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Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

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Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#31

Post by mitali »

I was clinically depressed in college and you sound very much like me back then. You really need to see your college's medical center psychologist - most colleges have one. ASAP. Please.

I was a top student all through high school and first year of college and became utterly depressed to the point where I failed a class because I simply could not drag myself out of my dorm room to go to the final exam. That happened to be a real kick in the pants for me... to jolt me out of my state. And get me to a doctor.

Few things that may help - It is a phase, it will pass. But you need to be proactive and get moving. And get to a doctor - please. - Join a bunch of clubs or sports teams (if you're athletic) or volunteer. Sometimes going to class seems unbearable but having other activities, especially ones where you have a commitment to show up for your team helps. - Get a job - same as above. Accountability to others helps. - Take time off and travel. If you're doing fine in college and getting decent grades etc., and can afford to skip a semester - do it! College is the last time you will have a chance to do completely new things. And traveling doesnt have to cost a lot of money... esp if you're a college student and dont mind hostels. - And above all, PLEASE DONT DRINK or SMOKE POT. Both will make the situation MUCH worse.

I cant say I fully recovered but I am not at all the way I was in college. You will get out of it, but you need to act.

Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#32

Post by haploid »

bpourriahi wrote: post #23

I went through the same thing. The best advice I can give you now is to go chiropractor that specializes in many different types of medicines. DO NOT go to a regular MD - they will not help you any. Depression is a symptom, and can be caused by a variety of factors. You need someone who is unbiased and well educated, and a well-rounded chiropractor is a great starting point. Nutritional Deficiencies Toxicity Malfunct…

Good advice.

And after you're done with the chiropractor, check in with an acupuncturist, a touch therapist, a reflexologist, and a holistic bowel cleansing expert.

Do NOT do this until you've had your fortune told by a Tarot card reader, though! It's also advisable that you do not begin homeopathic treatment until Venus is aligned with Scorpio in transit to Pisces.

Depression is something that can only be cured if you detoxify your aura, so be sure to begin a daily pineapple-juice fasting regimen before emailing the undoubtedly medically qualified bpourriahi for the kind of life-saving diagnosis that Evil Corporate Big Medicine doesn't want you to know!

tl;dr: You are not a medical professional. Stop giving mystical new age quack advice to a person who could quite possibly have a real disorder.

Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#33

Post by hariis »

In addition to all the great advice here, I would suggest you learn Meditation and practice it everyday, it will take just 20 minutes. While I don't guarantee anything in the short run, you will see benefits in the long run with regards to issues of this nature.

Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#34

Post by zcksjdn »

Struggling with OCD and depression myself, it can be very difficult to do anything, socializing, hobbies etc. There is some really good advice on here though.

Definitely consider talking to someone. A close friend, family even. I'd really suggest trying to find a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist though. It might take some time to find one that you feel comfortable with, don't give up. I'm still looking.

I hadn't thought of suggesting this, but I have been having a problem with this myself, and that is entagld's comment(1st right now) - "It would be great if you could eventually talk about a passion you have with someone who shares it." I'd even extend that to working on a project that you are passionate about with someone. You would be surprised how much of a difference this can make.

I really hope you can find some direction or help from the comments here. Good luck.

Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#35

Post by satori99 »

mitali wrote: post #31

I was clinically depressed in college and you sound very much like me back then. You really need to see your college's medical center psychologist - most colleges have one. ASAP. Please. I was a top student all through high school and first year of college and became utterly depressed to the point where I failed a class because I simply could not drag myself out of my dorm room to go to the final exam. That happened…

I got out of it too. However, smoking pot actually worked for me when SSRI's did not. I never go so far as to recommend it, as I have seen it destroy other peoples lives, but it is the only thing that let me 'turn my brain off', to get any relief from manic circular thoughts that were getting dangerous. I still smoke it every night, and no longer consider myself depressed.

Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#36

Post by mitali »

satori99 wrote: post #35
mitali wrote: post #31

I was clinically depressed in college and you sound very much like me back then. You really need to see your college's medical center psychologist - most colleges have one. ASAP. Please. I was a top student all through high school and first year of college and became utterly depressed to the point where I failed a class because I simply could not drag myself out of my dorm room to go to the final exam. That happened…

I got out of it too. However, smoking pot actually worked for me when SSRI's did not. I never go so far as to recommend it, as I have seen it destroy other peoples lives, but it is the only thing that let me 'turn my brain off', to get any relief from manic circular thoughts that were getting dangerous. I still smoke it every night, and no longer consider myself depressed.

definitely if you are manic depressive i can see how pot would help. but this kid doesnt sound manic at all - just completely depressed. and pot can be a huge depressive even for totally normal ppl...

Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#37

Post by lowprofile »

I know you will get through this. I did.

I became chronically depressed when I was 15. I was hospitalized between my first and second year of college.

What got me through it? Friends and a focus on school. Having a goal was huge, I also had a job that I HAD to go to.

Also don't be afraid of medication, for short-term it can help, used to stabilized so you can get your habits going that will organically help your depression.

At the end, even though I still suffer from it. I manage it. I finished college, did grad school. I am married, have a family and have been part of two successful ventures.

You will get through it!

Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#38

Post by satori99 »

The fact that you recognise your predicament, and are asking for help is a strong indicator that you will get better quickly.

I tried pretending to my friends and family that I was more or less ok. I think I must have been pretty good at it too, as no one ever suggested to me that I might have been depressed until I got to the point of having a scary psychotic episode.

I got better within months after accepting my condition and learning how to manage it.

As almost everyone else has stated, depression is totally managable if you seek professional help.

Sometimes with medication and sometimes simply with therapy and lifestyle changes.

Re: Ask HN: Depression, Loss of Motivation, Feeling Lost. Please Help

#39

Post by JoshKalkbrenner »

Not sure this will help, but here are my two cents:

1. Are you a Celiac? http://www.celiac.com/

2. Advice I received from a Taxi Driver -- "If you're having a bad day, walk away." He referred to his 'bad days' as those when he didn't make money, but his advice struck a cord with me: If you cannot do anything about it, walk away and try again another day.

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