Story 2

A third year student thinks he has had bouts of depression over a long period, but was only diagnosed recently. He regrets staying in denial for as long as he did, and recommends seeking help as soon as possible...

Hard to move through life

I guess I have had bouts of depression for as long as I can remember, yet I can't point to a specific case that set it off. I've just always found it hard to move through life. I have only recently been diagnosed as being depressed, at the age of 26. I'm currently on a course of anti-depressants, which have helped me enormously.

How depression affects me

I suppose my depression has manifested itself through an inability to mix in social groupings, shyness, low self esteem and extreme paranoia (especially when I was younger). I used to be fascinated by my looks and was always looking for faults so I could justify my constant low mood. I have messed up almost every relationship I have had in my life (friendships and otherwise).

Get help soon!

I can’t stress enough that if you feel depressed you MUST seek help as soon as possible. I feel like I have been moving through my life not really living, but just killing time and I feel very sad that I didn't try and resolve my problems earlier. I may have experienced a lot more by now if I had, and I long to claw back the years and do everything different. Don't do what I did and live in denial for a long time. Remember, just because it isn't visible doesn’t mean it is not an illness.

What helps

The anti-depressant drug citalopram has helped me enormously. I would also suggest: eating plenty of fish, fruit and veg; exercise, and keeping your mind active.