Depression?

Question

I have been feeling "under the weather" since February this year, due to several things going on in my life, that are out of my control. I have been to the doctor, who has said that my only option is to take anti-depressants.

I can understand how this may help, but I'm not keen on taking tablets unless absolutely necessary. I have started to feel better over the past month or so, thanks to the support from my boyfriend but I'm still not 100% myself and wondered if anyone had any "natural" ways of curing depression?

Answer 1

The most natural way to cure depression is to see a counselor. Just talking to someone who is empathic and can give you another perspective on things, and someone who is trained to help you, can really make a difference. Anti-depressants just cover up the symptoms; only counseling gets to the source.

Answer 2

I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad time. I was in the same boat myself in Jan last year when i was feeling stuck in the middle between my family and friends, my Dr put me on anti-depressants, they cerainly helped me by blocking certain feelings i had about myself and the other things that were going wrong in my life, but they did'nt solve the problem (there still here). I decided to come of the tabs a month ago because i didnt want to be on meds for ever and knew that the problems werent going to go away if i ignored them. I'm now trying to get myself in the right frame of mind to tackle my problems and hopefully get closure and put a stop to all the silly fights that are contributing to my as i'll put it episode. What i'm trying to say here is everyone is different and should therefore be treated differently i would not recommend anyone come of their meds without Dr advice. I think you are a wise women who is seeing light at the end of the tunnel and you are doing a fine job of it too. Have you tried consuelling or perhaps just doing things like writing down how you feel will help to get that last bit out of your system and finally set you free. Good luck for the further and hope your 100% soon

Answer 3

If it is really depression as diagnosed by the psychiatrist,you must use the drugs for some time. If you want to try natural ways,
you may do the following.

Take a membership in the library read good books.
Always do something to keep your brain active. Don't sit idle.
Go to zym regularly in the mornigng.Play some out door sports
in the evening.
Concentrate in your studidies if you are a student.

If you are not a student, then keep some avogation. Learn new
things like singing,dance, writting,painting etc; Have new acquaintances.

There are plenty good and new things in this world to apply and mind and enjoy. Everey body in the world has some illness or problem. We must get out of it. Atleast yours is not an organic one. you can conquer it if you have the will. Best of luck.

Answer 4

I had depression for years. I went to therapy. I changed jobs. I took Zoloft for a while, which helped a bit. However, it took totally changing my life to finally overcome it. From the time I was 13 years old I wanted to live abroad. I realized that until I fulfilled that dream I was not going to be happy. In 2003, after suffering from depression for over a decade I finally got a job overseas. I have been happy ever since. Maybe you have a dream that is unfufilled. Concentrate on working towards that dream. When you finally accomplish your goal the depression will become a thing of the past. Good luck!

Answer 5

I don't like the idea of pills either. But they do have their place.

It's great that your boyfriend has been willing to help you.

Now- some forms of depression are in fact seasonal, and are effected by the ammount of sunlight you get. So you might try getting outside more when it's sunny, and try to get more light in your home- preferably the full spectrum of 'natural' light, not just the flourescent bulbs. Also, try getting into an exercise program: Your body will start producing more endorphins, which help encourage a feeling of well-being.

I won't say this is a cure: After all, I'm not a doctor and I'm not where I can see your situation for myself. But it does help me.

Good luck.

Answer 6

When I was 22 years old I entered a deep depression. When I was 23 I attempted suicide.

Now, 2 years later, I consider myself completely at peace, full of the joy of life and happier then most people I know.

I took no pills. The three main things which bought me out of my gloom are as follows:

1. Exercise. (Lots of it)

2. Two books by Eckhart Tolle - "The Power of Now" and "A New Earth" - Don't dismiss this, read these books and your pain will virtually dissolve while you are reading them. They will reveal to you the nature of pain and in doing so will relieve your own pain.

Answer 7

hi there
i have had depression for about a year now and i felt like you at first not anting to take anti depressants because i never thought you would come off them but my boyfriend and mum was very supportive i was cutting my self and tried to commit suicide but failed i was then put on to fluoxite antidepressant tables and iv been fine taking them i have just been told i can start coming off them so in about two weeks time i will be free of them again but i do suggest you do take them before you do get too low.
hope this has helped you a bit.
good luck and hope you feel better soon.

Answer 8

Your doctor does not sound very helpful. Before offering medication he should have referred you to a counsellor. Most people find that their depression can be curbed by talking about their problems and a good counsellor is ideal as they can give you an outside view of your life. You can also talk more openly with a counsellor as they are not directly involved in your life. Ask your doctor if he can refer you. Hope you feel better soon x

Answer 9

lots and lots of things, however the problem is they all involve effort from the sufferer and the biggest thing about being under the weather is you cant be bothered making the effort so it can be a downward spiral.
but here are somethings proven to make you feel better.
1)singing. -not kidding, and singing with other people really helps, it brings out natural endorphines and other wierd stuff.
2) close friends and touching.
3) setting goals and achieving them.
4) councilling

good luck, be positive and try new things.

Answer 10

Firstly, your doctor is wrong, anti-depresants are not the only option. He could have refrred you for CBT (cognitive behaviuoral therapy) on the NHS.I'd change GP's. Also, there's alot you can do to heal yourself naturally.
I started seeing a healer & it was very beneficial. I don't know how exactly it works but it worked for me & I know it helps!

(to find a centre nearest to you please go to this website & type in ur postcode):

http://www.nfsh.org.uk/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,70/

& also started reading self-help books.
I recommend You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L Hay, amongst others please email me through my homepage I'll let you know of others!).
Also, I find praying very powerful. If you believe In God or a Higher Power.
Also, sometimes, a lack of vitamins can contribute to depression,
a multi-vitamin plus 2 gram vitamin C per day & Amino Acid complex really can be of help.

Yoga is also quite good, I got a DVD & can easily do it at home.

I hope this helps, I hope you feel better soon,
with luv