About a couple months ago I started getting depressed. But now I hardly ever leave my house and I am no longer interested in anything. I have avoided everyone I know and also I have been thinking of suicidal thoughts. I feel extremly hopeless, I have no one to really talk to, and I even stoped believing in religion. Does anyone know how to reverse it or simply get rid of depression?
2006-12-05 18:07:57 · 27 answers · asked by Becca 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
All the things you described are very typical of depresison. I know because I suffer from it. Many might disagree, but talking to your doctor about an SSRI (like prozac or paxil) would be a great idea. They really do work. They don't necessarily make you feel all euphoric and 'happy' but they stop you from getting into those awful ruts where you just want to sleep all day. I'd also recommend on top of that, seeking some help in the way of some counseling or something to deal with your feelings. I hope this helps. Depression really does suck.
I'd also like to add that in my own personal experience with it, there's always been some underlying cause. Some kind of anxiety or feelings from guilt resulted in depression. I'm not sure if I accept the whole "chemical imbalance" thing. Just because stimulating your brain with neurotransmitters makes you happy, doesn't mean it wouldn't make anyone happy.
2006-12-05 18:09:00 · answer #1 · answered by PaulN 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Set up an appointment with a psychiatrist. Make sure that they're a Psychiatrist, not a Psychologist, because psychologists cannot prescribe antidepressants. There is no way to really help cure your depression without a lot more information. It could be caused by anything from chemical imbalances to the distance between your "ideal self" and your "actual self." Here is some information about the two main treatments of depression.
One way is anti-depressants. These work great at first, but there is more of a relapse rate with these, as well as the fact that this type of medication is often very addicting.
Another way is cognitive behavioral therapy, which will really get at the core of the problem. This is where you go and talk to a psychiatrist about what's causing this, and your psychiatrist helps cure you. This is the best approach becuase although it might take a while, it will be 5 x better than any other treatment in the long run.
2006-12-05 18:15:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
First -- cheer up a little. We love you!
Go to a doctor - you can get a prescription pretty easily. There are many different kinds of depression so be specific when describing it to your doctor. Since you haven't left the house, my theory is that you might have some social anxiety disorder as well ---- this is very common, so don't worry.
SSRI's - selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors - stabilize the flow of chemicals in the brain so that you return to a happier state.
There are many other kinds --- tetra and tri-cyclic antidepressents also exist. I would not recommend an MAOI - as you will have huge dietary restrictions.
After you get some pills - you will get noticeably better within a few weeks. You'll need to be patient during this time.
....
Do you have any pets? Pets have been shown to clearly enhance the mood of the owner --- and it will give you an easy way to get back into loving and being loved.
....
Did something big happen a few months ago?
If something life-changing happened, it might help to see a counselor as well.
....
Next --- don't feel hopeless. We all feel this way now and then - but at the end of the day, you control your life (minus the chemical processes that are going on in your brain.... and the bad things that happen to everyone.)
If you need someone to talk to --- please e-mail me. I've had a lot of trouble with depression in my life - but, I've been pretty happy for the last few years of my life thanks to pills.
In the end, everything works out --- you live, you get hurt, you learn and you repeat.
Love, peace, and joy!
2006-12-05 18:31:38 · answer #3 · answered by evaniax 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
First of all, there have been so many good answers ahead of me, I just wanted to second some solutions that I have found helpful.
Depression is a very real illness, don't listen to anyone who says it's all in your head. Caused by a chemical imbalance, trauma, or whatever else, if you are experiencing it, it's real and important and needs to be dealt with... just like any other health issue.
Taking good care of yourself by eating right, participating in some gentle exercise, and getting adequate sleep can greatly improve your outlook on life. Just getting out of the house is great too, take baby steps. Maybe the first day you can go outside to get the mail, maybe do some gardening or grab a cup of coffee the next day. It's important to stay within your comfort level, whatever that may be.
Medical care or alternative therapies can be extremely helpful too. I would highly suggest making an appointment with your doc or dropping into the clinic as soon as you can. I know the thought of actually leaving the house and then visiting a doctor may be scary, but I cannot stress this enough. Depression is a rather common illness, and there are many options available to manage the symptoms... why not take advantage of them?
Various talk therapies and medicines are only a couple of possible solutions. First things first, go see a doc and get a diagnosis. S/he will be able to make suggestions and can refer you to therapists or specialists. If you don't get adequate solutions from you doctor, or feel that they aren't taking you seriously, don't be afraid to be annoying. Go back again... and again... and again, until you get the care you deserve. If they still aren't up to par, it may be time for a second opinion.
If you do decide to go the medicine route, please note that it may take a while for you to find the right med. You may get lucky on the first try, you may not. I personally have been on several of the TCA's and nearly all of the SSRI's at one point or another in my life. The merry-go-round can be very worth it, though, once you find a medicine that manages your symptoms. This last part is very important, please listen: While taking antidepressants, if your symptoms ever get drastically worse, notify your doctor immediately. Chances are, it's the med, not you. Let them know so they can do something about it.
Talk therapies (one-on-one or group) can be extremely helpful too. IMHO, they're at least worth a try. I don't personally like "in-person" therapy, but find online support groups helpful. There are many good, active ones available. Do a couple searches, lurk for a while, and eventually you'll find one that feels comfortable.
I know suicidal thoughts often come with the territory, but please don't do it! While you may not be able to see it right now, trust me, there's plenty to live for.
Be prepared, plan to protect yourself when those feelings come. Remove all weapons or objects that could be used to hurt yourself from your home or room. If you start to think about leaving it all behind, try not to be alone. Call up your best friend or a family member, play with a pet, or jump on your online support group and let it all out.
If you don't feel you can do any of these things, you can call a crisis line and talk to someone who is trained to help people in such situations. Most are anonymous, toll free, and open 24/7. If you really feel like you might act on your thoughts, go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Depression can be managed. It may take some effort, but someday the cloud hanging over you will be lifted. Please don't lose hope!
2006-12-05 20:46:19 · answer #4 · answered by Tamy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do empathise with how you are feeling now. However, just remember that depression is something that can be helped and cured. Depression loves to isolate individuals, which explains why you don't feel like doing anything or socialising with people. It makes you lose interest in the activities you once enjoyed. However, all is not hopeless. There are professionals who can, and will help you. The first step would be to see your family doctor, and from there, s/he will recommend a psychologist whom you can discuss ways in how to get rid of depression. Remember, you're not alone. Please do not give up, as there are people around you, who love and care very much about you. You do have the ability to stop depression, if you don't give up. Hang in there, I do believe in you too. :)
Self-help books like the link listed below have helped people (hubby's reading it currently) to monitor and keep depression in check.
Cognitive treatment is currently one of the effective forms for treating depression. Also, it'll be good to seek some form of social support. It will help you feel a lot better just sharing with other who have similar experiences.
2006-12-05 18:38:33 · answer #5 · answered by blubber 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am depressed a lot too.
you need to choose to be happy.
if things get bad for you, realize it is really not bad.
ask yourself the following.
did I have a heart attack
did I have a stroke
did i get in a bad accident
did a family member or a goood friend die.
do you live in Iraq or some miserable country in Africa
if you can say no to things like the above,
then you really have nothing to be sad about.
choose to be happy. change the way you feel.
just change your immediate surrounding like go for a brisk walk.
look at a child playing or look at a flower and wonder about it. listen to some music and move around etc ok I'll stop you get the point.
and realize that nothing really matters.
snap out of it. stay away from drugs. you will only make the pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies rich.
good luck. you can do it if I can. it is not what people do to you , but how you react to their foolishness.you are in control of your feelings smile or frown. it is up to you. if you frown do a hand stand. get it.
2006-12-05 18:19:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not simple or easy to reverse or "get rid of" depression on your own. Depression is caused by chemical imbalance in the brain. It's an illness and it can be treated by medical professionals. I recommend talking to a doctor about your depression. Medicines and/or therapy can help.
I also want to invite you to a forum for people who are dealing with mental health issues. There you can talk to others who are going through or have been through the same. It's sort of like a place to support each other and exchange useful tips about how to deal with things. It helps a lot to talk to someone about things rather than keep it all inside. The link to those forums is http://talkingminds.15.forumer.com/ if you are interested.
Good luck getting cure for your illness. I've been depressed myself and I know how hard it is. Hang in there, better times are waiting for you.
2006-12-05 19:10:54 · answer #7 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really should see a psychiatrist or family doctor, they can get you some medications that may help. However, medications take a few weeks to work, so the sooner the better. Also the sooner you begin medication the smoother the recovery time. If you are opposed to medications or refuse to be put on meds, doctors will recommend that you get plently of excercise, because it can affect your brain chemistry as well. Your best bet would be to start taking the meds because its hard to bring yourself to excersise when you don't have the energy or motivation to do so. Just so you know though, it may take a few tries before you get the right medication for your symptoms and brain chemistry. Make sure to tell the doctor if you have experienced anxiety or panic attacks as well, because there are antidepressents that treat both depression and anxiety.
2006-12-05 18:43:06 · answer #8 · answered by NoMeS. 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
First of all I feel like I need to say if you are having suicidal thoughts that you even MIGHT act on, do not read the rest of this, go to the emergency room NOW.
OK.....now that that's out of the way.
There really isn't a cure for depression but it can be treated. Doctors still do not fully understand it, we have to battle it as best we can in several ways. A doctor can determine if you need medicine(s) and what is best for you. There are many such drugs nowadays, they are not addictive, they will help your brain function the way it should.
You need people to talk to and sort things out. Whatever you are most comfortable with: close family, a therapist, a friend. This is essential. If you are trying to solve life's problems (and who isn't?) they will help you see choices you may not realize you have.
As much as you can, play sports and exercises. It literally releases helpful chemicals in the brain.
Do your hobbies whether it be beading, painting, writing, or making models. If you don't have a hobby, start one. It will help you concentrate and give you the feeling of accomplishing something.
We care about you and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
2006-12-05 18:21:31 · answer #9 · answered by clueless_nerd 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
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?
2016-05-15 22:29:34 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋