About two years ago, I was on anti-depressents and really don't want to go back to taking them - can anyone give me any advice on how to be more positive about life, and more importantly, get motivated to get out of bed and do things besides work?
2006-09-20 13:15:42 · 21 answers · asked by mcascadd 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Just to make a small point - I'm 22 - not a teenager - I get the impression a couple of you think I might be - thanks for the help so far though -its really appreciated
2006-09-20 13:29:50 · update #1
i sometimes find it v.hard to motivate myself, even with simple things like making food etc. i just totally mong it + feel down about everything. you need to get out of your bed and just little things like walking to the shops can help.
try philliips' lightbox. it emits light similar to the uv rays from the sun and helps boost your energy levels and your mood. failing that, get out in the fresh air. go for a brisk walk or jog, get your heart pumping and take deep breaths.
join a gym, maybe with a friend. this way you feel you have to go, or you'll be letting your friend down + vice versa, so you'll get out + about + meet new people + feel better about yourself.
i went out + did something totally random : learning to salsa dance. was a great laugh! maybe you could do something similar?
good luck with things!
2006-09-20 13:29:06 · answer #1 · answered by manca300 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Every so often take some time to yourself and just get away from life wether its a walk in the park go to different town shopping (somewhere you know you can be on your own for a while without thinking about anybody except yourself) join a class or something ( I took up aerobics ) meet new peopl to give brighter outlook on life and remember you not only person to feel this way about life and best thing to do is try and get help which you are (by asking this question) and a thought keeps me going
No matter how bad you think life is there is always somebody worse off than yourself
2006-09-20 14:56:32 · answer #2 · answered by John "Freddie" West 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have a think about what is getting you down. Is there anything you can do to change it? Also I have been on antidepressants loads of times over the last 20 years (I'm 40) yes I'm on them now, and I'd rather take them and feel good. the alternative doesn't bear thinking about. It's only a little capsule every morning, it could be worse. I hope you make the right decision for you. I hate having depression, but for me it will never go away, so I've learned to manage it. I wish you all the best x
2006-09-20 22:58:22 · answer #3 · answered by Twisty 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you feel you can cope without the pills
Try the following:
Aerobic exercise (releases the brain's own anti - depressant)
Control your blood sugar i.e. lots of veg, protein and slow release carbohydrate. (balance V. NB) reduces stress and anxiety and mood swings.
Plenty of natural light and fresh air. Avoid work that does not suit you. At 22 its important to match yourself to you job, you will be much happier and much more employable. The good news is you are young enough to focus seriously about the type life you want.
Do not take recreational drugs under any circumstances! I'm sure you already know this.
Never binge drink at the weekend or at all; it causes major downers
If you smoke and or drink coffee, seriously cut down, they might offer temporary solutions to low energy levels, but after a while they rob you of your energy.
(Only if you smoke or drink coffee, red bull etc)
Finally, Always talk to a doctor, if they are not receptive to your feelings, you need to find one who is. Information and advice you get from forums such as this one, need to be run by a good doctor before you change you lifestyle.
I hope you feel better soon!
2006-09-20 14:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by Dave K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you were depressed about to begin with, or if it was just a chemical imbalance in your brain. I compliment your wanting to get off pills. A big part of it can be your diet. Eat foods from home like wheat bread and honey (not mixed) that are healthy and might bring memories of growing up. Go for a walk. Most important, know that you do have a purpose on the Earth and be with God. Hope that helps.
2006-09-20 13:20:19 · answer #5 · answered by Nemo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I usually just sleep but thats not a cure is it? well most advices given are quite good. As if one depressed person in the family is not enough, my cousin these days sounds really depressed. I have given her advices but I think I'll have to tell someone else becoz, it makes me sad when she's like that: too bad we live more than 800km away from one another.
Sometimes all one needs is a hug & good ear to give someone hope that life is not so bad after all.
Sweet hugs 4 u!
2006-09-20 23:11:41 · answer #6 · answered by Luvy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rather than taking prescribed anti depressants, you could try St Johns Wort to help with the depression. You could also try joining a club or gym to help you get motivated and out the house more, you may also make new friend which will boost your self confidence.
2006-09-20 13:20:07 · answer #7 · answered by denise4264 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are many things to get yourself out of a 'downer'
you could start seeing a therapist to actually see why you are 'down' by realizing what is making you depressed, you can actually work out those issues. (there are also books on this that you could read to help your motivation and self-esteem! one book for example is "the feeling good handbook" by David d. Burns M.D. - look for it on ebay for a cheap copy.....
Get out more - be more active - activity does two things - keeps the mind active, also physical activity helps with release indorphins sp? which actually make you feel better.
Try to develop closer relationships with family and friends. caring more about them will, bring you closer to them (which should make you feel better) and two, again make you more active which will take your mind off of the depressive thoughts going through it to begin with.
Are you religious? If so, go to church more often, pray to god regularly, etc. etc... having love in your heart will also get rid of those depressive thoughts......
Can you tell I've been there? :-) Yep, it still happens, but I know how to get out of them, actually, another one that I just thought of is helping at a animal shelter or something of the like, helping other people really makes a person feel better!
Good luck!
2006-09-20 13:26:05 · answer #8 · answered by brian c 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
k im not a doctor but i did work in psychiatric units. a good thing to start with is clearly lots of small things at a time .. start to help others youll feel better gert involved in (childrens) groups.. youll feel like your giving something and will increase your confidence and feelings of self worth . try to join a work out class or dance class this will boost your metabolism and cause endorphins that also give you that happy feeling. eat plenty of fruit and drink water this also helps .. you can also buy a s.a.d light or lamp this helps with Seasonal.Affective.Disorder.. in other words that down in the dumps feeling you get when the weather is dull.. this can be used daily and lifts the users feelings of general unhappiness
2006-09-20 13:31:12 · answer #9 · answered by hallowedredemption 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Long term downers are hard. Short term you can treat with exercise to a sweat, the trouble being doing it. Prayer is helpful. It is a ying/yang issue rather being around upbeat people helps or hurts. If this SAD, try a light box. Definitely all the sun you can find. God's speed.
2006-09-20 13:20:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋