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I do not want to take medication again. I am a year off of meds and doing almost ok. I just have felt myself slipping lately and want to pull myself out of it. Has anyone out there been here, or do I have to back to a shrink?

2006-09-25 11:01:33 · 22 answers · asked by Liz 3 in Health Mental Health

22 answers

Exercise is the best non-pharmaceutical treatment I know of, especially strenuous aerobic exercise. Forget about the shrink, he/she won't help you with your depression because they cannot help you with your depression.

2006-09-25 11:12:24 · answer #1 · answered by spongeworthy_us 6 · 1 0

Dear Liz,
I'm in the same hole that you are.
Please get back to a medical doctor who is up to date in depression and its treatment, and has patients with depression.
You are no less a person, for the fact that you use anti-depression medication. There are millions of people in the same boat. Some are very successful and household names. Depression is most often caused by neurochemical imbalances. i.e.. too much or too little of the brain signal chemicals. It's not a matter of bad morals or character weakness.
Also, regular walking is very therapeutic. drag yourself out of the house and go for a short walk. Alone or, better still, with a friend. it will really lift your spirits. I know how very hard it is to get up, to get dressed, and to drag yourself out of the house. I know that you might prefer to hide under a large rock. But fight that urge and get out.
Yoga can also help as well as regular exercise.
But meds are important.
Think on this for a moment. Depression shrinks the hippocampus area of the brain. Which is involved in short term memory and a host of other very important functions. Medication (e.g. S.S.R.I.'s actually cause that region to grow.) Too many bouts of depression may cause permanent shrinkage. A good medical colleague of mine (a board certified psychiatrist and member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Canada), ), said that because of the foregoing she would be taking anti-depressants for the rest of her life. And most probably, I will be doing so too.
Do something, before your depression goes too deep and you would not have the energy to take any steps.
Best wishes and good luck.
I've been there and done that, and can really empathise.with you.
Doc. Dan.

2006-09-25 18:34:46 · answer #2 · answered by Dan S 6 · 0 0

Hay, I don't like taking medication either, but I know from taking myself off of my medications before, that things can get bad, very bad. The last time I tried this I wound-up having to be hospitalized, and under went Electro Shock Treatments or ,"ECT", this pulled me out of the living hell of depression. I am now taking an anti-depressant called Remeron, and it works, with out all of the side effects of the old medications, that were used just a few years ago. During the 1990's great advances were made in treating depression. New medications like Lexapro, and Remeron are very site specific, SSRIs, and Remeron also effects other neurotransmitters. Remeron is not for everyone but it has helped me a lot, I find that I'm much more motivated. It may take a year to find the anti-depressant that works best for you, with the least amount of side-effects. The best of luck to you, and for God sakes get the help you need now, before your depression takes over your life.

2006-09-25 18:58:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

I have been there...I once tried yoga...it really works because it leads to integral balance (physical, emotional and spiritual balance). I am convinced that depression has a lot to do with "losing balance". So Why don't you try it?. If you are feeling a little depressed already it might be difficult, at the beginning, to be constant in your practice, but if you make an effort, and if you realize that being constant on yoga takes the same effor as being constant in taking pills, then you'll see it's not that hard. Put your whole self in it, dedicate and try to feel the benefits (consciously). You'll be happily surprised!

2006-09-25 18:09:10 · answer #4 · answered by Mardesal 2 · 0 0

Do some research on color therapy and natrual lighting. Something about not getting enough natrual light induces depression ( I have issues, I work overnights and sleep all day usually, It's my weekend)
Something about the effects that colors play on your mind and therefore pursuade your emotions.
Dark colors are natural depressors, so lighten up your rooms and decor, possibly clothing, I tend to only buy dark colored clothing, and It's a bad deal.
Also, try to integrate something you love into your "common" places or your favorite place in the house.
Mine is sunflowers and my kitchen (have to go in/through to get to the rest of my house) and seeing the bright yellow sunflowers cheers me up, kinda puts me in a better mood.
Also, now this one Is hard for me to do, because I usually only write when I am upset to help me better deal with my feelings, but write down your feelings and sort out the common factors, and try to fix them (fighting with hubby, kids driving you nuts, job sucks, can't sleep, financial concerns...those are the most common)
It's a hard, rough road to be on, and I hope you can overcome this phase.
I'm sure you're gonna hear a lot of "go to the doctor, antidepressants, and bla bla bla..." don't waste your time or money unless you feel you're to the point that you start fearing yourself, and you know what I mean.
And if all else fails, pray, good and long from your heart to God or who ever your higher power is...even if it's not directed to "anyone" it helps you to feel like you're talking to a good friend who is not judgemental, or ready to pump you full of pills you probably don't need.

2006-09-25 18:33:41 · answer #5 · answered by Krissy 3 · 0 0

go to the shrink. i think you know the answer to your position. it is not an embarrassment to be depressed. depression is caused by to little serotonin in your system, a chemical imbalance. the meds. just introduce the chemicals you nee to adjust for your mind to become better equipped to deal with life. good luck and stay aware of changes in your condition. if the is any. a good Dr. and therapist work wonders. or maybe you could consider meds, and a recommended group therapy classes.

2006-09-25 18:15:27 · answer #6 · answered by david l 2 · 0 0

Try this book...it's wonderful.

Blow away the black clouds
by Florence Littauer

About this title: Writing out of her own experiences, Florence Littauer addresses this book to women and men suffering from any level of depression, even if it is simply feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, or inferiority which get in the way of living fully.

Increase your water intake, exercise if ok with your doctor, avoid people with dark/negative energy, meditate one hour each day, keep a journal so you can review your progress periodically, volunteer, join or start a book club (meetings or blogs), formulate a plan for your life and remember you are not alone--many of us struggle with depression from time to time.

2006-09-25 18:20:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

suffered since I was 15, it took me 10 years to really address it all and the past two to work on it... here are some simple suggestions.... your diet and excersice..most people eat or don't want to when they are depressed...it's not healthy.. but you gotta eat a bablanced meal...excersice is crucial... u gotta get out of bed.. i used to lay in bed for days, but you can't do that...Go outside at least for an hour... walk..find a quiet place you can be alone.start a journal...go to your doctor... i know u don't want to be on medication, but you may need it... and ACCEPT your condition.... once you do that you can acknowldge all the little signs that lead to bigger troubles... Talk to a psychiatrist. at least once a week or a month.... get involved with something, church, a hobby, volunteer.when you feel wanted and respected you find you don't feel that bad.....

2006-09-25 18:15:00 · answer #8 · answered by ang728_05 1 · 0 0

Dwell on the good things in your life. Everyone has to deal with a lost love, or something that's harder than anything we can imagine, but for every bad thing that happens, there are so many good things that we can be happy about. Health, sight, the ability to get around... there's a ton of things, if you'll just think about it

2006-09-25 18:10:27 · answer #9 · answered by Shames 2 · 0 0

Exercise is good for depression so I'd say even if you don't want to and you don't have the motivation, get up in the morning and go for a good walk.

2006-09-25 18:09:00 · answer #10 · answered by ChemGeek 4 · 1 0

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