| I have suffered from chronic depression since I was a teenager. I have been on anti-depressants for the past decade, although I am about ready to start weaning myself off of them (under a doctor's supervision of course). It sounds like loneliness is one of your core problems. My guess is that you have difficulty forming and maintaining personal relationships. I would give group therapy a try. It can be awkward and unnerving but it teaches to you how to be part of a community and how to interact with others in a meaningful way. With respect to the symptoms of depression that you are experiencing, your first move should be to see your primary care physician. There are a variety of physical ailments for which depression can be a symptom. For example, hypothyroid, diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, low testosterone, sleep disorders, etc. Get some lab work done. If you do end up deciding to take anti-depressants, make sure to continue therapy. Medicine alone won't fix your life. The goal of anti-depressants should be to make you feel well enough that you can start to fix your life. Also, if you decide to take anti-depressants quit drinking, smoking pot, or any other recreational drugs you may dabble in. They do not mix well! Stay active. Sitting around the house is like suicide in slow motion. Go out a do things. Even if it's just running errands or taking a walk in the park you will feel much better than if you are sitting at home wondering if life is pointless. Get in shape, too. Find some activities you enjoy. Ideally, they should involve some form of "play." Whether it's basketball, surfing, snowboarding, or whatever, you need to have a way to experience being in the moment. I also suggest reading Joseph Campbell. Start with The Power of Myth. The original PBS documentary series of the same name is available on Netflix as well. |