What impact does/did depression have on your life?

Struggling with depression led me to seek out way to change the way I feel--first cutting, then drugs and alcohol as I got older. Once I suffered enough to become willing to change, I turned to AA, and have been sober for 1-1/2 years. Being free from the snare of substance abuse has allowed me to pursue healthier means for dealing with my depression.

Depression has had an impact on my life since 2010, when my birth mother died of stage 4 gastric cancer. I was only 13 at the time I think and getting ready to turn 14. I was so devastated and I still am.

I was a mess for a long time. I was not functional on an emotional level. I was verbally and emotionally abused at home growing up and then bullied at school and so had no self-esteem. It affected my work and personal life because anytime something happened I took it personally - I perceived it as evidence that I was inherently screwed up and would cycle through catatonia and crying all the time. It was difficult to concentrate on anything or find enjoyment in anything. I wasn't motivated to do anything. I decided I didn't want to live like that anymore about 7 years ago and it's taken me a lot of time and work to get to where I am now but I can say I am a lot more functional on an emotional level now. When things happen I no longer let them destroy me emotionally and am much more calmer. It's not easy, but it's possible if you stay persistent and are determined.

When I was heavily depressed I didn't see anything else. Just the small dark world I was living in. I have almost won the battle and those past years have made me into a strong person, who is also capable of understanding others. Everyone can win depression.

Depression makes it difficult to interact with others as I would want to and to live my life with less pain...

It may take a toll in the relationship with other and also it may hamper your career and may lead to many physical problems

I never wanted to go outside or eat or talk to anybody. I wanted to limit human contact as much as possible.

well its not the best feeling in the world and all it did for me was just keep me back from the world and well being depressed isnt fun and it did a pretty be number on me when i lost my mother and sister and it just made me want to end it all but i found a better purpose in life to overcome the feeling of depressiion

Depression used to have a huge impact on my life. I used to use depression as an "excuse" to not do things. I would always say things like "I don't want to because I have depression." Now I have learned that yes I have a mental illness but no it is not an excuse. I may feel like I want to lay in bed all day but I can't let those feelings of worthlessness and sadness stop me from going out into the world and doing good.

Depression has not been an easy thing to overcome. After 5 years of "dealing with it" I can still say I have not over come it, and I do not see myself doing so in the next few years. Though it is not as bad as it was. It just made me realize how strong I have to be and gave me a new obstacle to get through. It is different for everyone, and it changed my life completely.