What is a good cure for depression?

Question

No drugs. I have been so down that I don't even want to do anything but sleep.

Answer 1

If your depression is ongoing and nothing else works, then medication is the way to go. It doesn't have to be for an indefinite amount of time. Also, medication in conjunction w/therapy is another option.

Just telling yourself that your depression will go away or trying different remedies is not the answer. Are you aware of the different signs of depression so that you can distinguish between true depression and just a case of the "blues"? Here are some signs of true depression:

Mental:
sadness almost every day
loss of interest in favorite activities
emptiness/loneliness
inability to make decisions or concentrate
worthlessness
excess or inappropriate guilt
suicidal thoughts/thoughts of death
restlessness/irritability

Physical:
fatigue/lack of energy
change in weight and/or appetite
aches and pains, including stomach aches and back pain
dizziness

See if any of these apply to you and then make your decision. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. Good luck!

Answer 2

Focus on anything that is positive.
- Eat foods that benefit you rather than ones that are detrimental. Avoid soda, candy, fast food, especially avoid alcohol.
- Exercise, even if you just start out small. Go for a walk.
- Avoid negative thoughts/conversations/actions. Don't listen to that same depressing song you love over and over again , same goes for depressing/violent/overly serious movies. If you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts/feelings, just calmly remind yourself that you're not going to dwell on that and think of something that has made you happy in the past.
- Make sure you are getting proper sleep at night. Make sure you dont have a tv or computer in your bedroom. Make sure that there is enough light in your bedroom during the day. I've known people who have bedrooms in the finished basements of their house and they fall into a major slump , not wanting to get out of bed in the mornings, because there is no natural light coming in down there it always feels like nighttime.

-Make sure you're not taking any medications or anything else that might be making you lethargic. Either way you should talk to your doctor about it. There could be a million reasons why all you want to do is sleep.

Answer 3

The best thing I did for myself about three years ago when I got depressed, was went to the gym and took hip hop classes, did some tae-bo(punching and jabbing releases the frustrations), and worked out. It kept me from eating myself into a worse frame of mind, plus I actually lost quite a few pounds that I would have never gotten off. All the sadness turned to anger during the workouts which helped me push myself better, and be more motivated, and I actually gained quite a bit of self confidence form it all. My depression and anger went away, and I felt so much better. Working out and feeling good makes us happy overall. The computer and being online made me more depressed and sad, so I kept myself off of it as much as possible. I also talked to my friends, and kept myself busy with work, and my kids. They didn't need to see me depressed and in a slump. Once you set your mind to making yourself get up, because you know you can and need too, it will get easier. I still get down on occaision, and that is when I just up my workout regimine, and remember what makes me happy, over whatever or whoever brought me down. Drink a lot of water too, and eat right, even though I know it may be hard, just do not allow yourself to binge eating, it will not make you happy. Get up and go...find some good music and go for a good, brisk, walk. Do not be depressed. If none of this helps, then go talk to a counselor, or your doctor, they can help you without medicating you. Good luck, and get your chin up!!!

Answer 4

Dealing with depression:
1. Think of 5 things you're greatful for in your life right now, and write it on a piece of paper. Tape it up next to your computer screen.

2. Go to a Naturopath or Homeopath for a herbal remedy.

3. Take a 5 - 7 minute exercise break hourly to get energy flowing through your body.

You don't need something external to give you meaning to live for.
Most important is to deal with the root cause for depression.

Also, "Later_Me" in this answering column suggests "music". That reminds me of studies have shown "Mozart" music has the power to heal body, mind, and soul. Check "Music for the Mozart Effect produced by Don Campbell"
Be aware that music are vibrational wavelength frequencies that has an effect on energies. So, bad music can influence us in a negative way as well. There are much research on the Mozart music effect. It's safe.

Answer 5

I've had problems with depression and don't like taking drugs either, here's what helped me -- read the book " The Magic of Thinking Big " by - David J. Schwartz, Ph.D. I have a special edition that only has the first two chapters ( 38 pages ) it leaves me feeling alive and inspired to go out and do something. It reminded me that I'm the only one that can make things happen, that no one else is going to do it for me. It also taught me not to make excuses for my life but to make the best of it. I hope this helps, I remember that lost feeling all to well and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I believe in you, you can beat this :)

Answer 6

Laughter! America's Funniest Videos are awesome at wiping out depression. It's got to do with people doing stupid things that make it all better! ;o) I also LOVE the Vonage commercials! Anyways find something to laugh about wether it's something stupid someone else or yourself have done and now is a good time to laugh about it! I can honestly say I have never been depressed! I won't let it happen to me! Because life is too short to feel sorry for yourself. Pick yourself up and move on! If your depressed over bills, boys, girls, friends or whatever the best thing you can do for yourself is to forget them all for the time being (They will not go away) and have some fun for yourself! Then when YOU are READY come back and put 110%. Good Luck and don't ever forget to smile!

Answer 7

Not a drug, try St. Johns Wort. you can get it at Walmart for less than 10.00. It won't make you sleepy or wierd or anything. It just gets you back to the way you should be. I was depressed big time after my dad died. It took about a week of taking it twice a day until I noticed anything and then it was just that things were ok. I kept on until the bottle was empty and all has been well ever since.

Answer 8

Therapy, with a professional. Depression is cunning. I know medications are scary, but they help so much. I was frightened to take them when I was depressed. But after taking them, I couldn't believe how much better I felt. If you have a headache, you'll take a pain reliever, right? It you have heartburn, you'll take an antacid, right? So if you have a chemical imbalance in your brain that causes you to be depressed, why be hesitant about taking a pill that will help? A headache is caused by a chemical imbalance. Heartburn is caused by a chemical imbalance. Don't let your depression decide for you. Try the medication for 2 months. And then decide whether you want to continue it. Don't be afraid to feel better.

Answer 9

Depression is a sign you're low in serotonin. To increase it naturally get out in the sunshine daily; be around people (even though it's counterintuitive); and MOVE i.e. walk, bike. To increase it with other means some herbs can help (SamE, other energy boosters), sunlamps. Talking about what's 'wrong' almost always helps...use friends, pastor/priest/rabbi, therapist or doctor. Drugs only if nothing else works...

Answer 10

i kno what u mean, im same way.

exercise really helps if u can motivate urself enough to do it. an hour a day will give u almost the same effect as being on an anti-depressant(some doctors say). But if u can't do an hour, even 20 to 30 min will help some.

But honestly, if u can take meds for it, u should try them, see ur doctor.