I am living a wasted life. Depressed and stuck. I know this question has been asked a million times in a million different ways by a million different people. But I want to ask it myself, and hear what you say to me, because I am at the end of my rope. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 10, 2009 - 55 answers

Seeking short-term coping mechanisms for being productive in school during a devastating breakup, and for comedy TV I can watch to help me through it. Long story inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 8, 2009 - 32 answers

How do I navigate Social Security to qualify for Medicaid, SSI and disability for mental health services? How do I find an advocate to guide me through the walls of paperwork and decisions? Sub-question: what are current mental health institutions like for in-patient treatment? [more inside]
posted by loquacious on Nov 5, 2009 - 12 answers

Depressionfilter: Help me understand a sudden increase in libido and its emotional aftermath. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 5, 2009 - 9 answers

How do I explain to my mom and my therapist that I feel like my depression has come back and that I'm wasting my time at college? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim on Nov 2, 2009 - 23 answers

My boyfriend is depressed, again, and I'm starting to get concerned that I don't have the patience to get through it with him this time. I want to help him, but I'm not sure how many times I can keep doing this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 25, 2009 - 26 answers

What can be done about someone having a MAJOR depressive episode? A loved one has been having a HORRIBLE time spending days on my couch with her head covered. The doctor doubled her medicine last week but wondering what can be done for until that possibly kicks in? [more inside]
posted by beccaj on Oct 23, 2009 - 28 answers

I found an article where researchers experimented with online self-managed coginitive-behavioral therapy (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/566048). Does such a system exist online?
posted by Josh Coe on Oct 23, 2009 - 4 answers

I've started hormonal birth control (Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo) for the first time, and am currently on my third day. I've heard/read of the accompanying depression and mood swings. When can I expect side effects, so that I can assess myself and decide whether or not to continue with the pill? What sort of red flags should I look out for, in case I don't realize I'm being depressive, mood-swingy, or sans sex drive? [more inside]
posted by Xere on Oct 21, 2009 - 21 answers

Is it possible to fully recover from a severe, long-lasting depression? "I get the sense that you think that one day she will no longer be depressed. If that is the case, I am sorry to tell you that she will always be a depressed person. She may be less depressed at points and more depressed at others, but if her depression is this severe and long lasting, it's here to stay." Say it ain't so. [more inside]
posted by moira on Oct 20, 2009 - 25 answers

How can I help my girlfriend who's coming out of depression, without going out of my mind? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 20, 2009 - 16 answers

I was recently diagnosed with adult ADHD (inattentive type) and put on Adderall. I have very, very mixed feelings about this -- hopeful, because it seems to really be helping me in multiple areas of my life, but also anxious that it is a crutch that I can't use forever. Does anyone have any insight or anecdotes to help me either (1) feel better about being on Adderall, or (2) come up with an alternative plan to manage my issues? [more inside]
posted by dumbledore69 on Oct 19, 2009 - 23 answers

Does anyone have experience with someone who is 21 applying for permanent disability benefits? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 14, 2009 - 13 answers

What was the extent of the international impact of the American Great Depression compared to the economic crisis today? What are (scholarly) resources that might help answer this question?
posted by msk1985 on Oct 12, 2009 - 4 answers

How can I help someone who has three young children but who doesn't want to be a mother anymore? I know that this sounds completely irresponsible and selfish and cruel but I would appreciate help if you can take the time to read the details. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 8, 2009 - 27 answers

I've finally realized that I have a gigantic mess of mental issues that almost certainly require therapy and medication. Depression, multiple kinds of anxiety, who knows what else. Please help me figure out how to get better. [more inside]
posted by MyMetaAccount on Oct 5, 2009 - 24 answers

Please recommend a therapist in Portland, Oregon. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 5, 2009 - 3 answers

Looking for a therapist in the DC area to deal with general anxiety issues and depression. Some restrictions apply: [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 5, 2009 - 7 answers

Just graduated from a top business school in the United States (H/S/W/K/M, etc.). I am $130k in debt, with payments of $1200 per month staring at me from 6 months away. I'm still not sure what I want to do with my life. Help! [more inside]
posted by alternateuniverse on Oct 5, 2009 - 15 answers

Best U.S. insurance company for a pre-existing condition (depression) - advice please! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 30, 2009 - 4 answers

My wife struggles with depression and, occasionally, suicidal ideation. But she doesn't communicate well (or nearly at all), so I have no real way of knowing when she's having a crisis rather than just another string of bad days / weeks. Is it ethical to monitor her internet activity without her knowledge so I have some idea of when I need to get serious about intervening? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 29, 2009 - 40 answers

I think having surgery made me anxiety prone and depressed. Is this possible and will I go back to being myself after I fully recover from the surgery? I know YANAD. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 29, 2009 - 16 answers

If you give me a checklist of signs of serious stress or depression, I can check off pretty much all of them. Constant anxiety, panic attacks, flares of irritation at trivial things, headaches, feeling the overwhelming urge to break down and cry or just snap and yell at someone, exhaustion, lack of sleep, inability to enjoy my time off and alas heavy loss of libido. How do I cope when I can't escape what's causing me stress? [more inside]
posted by ArkhanJG on Sep 28, 2009 - 32 answers

Anti depressants for mild depression? Does it really help just "get you out of a funk"? I know SSRIs are the only thing that help a lot of people get out of depression, but what about someone who can pretty much manage, but feels like it would be nice to not have to just manage? [more inside]
posted by Rocket26 on Sep 28, 2009 - 28 answers

I need a temporary low-maintenance, but social, 'after work' place/thing/something to do while I try to get my health in order. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 24, 2009 - 26 answers

Anti-depressants: do they eventually stop working? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 24, 2009 - 10 answers

I'm trying to "detach with love" and get therapy. He's stuck and resistant. What next? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 23, 2009 - 15 answers

Unemployment. Am I doing something wrong, and how do I stay sane while it continues? [more inside]
posted by rosethorn on Sep 21, 2009 - 25 answers

My sister has an alcohol and/or prescription and/or depression problem. What can I do to help her, and in what order? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 20, 2009 - 7 answers

I asked This question a couple of months ago. Since then I've gone through one of the worst periods of depression of my life. I'm seeing a therapist and taking anti-depressants but they're not really helping. I'm depressed about my complete lack of meaningful relationships and experiences and the depression has made me more isolated and unmotivated than ever. I feel like I need to do something drastic to force myself to get out of my head and start living my life. I want to be in a situation where I have no choice but to work hard and interact with people. Volunteering abroad appeals to me a great deal but I have no real skills and I'm guessing my mental health problems would make it hard to get a placement. Would volunteering abroad be possible or advisable and is there anything else I could do?
posted by anonymous on Sep 20, 2009 - 33 answers

Stuck in a rut. Help me find meaning, direction, and help me get back on my feet. [more inside]
posted by saragoodman3 on Sep 19, 2009 - 16 answers

How do I stop myself going crazy? Abruptly stopped taking SSRIs almost two weeks ago. [more inside]
posted by alona on Sep 18, 2009 - 12 answers

I am interested in Behavior Modification therapy. I have previously been prescribed medication for depression and adhd. What I had suspected to be depression for several years seemed to actually be undiagnosed adhd. It took me several years to get to that conclusion. I had been prescribed Wellbutrin and for the first time ever I was actually able to focus and work straight – without becoming distracted. It was amazing. Unfortunately I also ended up having a panic attack and being rage-y and more emotional than ever. I quit all medications a that point. [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws on Sep 14, 2009 - 3 answers

What are your experiences with St. John's wort? In particular, have you ever taken it at the same time as ADHD medications like Ritalin/Focalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) etc? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 13, 2009 - 15 answers

21 Male & socially incompetent; How do I become more fun and interesting? Should I pretend to be happy so people will hang out with me? [more inside]
posted by AugustEnds on Sep 11, 2009 - 32 answers

My life as a word problem: what is the best, smartest way for someone to change career fields, or increase their range of career options, given limitations of knowledge, time, money and sanity? [more inside]
posted by missix on Sep 9, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm looking for uplifting, happy-making songs, books, movies, and other media. [more inside]
posted by moira on Sep 8, 2009 - 48 answers

Austin Therapist Recommendations: A friend is looking for a therapist to work through some issues. He wants someone who is active in conversation and is willing to confront him on things when necessary. He's had therapists in the past who were nice but too passive, and just listened more than they offered ideas and suggestions. The ideal therapist would listen without judging but would help stimulate new ideas and change in his life. Do you know of anyone like this?
posted by odayoday on Sep 3, 2009 - 2 answers

So, I don't get it. Nothing is outwardly "wrong", but for whatever reason nothing feels right. I go through this every few months it seems, on average 3 times a year. It usually lasts for a few weeks, but sometimes it's less and sometimes it's more. [more inside]
posted by wild like kudzu on Sep 1, 2009 - 30 answers

What happened to my ability to trust in and connect with people? How do I regain it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 30, 2009 - 9 answers

What are we fighting when we fight against depression? [more inside]
posted by Aleatoire on Aug 26, 2009 - 44 answers

I think I'm broken. How can I see any hope? [more inside]
posted by lndl on Aug 26, 2009 - 28 answers

My boyfriend is taking an antidepressant and didn't tell me, and now I'm worried for him and for us. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 16, 2009 - 30 answers

I'm a male in my early twenties who has washed out of college and is looking for a mental health professional of some sort in Northern Virginia. Issues I feel are likely to come up are my (long-ago diagnosed) attention deficit disorder, depression, and some form of OCD - I have a deep and (likely irrational) fear of psychosis and other impairments of cognition. I am deeply wary of psychiatric drugs, and want to work with someone who shares my attitude toward them, but would recommend them as a last resort. So what I'm after is some sort of talk therapy, preferably with a medical doctor (as oppose to "just" a PhD). [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 13, 2009 - 11 answers

I cannot seem to stop procrastinating on a work project, and the deadline is looming. I have no doubt that I can get it done if I can just make myself get the work done, but I cannot make myself concentrate and buckle down and get it done! [more inside]
posted by dumbledore69 on Aug 12, 2009 - 22 answers

When does occasional contact from a former colleague turn into stalking? What is the best way to handle unwanted communication from a person for whom rejection may cause real emotional hardship? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 11, 2009 - 19 answers

How do I learn intimidating material without making myself miserable? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 10, 2009 - 10 answers

So I’ve finally made up my mind to talk to my GP about the depression that I think I’m suffering from. I have a few days before my appointment and I’d like to get a clearer handle on things before I see him. Can you help me unpack some of this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 4, 2009 - 14 answers

Recommend a psychiatrist in NYC who accepts Oxford, for medication only; talk therapy component is already taken care of. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 3, 2009 - 2 answers

I use to self-medicate with marijuana for my social-anxiety and low-level depression...can that fact be used to direct me towards a specific antidepressant? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 3, 2009 - 13 answers