I have seen a lot of doctors and can never seem to kick depression and anxiety and don't feel like going on. I don't have close friends, I rarely leave my house (nor do I care to), and I wonder how or why I will go on in life. My parents are both addicts and I am estranged from my siblings. I don't think I will ever feel good and don't know if I ever really did.

One has to want the change, start by perhaps following what the doctors say better ( I know too many that give up doctors instructions in a few days, other stop when they start feeling a little better)

Next get out of the house, find things you can do for others, helping those worst than you, often can help you have a purpose

So you have a >>> family, stop contact with them and find others to fill voids if you need to

Sadandtired, I've been there myself... coming very close to suicide. Fr_Chuck makes a very good point... you have to want change... enough to MAKE some changes (even if they are mental changes)

Depression is a big liar because it makes you forget about everything good. It makes you forget the last time you smiled or laughed or enjoyed anything at all. It makes you think that change can NEVER come. But that is the lie behind it... because none of that is true. In my case I knew I had to stand up to it and resist or everything really would be lost. You're depressed because you know things are missing in your life. Whether it be a job or relationship or financial... all these things can make us feel worthless. However, they are not fixes. Rich people still commit suicide. People with a great job still do things that jeapordoize their position. Some people are married to the most wonderful people in the world and still commit adultery. You see, while these things are wonderful to have... they don't complete us.

You need to find who you are in God. (I know, here comes the backlash from all the other posters about personal beliefs... ) When you compare how you think you are with how God really views you... it's mind blowing. I've been completely set free from depression and I know anyone else can too.

Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and compassion... what you wrote makes a lot of sense and I will put forth the effort to find freedom using your strategy. Thank you... that is beautiful :)

You're very welcome. If you have any questions feel free.

Sadandtiredgirl... if you're still out there I was just wondering how you are doing?

Hello, very kind of you to ask. I'm hanging in there. I have a very difficult time being around people in general, it doesn't really matter who.. it's just difficult. I don't leave the house very often and take sedatives when I do to cope with the fear and anxiety. I wish that one day I will be able to be more comfortable with myself. Thank you for remembering me... hope you are feeling well :)

What about getting some counseling, some cognitive-behavioral therapy with a practitioner who will come to your home and begin with you where you currently are physically and mentally?

That sounds like a very nice idea although I'm not sure if someone would do that for a low or no fee as I have no health coverage. Thank you... I will look into it through NAMI :)

That sounds like a very nice idea although i'm not sure if someone would do that for a low or no fee as i have no health coverage. Thank you...i will look into it through NAMI

I used to do counseling in clients' homes (on a sliding scale). One of my clients had OCD and had tons of trouble paying her bills because of it. We'd sit at her kitchen table writing checks and filling envelopes and then would go together to a postal drop-box to mail the completed bills. That's cognitive-behavioral therapy -- very practical stuff to enable you to take flight on your own.

If you're in the US, check with Catholic Charities or Lutheran Social Services, your county health services, and area churches (many ministers are good counselors and will come to your home, no obligation to join the church).

If you don't get anywhere, let me know.

That sounds very practical.