Overcoming deep depression....success stories??

by oompa 58 Replies latest jw friends

  • AuldSoul
    AuldSoul

    Oompa,

    That was the same dosage of the same drug they gave me. I know it is easier said than done, but you can't get your family out. They have to do that on their own. Your personal burdens are already heavy right now and you know they don't have the reserves to carry more than the organization makes them lug around.

    As tough as it will be to start with, you likely ought to make some RL friends in your own home town—people who have never been JWs. The meds have given you your feet back under you again, but not the desire to move. "Normal" RL friends will put you in touch with what normal looks like at least, and then you can start walking toward that light at the end of the tunnel.

    You were immersed for many years in a culture that encouraged abnormal brain patterns, abnormal emotional responses, and abnormal personal relationships. Now you aren't immersed in that one any more, but you haven't got another culture yet, either. My only advice is: go get one. Strike out, make yourself at first if you have to. Forge a path of your deliberate choosing. I'll wager you will be amazed at what life will open up to you.

    Two years ago next month I admitted myself into a State Mental Health Clinic. Diagnosis? Suicidal ideation with plan. I don't even remember that guy anymore. I remember some of the other people that were in there, but I can't even recall what it felt like to be at the edge of the precipice anymore.

    Others have already encouraged you to replace abnormal with normal and that was the best tonic for me, too. Plus, since so much of my life had been spent in what I thought was worthwhile voluntary service, I started really volunteering. That has been very satisfying on a lot of levels. So you might find fulfillment in throwing some genuine altruism into the "new culture" mix. One thing about cultures that any biologist can tell you, stagnation leads to decay . Make sure your culture is an active one.

    Respectfully,
    AuldSoul

  • flipper
    flipper

    OOMPA- I am one of the posters who has been privileged in the past to talk a couple times with you. I just want to say , you have my number bro, if you would like to talk sometime, I'll be your friend. Love and peace, Mr. Flipper

  • Awakened at Gilead
    Awakened at Gilead

    Aude:

    I loved your post!!!

    Your mention of the therapist reminds me when I went to a therapist for the first time in my life. He listened to me for a while, how my thoughts were all f**ked up, and he came to the conclusion: "Maybe its your religion that's the problem, have you ever thought of that?" I didn't accept it then, but ... Wow... took me two years to realize that he was right.

    Oompa, as has been said, try to establish relationships with real people, and get on with your life! Doesn't necessarily mean breaking up the marriage, but she needs to accept you for who you are and want to be now, not who she married way back when.

    I left you a VM. Call if you want.

    Take care.

    A@G

  • Awakened at Gilead
    Awakened at Gilead

    Aude:

    I loved your post!!!

    Your mention of the therapist reminds me when I went to a therapist for the first time in my life. He listened to me for a while, how my thoughts were all f**ked up, and he came to the conclusion: "Maybe its your religion that's the problem, have you ever thought of that?" I didn't accept it then, but ... Wow... took me two years to realize that he was right.

    Oompa, as has been said, try to establish relationships with real people, and get on with your life! Doesn't necessarily mean breaking up the marriage, but she needs to accept you for who you are and want to be now, not who she married way back when.

    I left you a VM. Call if you want.

    Take care.

    A@G

  • civicsi00
    civicsi00

    Oompa, I can sympathize with you when you say that you constantly think about JW crap.

    Ever since I discovered how much of a fraud they are, I have been feeling anxious to tell everyone about it. I think about this JW crapevery damn day. I check this forum every day just to see what other crap there is to find out. I feel an anxiety to just explode and tell everyone their in a cult! But I hold back.........

    I'm sorry your wife does not see things your way. It would make your life easier..

    I showed my wife everything I've found, and although she was hesitant at first, she started to see through their deceptions and lies, and she now stands by my side. She actually encourages me to move on from all this JW crap. Life's too short to worry about getting anyone out of this cult. But I still can't stop thinking about it... I think, for me, I just need closure. I want the chapter of my JW life to close, so I can begin a new one without it. And with her, I feel like one day I will be able to close this chapter forever.

    Hang in there, man. I like some of the funny comments you make on this board...

  • parakeet
    parakeet

    Sorry that you're in a bad place right now, oompa. I've been there, too. Two years is too long to suffer without much improvement.

    Although this is especially difficult for someone who's depressed, you need to be on your doctor like white on rice. If your current medication isn't working well, tell your doctor that and press him/her to try something else that may be more effective, whether it's a new medication, therapy, whatever. Don't just sit there and let your life slip away.

    Call your doctor tomorrow. If he/she is reluctant to change anything, find a new and better doctor. You are your own best health advocate. Doctors generally take the path of minimal treatment. If you don't speak up, they will believe their treatment is working. Be a squeaky wheel! Demand better results!

    Believe me, I speak from experience. Good luck.

  • BabaYaga
    BabaYaga

    I just want to pop in here and say... we love ya, Oomp... we are so glad you're here. It gets better, it really does. Little by little. Just be GOOD to yourself, treat yourself gingerly in this difficult time. You have just lost your belief system, and as we all know, it goes far, far deeper for the JW's who were not allowed to have any other thoughts or associations. Treat yourself kindly, and be patient with your precious self!!!

    And AudeSapere... your post was NOT "all over the place" or disjointed as you seemed to feel it was... it was SPOT ON and a very precious offering. Thank you.

    Love,
    Baba.

  • jaguarbass
    jaguarbass

    I escaped the tower after 31 years and have battled depression off and on since.

    Life is tough with or without the JW experience on your back.

    I had 7 years of serenity and sobriety by going to AA back in the 80's then I drifted away and I suffer for it. But AA works if you work it. During 5 years of my 7 when I didnt drink and worked the program I was not depressed.

    I know you say your atheist and that stops you from believing in a higher power. And I am now an agnostic which has knocked the god of my understanding off his pedistal.

    But something inside me suspects that belief and faith properly manipulated and applied is a key ingredient to happiness and will cause your brain to make the happy peaceful chemicals. In fact I know it by personal experience and yet I find myself in a state of inertia to do anything about it.

    But like anything else it takes effort. Its like going to the gym and brushing your teeth. Some people cant do it so they suffer.

    I dont know of any meds. My information tells me the cure to depression is to get going. Go to a meeting. AA meeting. Then start doing the things you love.

    If you have a drinking problem and it doesnt kill you. Then its just a matter of time before a Judge makes you go to an AA meeting.

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman

    Everyone's brain chemistry is different so your shrink wull have to try different meds and you will see which one works for you.

    In my opinion, tricyclic antidepressants and similar are the drugs of choice today, but sometimes mds choose MAO. MAO's and tricyclics taken together are deadly.

    Persons suffering from depression should NEVER use alcohol or CNS.

    Drug that I prefer to treat depression ELAVIL(Amitryptiline)

    I recommend Psychiatric thearpy and dug treatmnent.

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