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How do you hide depression with loved ones?

• i have severe depression and i don't really want everybody to no e.g all my family brothers sisters, or even my friends (well ive one friend) i am embarrassed but i cannot hide it so well i am too depressed to talk most of time. i am on my own ALOT and thats probably the reason i am depressed i cannot get a job (and i am looking!!) i am thinking about what help i need desperatly and have to look, my mom knows i think i am so irritable ALL THE TIME! i cant really help it i try not to, i dont go to family dinners or anything i really dont want to i no it would help if i did but i dont want to at all! i dont enjoy it i dont enjoy anything really anymore. i am on anti bioitics already for acne so i dont really want anti depressants as thats more crap in my body i dont think it will help. but anyway, i cannot stop the irribility its really bad, i stay in my room and hide away and DREAD someone coming up to talk to me. how can i hide this around people though its really hard, i had a boyfriend and every time something annoys me (little stupid things over eating even) i completely take it out on him when i am just texting him. and make stupid accusations that just come from me losing my mind and i cannot help this. i do believe i am bipolar as i have EXTREMELY highs with crazy ideas. i no i need help i just want to hide this from people. how?

• Answer:

  you should really tell someone, this could destroy your life!! then again, i need to tell someone to, for i am the same, except the crazy idea thing but i do have some crazy thoughts alot. anyway, someone awnsered one of my questions, and i wanted to help you! this may help alot, maybe i shld listen to them and try it. goodlcuck, and im so sorry.:( If it's ptsd, there will be symptoms like flashbacks and frantically avoiding similar situations etc. If you are having symtpoms like that, it's ptsd. If you get counseling for these issues, it may relieve the depression. Otherwise, there are several practical things you can do to relieve depression: Depression tips (PRINT THEM OUT): Could a prescribed or over the counter medication be causing or worsening your depression? Many meds are culprits, including birth control pills, blood pressure, pain meds, etc. Alcohol and illicit drugs can cause serious problems too. Get your thyroid levels checked – hypothyroidism is a depression mimic. If your depression is worse in winter, try to get more sun. You may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or your depression could be partly seasonal. Use a light box (10,000 Lux (light intensity) at about 20” - about $300 online, don't get locally, they charge more, you don't need full spectrum, it needs a UV filter, the Sunray is a good brand). I have extra windows, painted the walls peach & yellow & have a skylight. There's a link to a cheaper lightbox at psycheducation.org. Also take 1000 to 2000 IU of Vitamin D in winter – if you live in the north, you are deficient in this vitamin & need the supplement anyhow, so you may as well see if it helps the depression. Try meditation like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. See The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne for examples. Free 15 minute guided imagery download at healthjourneys.com. Go out with friends, & if you don't have any, join a club & MAKE yourself go until you look forward to it. “Isolating” makes depression worse! Exercise 1/2 hour a day, & anytime you feel depressed. Exercise is a great mood stabilizer & reduces anxiety. LOTS OF RESEARCH SUPPORTS THIS. Insomnia?: Go to bed & get up the same time each day, even weekends. Don't use your bedroom to watch TV, read or use the computer. Don't do stuff that revs you up before bed, like exercising & using the computer. Light from computer screens & TV wakes you up. Use that last hour to wind down-take a bath? Make the bedroom very dark, even cover up the alarm clock. Use a noise machine (makes wave sounds etc.) to cover up disturbing sounds. Avoid caffeine in afternoon & evening. Try soundsleeping.com for free relaxing sounds downloads. Put colorful, happy things around the house. Do nice things for yourself. Make a list of things that make you happy, like: bread fresh from the oven, the scent of Jergen's cherry almond lotion, the crisp sound of a saltine cracker breaking, fresh sheets on the bed, standing in the boat flicking topwater lures onto the water, etc. Use all your senses & read that list when you are breaking down Work on time management if you are overwhelmed. Cut back on other responsibilities so you can spend more restorative time with friends & family. Ask for help if depression makes it hard to keep up with chores. Spend more time with your pet, if you have one. Both of you will appreciate the time. DON'T listen to sad music! It makes things worse! Listen to upbeat stuff- same with movies & novels. DISTRACT yourself when you are hurting. Read a novel, watch a comedy, go out with friends, play cards or a video game, whatever is mentally all-consuming. This is VERY helpful in a crisis!! Volunteer. Helping others makes you feel better about yourself. It also keeps you more involved in the community. Many people find comfort being involved in religion. Get help from your pastor. Some pastors from conservative faiths don't “believe” in mental illness & tell you to just pray more – don't go to such a pastor for “help.” Put a half-smile on your face. Changing your expression is proven to help change mood. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is the most effective kind of counseling. Try free computerized CBT at moodgym.anu.edu.au. Computerized therapy appears to be almost as effective as counseling, research shows. Good luck. I learned this information from classes & books. Source(s): I have mild ptsd from abuse, but it used to be severe