Can you cure this?

[DaveTyler]

I'm a 18 year old boy and I've been suffering from major depression, apathy, panic disorder and obsessive thoughts for almost 3 years straight now. Also I'm severely underweight(as I'm never hungry and my body refuses to gain weight) I bet this has something to do with my chronic fatigue.
In the beginning I held it back with constant smoking of cannabis, which really helped a little, but at the same time made it all worse.
Never seen a therapist as I dont want medication, is it possible to cure some of this without use of drugs?

Some days I am somewhat better for a few minutes, but I feel trapped in my thinking pattern, from constant depression and panic Ive drained all my energy to fight back and gain motivation.

I dont think Ive gone 1 day in the last 3 years without atleast being severely stressed and depressed atleast 50% of the time.
I know this isn't normal, but I don't think I'm manic, I just don't know anymore what to do.
I feel like everyday all Im really doing is trying so hard to find reasons to go on...
I dropped school, all I do is isolate myself in my room, rarely go out, and if I do, I just go into a nightmare of panic attacks and break down.

Is there any natural methods to turn this around and get my life back?

If someone got any inspiring stories on how they turned it all around in their life I'd love to hear those too.

[jakeyang]

You've got to hit the weights! Weight lifting will help so much.

You should read Brian Kim's article on Why Every Man Should Lift Weights. It's changed my life . Trust me, there's no better way to get out of the blues than with hitting the iron.

[bodhiavttas]

Never seen a therapist as I dont want medication, is it possible to cure some of this without use of drugs?

I don't know about your particular condition, but therapy definitely helped me and other people I've known. Therapists help you get over this stuff but they don't prescribe medications. They are expensive though. If you were to meet with a psychiatrist they would be the ones to prescribe medications.

I would strongly recommend you to find a good therapist you can trust; it will make all the difference, in my opinion.

Are your parents aware of what is going on in your life? Can/are they willing to help you out?

Please let us know.

[DaveTyler]

Thanks guys, I'll check out that pumping iron article.

Well my mom is aware, my dad died 1 year ago, which only contributed to more depression, eventhough he was never really much around, as he was addicted to drugs, but it happened in the worst possible time, situation.
My mom has a lot of things to struggle with herself, so she really don't have the energy, and she don't understand so good.

[bellbird]

Dear Dave, I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but on the other hand: it's an opportunity to get to know yourself better and if you're willing, to get out of depri land and enter that of the living. It takes a bit of time.
I remember my years of struggle with depression and anxiety as they were literally tiring but also straining on my family and partner. It was hard going. I was 17 and didn't know I had depression and the psychologist couldn't figure it out either (doh! ) so had to figure that one out for myself. I did visit a psychiatrist too but basically he was taking over the psychologist's work (I stopped seeing her, she had her own issues ). He was great.

Dave, hearing that you've been dealing with this for 3 years, it's time to get the medication going. It helps to get you back on your feet, and working out as suggested by the poster above is definitely great. Don't see it as failure, or doped stuff which makes you feel like a zombie or what not. It's for a while, not eternity ok. Eating is important too as it 'grounds' you and your body needs it, eventhough you might not feel like it. Eat veggies and carbo nutritional stuff anyway. Keep the fruit going. Even when it's smaller bites, better then nothing. Especially breakfast. Seeing a therapist is positive too, find one that you like and trust. Growing goes in spurts and things take time. There's no over night cure. Take my word for it.

I've been there and am now a healthy balanced succesful person. Often people who are depressed lack certain chemicals in their brain. You might like to visit your GP and discuss doing a test. It's no biggie. Excercise will improve the chemical balance and you will feel better in your body but also definitely in your mind.

Please share your growth with writing your posts on your progress. The fact you have shared your story to us means that you can either decide to help yourself or to keep on the muddly road to nowhere (it might lead somewhere but it's so gropy in the dark, why choose to stay there?). I hoped I could do it by myself too ('cure myself' etc) and in some ways I did. But other people can help you and sometimes you have to ask, especially if you're suffering from depression, anxiety and thoughts (yes had those nasty buggers too for a while. I reckon they are there because you're so off balance so anything can come in) Anyway, I feel I have a right to tell you the above as I have been through quite a few years of that stuff. No, it's not funny at all at the time, but you will get out of there. I did too. I've been healthy and bouncy for 100% since I was about 22. I'm 32 now.

All the best to you Dave and get yourself in gear. See the GP, discuss medication to balance the chemicals in your brain. Build yourself up and find people who are positive and who can support you emotionally. Big hug All the best.

[JHL]

bellbird has given you good advice Dave. I would also recommend you go see a therapist and open your mind to the possibility of some medication in the short term.

I completely understand why you want to avoid 'drugs' of any sort, but medication is just a tool and it can be used for very good purposes too.

The purpose of the medication is not to solve your problems (because it doesnt anyway). The purpose is to help you cope much better while you are undergoing the growth and changes that need to make in your life.

Your feelings are inextricably linked to your body. If your body feels bad, so do you emotionally. You cant escape that. So if your diet is not up to scratch and your body is undernourished or not running optimally, your emotions are also going to be out of whack. The medication will help with your appetite too.

Exercise, as someone suggested, is also another excellent idea. This may help stimulate your appetite, boost your eslf-esteem and help you to feel much more positive. Exercise can really make a big difference! I would start looking into that as soon as possible.

You can do it Dave, know that you have it within yourself to get past this.