[Dalamar]

Hi, this is my first post here. I'm a 33 year old guy and I'm an introvert, you could probably even call me a hermit because I don't go out with people much. I've been dealing with depression and dismal self confidence for so long now. I tried committing suicide a few months ago. I'm taking the meds Wellbutrin and Lexapro, but I've tried just about everything throughout my life. These seem to help better than the other ones but not enough. I searched online and found this site. I'm not sure if I need to see a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or someone else. Need advice.

[Wondergirl]

First, where are you located (generally)?

[Dalamar]

Near Minneapolis, MN.

[Wondergirl]

Your doctor is prescribed the meds? Has he suggested a counselor? Twice a week sessions would be a good thing right now.

[Dalamar]

Yeah my family doctor prescribed them. I haven't asked him about a counselor yet because I thought I would be OK without one.

[Wondergirl]

Do you have a (full-time) job and health insurance?

[Dalamar]

Yes to both. My mom is a psychotherapist but her advice has never been helpful, which is probably why I haven't wanted to talk to another therapist for so long.

[Wondergirl]

Just out of curiosity, what do you do at your job? How long have you been there?

(Sorry for all the questions, but I need some background info to help in the best way.)

[Dalamar]

I do computer tech support over the phone. I've been there about 5 years.

[Wondergirl]

Do you like it?

[asompur]

Hey, I've been dealing with the same issue. I had a lot of depression for things I'd rather not mention on here. I found a way to vent my depression and make me a bit happier. I began to write poetry. The depression slowly goes away with every poem I write. Try and find a way to vent your depression and turn it into happiness.

[Dalamar]

Sometimes, but I don't think I could do it forever. I like to figure out how to fix things and the gratitude I get but I also don't like dealing with people.

[Dalamar]

Asompur, thanks for the tip but I don't think I'd be good at that. Too many mental blocks. I wish I did have a good way to vent it though.

[Wondergirl]

My husband made a career out of computers and electronics -- is an introvert and loner, his glass is always mostly empty, but he can fix anything, so he worked for years for AT&T as an installer for long-distance service in phone offices.

You just have to find your niche, your place to shine.

Have the meds been helping the depression?

[Dalamar]

Wondergirl, your husband really sounds like myself. In terms of a career, my problem is that I don't know what else I want to do besides general tech support. Can't get very far with that, you need to specialize in something.

I've had a lot of problems that made me who I am today. I was going to type it here but it'd probably take you 10 minutes to read it it all.

[Wondergirl]

Give me a short version.

Any college?

[Dalamar]

Went to a university for 1 year from 97-98. Dropped out because college just wasn't for me and I thought I could make a lot of money in computer networking which didn't require a degree. That didn't pan out too well.

Short version? I was picked on by a lot of people in school from 5th to 10th grade, and I'm really sensitive. Starting showing clinical depression in high school. My mom and half sister both have it. Been on various meds since then. Also, I haven't had any real relationships with anyone. I was in a long distance relationship with someone who I met online during my senior high school year. She had her own issues and never felt ready to meet me in person. I was in that for many years.

[Wondergirl]

My husband got through only a year of college too. (Are you his long-lost twin?)

He was picked on in school too. Why were you?

[Dalamar]

I think I just got picked on because I was sensitive and didn't fight back or retort.

[Wondergirl]

And quiet and shy.

Did you have any friends in high school?