What is the best advice you could give to someone who is depressed?

Question

This is an on-going depression that takes all of the interest and joy out of her life. She is on anti-depressants and has tried most of them but they only work to a certain extent. I hate to admit this person is me because I like to try to deny it and then maybe it won't be so bad. But sometimes it is just too hard to ignore and takes over my life. Please, anyone who has some practical ideas, pass them on to me and I will be so grateful if anything helps. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I don't know if this is the best advice, but realizing some of this helped me:
Depression is a disease, much like diabetes or cancer. People have died as a result of their depression. My best friend was one of the unlucky ones. She took her own life because of it.
Just sitting back and hoping the drugs will make you all better is not a reality. You have to be committed to actively working on helping yourself get better- physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
If you are feeling so bad that your world feels like it's crumbling or you want to commit suicide, do not hesitate to seek outside help from a therapist or other mental health worker.
Often, friends and family just say " Oh, snap out of it", or "Just get out and DO it" as a means of encouragement. These misguided phrases just reinforce the guilt and shame that something is wrong with YOU, that YOU are doing something wrong. Not true. It's the illness. With the stigma mental illness has, someone who has never been truly depressed can never know how it feels when you stay in bed all day, wanting to go out and do things, but you just don't have the energy or the motivation. Goals of going out for a jog or getting all your chores done are fine, but they can seem like mountains to someone who'se depressed. Take baby steps. Even if it's the goal of getting yourself out of bed and getting dressed. And once you do it, give yourself a HUGE pat on the back. Because I've been there. And I know how hard it is.

Answer 2

Hi, sorry to read about your depression. Regular Md's can prescribe anti-depressants so I don't know if you are going to that kind or a board certified Psychiatrist. If this is the case start going to a Psychiatrist. Even then going once every week or two it may take up to three years for you to feel like your regular self. Please remember the medication takes two to six weeks to start working also. Then there is the matter of side effects. The Dr. will probably switch meds until he is satisfied the med or meds are working. This is because every ones brain is different and the amount of imbalances vary from patient to patient. While all of this is going on, visit the book store and select a few titles that will give you an idea of what you should be doing, thinking about, etc. and please be brutally honest with the medical staff. You will get better faster that way, believe me and good luck. Also try and stay in the loop with your friends. It will mean a lot.

Answer 3

I think the best treatment for those with depression is going to be seeing a professional that does not have the power to prescribe medication. That means a therapist, counselor, or psychologist, but not a psychiatrist. Let's face it, depressed people feel depressed because there is a reason. No matter how happy their life may seem, there is some internal struggle that they are going through that is causing them to get that chemical imbalance.

To me, taking a pill for the rest of my life just so I can be a little more happy is not the way I want to live my life. Getting down to the root of things is a better long-term way to battle depression.

Answer 4

I am on anti-depressions. Sometimes. they take a little longer or perhaps your not on the correct ones for you. Depression is a mental anxiety not a way of life. I refuse to let it take my life over.

I make it better by writing, reading up my conditions, listening to music, helping out my mom when I can, going out with my friend, walking, exercising, meditation, yoga, and just sometimes relaxing. Taking a spa bath.. oh that's my favorite.


Knowing and understanding your depression and what is causing it is the best way to turn it around

Here is some things about depression from webmd.com. I've also provided the link

Depression:
Depression Basics

Everyone at one time or another has felt depressed, sad, or blue. Being depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But sometimes the feeling of sadness becomes intense, lasting for long periods of time and preventing a person from leading a normal life. Depression that has these characteristics is a treatable medical condition called major depressive disorder, one of a number of depressive illnesses. Types of depression include: Major depression, chronic depression (dysthymia), bipolar depression, and seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder or SAD).

Answer 5

I checked ur Q not to answer but to find remedies in different answers fellow frnds suggested coz m too in the same situation and want a lift in life. I just want to say that feel that I m holding ur hand in picking u up from the Black-Hole as for thus I too get ur hand to support me. Warmth of love can take u out of such situation, perhaps u can try the medicine of love, which unfortunately I cannot.Pray,u get up soon

Answer 6

tire to take some medication, read some books on depression and talk to someone. Keep a diary writting what you want to say.
read comics to cheer yourself up . what ever happens you must know that you have to get on with life. Moons will wax and wane. rivers wil continue to flow to the sea. Life will juts go on. When you meet with any obstacles, tell yourself the when you face with a situation when there is no resolution, you can only accomdated it, live with it , absorb it. When you are stress, take vitamin Cs, they relieve stress.

Answer 7

Before going to a doctor to prescribe you an anti-depressant, see if getting more active in the community might help whether its going to the gym or other social activities. If nothing is working visit your doctor. I am on Prozac for depression (which is common in my family).

Answer 8

I suffer from depression. I started treatment fourteen years ago. For the first couple years it was hard because it's a crap shoot on getting the meds to work. They eventually began to. I also went and saw a therapist for ten years. That helped me a lot. I would like you to know that things can get better, there is hope, and you are not alone. I have been stable and happy on my meds for twelve or more years now.

Answer 9

I'm going to keep this very brief.I think that one of the best things is to spend time in good company whenever you can-by that,I mean people who just accept you as you are.Also,if there is one thing that you still get some pleasure from,no matter how little,then keep on doing it.

I'm in a similar situation to you,BTW.

Answer 10

Mediate, take a look at what you can and can't do about what you are dealing with. Look at the logical and release the emotional (strong emotions, let go of them), aspects of the situation. Love what ever decision you make and yourself above all.

little amanda