Depression

[livingwith]

I have had a depressive disorder since early adulthood…am now 62, my wife has stage 4 lung cancer and my 27 year old son has just ended a 9-year relationship with a girl I love as much as family. Lately I have had totally disabilitating fatigue, have cried daily off and on, and feel that once my wife passes, my purpose on the plant will be served and I will end my life. I feel as if my family and sons will understand as they aware of my deep depression thruout the years. I switched to l...Read the full article

[lrfnewyork]

My note got sent before I had a chance to finish it. I was saying that it is never too late to seek help. And I question your notion that your children would understand if you ended your life after your wife passes. You obviously are reaching out for help, even if it's just through this website. I have improved significantly through psychotherapy and medication. I plan to get to the point where I no longer need medication and can finally fully reclaim my life. Best of luck to you.

[hannah]

I am 22 and have dealt with family depression for all of my life. My parents are still happily married and my family is a unit, although we all have encountered depression together. My dad has been on prozac since I was little and my mom started antidepressants after my older sister went off to school. Both my sister and I have been through counseling and pills for years. My first anitdepressant was in 2000. In 2003 my mom was diagnosed with incurable cancer. I thought it was the end of my life and my family. Things have improved though! A new chemo was found to work on her tumors and she bounced back. I think she felt she wasn't ready to submit to cancer. Her and my father are still married. They ride bikes all week and manage to lean on each other through it all. I think my mom is still on antidepressants to help with all her medical problems. I'm sure my dad is still on something or is at a point where he doesn't need them, i.e. enough exercise to defeat the depression. I am back on celexa to help with my functionability post-war/cancer/new civilian life. I know there is a purpose to everything (fate, karma,divine intervention, whatever) and a light at the end- or a stage or event ion life. It takes a while to get there but the journey is what defines a person. Your family loves you. Your wife needs you. Your family is what will hold you together in the darkest parts. If I was your daughter I would want you to pull through.