research, find out what's really in that bottle of pills. Do the side effects outweigh the benefits?
• Go for a walk, exercise is a great way to fighting depression. Besides there is so much out there to be seen, why waste your days inside?
• Seek alternative options. If you are like me and hate medications, there are natural alternatives to medications. Acupuncture for example is a great treatment for depression.
  
• Surround yourself with positive things. Be it a positive quote, poem, people, activities, hobbies, etc. find the things that bring you joy, and stick to them.
  
• You are not alone! Don't think for a second that you are alone in this. There is help out there. Hotlines, church, medical professionals that are willing to listen and help.