To be honest, the first couple of years, I felt very suicidal. The stress was becoming too overwhelming. After a lot of prayer, I finally got myself together but still feel the need for anti stress medicine or something. I asked my doctor, at that time, if he would prescribe something for me. I explained my situation to him and his response was to get rid of my mother...no help. Any advice anyone?
P.S. No help from any other family members since day one.
Taking care of the elderly can be really stressful, but you have to have your own time. Go out and do some exercise everyday or go shopping with friends will help. If your mom is unreasonable, try to ignore or go away for a while.
You are saying "I have a situation I can't handle and I am depressed." The doc answers "Go handle your situation." Grrrrrr
Find a local mental health clinic that accepts your insurance. Make an appointment. It depends on the cause and the circumstances, but often depression is treated with a combination of medication and talk therapy. It makes sense (I learned the hard way) to get your body chemicals back into better balance so that you are better able to handle the talk therapy. Both together is the key!
As I'm sure you know, antidepressants aren't a "happy pill" that will salve all your problems. They just give you back "you" -- sometimes happy and sometimes sad, but not overwhelmed to the point of inaction.
As you become more emotionally stable, you will be better able to handle taking care of yourself. As the other posters have suggested, exercise, including walking, is very helpful. So is getting enough sleep. Eating right helps. And addressing the source of your stress is critical. But, one step at a time. Go to a mental health clinic. Get on a drug. (It may take more than one try to find the best one for you.) Get into therapy.
When you are getting that kind of help and support and are more your own confident self, you will be better able to address the issues about caring for Mom. Who knows, you may even decide she needs to be in a care center. Or maybe not. But the doctor's off-hand remark to get rid of your mother is NOT helpful.
Go to a professional who really understands depression. Take care of you first.
I am very glad you posted here, we hope to see you again... and hopefully you will understand many of us are on anti's and it helps to know you are not alone