Starr:
someone once wrote that there is a list of about 100 things you can do to change your behaviour, that might bring you out of depression.
the difficulty as we all know, of course, is that if we are depressed then we don't feel like doing anything and we don't care...we just want to die or sleep forever.
we have to really push ourselves to do something different and/or constructive. perhaps you could try exercise...moderately at first, then pushing yourself into something fairly intense
if you can't paint you might use a digital camera looking for interesting compositions
writing to this site is good...start a journal of your thoughts
write a letter to God...try praying wheather you are religious or not
smile at people...say hello...look for ways to compliment your friends, ways to help them.
meds help, but we can probably also change our body chemistry through our thinking and our physical activity. i can't comment much on meds and therapy because that is a customized situation which relates uniquely to each person. if something doesn't work, i suppose you have to look for something else, even though i know its a very difficult demanding frustrating process
your family loves you. you have to forgive yourself for feeling as you do. its not your fault. set some small daily goals. take small steps. celebrate small victories.
i hope these comments might give you a little something to try, think about and/or research.
i wish you well.
bob
