Fighting depression

I know it serious and sometimes needs medication to balance but I was wondering if there are people out there who have tips for fighting it that dont include drugs.

I know everyone gets a little depressed, down, or worried now and agian, what do you do if you find yourself in a funk??

I've sufferered from 'mild' depression for years.

recently got into running, exercise biking and eating healtier, feel better now than I've felt in a long time.

medication never worked for me, always made me feel 'Unreal'

I need someone to answer that for me too!

I am currently taking Seroxat and waiting for another Psychiatrist appointment - they havent checked me out since I started my medication nearly 4 years ago.

My fiance tells me that when I start to feel like that I should look at all the good things that I have in my life, and forget about the bad. Not easily done I'm afraid.

Once I get into a depressive mood it takes a while to get out of it - I wonder if the easiest way to deal with it is to realise that it won't last for long and just try to roll with it.

like kasabian said, exercise sometimes releases endorphins or something like that.. it makes you feel better.. and the healthier body does do wonders for the mind..

either that or hang around a bunch of friends who are happy-go-lucky people and after a while, it's contagious..

me? i just go do stuff..

I stopped drinking Alcohol aswell. used to binge drink which would leave me down for days after.

not only does exercise make you feel good but can make you look better, I've lost over half a stone, mainly my beer gut and double chin If you look good you feel good.

Dont suddenly stop your medication, you need expert advice on coming off that stuff

1.Get a good understanding of what depression is. Self help for depression is much more effective once you know what you are dealing with. Ensure you know clearly what is going on.

2.Regulate your sleep patterns. Get up no later than 8am and go to bed no later than 11.30pm, even if you can't sleep. If you have problems getting up in the morning, get someone else to rouse you, or have a friend call.

3.Eat 3 meals a day, whether you are hungry or not, at the right times.

4.Ensure you get outside early to make sure you get enough bright light to help regulate your sleep patterns.

5.Do things to occupy your mind. If you have nothing to do all day, you will tend to ruminate over your problems.

6.If you are facing a big problem, make the decision to put off thinking about it for, say, 2 weeks, or whatever is appropriate in your case. If you cannot put it off, speak to someone else who you know to be a good practical problem solver.

7.Begin a 'depression diary'. In this rate each day from 1 to 10, where 1 is the worst kind of day, and 10 the best. This will help break down the 'all or nothing' thinking that depression can cause.

8.Get as much exercise as you can. Make yourself walk briskly every day, at least. If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor before beginning this. Research shows that exercise can lift depression.

9.Get some kind of relaxation during the day. If you know how to do meditation, self hypnosis, tai chi or some other mind-calming technique, do it. It will help reduce the physical effects of the depression greatly.

10.Start challenging your own thinking about things. If you find yourself thinking about things in a depressive way, deliberately think in a new way. A good way to do this is to write down the original thought, and then generate some alternatives.

11.Understand that depression is not part of you; it is due to a set of symptoms. These symptoms cause you to feel, think and act differently to normal. Once depression goes, things will be different. And when you have the skills to beat it, it is more likely to stay away.

12.Supplement your diet with pure high grade epa fish oil, this has been proven to help many people.

13.seek nutritional advise to ensure that your diet is properly balanced.

Self help for depression can be difficult. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Once you have beaten it, you can help others.


hope it helps

Go Mike!!!

hehe thankyou

i came off mine all @ once. it hurt there for a little bit. but i actually got better. i stoped sitting around the house an got out an lived life. i have a son he's almost 15mo. i started taking it right after i had him (should of been on it a long time ago) but you know without it im doing good. while i was on my med, seemed like all i wanted to do was just sleep. but i still get depressed an s***, but i have my bestrfriend to talk too. an seems like it helps better. im the type i dont talk about my probs i would let them build up in me. ok thats not a good thing. so i've opened up to her an talk to her about my s***. maybe something like that will help you? but yea exercise an eat good no one wants to be on med for the rest their life.

yeah... i think one of the main things about depression is the buildup of stresses and emotions..

sometimes, we just got to let it all go..

i do hope you're better lilmomma

it depends on the cause of depression aswell if its reactive depression ie because of a break up losing a loved one etc the mind seems to heal itself with time
i'd agree that excercise, healthy diet and keeping busy can help, however depression can rob people of just the motivation you need to do any of those things so a good support network is essential, friends and family who will help motivate without judging you. set goals and targets but realistic ones they dont have to be major things. deciding to set aside a day to do the house hold chores and keeping to it is a good example. do something for someone else and if you have a garden grow stuff you can eat or give away.
i hope that whatever you do you beat the big D

i would have to agree.

in medical studies it has shown excersie can help fight depression.

good luck

Exercise is the best way to fight depression,try it before you take meds, it works, There are different kinds you can do. so if you are not into one try another, I am into Pliates

Wish we could edit our post. Pilates was spelled wrong, This is the correct spelling