Depression! Any Ideas?

I'm 41 and I have suffered with depression for about 8 years now and have been backwards and forwards to my GP. I have been on and off medication, (Venlafaxine hydrochloride & Fluoxetine) but I am not on anything at the moment. I have been to see therapists, been on special diets, exercised, destressed, talked to family, talked to friends and so on. I am having one of those really down moments in my life were everything seems so bad that it couldn't get any worse no matter what. Does anybody know what I mean and have any ideas? Help!

I know what you mean. It was hard for me at first, but I went to a psychiatrist and I started getting much better care than from my primary doctor. It makes sense to go to a specialist anyway. The key to fighting depression is mediction. It is not your fault is a chemical imballance in the brain. It is not different that a diabetic having a different kind of chemical imballance.

for more info look on http://www.nami.org
also for a support group look into http://www.dbsalliance.org

Bless you, I don't think I can come up with anything you have not already tried as it sounds like you've tried a lot - but I really feel for you and I think you have to keep smiling as your name suggests and try to think that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Is there any kindof local support group or does that idea just seem really lame? Its the only thing you don't seem to have mentioned.
Good luck xx
Have you tried CBT?
Cognitive behavioural therapy?
This does work although you do have to stick at it a while before you see or feel a difference, you can get refered through your CPN good luck you certainly seem to be trying hard and deserve to get well!
OK i am being serious when i say this not a lil punk with a dumb comment..

Honestly try smokeing a little bit of marijuana.. It will help relax your mind and body, which helps somepeople with depression because they actually quit thinking about the depression..

I know its illigal but sometimes illigal is just right~
Those who are lost in depression need to find God. Go to church, find a good one that suits your personality. If you exercise regularly, eat healthy, happiness will follow. Help others and in turn they will give you a fulfillment you may be missing. God bless you and may you find meaning in your life.
I know that this is going to sound like a dumb thing to say, but I am being serious. Why don't you go travelling for 6 months. Maybe you are not ill or depressed at all. All you need is possibly a change and to release yourself. Go for a cruise or maybe a camping trip in a different country. It will allow you to see nature at it's most purest and you will see some truly beautiful things. Try it. I am sure that it will do the trick.
Sure do babe, been like you for yrs, u get rid something happens it come back we try fight it get worse. In my experience this time i had cognitive therapy which made me think differently. I now stop running around after people have more time to myself. have de-sress time by listening to hypno cds. But the most important thing is not to fight it, if we have it we have it, fight it it will get worse, i am currently on low dose at moment but doing well, and think am i ready to come of the pills again, but is it worth this bloody ilness coming back. I just take each day as it comes but upto now i am feeling the best ever since the therapy. Good Luck and keep strong for u 1st b4 others.
Calligas