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" Question For the past three years now I have suffered from depression.  I have received several treatments including antidepressants, all of which have caused vomiting.  I have received counselling twice but due to me not knowing any underlying cause it has been unhelpful.  I have not been receiving help now for two years and have remained depressed.  Of late I have stated cutting myself again and punching walls as well as taking tablets.  I am now 20 and have already attempted suicide. I also have eating problems, making myself sick and avoiding food.  My doctor isn&amp;#039;t interested and says can&amp;#039;t he help me anymore. I am constantly thinking of suicide and have tablets stocked up.  Please advise me as I feel alone. Doctors won&amp;#039;t listen and my parents don&amp;#039;t know what&amp;#039;s happening.  Answer You have my every sympathy. When depression occurs without any obvious underlying cause, it can become persistent and difficult to resolve, but not insurmountable.  You clearly have a good deal of insight into your condition from the way you have asked the question and with the right degree of support and level of treatment, I am certain that you would be able to make progress in managing your symptoms. It is important to appreciate that sometimes depression can behave in this way, the symptoms easing and worsening in a merry-go-round of emotion and feelings.  Therefore, the treatment that your doctor has assessed to be most appropriate for you has to be continued for four to six months after your symptoms have responded and possibly longer.  Indeed, there is nothing to be ashamed of in being dependent on a maintenance dose of antidepressant therapy in the long-term if that is what your body needs to keep the correct chemical balance in the brain that is linked to well being and normal social functioning.  Treatment and medication may have to be adjusted to take account of this cyclical symptom pattern.  Regrettably, it is a natural part of the condition and certainly not the result of something you have or have not done.  You do not mention if you are living alone or with family or friends. In your circumstances, it is very important to have someone to share your worries and problems with.  Having friends and community support are so important to the process of re-building your own self-esteem.  The symptoms you describe are not unusual when you are down in the bottom of the pit of depression and looking for a way out; and you can be sure a way out can be found for you.  I urge you now to confide in a close friend or family member of your despair and to seek their help and support. If this is not possible, then phone the Samaritans.  Please do not stop medication, and certainly do not stop it suddenly.  Your doctor may wish to vary the treatment and although they may seem to be uncaring, it is essential that you talk to them about your low mood as soon as possible.  In making this difficult and vital step you will receive the treatment you deserve, through regular contact from your medical centre and with the help of the community mental health team, who will support and encourage you through the worse moments of your recovery.  Yours sincerely The NetDoctor Medical Team  Other Qs &amp;amp;amp; As A friend with SAD Agitated depression Am I depressed or is it a drinking problem? Am I depressed? Am I suffering from depression Am I suffering from dissociation? 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Last updated 06.12.2011 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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