I have had depression for many years - and wasted most of them feeling sorry for myself. I can't get those years back, but maybe I can help you. Being able to talk to as friend is great. But make sure that's not all you talk about - have some fun - go places! Even if you don't feel like it. ESPECIALLY if you don't feel like it! You need to distract your attention form how you are feeling. Also surround yourself with positive people. Optimism is contagous. And if your medicine isn't working, try a different medication. I recommend going to a Psychiatrist, (instead of an MD) to find the right medicine for you. They work with people like us every day, and are more aware of how different people react. When you find one that works, it is amazing!
Also, look up quotes about optimism & being positive on the internet. Hang them around your house. Many people have what they call distorted thinking - witch is easy to develop, especially if your in a bad situation for a long time. Your mind just automatically jumps to these thoughts and you don't even notice that you're doing it. Find a counselor & / or a book or 2 that addresses this - or look on the internet. I've seen lists before that talk about the different types & you might recognise yourself in some of them. Then work to develop new thoughts / thought patterns to replace them. This can help you a lot. Everything will be OK - I promise you! You are a child of God! Find a church and make new friends. Those you can confide in and those that are upbeat, that maybe don't even know about your situation. Try to just find something / somone you enjoy. One of my favorite books is 10 Secrets to Sucess & Inner Peace by Dr. Wayne Dyer. Go to the library - pick a book that speaks to you & at least read a few pages every day. Just get started - and know that things will get better. I'll pray for you too.

Hi! kim, I am sorry about you living in an abusive relationship. I have been in two It drains all of your positive energy. My first was with a man that beat me up against walls take my baby and lock her in a room and dare me to enter, I was a fighter when it came to my child. I got away from him without one of us dying I wouldn't date for a long time. Then I got with another man he didn't beat me but the mental abuse was worse then being beat. I finally got strong enough to get out. I joined a support group that helped with domestic viloence called the YWCA Resolve Family abuse. I don't know what state you are in but here is the number for charleston WV 1(304) 340-3549 they can get you a number for what state you are from. I know they helped me alot. I also have a chonic Illness that I couldn't work for almost a year because I was in the hospital 8 months out of the 12 I had two children I was trying to raise.I cryed all the time because I didn't know how I was going to keep a roof over their heads or food on the table. I just finally told GOD I could'nt do this on my own anymore. That whole year I never done without anything. I got in church. He sent me alt of great angel's. I know when fear sets in it is hard to see things being any different . He will help you thru, and if you need someone to talk to I am a good listern. May God Bless you and get you thru this tough time, I know he can just have a little faith. all you have to have it as little as a mustard seed.

I wish i knew how to get through the changes. I too have had so many in the last 2 years. And when I think I'm through them something else hits where I feel I can't get through one more day. I have a 8 year old, the only reason I get up in the mornings. But I fear I'm not really doing him any favors being so miserable and depressed. WHere do you go when you have no friends or family, no support system? I've been to a psychiatrist and I feel t he medicine only makes me more anxious. I admire the people who say give it to God...I wish I knew how. Never having grown up in a religious family, I've attended various churches, prayed, etc...but it just doesn't seem to come to me. Wishing I knew how doesn't seem to mkae it so.

First you should never lost hope because things will always get better, I know that may be hard to believe at this moment but they will, I have been through mant heart aches in life and have overcome them you just have to believe ib your heart that things will get better.

Hi Kim
First let me offer you my hearfelt sympathy for what you are going through. At 75 yrs. of ae I have been in the center of times like what you are going through and my being here to answer is proof that somehow we cope. To glibly say that and wish you good luck would be of little help so let me tell you what I find helps. acknowledge what has happened and allow yourself to expect that something good is not far ahead because it will never cease to amaze me how true that always winds up being.
Life is an adventure and many times we get so involved in the battle we fail to see the gain. No experience ends without making us better in some way. It often can be compared to taking a trip. No matter how prepared we seem to be there is always a chance that something we never allowed to cross our minds could suddenly change everything. Tha is when we have to stop, take a deep breath and restratigize. No matter what we go about doing we never fail until we stop trying.
If you believe in the power of prayer then be assured that I have added you to my prayer list and I will hold you up before his eyes daily.
Ralph Arbitelle

Just like andiedee69 said, you just have to get through it one day at a time, one hour at a time, and sometimes-- one minute at a time. I would recommend asking your doctor to send you to a pain specialist if the pain is that bad. I see a pain specialist now, and he really helps me a lot! At least with the pain. Not so much with the depression, but at least helping with the pain DOES help. I am one of your cheerleaders, and I hope you have a good day!

hi i as well just came out of a 19yr abusive relationship....i also had an accident at work that left me permanently scarred and unable to work for now. Life has been really hard with the ups and down( more downs than ups..lol) but i have my kids with me and they have helped me get through the court proceedings and lawyer visits...i also had enormous help at the battered women shelter i was at. The best advice i can give is let yourself go only day by day...hour by hour if you have to...looking tooo far can make you panic. Trust that you will get through this...and use all the support you have around you...dont worry about talking it's the best medicine...even if you feel like you repeat...repeat and talk for as long and as often you need. The best rememdy is communication with a social worker , friends and family! use them all daily! Plus dont forget yourself...learn to do little things for yourself...you can do this! ONE DAY AT A TIME!! COURAGE... IM rooting for you. ...xoxoxoxoxo