What do I do if I'm so depressed, and I have been for 20-plus years (I am 26), so depressed that I wasn't able to lead a normal life with friends and everything? What if I went to a four-year college while I was depressed, so that it was a waste of my time? Are there even options for someone who is so far behind in life as I am? Please tell me if there are – I need to have something to fill my life. I attempted to live on my own in a big city after being diagnosed and treated for depression- but my lack of experience in relating to people, my lack of a career path, my lack of a past prevents it. My lack of relationships with people in the past has destroyed my future. What do I do??? I need to fix myself. Does anyone know of any treatments for this?

And my real question is - is there a community of people like me who are so far behind in life? People to catch up *with*? If we could work together, maybe there is a way to get out of this mess.

This post has been edited by trainrides: Mar 4 2008, 11:26 AM

I've often felt like you, that I've wasted so much time and I'm so far behind in life. I didn't seek treatment for my depression until age 33, and sometimes I feel that all that time was wasted, wandering around, miserable, in survival mode. I'm in the process right now of rebuilding my life from scratch. I think the best thing you can do is let go of your past and make a decision to gain health and experience right now. People are at all kinds of different stages all the time. Many people realize, even in middle age, that their lives aren't working, and they need to completely start over. Try to focus on what you can do for yourself in present time to gain health and success, and a better future will begin to unfold.

How are you building your life from scratch? That's what I want to do, too. But it's hard to think of where to begin. I am going to start going to therapy and taking meds. I am going to exercise and eat healthier. Maybe I will get a(nother) job. But I feel as though my identity-forming years were taken away from me.

It sounds like you have already started! Meds, a therapist, exercising and eating healthier....what a great start - I think that's more than enough to start with. Nice job.

Hi again , trainrides,

Didn't see this before I replied to another of your posts.

As bunkee says, those are huge steps in the right direction...give yourself credit!! If you stick to your plan, you'll undoubtedly see changes. All the best...




This post has been edited by ecstatichappy: Mar 4 2008, 04:25 PM

You've found it - that Community you are looking for!

From my mid-20s I fought against taking medication for many years: now I accept that by taking an anti-depressant pill daily hubby and I have a life together again. Most days although very tired I cope. We go out and about. We cycle, walk, garden ..... I can visit friends again. Sometimes I can go shopping alone. Now 50+ I have a life. Those days I feel down I 'write off', I no longer feel guilty if I have to cancel plans: I come first ......