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Hang in there Hoosier. Heartbreak is like a death in the family. Time will take care of it, you just have to tough it out for a while because this is a ride that you do solo. Don't drink. You may feel better that night but you'll be 10 times worse in the morning.
 
I've suffered from depression for many years. At times it has been very bad. One of my doctors thought finding an activity that I could really get interested into might help. I told her I always wanted to dive. She thought it was good and told me that she herself is a diver.

She helped me get better so I could safely learn to dive and recommended a LDS. Diving has helped me a great deal and in some ways I think has saved my life. Though I still struggle at times I start to think about being underwater and it greatly relaxes me.

I've met a couple other divers with similar stories. Depression can be a devastating illness. It affects people in many ways and the ability to cope with it varies from person to person. Medical professionals can be of great help, Drs., psychologists, social workers and therapists. Find the right one and it can turn your life around. There are many people who need help and you are not alone.
 
question is why would you stay in agony? There are support groups, counseling, drugs, activities, lifestyle changes...just a WHOLE host of things you could be actively doing to get OUT of agony.
I say keep looking you'll find it...but doing nothing is going to get you no where.
 
Well, as a counselor myself, I would say you should do anything that brings enjoyment. Mind, Body, and Soul. Keep your mind thinking of what you're doing, such as diving, kayaking, sitting by water (water running over rocks is escpecially soothing), or any other form of relaxation you can find. Keep your body physically active. Kayaking and diving are great. The act of diving itself isn't as much activity as lugging all the gear to and from. And soul... take time to think and meditate on your higher power.

If you choose to have drugs prescribed, be careful when diving. Many medications can intensify under pressure. IMO they simply treat symptoms rather than the problem itself. However if your issues are deep enough some meds may be required to get you stable enough to treat.

Diverchik was right. Support groups are fantastic. They aren't the stupid ones you see on tv. Its a social function that has an agenda. I enjoy them. She is also right when she said it is up to you to be active. Things won't just magically get better. But you WILL get through them.

So you know, I became a counselor after going through all the problems you can think of. I often times suggest scuba to people as a relaxing sport. Short of making a living by diving, I think I have the best job, and that is helping others through rough times. PM me if you have any specific questions.
 
People have given you good advice here, Hoosier. Let us know if we can help in any way!
 
I have always found diving to be therapeutic. When I have been down, or severely stresses diving has always been a source of comfort.

When extremely stresses I jump out of planes. Nothing quite makes you clear your head like falling toward the earth at over 120 mph. Now if I could only combine the two..........
 
My experiance has shown that diving, especially at greater depths, amplifies whatever you are feeling on the surface. I had an overwhelming situation occur, and I had anxiety and panic on what would be a regular advanced dive. If you are experiancing a life changing, or heavy emotional issue, I recommend holding off on any serious diving until you think you are in a better condition to think and act clearly. Anxiety leads to heavy breathing. Heavy breathing leads to Co2 build up that leads to SOB (shortness of Breath) which leads to hyperventilation, which leads to Panic........100 ft plus is not the time or place to come to terms with serious issues.
 
You got a lot of good advice which I'll echo. Severe depression where you can't even get out of bed and take a shower vs. mild depression due to life's situations. No in the first, yes in the second. I was kind of depressed when I went to Florida last month due to some trouble my son has gotten himself into. But it was good to get away from him and forget all about his crap while I communed with the fishies. The first day was hard...I felt like quitting and flying back home because all I did was think about him while I was diving. But I eventually got some totally inspiring diving in (the Duane and the Grove) and started forgetting about him. But the time I left Jupiter a few days later after some thrilling drift dives, I was a new person.

I don't know why you are depressed, but I can tell you from experience...a person of the opposite sex is sooooo not worth getting depressed over. He or she is doing you a favor by dumping you, or giving you reason to dump them. For me, it's a time to celebrate. Honestly.

My favorite t-shirt is one I got in Bonaire. It has a photo of a group of divers on it and it says "Group therapy."
 
EMAIL SENT WT!!! Guys I don't think he is talking about just feeling down and needing to relax! I really hope I am wrong but I don't think so.
 
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