Do you have Depression?

Does anyone here have really bad depression? I find myself really struggling to do water changes every time I start crashing(Sometimes it's a month or two before I can bounce back and I only do a couple water changes during that time). I don't want to neglect my tank but its hard to muster the extra energy for it sometimes.

 

I have bipolar II so I get these big depressive downs and what I've done to make sure I do not neglect my tanks is to do small consistent water changes. I set a schedule with alarms on my phone in case I forget and try in fit it into my routine. I would also recommend not overwhelming yourself with too many tanks and maybe try and get someone to help you out when you're feeling really down...

 

College has made me pretty dang depressed, getting through it alright though with the help of a close friend. For me water changes are one of the most relaxing things, it's quiet and no one bothers me. Then again my fish has helped me a lot with staying happy so I want to make sure he gets the best care. I guess worrying about him takes my mind off of other things. If it becomes overwhelming I agree with Ruby_house, get some help and try to make it fun for you. Explain to the person why you do it and how happy the fish get with clean water.

 

I unfortunately only have my fish in life, haha.

 

I unfortunately only have my fish in life, haha.

Then let the world know you're a crazy fish person by telling them all about your fish and make them understand and help you lol

 

I feel you. I’ve struggled with major depression, anxiety, and OCD for just about 15 years. Started medication 5 years ago, but there are still some really rough times. Sometimes if I just force myself to do it, it’s a good distraction. But getting the energy is certainly challenging when you just want to give up on everything and curl up in a ball and cry. I can’t recommend therapy or a psychiatrist enough. Both can be helpful even if you’re doubting it. Not sure what your situation is but even if money is tight there are usually places that charge based on your income level so that you can still have someone to talk to who’s a professional.

Is there a fish club in your area? It’s always been easiest for me to make friends if we have a major hobby or interest in common. Never down time in the conversation when you’re both passionate about the same things. I’m an introvert and hate small talk, so it’s been very helpful to me. And don’t forget, you have lots of friends on FL!

 

The way I like to see it..and kind of like to twist it..is that depression is a signal. A signal from your brain that was hardwired to alert you when something isn't right. Just like pain evolved to alert you that something is wrong and needs attention. It's a signal that alerts you, that you need to make changes in your life. You need something new. You should look at depression as a motivator. It's your brain warning you that sitting there in your bed all day isn't good for you. It's forcing you to find and do something to make it go away.

That's how I like to look at it. I mean sure, some people have disorders like anxiety. Getting anxiety when there is no clear reason or sign of danger. Or depression when you seemingly have all the happiness in the world. But I feel like..when I look at it like this, I'm thankful for depression. Because it's made me not be content with where I'm at. It's forced me to get up and go after the things I want in life. That's all depression is, and if you realize that and fight back to reclaim your happiness. It's served it's purpose.

 

Have struggled with depression and other things for about 5 years now and autism since a child, because of this I get obsessed with subjects and research very easily, while finding no need for socialising. I sometimes don't realise that I have not left the house to see family or friends in weeks.

Also I find that I do water changes and maintenance for no real reason other than to just to keep myself busy as I feel uneasy when i'm not doing something productive, I have so many hobbies I have no time in the day for other people.
Best thing to do is find some sort of a balance where you can still get tasks done while still finding time to slow down, think for yourself and do things that you enjoy to prevent yourself from being burnt out.

 

Have struggled with depression and other things for about 5 years now and autism since a child, because of this I get obsessed with subjects and research very easily, while finding no need for socialising. I sometimes don't realise that I have not left the house to see family or friends in weeks.

Also I find that I do water changes and maintenance for no real reason other than to just to keep myself busy as I feel uneasy when i'm not doing something productive, I have so many hobbies I have no time in the day for other people.
Best thing to do is find some sort of a balance where you can still get tasks done while still finding time to slow down, think for yourself and do things that you enjoy to prevent yourself from being burnt out.

That's a good tip. I also find myself never hanging out with anybody, just family. My girlfriend says it's not good. So I'm making an effort to try and do things with friends. It never hurts to just put yourself out there. Even if you feel depressed or have anxiety. I've dealt with this myself with anxiety. It's called immersion therapy. If you just throw yourself into whatever it is that gives you anxiety, and force yourself to do it, it will eventually get better. So if you just force yourself to socialize, day after day. It WILL get easier and you'll find yourself feeling better and more productive. Just wanted to add that bit..

 

Some people can not relate to what your saying and feeling as you only truly know how your feeling if you went thru it yourself.

Do you have friends that you can get involved in fish keeping. Can they add a fish to your tank and therefore feel connected enough to help. Sometimes it is a little easier when someone helps or can do the WC when you cannot.

May you find the strength somehow to get thru all your going thru. My words are easy to write but I truly know how difficult it could be.

 

I am on meds and they help greatly. It's genetic in my family. Some kind of chemical depression. Lucky me, I got it! I am sorry about your situation. You need to find a friend. It feels awkward, I know, but I have found if I kinda pretend it's fun, it is! I guess it's mind over matter kind of thing. Best wishes to you for success!

 

Recently, I figured out that I might be suffering from depression after months of feeling sad for no apparent reason. I've been withdrawing from my friends and haven't found much joy in my favorite activities/hobbies. If it wasn't for my aquariums and the new saltwater tank we started in April, I'm not sure I would have been able to cope.

After talking to my parents, I learned that my mom has had depression for a long time and I didn't even know about it. It made me feel a lot better, because for a long time I was feeling really guilty about the thoughts I was having. I felt like I shouldn't be feeling this way because there are plenty of people in the world who have it worse than me. I have a house, loving family, a bunch of fishies depending on me ( ), so what right do I have to feel bad about myself? These are the kinds of things I was thinking, and it was slowly wearing me down to the point where I secluded myself and had to fake being okay.

Lately, I've been doing a lot better, now that my parents know and are able to check in with me. But I'd really like to hear your stories. It would be nice to know that I'm not alone in this. My depression comes in waves, and reading this thread might help me when I'm at a low point.

 

You can get over this! Just think about your dream tank.
Okay, here's a riddle- I'm going to post the answer far down in my next post.

What looks like a snake, lives underwater, and is very cute?

 

A gold dojo loach.

 

KuhlI loach?

EDIT: Darn, I was close

 

You know, I've never went to a doctor or anything but I have felt that way at times, I don't want to share all my story because that could get long and boring and embarrassing but if you ever needed to talk or exchange stories, I would be open to messaging on here or something!

 

I think a lot of people deal with depression in some form or another. Sometimes I'll have weeks on end when not much interests me. I never really feel "sad" per say. But I can feel lazy and unmotivated. And then just like that I'm back to normal me for no apparent reason. It comes in waves like you say. I truly believe most people deal with this form of depression to an extent and I believe it's almost natural. When and if it becomes severe or clinical, never ending, when thoughts of suicide and hopelessness begin that's when it's something very not normal and help should be sought.

 

I don't know what to say but I understand what you're going through to an extent

 

I had a downfall with a very good friend of mine, which basically started everything. Refused to see a therapist for quite some time until I decided that I had nobody to actually talk to about this. It took a little while to find the right person. I was eventually sent to a psychiatrist as well, whom prescribed me with Prozac and Trazodone at the same time. I increased in the Prozac and eventually stopped using the Trazodone, but the increase gave me extremely jittery hands, so now I'm on Lexapro. This increased as well and I've been on the 20 mg for several months now. Throughout this process, I was hospitalized twice within one month, both of which were absolutely horrible experiences. It's been years since my last visit and I've been doing okay now. I have my ups and downs, but I deal with them. The person that helped me out the most was myself. All I can say. There's a whole lot of stuff I left out in that story. It'd take hours to type it all, so I just summarized it. Just look into therapy if you think it's having a toll on your life. Good luck.

 

You know, I've never went to a doctor or anything but I have felt that way at times, I don't want to share all my story because that could get long and boring and embarrassing but if you ever needed to talk or exchange stories, I would be open to messaging on here or something!

Thank you. That means a lot

I think a lot of people deal with depression in some form or another. Sometimes I'll have weeks on end when not much interests me. I never really feel "sad" per say. But I can feel lazy and unmotivated. And then just like that I'm back to normal me for no apparent reason. It comes in waves like you say. I truly believe most people deal with this form of depression to an extent and I believe it's almost natural. When and if it becomes severe or clinical, never ending, when thoughts of suicide and hopelessness begin that's when it's something very not normal and help should be sought.

We've talked about seeing a therapist, but to be honest, just the thought of therapy makes me feel anxious. If my feelings get unbearable or too severe, I'm sure I'll be forced to get help. But for the moment, I'd rather try to manage it on my own. It's gotten pretty bad in the past, but I'd rather not talk about that here.

I don't know what to say but I understand what you're going through to an extent

Thank you so much

 

I had a downfall with a very good friend of mine, which basically started everything. Refused to see a therapist for quite some time until I decided that I had nobody to actually talk to about this. It took a little while to find the right person. I was eventually sent to a psychiatrist as well, whom prescribed me with Prozac and Trazodone at the same time. I increased in the Prozac and eventually stopped using the Trazodone, but the increase gave me extremely jittery hands, so now I'm on Lexapro. This increased as well and I've been on the 20 mg for several months now. Throughout this process, I was hospitalized twice within one month, both of which were absolutely horrible experiences. It's been years since my last visit and I've been doing okay now. I have my ups and downs, but I deal with them. The person that helped me out the most was myself. All I can say. There's a whole lot of stuff I left out in that story. It'd take hours to type it all, so I just summarized it. Just look into therapy if you think it's having a toll on your life. Good luck.

So sorry you had to go through that. Depression is a cruel illness, and I think it's definitely becoming more common in today's world.

 

So sorry you had to go through that. Depression is a cruel illness, and I think it's definitely becoming more common in today's world.

Over three million cases per year according to Google. Honestly, I think it made me a better person. It sucks that I had to go through all of that, but it turned me into who I am today.

 

Over three million cases per year according to Google. Honestly, I think it made me a better person. It sucks that I had to go through all of that, but it turned me into who I am today.

I can sorta see what you’re saying. This will really inspire me sometime when I’m in a dark place. Thank you

 

Hang in there Penguin02! While I do not suffer from depression myself, I have several close family members who do so what you're saying is very familiar. It is great and so important that you reached out to your parents and to Fishlore. That is probably one of the most important things you can do, stay connected. Finding and talking to others who have shared a similar experience and what finding out what helped them is a good idea. Please keep reaching out, ask for help, let people know how you are feeling. Most of all don't feel guilty, or bad about yourself for having those feelings. My dad told me that working out really helped him, maybe that would be something that would be helpful to you, even a brisk walk could perk you up if you are down. Take care and hope you keep feeling good!

 

Hang in there Penguin02! While I do not suffer from depression myself, I have several close family members who do so what you're saying is very familiar. It is great and so important that you reached out to your parents and to Fishlore. That is probably one of the most important things you can do, stay connected. Finding and talking to others who have shared a similar experience and what finding out what helped them is a good idea. Please keep reaching out, ask for help, let people know how you are feeling. Most of all don't feel guilty, or bad about yourself for having those feelings. My dad told me that working out really helped him, maybe that would be something that would be helpful to you, even a brisk walk could perk you up if you are down. Take care and hope you keep feeling good!

I try to reach out... I really do. But I have trouble opening up to people, so nobody knows about it except for my parents. It's maddening at times, because sometimes I'm having a bad day and I have to lie about why.

Running definitely takes my mind off things. But it doesn't do much other than distract me

Thanks so much

 

I've only told my ex and 1 good friend about my struggles, partially why me & my ex aren't together is because of my struggles (at least that's what I think) So I totally understand not opening up to people.

 

Depression is very hard to deal with, each individual has different was of dealing with the issue. There's one thing to remember, that there's always someone else out there that's in a far much worse situation then yourself. Last year I watched my girlfriend have a stroke and die 9 months latter. During those 9 months I took care of her daily unless she was admitted to the hospital. About a month before she died I was diagnosed with cancer and have been thru 3 surgeries to date, plus chemo and radiation. My doctors and nurses always wanted to know why I would be in such a good mood. I told them that I've been coming here for treatments daily, driving myself to treatment and continuing to live a halfway normal life. During the whole process I would see people wheeled into the waiting area, looking half dead. The only thing my cancer has effected me is the inability to eat regular meals, I can eat soups and other foods that are extremely soft like crackers in the soup. I just recently moved to a new house and did most of the move single handed except for the fish tanks and my bed mattress. Do I get down the answer is yes, but after seeing others in much worse shape then myself I sure can't complain. I have been blessed with a new start on life and someone who wants to be part of that life with me.

 

Depression is very hard to deal with, each individual has different was of dealing with the issue. There's one thing to remember, that there's always someone else out there that's in a far much worse situation then yourself. Last year I watched my girlfriend have a stroke and die 9 months latter. During those 9 months I took care of her daily unless she was admitted to the hospital. About a month before she died I was diagnosed with cancer and have been thru 3 surgeries to date, plus chemo and radiation. My doctors and nurses always wanted to know why I would be in such a good mood. I told them that I've been coming here for treatments daily, driving myself to treatment and continuing to live a halfway normal life. During the whole process I would see people wheeled into the waiting area, looking half dead. The only thing my cancer has effected me is the inability to eat regular meals, I can eat soups and other foods that are extremely soft like crackers in the soup. I just recently moved to a new house and did most of the move single handed except for the fish tanks and my bed mattress. Do I get down the answer is yes, but after seeing others in much worse shape then myself I sure can't complain. I have been blessed with a new start on life and someone who wants to be part of that life with me.

I think it's important to not get down on yourself for feeling bad though. I agree with you, but you also can't put so much on yourself thinking how people have it worse just to make yourself feel more bad, if that makes sense.

But anyway WOW. Wow just wow, I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of that but I'm also in awe of you. That would take a lot of strength

 

I've only told my ex and 1 good friend about my struggles, partially why me & my ex aren't together is because of my struggles (at least that's what I think) So I totally understand not opening up to people.

Opening up can be so hard. My parents practically forced me to tell them what was wrong. I don't know if I would have told them otherwise, so I'm glad they did.

Depression is very hard to deal with, each individual has different was of dealing with the issue. There's one thing to remember, that there's always someone else out there that's in a far much worse situation then yourself. Last year I watched my girlfriend have a stroke and die 9 months latter. During those 9 months I took care of her daily unless she was admitted to the hospital. About a month before she died I was diagnosed with cancer and have been thru 3 surgeries to date, plus chemo and radiation. My doctors and nurses always wanted to know why I would be in such a good mood. I told them that I've been coming here for treatments daily, driving myself to treatment and continuing to live a halfway normal life. During the whole process I would see people wheeled into the waiting area, looking half dead. The only thing my cancer has effected me is the inability to eat regular meals, I can eat soups and other foods that are extremely soft like crackers in the soup. I just recently moved to a new house and did most of the move single handed except for the fish tanks and my bed mattress. Do I get down the answer is yes, but after seeing others in much worse shape then myself I sure can't complain. I have been blessed with a new start on life and someone who wants to be part of that life with me.

Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry for what you went through. Yes, thinking about my blessings is what keeps me going a lot of the time Thank you for sharing your story, and I wish you the best

 

I think it's important to not get down on yourself for feeling bad though. I agree with you, but you also can't put so much on yourself thinking how people have it worse just to make yourself feel more bad, if that makes sense.

This is true too. I try not to think about other people's problems too much, because it makes me feel bad for feeling down all the time. Instead, I focus on the good aspects of my own life

 

This is true too. I try not to think about other people's problems too much, because it makes me feel bad for feeling down all the time. Instead, I focus on the good aspects of my own life

That's a great mindset

 

I try to reach out... I really do. But I have trouble opening up to people, so nobody knows about it except for my parents. It's maddening at times, because sometimes I'm having a bad day and I have to lie about why.

Running definitely takes my mind off things. But it doesn't do much other than distract me

Thanks so much

You opened yourself up to this community which seems to me to be a huge step and shows that you are trying even though it is not easy. That is great!

 

I can't imagine being depressed! I do get sad sometimes, but depression is even worse. It is hard to deal with depression. We all believe in you.

 

You opened yourself up to this community which seems to me to be a huge step and shows that you are trying even though it is not easy. That is great!

Lol... I've actually written many threads similar to this and didn't post them. I seriously need to work on opening up

I guess I just don't want to seem weak. I'm pretty self-conscious already, and I don't want people looking at me like I might break down and cry any minute.

 

Lol... I've actually written many threads similar to this and didn't post them. I seriously need to work on opening up

I guess I just don't want to seem weak. I'm pretty self-conscious already, and I don't want people looking at me like I might break down and cry any minute.

I think most view opening up as strength! And anyone with understanding won't treat you any different

 

Lol... I've actually written many threads similar to this and didn't post them. I seriously need to work on opening up

I guess I just don't want to seem weak. I'm pretty self-conscious already, and I don't want people looking at me like I might break down and cry any minute.

DUDE! you aren't weak at all! I look up to you sometimes

 

I can't imagine being depressed! I do get sad sometimes, but depression is even worse. It is hard to deal with depression. We all believe in you.

I can't imagine being depressed either, lol. It took me like eight months to realize what was happening. It was the day that a girl in my class did a research presentation on depression. She talked about symptoms and her own struggle with depression, and how her friends and family helped her through suicidal thoughts and got her on the road to recovery. That day I realized that how I was feeling was not normal, and I was really scared.

 

I can't imagine being depressed either, lol. It took me like eight months to realize what was happening. It was the day that a girl in my class did a research presentation on depression. She talked about symptoms and her own struggle with depression, and how her friends and family helped her through suicidal thoughts and got her on the road to recovery. That day I realized that how I was feeling was not normal, and I was really scared.

Like Valerie said, we won't look at you any differently as you are our family. We love our family no matter what! We are here for you.

 

I can't imagine being depressed either, lol. It took me like eight months to realize what was happening. It was the day that a girl in my class did a research presentation on depression. She talked about symptoms and her own struggle with depression, and how her friends and family helped her through suicidal thoughts and got her on the road to recovery. That day I realized that how I was feeling was not normal, and I was really scared.

I just wish we could all have a big depression group hug lol. I don't even know you but I wish I could give you a huge hug lol

 

Aw you guys are so nice Thank you so much! It does feel nice to get some stuff off my chest.