re: What do you guys do about depression?

Try getting involved at a church. Not just attend on Sundays but go to a group.
Commit to it for a year and see if things change.

You are at a low point now and you have nothing to lose by trying it. Plus it gets your wife off your back for awhile.

Find something you enjoy doing. Something you look forward to. Something for you, not your family. Do it 2-3 times a week, at least. They will thank you for it.

Meditate. I am not talking about trying to find illumination or the meaning of life mediation. 15 minutes or so a day just sit down and focus solely on your breathing. There are several apps that help. The point is to keep you in the present moment instead of worrying about the big picture. This reduces stress and depression. Life may seem pointless from a big picture view but the present moment rarely seems pointless. And when it does you just move on to something else.

Exercise. You will feel better.

As someone else said get rid of as many negative influences in your life as you can. Call it a mental/emotional decluttering. Work to make the things you cannot get rid of --- wife, kids, job --- as positive as possible.

That's pretty much the recipe that has taken me from the lowest point of my life to the best point of my life.

quote:

---

Docs should have switched and let him try something else

---

That's military doctors for you.

Even Jesus had counselors. Talk to someone besides us. Go help people. That will give you purpose and help someone in need. Kick your arse in the gym. You don't need medication, you just need a purpose.

quote:

---

Nothing cures depression like living like a slave to some invisible sky fairy with promises of endless suffering

---

You're so hip and edgy, man.

quote:

---

The biggest help is knowing a lot of people feel that way. You're not suffering alone.

---

This right here. Once you realize that most of those you see around that look happy have their own issues they deal with, it makes things easier.

Sounds like you need a good friend and a hobby. Have you tried hunting or fishing?

I've felt like you are saying recently. I contributed it to having two young children and no time to do anything I liked as well as no one to do things with. After years of being in a city, I hadn't met anyone I would consider a close friend. Finally, met a guy at work(this is sounding really gay) who I could actually be myself around. That helped a lot.

Hope you start enjoying life again, friend.

Depression is real. It happens ! It is not your fault.

I have been taking An antidepressant for 16 years (Paxil). It has helped me with getting over my father's death and my brother's passing.

Don't be afraid to seek help. Trust me ! You are not alone . There can be many reasons for you feeling like life is meaningless. Sometimes you may not feel motivated to do anything.

If you can, get blood work done to check for low testosterone, thyroid problems, or even low vitamin D levels. Winter is coming and Seasonal affective Disorder to be a possible culprit in causing a low energy/depression.

Please talk to a social worker or to your family doctor about your symptoms.

Try walking for 15 minutes per day. Lay off ant caffeine or heavy doses of sugar. Make sure diabetes can be ruled out as a cause of low energy/depression.

Don't give up but do talk with a trusted friend or family member. Not your fault. It has physical and genetic roots. God bless you !

Just think of it this way, think Indians or other native people were depressed and felt like they didn't have a purpose?

No bc they did things together to better their environment. Hunted, built things, grew things, helped their neighbors.

Start simple and see what happens but stick to it for a long period of time.