Depression.....?

Question

What is the best thing to do to get rid of depression.. I'm on antidepressants but don't want to take them for the rest of my life ... And i'm single coz blokes don't understand/ can't cope with how i'm feeling . But i'm a decent person .. blokes get scared off...

no1 is taking this serious are they ?? !

Answer 1

I am also a patient of depression. Do u like to chat with me.

Answer 2

Treatments for depression are basically: Psychotherapy (talk therapy with a good therapist), Pharmacotherapy (antidepressants) and Shock therapy for severe depression.

Psychotherapy is the best and has the best results. Different ways of thinking can affect your brain biochemistry and can affect further thought patterns. See the wiki page on cognitive therapy. The trouble here is that it is hard work and dedication that gets the job done. Most people just want to take a magic pill and have things fixed for them and are not about fixing things themselves - this is just NORMAL people, but especially so in depressed people.

A good book on cognitive therapy is "Beating the Blues" S Tanner, J Ball

Pharmacotherapy involves antidepressant medications. These take some time to come on and have an effect. They tend to work 50% of the time and rely on the patient being compliant and taking the right dose at the right time - mostly pretty easy but of course when you are amotivated and couldn't be bothered well it doesn't always happen. See the wiki page on antidepressants

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was brought about by the observation that people with epilepsy rarely get depression. It transpires that if you induce a small fit, you can fix depression over time. Only for SEVERE depression.

Good luck!

Answer 3

1. It's a chemical imbalance in some instances, thus the meds to keep you even. See your physician again & let them know what is working for you & what is not. Maybe another med would be more effective, with less side effects.

2. Someone said, "Reality Is The Leading Cause Of Depression". I think there is some truth in this.

3. Sit down & make a list of everything on your shoulders right now. Sometimes looking at a list puts it into perspective. You may have valid reasons for feeling depressed. Separate the fear reasons from reality reasons. You may well just have too much on your plate & feel so overwhelmed that you don't know where to start.

4. If you are a heavy caffeine user (i.e. pop, coffee, tea, etc.) cut back. Caffeine can have a negative effect increasing urgency, anxiety & temper.

Good luck and warm regards.

Answer 4

You may feel that no-one is taking this seriously, hon, but I doubt that that's really the case. Depression isn't a condition that can be seen, and is not easily understood by the majority of folk.

Sadly, as you've found out, what people don't know about frightens them. That's why you're experiencing difficulty in finding a bloke that'll stick with you.

As others have already mentioned, antidepressants by themself isn't the answer. They'll deal, on a physical level, with the chemical imbalance that's going on in your brain, but they won't deal with the psychological aspects of the condition. For that you need to ask your doctor to refer you to a psychiatrist. S/he will determine, after several interviews with you, the best course of action to take. You may need ongoing support from a psychologist who will be able to offer you support by way of counselling and other treatments.

I wish you the very best of luck in overcoming your 'problems'. You've taken the first step by speaking out on this forum, now take the second step and speak to your doctor. Tell him/her exactly how you feel, making sure you state that you don't want to be taking antidepressants for the rest of your life. (Has s/he tried alternative medications/therapies?)

Answer 5

Unfortunately, psychology isn't an exact science. Finding what works to help you is generally trial and error. As someone who has struggled with depression much of my life, I can offer these suggestions:

- find a therapist you really like and trust. it is important to have someone who is objective monitor your moods. you need to figure out _why_ you're depressed
- take antidepressants under the guidance of a psychiatrist and therapist. don't make changes to the dose or stop taking them without guidance
- get a physical and rule out any kind of medical problem
- become as educated as possible about depression
- exercise. seriously. just walking 30 minutes a day can do wonders if you aren't already active
- find something you are really passionate about and do it. this has probably helped me more than anything. find something you like that will make you happy to do it. whether it's painting, cooking, learning something new. sometimes when you're depressed you get kind of immobilized. when you just _do_ something it helps so much. and then you get that feeling of accomplishment
- resist the urge to isolate yourself. hang out with friends whenever possible
- practice relaxation therapy, meditation, and breathing exercises
- modify your diet. make sure you are eating properly. this is a HUGE one. if you aren't getting all of the vitamins you need (especially B-complex), this can result in depression. a good book to check out is _You: The Owner's Manual_ by Michael Roizen, MD
- drink in moderation. remember alcohol is a depressant
- you may want to consider herbal remedies like st. john's wort or SAM-E. however, they can interact with antidepressants. read up on them first
- be kind to yourself.

know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. it will take some work, but it will get better!!! it's hard for people to understand what you are going through if they haven't been through it. maybe right now is not the time to be in a relationship. you need the time to focus on yourself and get better. and it _will_ happen!!! good luck!!!

Answer 6

Seriously, depression is so common now that most people suffer from it at one time or another. Clinical depression or one of the manics are a different matter though.

A lot of well meaning docs out there see a female coming and just assume depression so unless you have been tested for this don't just assume that is what you suffer from.

Antidepressants are very helpful if this is your malady and there is no stigma attached to taking them any more.

As for blokes, who really cares if they like you or not? Is it your ambition to marry one of them? If so then take your meds and get on with your life.
If you are still depressed after the pills then you need to see your doc and get evaluated as they are not working.

Answer 7

first why did u feel so depress in everything u do. there is one thing u don,t know depression is not a good thing it make u loose all what u,ve plan for it may be a little step for u to take to place of ur progress but by the time u have the feeling depression u will make all ur work for hundred years to dissappear just like that. My dear pls....................... never think of depress u still have a lot of thing to do ahead u, is better u forget about depress and encourage yourself in whatsoever u are doing okay. May God help u.
And if u feel like depression is coming too much on ur way put everything onto God hand and pray so u will not discourage by anything again and have progress in ur life. bye.

Answer 8

i was depressed about 12 months ago and tried to avoid taking any medication for it but i can understand where u are coming from not wanting to take them for the rest of your life. Do things that keep u happy eg: play Ur fave sport or listen to music keep Ur mind off the things that are hurting u. and the main thing is talk make sure u talk about it. don't keep it to yourself because if u do this then it gets worse. don't have caffeine cola and coffee makes u edgy. I'm not a doctor just someone who has been through it and was told no medication just positive thinking. but i hope this helps and good luck with it. It will get better

Answer 9

It can be hard to motivate yourself to do anything when you are depressed. I think the best thing you can do is go to your local gym or class and do some exercise. It's a good way to meet with other people too.You will feel really good, both mentally and physically after a good work out. Try it, what have you to lose. You say you don't want to stay on anti depressants forever, so give it a go. You will feel better for it

Answer 10

Firstly depression is treatable, taking the tablets may help ease the feelings, but counselling and talking are excellent ways of working through the original cause.

Men do have a tough time understanding,however its much more important you know why you feel the way you do.

Think about managing the current situation and not nessaryly changing it till you have all the answers.
Good luck, best wishesx

Answer 11

Keep on with the antidepressants - they take time to work. Consider exercise - walking is good - there is a lot of research to suggest it helps. Make sure you are eating good food. Alcohol is a depressant. Right now focus on yourself - a partner can wait. You probably won't need antidepressants for your entire life. But even if you do, it beats the alternative.

Best of luck,

Sue