Treatments for depression?

Question

What can one do to get over depression even if they don't want to talk to a counselor? And I'm talking about serious depression-- they won't eat, don't care about school, personal hygiene, and she gets no joy from her fish tanks anymore (which is very bad; because they are her LIFE).

Okay-- I didn't realize some people were so immature. This is not funny-- I'm very worried about her. And I say her fish are her life because she loves them, she spends hours watching them, she wants to be a marine biologist.

Answer 1

Try getting them to take energetic walks with you, or a bicycle ride.

Counseling or seeing a doctor would be the best thing to do. But, if she/he won't do this -- try the exercise. Exercise makes natural antidepressants. Good luck!

"5 Steps to Treating Depression

If you're struggling with depression, the best thing you can do is get help. Here are five steps to begin healing:
Talk to a health or mental health professional.
Choose a treatment professional and a treatment approach with which you feel comfortable.
Consider yourself a partner in treatment and be an informed consumer.
If you are not comfortable or satisfied after two to three months, discuss this with your provider. Different or additional treatment may be recommended.
If you experience a recurrence, remember what you know about coping with depression and don't shy away from seeking help again. In fact, the sooner a recurrence is treated, the shorter its duration will be"



"Exercise and Depression
From Paige Waehner,
Your Guide to Exercise.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Get up and get moving!
Depression can be one of the most debilitating experiences in life. It makes you tired, so tired you want to go to bed and never get up. It can be a challenge to pull yourself out of that dark hole. Seeing your doctor should always be your first step in dealing with depression, but there are some ways you can deal with depression on a daily basis. Though it may seem impossible, exercise is one of the best ways to deal with depression.
Exercise and Depression

Depression is one of the most common problems people experience today, but it's also very treatable with medication, therapy and other self-help options. But, have you ever considered exercise as part of your treatment? Study after study has shown that exercise is a helpful way to treat depression because it:

Increases your sense of mastery which can help for people who don't feel in control of their lives and moods
Increases self-esteem
Provides a distraction from your worries
Improves your health and body, which can help lift your mood
Helps you get rid of built-up stress and frustration
Helps you sleep better, which can often be a problem when you're depressed
It may seem impossible to get moving when you feel depressed but that's exactly what you have to do. No matter how tired you feel, getting up and moving around can bring some immediate relief to your symptoms and getting in a little exercise is an excellent way to work off some of that added stress you're carrying around.

Keep It Simple

The problem with depression is that it makes you feel like you have no energy. Even getting out of bed can take a monumental effort, so it may be hard to imagine exercising at all when you're depressed. No matter what your thoughts are telling you, it really is possible to exercise when you're depressed. If you take some simple steps, you can add a little activity to your day to help lift your mood and work through your depression.

Set simple goals. You don't have to train for a marathon. Set a goal to get dressed and walking around the block. Promise yourself you'll walk around the block at least 3 times that day. The next day, do more. Try to improve just a little bit each day.
Go easy on yourself. You might not be able to handle a lot of exercise, so try to feel good about what you CAN do. Now is not the time to kick yourself!
Do what you enjoy. If yoga feels good to you, spend a few minutes going through your favorite poses. If you usually enjoy they gym, get your bag packed and hit the treadmill. Even if you're not enjoying it right now, eventually you will.
Make it social. Try to find a friend to walk with. Talking to people can help raise your energy and remind you that you're not alone.
Go outside. Even a little bit of sunshine can help raise your mood a little. Try to get outside and get some fresh air, remind yourself there's a world out there and you can participate in it as much as you can handle.
Work with your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your treatment options and your plans to exercise. He or she may be able to refer you to someone who can help you set up an exercise program.
Whatever you do, don't give up. You're not alone and you aren't doomed to feel this way forever. Try to participate in life as much as you can, even if it doesn't feel good. Sometimes you have to do what's right for yourself and wait for the good feelings to come later. Exercise can be a big help with your moods and the sense of accomplishment can add a new dimension to your day--something you can be proud of and feel good about. For more help with depression, visit our Depression Guide's informative site."

Created: December 17, 2003

Answer 2

I think that you should take her to a doctor because if she is not eating ignoring her fish (which are her life) there could be something very wrong with her ,so the best bet is to sit down and talk to her but remember your there to listen to her don't be judgmental be very supportive and open to what she says

Answer 3

If this is a recent development there is likely a recent source of the depression. Can you ask or track it back to the source?

Also, it is normal as the days get shorter to experience depression. Light is the cure for SAD- seasonal affeciency disorder.

Answer 4

One way to fight depression is to have a meaningful purpose in life. A purpose to make a positive difference in the world. I feel that an altruistic approach to life leads to inner happiness and calm.

Answer 5

I got over it by diligently applying cognitive therapy, eating a healthy diet with Omega 3 fish oil supplements, and exercise. Here are a couple of sources for you:
http://www.seekwellness.com/bookstore/books/book65.htm
http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/

As to how well it works:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/AntidepressantThatWorks.html

Answer 6

Go check out a medical doctor. Depression happens because there is a medical reason, that being lack of seratonin. A person cannot heal themselves from this. Get involved.

Answer 7

Exercise, activities that are enjoyable to that person, a close person to talk too. Be supportive. Get her professional help.

Medication and counseling is a must. Her life is depending on it. Call your doctor first thing in the morning.

Answer 8

I am a master's level social worker. the best treatment for depression is a combination of anti-depressant medication and therapy. good luck

Answer 9

make a doctor's appt yourself & bring her there. if you're worried she is going to hurt herself, you can call 911 and they'll pick her up and evaluate her and get her into counseling at a stress unit or something.
if that doesn't work, talk w/ the school counselor.

exercising, reading, walking, pets, visits from friends.
email all of her friends and ask them to email her every day or so.

Answer 10

With depression that bad you need help from a doctor. Do everything you can do to get this person to a doctor.

Answer 11

the best thing for her is to not be alone, afterall being alone is very bad right now for her. and maybe you should wonder to yourself why you let her become obsessed with a FISH TANK. thats not teaching her any people skills