I just can't control my depression.

[Provost Harrison]

I already have a doctors appointment booked, I have had it booked since before I made this thread.

Doc Strangelove, I have realised this too. I need a bit more of a boost to my confidence before I can really consider any long term kind of stuff. I am aware of the nature of antidepressants and the nature of the treatment. I am not looking at them as a cure, but as a means to start to be able to remedy the underlying problem and break the vicious circle.

A lot of these ideas, especially the teaching abroad thing, is really, really tempting. The idea of teaching is a good one, but I need to be able to assess how well I would be suited to the occupation. The perks and the pay are good, but I have to be realistic about how I would get on with the job, and to do that, I would shadow at my mothers school.

But first things first as Dr Strangelove has said. I have to make a start on this long road before I can start tackling some of these bigger underlying causes of depression in my life. I have naturally been good with friends so that isn't a major one I have to deal with, although making new friends has become more difficult.

But seriously, some of this advice is fantastic. In fact, it is better than the majority of advice I got in the job thread. Thanks, I don't know what else to say people.

[Sava]

I know how you feel Provost... I've had depression my whole life (althought only diagnosed at 18). I basically feel that the worlds sucks, there's no point to lfie, so why bother? But after two overdoses, I just feel like I've got to stay around... I figure, sooner or later I'll find what it is I'm looking for.

ANyways, drugs didn't work for me. At first, they help with moodswings, but I was taking Zoloft and the sexual side effects were far worse than the problems in my life (in fact, sex was the only good thing in my life ). Anyways, you can't let job problems get you down so much. You're a smart guy and sooner or later you'lll find your spot. Exercise definitely helps more than any drug will.

[Provost Harrison]

I have never derived any pleasure from sport though, that is my point, so it is not like I have lost my enjoyment of it, because I never had it. And as for diminishing the sex drive, sometimes I think that may be a bonus in my current situation

[Ozz]

The reason your unhappy is your letting society set your
goals in life. Do you REALLY want to be a PHD biochemist or do want to be a PHD biochemist cause the
place in "society" you THINK will grant you.

Tell society to bugger off, and be selfish enough for once
in your life to look after yourself.

"I hav'nt decided what to be yet, eithier a Brain Surgeon
or a fry Cook"

Jetho Bodeane

[Boris Godunov]

Most importantly, stop eating the babies. That can only lead to continued depression. I think they contain chemicals that lower your seratonin levels.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

You're doing the right things, PH. Just bear in mind that teaching is a tough and frequently thankless profession. I'm not trying to put you off, just making sure you go into it with realistic expectations.

Incidentally, depression doesn't equate to a life sentance. It can go, and go for good.

[RGBVideo]

Have long-term depression? Feel rejected?
Make a bomb from some home-made chemicals, add some
shotgun shells into it, then blow yourself up on the nearest mall. That'll teach the society!

After that, police hears that you were surfing at the internet sometime ago,
and bans internet for people under 29-year old's.

[Provost Harrison]

Hmmm...I think I will pass on that one...besides, have you ever tried getting hold of shotgun cartridges nowadays?

[Dr Strangelove]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
I already have a doctors appointment booked, I have had it booked since before I made this thread.

Doc Strangelove, I have realised this too. I need a bit more of a boost to my confidence before I can really consider any long term kind of stuff. I am aware of the nature of antidepressants and the nature of the treatment. I am not looking at them as a cure, but as a means to start to be able to remedy the underlying problem and break the vicious circle.

Just remember that there are a lot of anti-depressants out there, and people respond differently to each of them, You may have to try several of them to find the right one or the right combination. Work with your doctor to help him find the right treatment for you.

[Provost Harrison]

I will do, thanks.

[Dr Strangelove]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
A lot of these ideas, especially the teaching abroad thing, is really, really tempting.

Yes, you could go to Thailand and teach the King's children, sort of like a male "Anna". You'll need a ten year old daughter. We'll need to book a good film crew too, only this time, because the Thai are so touchy about that "advanced white people teaching culture to butt naked yellow savages" we'll need to completely revamp the whole plot. How about this: instead of you teaching the Thai children, they teach you. You come back home and spread Buddhism throughout the western world. You become known as "The Enlightened Provost" and people make gigantic golden statues of your scantily clad body.

[Sprayber]

Ah depression. A favorite topic of mine.

Some of you dismissed FNBrown without giving it much of a chance. A friend of mine goes severl times a year with her church group on missions. They go and help paint houses or do things like that to help under privliaged people around the state. Once a year they go to Mexico and help build houses kind of like habitat for humanity. My point is it doesnt have to be religious in nature. It's the kind of program where you and other people like you can get together have a good time and help people. It's a great way to get involved in a group and a great way to get to know people, including girls. It doesnt have to be something terribly complex. It can be something as simple as helping older people around their house, delivering groceries or helping improve neighborhoods. Anything to get out with other people and accomplish something positive. Make yourself apart of the community and along the way you will meet all kinds of new people. You don't have to go all the way around the world to do exciting things and meet people. You can do all that in your own community if you just look around. Things like that look very good when people are hiring. It shows a committment to your community and a willingness to work together without necessarly becoming just another cog in the wheel.

[Dis]

I once thought about drugs like Paxil. But what good are those drugs if you get hooked and your Wang doesn't work?

Sure they say they aren't addictive, but I've heard too many stories.

But not everyone is the same. Drugs can work for many people.

But I (I'm going on another ego trip so bear with me) know I have an extremely strong mind. I know I can enact change and make it stick. My weight loss makes me more confident in that regard. I can lose weight and not put it back on. I have extremely high amounts of willpower. But not everyone has that, and drugs are probably their best recourse.

[Zero]

Sleep works wonderfully for my depression.

And doing nothing except reveling in the fact that I am doing nothing for an hour helps my anxiety/stress/depression.

[Alexander's Horse]

Originally posted by Lazarus and the Gimp
You're doing the right things, PH. Just bear in mind that teaching is a tough and frequently thankless profession.

Yes you may have to teach children like me

If you go somewhere like Thailand, don't knock off the students - its very tacky.

Mobius and I discussed this briefly last night - his advice was simple - "Leave Hull!"