Medicine-free way of dealing with depression?

Question

So, I've been diagnosed with depression for some time. I've been on several different anti-depressents, but they either made the depression worse, or in severe cases made me suicidal. Because of this I've been off medication for years, but now I'm looking for ways to aliviate the symptoms that don't involve medication. Does anyone know of ways to do this?

Just to clarify, I was diagnosed over ten years ago and in that time I spend more time depressed than not. Also, I've tried speaking with loved ones, and that hasn't helped.

Just to clarify, I was diagnosed over ten years ago and in that time I spend more time depressed than not. Also, I've tried speaking with loved ones, and that hasn't helped, and while I appreciate the gesture I'd rather not have information that depends on religion to work.

Apologies for the repeat in the details, my computer connection messed up.

Answer 1

Excercise helps bring the up the seratonin levels and often helps. Find an excercise you like, then you're not only enjoying yourself, but you're more likely to stick with it. (basketball, running, swimming, dancing, whatever gets you going.)
What seems a more succesful suppliment is sam-e, it is more expensive than most suppliments, and you should tell your physician or psycologist that you are trying it (clinical studies show little or no side effect, no harm in trying.)
St Johns wort helps as much as SSRIs in studies- in mild to moderate depression, but it seems useless for major depression. It also has some anti-anxiety effect. It may have less side effects than SSRIs, but it certainly has some, an increase in blood pressure and such, and is dangerous in conjuntion with MOA inhibitors, you probably would know if you are taking any of those (your physician or psycologist would have gone over a whole list of foods that MOAIs interact dangerously with.)
If your depression is seasonal, then light therapy can help (heat lamps for plants put out the same spectrum of light as does the expensive lamps sold for this purpose.) Again talk to your physician or psycologist.

Answer 2

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 3

I would recommend exercising outside in the sun. I know that's kinda hard now, but if it's possible where you live, you should try it as much as possible. Both the exercise and the exposure to the sun usually have effects on mood ( I think serotonin is behind it) and I've read that people who do this regularly for depression have had really good results.

Answer 4

To KNOW that you are loved is absolutely essential to mental well being. To not know or doubt this is to invite negative thinking about yourself. This leads to depression, which leads to more negative thinking etc. This self feeding pattern of thinking and feeling can be broken. If you can remember when you knew you were really loved and loved in return ( how about when you were 3-4 years old) and can dwell on that it might break the pattern. Or if you can substitute a positive thought for the obsessive negative ones (say about someone or something you love) it can break the pattern. It is difficult as negative thinking is powerful. Try it, please.

Answer 5

Everyone gets depressed at some point in their life.

Both regular exercise and counseling have been shown to significantly shorten the length of a depressive episode. The best results come from all three together.

Answer 6

stay away from pills as much as you can. The best way to deal with depression is to call on the Higher Authority - I mean God Himself. It rests your mind and you can start to look at life positively and stay focus. I don't know how much of a bealiever you are but I think the best way to deal with depression is to have faith. Also, life is very short so try to enjoy it as much as you can.

Answer 7

i recommend two things.....excercise....and finding a hobby that you enjoy and are good at....when you are good at something you feel way better about yourself...trust me!

Answer 8

talk to someone you can trust