I've been trying to deal with it on my own and losing the battle, but if I see a doctor, they'll just put me on drugs, which I don't want.
2006-09-20 17:08:16 · 14 answers · asked by Starscape 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Anyone who suffers from clinical depression will tell you this, myself included as I have been in treatment for over 15 years....
it's everything, physical, mental, neuro... it relates to everything... fibromyalgia, which I have... don't jump the gun and lose the battle! Life is worth it and you need to be spoken to about being practical. Yes, some say that a diet is important--- fine, you do what you are comfortable with, just don't push it.. if it doesn't work for someone else, rectify it. I can't begin to tell you how deeply affected I am about depression. We do suffer: the trials, the tribulations, it's every day... we cry at the slightest thing. we lose interest in something we once loved. You say you don't want drugs, that's fine. Do you know what your serotonin level is? Have you been checked by a doctor? I really recommend doing so, it may not be a case of just depression... it may be fibro, it may be your thyroid, which I have to take, otherwise I would die, literally- it's life threatening. Do you have loss of energy when you first wake up? Every morning I drink green tea and I love it. I try very hard to do things for myself for the depression, which is not vain or selfish. If you really need to discuss and speak, please by all means email me at sekhmets.prodigy@gmail.com
2006-09-20 18:43:10 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Sunlight for instance has a profound effect on the body. There's been documented scientific research on it. Try to get out and go to a park. Also, before the invention of antidepressants people got depressed and they had ways of recovering from it. The first step in treating any illness at all hundreds of years ago was: fresh air. That was the very first thing no matter what was wrong with you. Open a window. Get lots of sunlight and clean air, right off the bat. Also, eating a healthy diet can help shape your mood, and if you're really serious about defeating depression I'd recommend exercise. Another thing to note is pets, petting a cat, has been shown to reduce stress. Good luck!
2006-09-20 20:10:01 · answer #2 · answered by Professor Armitage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is entirely possible to work through depression without taking medication. My therapist has several patients doing it right now. What you need to look at is whether your depression is caused by a traumatic event or series of events, or whether it is caused by a chemical imbalance. Unfortunately there is still a lot of stigma surrounding treatments for neurological disorders. But the simple fact is that 1 in 10 Americans will at some point in their lives be afflicted with depression. That is a higher number than those that have diabetes. Yet no one thinks twice about someone measuring their blood sugar and taking an insulin injection if they need it. My first psychatrist explained it like this "if you had a heart condition, and I told you that you would have to take medication to lead a normal life, you'd take it every day without fail, and not think twice about it. If you have a chemical imbalance it's no different than a heart condition, and taking medication for it is no different either." Any doctor that simply hands you a prescription isn't worth going to (I've been there. The doctor's lack on interest in my condition almost cause me to have a relapse). Find one who will listen and explain your concerns about going on medications. Anti-depressants have come a long way recently, but what you need is a doctor who is committed to your health and happiness.
2006-09-20 17:41:29 · answer #3 · answered by Jeremy C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
ok. i have depression and i have been where you are.
you can do it without medication, but it will be hard and a day to day battle until you get used to it. the key is to not give up.
the danger with medication (yes, i call it danger because it is) is that when you take it for a long time, it causes all kinds of side effects, depending on your system. it makes you weak as well, because you depend on it. temporary medication is ok, but longer than a few months is very unhealthy for your mind and emotions, which you need everyday of your life and for the rest of your life.
remember that time you were not on meds for anything, even if you felt down? you can learn to control yourself mentally and emotinally again, if you want to and are patient to get there.
the best thing that works is excercise. especially running, swimming, skipping, stretching, etc. any thing that is vigorous.
stop eating sugary or fat foods. or drinking caffeine. eat them if you must in moderation or just a little at a time.
change how you talk to yourself. face yourself in the mirror and tell yourself a few lines of encouragement with belief and meaning. 'i love myself' 'i can do it, i can get better' 'i am strong', and so on.
good luck. :]
2006-09-20 18:08:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try the natural supplement route. St Johns Wort and Fish Oil Capsules. Both available at any health food store. St. Johns Wort is used widely through Europe, as opposed to drugs, and found to be very effective for moderate depression.
The Fish Oil helps the brain function better in general.
2006-09-20 17:17:04 · answer #5 · answered by charley128 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL!!
This is what I believe down in my deepest heart of hearts.
1. God made you and me
2. When we are in sink with what he wants with us, we have wonderful hopes; when we disobey (sin), we get the natural results (depression).
3. I believe "depression" is a built in compass that God put in us to tell us we are going the wrong way.
4. Obey God by starting to read his word --the Bible--and obeying Jesus's words--and praying for help to find God.
5. I know this seems like alot...but I'm 25 and have lived in drugs, sex, and school, and i know im young--but I really do believe that obeying Jesus's teachings frees a person from anxiety and shame and depression......
God be with you....
John 8:30-32
2006-09-20 17:20:59 · answer #6 · answered by Ken 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Regular exercise is very good medicine for depression. I've heard St. John's wort is also effective. Fixing the root of your depression is the only long term solution, other changes may just help. Good luck!
2006-09-20 17:17:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try one or more of the following:
Exercise
Do not drink alcohol
Get enough sleep
If something bothers you, talk to friends
Volunteer or get involved with other people
Get out in the sunshine for 15-30 minutes
Take Vitamin B12
Don't overeat
2006-09-20 17:17:41 · answer #8 · answered by m15 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Eating healthy and exercise really will make you feel great. Stay away from sugars, alcohol and too much fatty foods. Lots of fruit and veggies, lean meats, whole wheat breads and cereals,etc. Check out Health food stores too. I've heard about a few things there too.
2006-09-20 17:12:36 · answer #9 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. See this site under mental issues.
http://phifoundation.org/heal.html
2006-09-20 17:16:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋