I just noticed that all my old posts (e.g. in this thread) are now shown as made by Anonymous (Guest) - all those embarrassing posts about bodily fluids, waif-like nymphomaniacs, my preference for dates turning up with no knickers on, etc are no longer associated with my user name

This is depressing so if your in a good mood skip to the next reply...

For the past three years I've been fighting off depression (I hate to label it that but I'm pretty sure that's whats wrong with me) and over the past two weeks I've just got to the point where I can't take it any more. I don't even feel comfortable around my best friends just now, I spent Saturday night at my mates flat in near silence because I couldn't think of a single interesting thing to say (I've been good friends with these guys for 5 years for god's sake!). I've spent this evening considering deleting my profile from this site because I believe that if I'm not happy with myself how can I possibly make someone else happy, the only thing stopping me are these forums but I even lack the confidence to get involved with them! I'm 30 and I've never felt so alone/lost/confused in my life, things should be great for me just now but they just aint. Anyway, that should be enough to explain my wish...

I just wish I could be me....not alot to ask is it?
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If at first you don't succeed...skydiving aint for you!

I hear you phoenix1978.
Hang in there mate, lots of peeps have found the forums help in some shape or form.
You dont have to be the life and soul of the party here.
I wish........I wish.......I wish I had words to help you in a more positive way.
Have a virtual hug instead.

I was given anti-depressants a couple of years ago, when I hit really hard times.
I had all sorts 'bad' thoughts quite often at the time, and throughout that period, I couldn't have got by without them.
They actually seemed to stop me from feeling anything at all in the way of emotions, which doesn't sound too good, but when all you wanna do is cry, it sounds great!
I only took them for a really short time, cos I didn't like the thought of being a zombie with no feelings too much, so as soon as I got a better grip on things, I spoke to my doctor again, and got gradually weened off em.....

Your doc can help you loads more than anyone on here can though, it is his job after all, and it surprising how helpful they are when you do seek help.....

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is the way to go for depression.

Google it.
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We march to drums of our own choosing;
each of them keeps different time.
As you are free to live your own life -
so I am free to live mine.

Also CBT is a good idea if you want to ride a moped nowadays, I beleive it is compulsory for those who don't already have a car licence.......

As moose says CBT can sometimes help but then so can lots of other things, and cbt isnt always for depression. (i just thought i'd stick my oar in on that one as a psychotherapist).
Talk with your doctor. Actually voicing your concerns about yourself is the first step. so easy to ignore it and hide it and hope it will go away all by itself I know all about.......
If there isnt a burning issue that you know is causing the probs it could be hormones, some kind of physical deficiency....in fact a whole list of stuff. So yeah i would urge you to go see your doctor.
It might help to write down on a sheet of paper to take with you stuff like when it hits you hardest, your sleep patterns, diet etc as these are things he will ask you about, and its so much easier if you have the answers in front of you without feeling like you are being interrogated and having to think on your feet..
Good luck, I wish you well.