what is a good way to deal with depression?

Question

any ideas besides medication?

Answer 1

I agree wholeheartedly with those who have said exercise. I have been there plenty of times... and have been amazed at the difference exercise makes. I am both a psychology student, and intending to gain my personal training qualification... my particular interest in this topic comes from the fact that an exercise program was a literally life-changing experience for me with my depression.

It's not easy to do this when you're depressed, as symptoms can include fatigue, lack of motivation etc... but try not to think of the hurdle of getting started with exercise as being bigger than it really is. Starting an exercise program to help manage depression doesn't mean running your first four minute mile. You can start out pretty slowly. Perhaps join a gym, get one of the trainers to help you set your goals, and make sure they are someone with empathy towards those in your situation. Your program should include cardio as well as weight baring exercise. And after you've dragged yourself through the first couple of weeks... you won't be dragging anymore at all. It gets so much easier.

The only warning I'd have personally about dealing with depression this way... is that at times we can not exercise, as even those of us in the best of health sometimes get the flu or injure ourselves. So go ahead with a program, and if it works for you, still don't put all your eggs in one basket. You will need to know that there is a professional (eg. psychologist) available to you who is familiar with your situation at times that you need it.

You can manage depression :) Good for you for looking for at all your options!

Answer 2

Although medications, such as SSRI's -are helpful in some cases, others benefit from therapy sessions, group therapy,or help from spirituality. Also realizing that depression is a true illness- not a character flaw or laziness. Some depression is situational or based on certain events, this responds well to therapy, but in the case of a chemical imbalance (such as seratonin or dopamine) meds may be required, at least until the person is out of danger. If the depression is genetic, runs in the family etc.. it is physical. So, that would be like telling a Cancer patient to meditate or go talk to a therapist as a way to treat the cancer. Talk to a professional- there are many treatment modalities now and help is available, in many forms- also on-line support groups and information (avoid the site's where people just dwell or discuss suicide etc..). If suicide is thought of or planned one must get help immediately!!! Good luck

Answer 3

You need to first identify what type of depression you have. Often time medication is the only way to deal with it. There are chemical imbalances, SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a loss of something or someone. Being around positive people helps. But, depression is different for everyone so there is not just one way to deal with it. It is a combination of things,

Answer 4

Prayer, taking a walk, spend some time in the sunshine, listen to some uplifting music (gospel works for me) laughter is good for the soul, spending time with a valued and trusted friend, talk about what is bothering you, spend time doing something that brings you joy, find a purpose in life that takes the sadness away.focus more on the positive and less on the negative, find a church to attend and get filled with the holy spirit, If all else fails, sometimes depression stems from a chemical imbalance and medication is the only answer. I hope these are some helpful ideas, if you are dealing with depression good luck and God bless

Answer 5

I truly believe that doing things for other people is the best way to pull yourself out of mild depression or sadness. Go volunteer at a soup kitchen and serve dinner to homeless people, or read to old people at a nursing home (I wouldn't recommend working with kids, it is too much for both you and the children, it isn't fair).

However that being said, if you really are clinically depressed, you need to consider counseling and medication while you are in transition. Not forever, just until you get your stuff under control.

Answer 6

The best ways to deal with depression is to forget and forgive to those who have wronged you. Talk to families and friends to get advice and emotional support. Lastly never try to revenge those who caused your depression. This will allow the chance for you to be a generous and respectable person

Answer 7

Hi, eat right because occasionally depression occurs when you eat poorly, also if you are really depressed surround yourself with people who have positive attitudes. You don't want people kicking you while your down. Concentrate on things that make you happy. Keep yourself busy with things you like to do. Your environment is another issue, make a peaceful environment for yourself.

Answer 8

Let yourself be depressed. Feel it as intensely as you can. Medication is junk. You've got to heal from within. Unless of course you've really really really got some problem that you really think will be helped by medication.

Anyway, don't think of it as yourself being depressed, just think of depression hanging around. If you just let it be eventually it will go somewhere else or burn up.

Answer 9

first exercise,then take a bath.

When you get all these done.Have a good sleep,make a good dream.

Wish this way can help U to reduce depression~~~

Answer 10

being around family ,friends.getting out and doing things that you like.any thing to keep your mind busy.DO NOT SIT IN FRONT OF TV ALL DAY.talk to someone about what is making you depressed counselor, family ,preacher