DEPRESSION- how does one get out of it WITHOUT antideppresants?

Answer 1

Having been a "victim" of depression for many years, I don't think you can do it easily without meds. Actually, there is NO easy way out of depression. Statistics show that a combination of meds/therapy work the best. If you don't want to do meds, you could try St John's wort, a homeopathic supplement. But that is only effective for mild depression. Talking to a sympathetic and understanding person is SO important. I know most men don't like to talk about all those "feely" things, but there must be stuff in your life (even if you don't realize it) that's going on to make you depressed. It's best to talk to a trained therapist, tho, someone who specializes in depression, but if you don't like the idea of seeing a therapist, like a lot of people, talk to a trusted and caring friend or family member. Just unloading all those bad feelings helps immensely! But you just can't do it once, you have to keep talking.
Another good non-drug alternative is exercise. Exercise increases endomorphins (those "feel good" hormones) and relieves a lot of symptoms.
You need to educate yourself about depression, also. Go to the library or bookstore and find a book that is easy for you to understand. Don't get overtechnical. Just get one that you can understand.
And, lastly, don't be too hard on yourself. Take good care of yourself, like eating good, exercise, etc. But, if you can't do something, or feel bad, don't add to it by criticizing yourself. Don't isolate yourself, either. That was the hardest part for me--I just wanted to be left alone. But it was really the wrong thing to do because you start to "wallow" in it. You need to be with people. You need to force yourself to do things. It will be hard probably. If you ARE isolating yourself, ask someone to please not let you do do that. Sometimes you'll need someone to give you a gentle "nudge" to get out and not let your depression take over.Depression can be severe and it is an actual illness. I am not talking about feeling sad for a few days. I'm talking actual depression for more than 6 weeks. Left untreated, it can get severe, so please do something to help yourself. And if you try all the "un-med" treatments, (and there are many more--that's why there are books!) please see a dr. Depression just usually doesn't go away by itself. You have to take some action. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Everyone has "the blues" at one time or another. When it becomes frequent or persistent, then you have a serious problem. Depression can drain your energy & affect your physical health. It can literally make you sick.
You need to find out what's causing your depression. That will require some professional guidance. You may just need some counseling to help you deal with whatever's bothering you. Or your depression may biochemical, in which case meds might be helpful.
I know 1st-hand how crippling it can be. My brother is bi-polar, but he now manages his illness fairly well. I've also had my own bouts of depression, especially during my divorce. So I know what a living hell it is.
My advice:
Again, seek professional help.
Be prepared to make some lifestyle changes, especially if you opt for a drug-free approach.
Please do not attempt to self-medicate, whether with alcohol or (unprescribed) drugs. It just makes matters worse - I've seen it before.
Try to get out & take up some kind of activities & make new friends, who can be a strong support system. My next suggestion can help in this regard.
Deepen your spirituality, as someone suggested. If you don't already attend a church or synagogue, for example, now would be a good time to start. Or you could simply talk to priest, minister or rabbi 1st.
I could go on, but I'd run out of space.
These things have worked for me & I think they could work for you. Good luck.

Answer 3

I am 44 years old and I battle major depression most of my life, I do not use medication, What works for me is to treat the depression as addiction for example to alcohol or drugs,
1. Accept I have this addiction to feel depress
2. Put to daily practices
2-1 Eating a well balance diet
2-2 Exercise Physical excise help with stress
2-3 Change of attitude acceptance about the things in life that are not with in your control or reach at the moment
3. Process past events that may have happen , which could lead up to the depression
3-1 Journal emotion and feeling that you may recall from negative past events
3-2. Learn to focus in the moment of the things you must accomplish through the moment to begin trying to have balance through your day, with the capabilities and limitation you have.
3-3. Monitor your self defeating behaviors and take steps to quit these self defeating behaviors
I hope this was help full, Remain Sober, Strong, and supportive with Eyes and Arms wide open unconditionally, and may you receive the same in return.
if i can be of any more help my yahoo id is soulstore, I believe battle depression take Acceptance, Focus, Patience, Courage, Balance, Learning to make better choices.

Answer 4

It takes a strong mind. You have to convince yourself that things aren't as bad as they seem. Easier said than done, I know, but that's what I do. I can honestly say anti-depressants make me feel even worse. I also practice martial arts and yoga. They both help a ton, and physically, I feel great. Mentally I still have my bad days every so often, but that's just life. Life is hard. It's up to you to find the things in life that make it easier to get by. Most people think prescriptions are the answer. Not me. Talking to someone helps too. Whether it be a therapist or a good friend. In my experiences, modern psychiatry just throws pills at problems instead of finding the root of the problem and trying to solve it.

Answer 5

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is used to change the way one thinks, and this can be used to treat depression - depending on the severity and nature. You can either see a psychologist or consult with self-help material, depending on how severe the depression is. If your depression is strong, then there is no substitute for professional advice.

In severe cases, CBT may be used in conjunction with antidepressants so the client can concentrate on the therapy without being distracted by the side effects of depression.

Short term circumstantial induced depression (e.g. bereavement) is sometimes treated by antidepressants again to relieve the symptoms.

Answer 6

First, you need to find out if you're considered clinically depressed, or just feeling a bit "blue". Not surprisingly, there are websites that can help you answer that question. Just search under "depression" and find one with an address that ends in .org. If you're just feeling kind of bummed out, burned out, etc. I've found that exercising does wonders to improve my mood, particularly a good run or fast walk. Also, this is kind of weird but it works for me, I go for a drive in the car, turn up the radio and sing my brains out. Sure, I get some odd looks, but it's fun!

I hope you're feeling better soon.

Answer 7

I battled that bastard for 2 years and a few months... however, it's been gone for about two weeks and I'm actually really happy and content. And no, I didn't take meds. I just hit the lowest point in my life: I got really sick, my head was killing me, and I broke down in English class. After that, my life started turning around because I got the internet and I was able to open up through my blog and I got feedback from it.
Also, during the summer I was able to exercise a lot which made me feel better but I had to exercise for an hour just to feel good for 6 or so hours.
Try talking with others. Take my word for it, it helps.. Oh, and try to get away from negative influences.

Answer 8

I went to work out a psychiatrist and instructed her how i changed into feeling and we talked for a lengthy time period and desirous to attempt anit-depressants and they have helped my pressure a great deal. I nonetheless warfare with the melancholy, yet i'm also engaged on it with a psychologist. i imagine it takes more advantageous than merely medicine to conquer some thing as tricky as melancholy.

Answer 9

Therapy

Answer 10

Hi Tom, I'm on antidepressants for life. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the right one for you, I've had to try several & Celexa works best for me.
I'd rather not take any but I've been there & it wasn't pretty (mine is just body chemistry) I look at it as taking a vitamin.