How can a depressed person make their life better?

Question

I am home considered disabled because my depression and anxiety are so bad. I am currently on welfare and filing for disability, but I wonder if there is a way that I can improve my life enough to function like everyone else. Anyone who is suffering from depression have any ideas for coping skills etc.? I know a lot of people don't recognize this as a problem, but it is paralyzing and affecting my everyday life. What should my next move be?

I should have mentioned that I am in counselling with a professional and on meds. It hasn't helped as much as I would have hoped, and I have shared this with the person I see. They said that it's all a matter of coping skills. I was thinking about taking some online courses. So far, I haven't been able to finish anything. Do you think that if they're from the comforts of home, it could be different. I feel like a complete failure and like I've done nothing with my life. If you want to IM me on yahoo, please do so. I see there is a great group of people on here from the answers I've gotten already! I never expected such an awesome group!!! :-)

Answer 1

Get in touch with a mental health professional.

That really is the best step. You should talk to someone to see just how bad your case is.

A psychiatrist can prescribe meds that may help. If one doesn't do the job, another probably will. (There's research to back this up.)

Speaking of research, also look into clinical research studies. You often can get psychiatric care and meds without charge by joining one of these studies.

Also, try getting more exercise in. Even if it's just walking for a half hour a day, the increased activity will help.

If you're religious, it couldn't hurt to talk to your religious advisor (think priest, pastor, rabbi, imam, etc.) . Praying by itself doesn't do a damned thing but move air; a religious advisor often can help you with getting in touch with people and groups that can help.

If you have a social worker, then s/he should also be able to point you in the right direction.

And, for all that's good and holy, don't listen to quacks that tell you that medical care isn't gonna help you. (I'm talking to you Scientologists out there. Hail Xenu!)

Answer 2

I understand. I go through that sometimes. Not all the time. It's like why should I live.. right? But, don't wish you will die or kill yourself. I would start by talking to your family... try to tell them how you feel, if it doesn't work than, at least you tried. Just talk to them, it could really help. And about friends, you may be going through a hard time... just wait, be nice to people, just try to meet new people. You will find someone that will have your back. You just aren't looking in the right place. I assure you, you will. And no matter what people do to you, be mean, look down on you, say you suck. Don't listen to it! Your 100% better than all those people. Stick up for yourself, say your just saying mean stuff to me because you are insecure and you have to take it out on someone else. Just keep hanging in there. Not to long, you will be living in your own house, and you won't have to deal with any of that crap. I wish you so much luck. And remember that there are so many people right there beside you that are in your exact position. Or maybe even in a worse one. Just no that i believe in you. And there are many other people that do. I wouldn't be writing this long paragraph if I didn't care. * I wish you the best of luck*

Answer 3

Do things for other people. You might not have very much energy so volenteer for something here and there. It will do your spirit good. Go for a walk every day. Be sure and get your body out in to the sun in the mornings. Don't sleep too much. Never get too tired, too hungry, or too lonely.
If you have a particulary hard day, tell youself that this is a brief spell and you will be better soon.
Take a day at a time. Watch funny programs. Eat healthy.
Take good care of yourself

Answer 4

I think depression could be because of many reasons. However reasons apart, it really acts upon you through your thoughts, your mind. You get caught in depressing thoughts which effects your body and you are unable to act in a normal way. I feel to come out of such a state without medication and counselling, its essential to become aware of your thoughts, how they come and go. Its your thoughts that are pulling you down. In reality there's no reason to be depressed. While life has its ups and downs, we all survive. Our thoughts are memories of the past, taking us into the future. We can see this if we are alert and aware of our mind. How our thoughts don't leave us for a moment and keep coming and going. This movement of thoughts from the past to the future is what is creating the problem. If you are aware of your thoughts and do not get entangled in them, get carried away by them, then you will be routed to the present. You will then realise that all these are just thoughts, a manipulation of your mind, your memories and not the reality. Thus the reason for the depression is only in our minds and not a reality. If you remain aware of your thoughts all the time, then the depression should vanish. You may ask how can one become aware of your mind, your thoughts. There's no method or way for this. You do not have to try to do it. You just have to be serious enough to understand your problem. If you are serious, the awareness will come. the awareness may come and go intially. Its normal and doesn't matter. While there are medications, counselling and many other methods to get out of depression, I think the best way is to understand your depression by understanding your mind which has has to done for yourself by yourself. No body else can do it for you.

Answer 5

You might want to find a different counselor to help you get to the root of your depression. Remember their business is to get and keep people as a patience (they have bills to pay too). You might want to try someone who knows how to do an early life regression or past life regression, because your mind might be blocking out a painful/highly embarrassing moment that might be disabling you now.

Then find a stylist to help change you style. You will be amazed on how that can lift your spirits.

Plus find a hobby/craft that you can focus on and become good at. That also builds your spirits when you realize you are good at something.

Most of all find people who lift your spirits, because emotional support is very important to getting better and staying there. You also need to be aware of and avoid psychic vampires. They are people who are very negative, don't care about your well being, and suck all the positive energy out of you for themselves (which leaves you totally drained and unsocial).

Answer 6

I agree with the support group thing. But primarily, get your mind occupied. Remember, an idle mind is the devil''s workshop. Force a smile. Don't dwell on what is affecting you today. Tomorrow is another day. Call in people close to you. For every cloudy morning there is always a midnight moon above. Take Care.

Answer 7

It is very very important to see your doctor and get on antidepression medication. Depression occurs when there is a chemical imbalance in the brain like norepinephrine or seratonin. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brain can also suffer from illnesses. Because it is an imbalance, medications are the best solution. Depression usually runs in families and is hereditery. Therapy helps because it will show you how to think so you don't get as depressed.

Please don't listen to anyone bringing "god" into this ... you need real solutions to your real issues, not fairy tales

Answer 8

Your story sounds very similar to mine. I was house-bound and full of anxiety and depression. I was stuck with the "what if" thinking and was terrified of everything...so I just stayed inside cause it felt safe.

Then, my Mother-in-Law at the time saw a commercial for Paxil and I tried it.
That was 8 years ago and I'm still on it. I take one tiny pill a day and it's completely changed my life. I seriously don't know where I'd be without it.

Answer 9

Every article I've read on this subject mentions excersize as a way to relieve stress. If you can't go jogging, try just walking. Wear headphones so you don't have to talk to people, which might upset you. Go at night, if you're uncomfortable. ( fewer people can see you, and you'd feel less self concious ). You could try to get a treadmill, and excersize in the comfort of your own home.

Answer 10

Support Groups
Family
Just getting OUT and talking to others.
Therapy
Medications
Take everyday one day at a time.
Do little things that make you happy and feel better.

Most people don't want to UNDERSTAND Mental Illness. It's scary to them..... LOL TRY being the ONE who is suffering!?!?! NOW that's ever more scary.