I need a reason to keep trying...?!

I don't have the medical training to advise you on the medical aspect of depression, but I might be able to help you on the day to day life aspect. No one feels happy all the time. We know this: everyone feels sad once in a while. What we sometimes forget is that its possible (and pretty common) to feel predominantly sad for months at a time, just like its possible to feel predominantly happy. In either case, these periods of time have an end. "With time this too shall pass." You'll get there. You need a reason to keep trying? Because everyone has something to offer. Someone out there loves you, and someone needs you. Most importantly though, you deserve to feel happy.

You've probably heard the expression, "A watched pot never boils." I have full sympathy for your situation and I think it's wonderful that you've been so proactive in finding help. With that said, however, my impression is that monitoring your mood this way could make you feel stressed and draw your attention away from activities or people that could help you feel more fulfilled.

One possibility is getting involved in public health. When I find that I'm having trouble letting go of negative feelings, this is a good way to let me get out of my head for a while. Hearing people's horrific life stories and then seeing the way they face each new day with a smile and hope for the future inspires me to keep going. There are so many volunteer opportunities out there, I'm sure you could find something that interests you and lets you use your unique talents. This is also a great way to meet people who share your interests and will make you feel valued.

Best of luck, and take care.

Hi there so I know you said your not saying your going to kill your self but it sounds like your considering it.

Reasons to continue to try to get better , There is a high possibility that you will , depression does go away it's not something that stays forever. Some times It takes awhile to get better but you will. You have years to go and things to do there is so much to live for not that while your depressed that you can even understand as depression takes a false approach to reality. However I know this I've been severely depressed in my life and I know it does get better please give it a shot.

Keep going to your counsellor keep talking if it's suggested try the meds do whatever it takes to get better it's so worth it.

you have to find ways to be happy, life isnt always about sunshine and rainbows but i mean dont you have things that you love to do that make you happy? or like family and friends who you have a great time with? you have to find a reason for your existence and be satisfied with it, you should always try to feel better and just be happy your alive, your healthy, i mean there is always someone out there worse off than you, enjoy the little things in life, take it day by day, you yourself have to be happy and be happy with yourself, no one can make you happy or do it for you.

Hang in there things do improve with time exercise is really good try that one and keep it up take care

Don't keep trying these methods to get better but don't accept your life as what it is, accept it as what it can be.
I suggest you get off the antidepressants because it increases the desire of suicide. Stop dwelling in the past and even the present, live for the future. Its right now and back then that you are depressed and unhappy but what of tomorrow? Methods and studies aren't going to make you better, they're just going to stress you out all the more. You need to take some time for yourself, really seclude yourself from the world and think. Reevaluate every perspective you have ever viewed life in and find peace in yourself.
I hope all goes well. Good luck.

I think you just found your answer, hon!

Whenever I find myself being brought down by all of the media hype telling me that I should be a size 4 and have an iPod strapped to my hip, have 2 cars parked in the garage of the house I'm supposed to own that I bought with the pay from my great job making make $140,000 per year that I got after college that I share with my hunk of a husband I just remember that :

It's all *HYPE*!!!

Not too many things cause me to stop & reflect on my life. ESPECIALLY not pop music. But I found a mantra of sorts in Sherly Crow's song " Gonna Soak Up The Sun"
The lyrics state:
"It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got"

Think about that for a moment. Are you depressed because you are:
Poor? Fat? Ugly? Uneducated? Alone? Stuck In A Rut? Unloved?

Let me tell you, babe, we've all been there at some point.
That's part of life, no matter what the magazines & tv commericals want you to believe. Life isn't fair. Anyone that says different is selling something.

But you don't have to let it bring you down. Because that's how they win! That's how they sucker you into buying the latest diet food or the newest skin cream.

Revel in the things that you do have.

Are you single? Well great! You haven't got anyone to hog your covers or your remote control!
Are you ugly? Oh yeah? Who says so? I'll tell ya who, people who want to sell you something.
Overweight? As long as you are healthy, who gives a f**k if you can't wear a pair of skinny jeans?

I'll bet that there are a few great things about you that nobody knows. I would just be willing to bet that you sing a great rendition of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" while you are in the swower! ;o)

Nobody can ever bring you down without your permission, hon.

Now get out there and take Sheryl's advice and "...soak up some sun. While it's still free!"

Fellow "loser" and it's just fine by me!
:o)