A couple of years ago I had to attend the memorial service for a former co-worker who had commited suicide. I think the worst part was that he did it on campus so I had to hear about it in rumors from people who didn't know him.
Anyway, I sat at the memorial and listened to so many people cry and mourn and express shock over what had happened. His sister explained that he had made it sound like he was so alone that she hardly expected anyone to come. Instead there was a room full of people... shocked and devastated. All I could think was that I wished he had known how much love existed for him in the world before doing this....
One thing becomes clear though. Most people are blessed enough to never understand the level of pain that would cause someone to do a thing like this. Recognize that as a blessing and don't judge the less fortunate. And if you ever get that low... please, seek help.

There is a difference in saying "I belief depression is caused by self absorption," and making a blanket statement which reeks of ignorance and misinformation, right? Like valkryie said, if I said something that was just WRONG, I'd want to be called out on it. I have no problem with being wrong--even though sometimes it doesn't seem like it. :p

Opinion does not = blanket statement of perceived fact.

It's my birthday today, I'm 25. I hardly share anything personal about myself on here, but I am quite happy today. You are seeking counseling and advice, so I can hardly give you any wisdom that you already have heard.

I do remember being 21, and I only remember how wonderful it was. You're going through a difficult time, maybe it's a lasting very long, but I don't think the solution is to end it. Is suicide selfish? I don't really have a reasonable answer, there are so many questions people want to ask after someone does it to find out why, it's just such a sad and horrible thing to discuss. There is so much a person will miss out on if they kill themselves. You'll never hear the latest music from your favorite band, never know how many sequels to Austin Powers there really are, never knowing all of interesting and things. Think of everything you'll miss out on before contemplating suicide. There are a lot of other places in this world that suffer differently and mange to hold on.

I don't know the specifics of your illness, it is none of my business. However, I do think that whatever you believe in, it was not that you are intended to take your own life. You were given the chance of life for a purpose, potential a great and magnificent one. Don't take that away from yourself, believe that you are strong enough to overcome this obstacle and you'll be able to handle each day as it comes. Depression is just a disability built as a challenge. I know people that have pulled though it; the hardest part was talking about it.

I probably haven't made complete sense here, but don't worry, I won't bother you about this. Suicide should not be your answer.

LANA< FOR CRYING OUT LOUD< PM ME!!!!!!!!!!!:(

Need to find out vat is is up K:confused:

You are to important a person to me!

We went thru on other and did not hear from you, lets get this straightened up soon!:)

Just me.

U know how I care! K?

PM ME! LUV YA!

FYI
http://content.health.msn.com/conten...e/55/13765.htm
What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes symptoms such as low energy, prolonged sadness or irritability, and lack of interest in daily activities. It can be triggered by a chemical imbalance or stressful, emotional situations. Depression is a medical condition, not a character flaw or weakness. Many people with depression do not seek treatment because they are embarrassed or think they will get over it on their own. If you feel you have depression or have been diagnosed with depression, there are many successful treatments available to help you. You do not have to live with depression.

What causes depression?

The cause of depression is not entirely clear. It is thought to be caused by an imbalance of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Depression seems to run in families and is often triggered by stressful life events and lack of social support, and it tends to recur.

Who gets depression?

Anyone can develop depression regardless of age, race, or social status. Women experience depression twice as often as men, although men are more likely to commit suicide as a result of depression.1 One out of every 10 people who visit a doctor has depression, but it goes unrecognized or undertreated in about half of those with the disorder.1 If left untreated, depression can lead to poor quality of life and increased risk of suicide.

Depression is a growing problem and is often underdiagnosed in children and older adults. In children and adolescents, depression might be mistaken for hormonal “moodiness.” Older adults may think it is normal to experience feelings of depression along with aging. Depression is not normal at any age, and treatment is important.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is more than just the normal, temporary feelings of sadness and hopelessness associated with difficult life events. Symptoms of depression occur for at least 2 weeks and include 5 or more of the following:

Problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
A loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
Difficulty going to work or taking care of your daily responsibilities
Feelings of guilt and hopelessness. It is common for depression to make you wonder if life is worth living.
Slowed thoughts and speech, or no speech
Preoccupation with thoughts of death or suicide
Atypical or uncommon symptoms of depression can also include:

Complaints (such as headache and stomachache) with no physical cause.
Weight gain instead of weight loss.
Sleeping too much.
What is a depressive episode?

A depressive episode usually has a distinct beginning and ending and lasts at least 2 weeks. You may have one or many episodes of depression throughout your life, and each episode increases the chances that you will have another.

Depressive episodes can be brief or last a long time, and symptoms can be mild to severe. Sometimes episodes of depression are preceded or followed by periods of high energy (mania). For more information, see the topic Bipolar Disorder.

How is depression treated?

Depression is often treated successfully with professional counseling and medications such as antidepressants. Let your health professional know if you suspect you have depression, as it is often overlooked or undertreated. Once diagnosed, you and your health professional can decide how to best treat your depression. The earlier you are treated, the more quickly you will recover.

Are there different types of depression?

Depressive disorders are classified according to their severity and duration. Depression may be mild, moderate, or severe. It may start suddenly (acute) or be long-lasting (chronic). Dysthymic disorder, for example, is chronic mild depression.

Can depression cause other health problems?

Research supports a relationship between depression and other diseases. However, it is not yet clear whether depression is a cause or a result of other illnesses.

Lana,

You are definitely on my prayer list. Whenever you get a moment, please check out this thread...
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...&threadid=6154

BE BLESSED!


This thread reminds me that we as friends, family, associates, etc should make a conscience effort to tell those that we care about how much we love them NOW......and not when it is too late.

I must say that you are on the right path - give your meds time to kick in and continue seeing your counselor. The combination of medication and therapy is a very beneficial method of treatment.

Try to find ways to make yourself feel good valued. Believe that you are a good person and you have a purpose in this world. Continue to talk with friends and family members, if possible.

Funny that I was going thru the boards and found this thread.

I've read a lot of what people have written. I don't see suicide as selfish. Why? Because I believe that sometimes others make people's lives so miserable that they can't find another way out. I'm not saying that in all cases though.

I don't think people realize the impact that their words or actions have on others. I have always been someone who is effected by others, even when I know I shouldn't be. I have my ups and my downs. For example, I've been kinda happy lately, but the last few days I've just been really upset and have been begging my friends to take me out so I don't sit at home thinking about everything. There are a few words that people say that will totally set me off into a very depressed mood, and today a guy that I really like called me one of these words. And what I coincidence? I was searching the boards and found an interesting post by him that had to do with depression. People need to be nicer and watch what they say. Ever since 10th grade when I started feeling like this, I've tried a lot more to be nicer to people, because you never know what kind of secrets they have. Maybe he'll read this and think about what he said. I'm not sayin to baby someone who is depressed, but what people do or say DOES have an impact on some people.

I've thought about suicide alot... more than I should. I've cut my arms on more than one occassion because I was so upset. I regret doing that because they are so noticeable and everytime I look at them I think "damn, why do I let people get to me like that?"

I've never been to a doctor. Back in high school when I really needed help, my mom didn't believe me and told me that I didn't have any problems. I wonder how she'd feel if she knew that she was one of the problems. I've never been diagnosed as clinically depressed, although my best friend who is a psych major told me that I should go.

The one thing that I realized that makes me feel better.... crying. Everytime I'm home alone, I just sit and realize how many things in my life make me unhappy, things that I cannot change. So I cry my eyes out until I feel better. And it works.

Everyone.... please be careful of what you say to people or call people. Some people may seem "pathetic" because they are having problems, and looking for new friends to cheer them up.

damn that felt good to get all that out

PM Mama I am REALLY worried about you. I think crying is a great form of therapy, but i think in your case maybe some prescription drugs will help you not feel so horrible.
I really hope you find some great new friends that treat you great.

I hope that you feel better. :)