What are some suggestions for coping with depression and anxiety?

Question

Even while under a doctor's care?

Answer 1

I'm currently dealing with the same things. It got so bad for me that I had to take time off from work. What I find helps is to see my dr on a regular basis, and I go see a psycologist also, just to talk and help to get things out and deal with them. I started keeping a journal again. Just write, don't think about what you are writing, just write. Its amazing what actually comes out when you don't think about the words.
Try taking a nice warm bath, play some relaxing music, light a candle, and just relax. Slow deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth. I mix in some lavendar oil with my bath, its very relaxing.
Try taking a walk, not a quick run/walk, just a stroll. Try to enjoy the beauty thats around you, because no matter where you are theres something beautiful. That helps me to think positive, since in depression you dont want to be a positive person.
Take any medications the dr gives to you. In time, the majority of them will help. Only you're doctor can determine which is right for you. I am on several right now, and I am noticing a difference in myself.
Surround yourself by friends and family, granted that they aren't the one causing you anxiety. Talk, and listen to what they have to say. Enjoy a cup of decaff herbal tea. Limit your caffiene intake, since it can make your anxiety worse.
Try taking up a hobby or craft to keep your hands busy. I have been doing plastic canvas work, and its helping me keep busy, and when I feel stressed or anxious, I work on my project until the feeling passes. I have also been trying to read. it helps me relax also.
I hope this helped, its whats been getting me through the last few weeks. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

If you are under a doctor's care, are you also receiving psychotherapy? Psychotherapy can greatly help with your symptoms. Also, a book called, "Fear the Fear and Do It Anyway" can help many people who have this affliction.

Getting daily sunlight, at least 15 minutes a day, can ease depression. Antidepressants have saved lives. Sometimes you have to try a few before you find one that works for you. Ask your doctor. A drug called, Lexapro, has helped many who suffer from both depression and anxiety. It doesn't work for everyone, but has worked for many, including me.

Another great therapy is daily journaling. This can help release some of the emotions and help you find ways to help yourself. When you have anxiety, pretend you have a remote control in your hand that you can press 'stop', rewind, or Fast forward. Sometimes visualizing what you feel you need can help as well. A great help is to find a support group in your area where other people are also struggling with the same. You can call a local mental health clinic, or check your local paper for support groups. There should be info there.
Another outlet is painting or drawing. Some type of art. It can help immensely. Just start creating. You'll be amazed at what can come out.
Another important point is to be gentle with yourself and not let others comments, like, "snap out of it", snap you right back into an even deeper depression. While you are feeling low, you need to take care of yourself first as best you can.

Blessings to you.

Answer 3

If depression and anxiety are getting in the way of your work, maybe you should go see your Dr and tell him/her whats been going on. You may need to go on a medication. Remember, this is a chemical imbalance and there are some great medications out there. You shouldn't have to suffer. Good Luck

Answer 4

YOU HAVE TO KEEP ON BEING STRONG.
the other ppl are right,try Ur best to keep busy, just try Ur best to turn all the negative thoughts into positive ones.
I just went through the same thing. It was really hard, IT felt like I was going through a nightmare. I had to be strong at first because I thought that it was going to come back. THE pills and plosive thinking will help. Try yoga,dancing,going for walks, puzzles,or crafts anything to stop the negative thinking.Before u know it u will fell normal again because the pills Will help just keep one taking them. u will find the pill that's right for u,trust me just follow Ur doctors advice all the way.
1st i was on Zoloft and trizadone, that did not work at all for me,2ND my doctor put me on lexapro for depression and alprazolam and seroquil for sleep. that made me feel a little better but i was always tired.
finally my doctor put me on Prozac and kept me on the other two, it took a few days, but i feel almost normal now, I had to and have too still put effort in it too making my self better.
Trust me it gets easier as u let time go by, it will be easier to turn the negative thoughts in to positive ones. JUST STAY STRONG

Answer 5

Depression and anxiety are symptoms of a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder. Before you take up yoga or have herbal tea and those suggestions, please get an evaluation for your depression and anxiety. They will only get worse over time. You'll know it's bipolar disorder if you can't tolerate antidepressants. They will throw you into a manic phase (anxiety) without you being on a mood stabilizer. Good luck.

Answer 6

We tend to believe that there is a cure all pill for everything. We go to the doctor, he or she gives us a bunch of medicine, and wella, we are well. WRONG
My suggestion would be to educate yourself about yourself. Libraries are loaded with self help books. If you're depressed, check some books out on depression. It will open up avenues for you and shed some light on the situation. For instance, you will learn that diet has a lot to do with how we feel and what goes on with the chemicals in our brains. Too much or too little of a certain chemical can make you feel like you're ready to jump out of your own skin. There are certain things that we can do for ourselves to make ourselves feel better and they don't include taking a whole bunch of pills.
Exercise is another option. Believe it or not, it helps to alleviate both depression and anxiey.
Getting enough rest plays a big part too. Too much sugar or caffeine in your diet can throw you into a depression or anxiey attack also.

Answer 7

v_v;

Why are there so many people out there wanting cures for depression?

You could get anti-depressants prescribed.
You could do the cheesy thing and spend more time with friends (if you have any) and dance and prance and sing and laugh and all that crap.

But I normally suggest just learning to live with it... and not see it as such a bad thing.
If you cannot see the beauty in sadness.... and that includes your own.... then you're never going to feel anything but pain in life.
Sometimes... when life is at its worst.... you need to stand back (metaphorically) and look at yourself from an external perspective. If you saw a close friend in that state... what would you do? Just imagine you're the comforter besides the one who needs comforting for a while.... and you should be able to feel better about it.

And remember... its a part of you. Its who you are. Its one of those little things that makes you particular, special and unique........ in as much as any human can be.... Learn perhaps to appreciate it for its artistic qualities... to see yourself and your emotional aura as a picture... visualise that in your mind... It can be a pretty thing.

I for one am comfortable being depressed.... and wouldn't change it for the world now.

Answer 8

I take Prozac , it stops the depression, and is used for hot flashes from the Tamoxifen. Adivan for anxiety as needed and to sleep.

Just ask your doctor for a 30 day trial, just to see if this will help. If you want a better sex life too. Try wellbutin as your antidepressant.

Answer 9

Hello. Combine psychiatric therapy with meds. Zyprexa and Cymbalta have worked for me. Besides this learn to breath well, do some Yoga, Exercise and Acupuncture. The sunlight is god because it moves the neurotrasmiters. Go to the beach and go in the ocean, water with sea salt is god. If you don´t have the ocean nearby, take a bath and buy some sea salt in supermarket. And above all THINK POSITIVE. Did you know that we can create our own reality??.

Answer 10

I've had anxiety and dealt with depression. Here is a way to help yourself overcome it without the help of a doctor.

Try meditation to clear your mind and to relax your body. The mind is such a powerful medicine, and it can heal your body and mind.

You need to focus more on controlling your body telling yourself that you're OK and make your body relax. Try to avoid feeding your mind with negative vibes on having depressed thoughts or anxiety. Fill your mind with positive thoughts.

Good luck.