How does one fight depression when things seem to be really tough?

Answer 1

First and foremost, see a qualified therapist. They should be able to guide you as to healthy behavioral and thought habits to integrate in your daily routines. They may also recommend anti-depressants which, when taken appropriately, can disrupt the cycles of depression. I have read that chronic depression can actually change your own body's chemistry promoting more depression, so medication can disrupt this unhealthy progression.
See a therapist - can't emphasize it enough. Best wishes to you~

Answer 2

Well, first of all--if you are seriously depressed, you definitely need to talk to your primary physician. He can evaluate you and point you in the direction of a suitable psychiatrist or counselor, or he may prescribe you an antidepressant himself.

However, I've found a few things that really help me with mine:

1. Exercise - This is number one on my list for a reason! It's as effective as any medication (although it shouldn't replace a med if you need to be on it). The benefits are endless: increased health, better mood, better outlook, better self-esteem, being tired at night so you can sleep, etc. Not to mention you'll look great! And don't say you don't have time to go and work out a couple hours a week--you do. And drink lots of water.

2. Don't nap or oversleep! You probably feel the urge to sleep--a lot. Don't. At one of my lowest points I would sleep 12-13 hours a day--and I've never felt worse. You feel like a slug and the world is just too much.

3. DO NOT isolate yourself -- Force yourself to have beneficial contact with other humans. Don't stay in your room even though you don't feel like doing anything. Go out, have fun, call that friend you haven't talked to in ages, whatever. Don't let depression take over any aspect of your life--it's a greedy devil. I wouldn't recommend getting drunk like someone else said because alcohol is a depressant -- a hangover will make you feel much worse.

Okay, sorry for sounding like a motivational speaker. Just keep in mind that a lot of people have this problem (including me), and is definitely manageable. Trust me--no matter how bad this seems, it WILL get better. Good luck.

Answer 3

If you want to avoid medication, I would suggest taking up an exercise routine. If you like to walk, take a stroll to clear your mind. If you don't like the outdoors, but like to dance, get a DDR game to play when you feel down.

My point being find something that suits you that will help you get moving physically a bit more. This has helped me.

The second thing would be to evaluate your diet and see if you have any nutritional deficiencies. Lacking vitamins can effect your chemical balances internally.

Third, finding someone you trust to talk through your depression or anxieties will help you so much. If you don't want to burden friends or family (or need to talk ABOUT them...) find a counselor or PSYCHOLOGIST you feel comfortable with. I put emphasis on psychologist because if you choose a psychiatrist instead, you will be more likely to get a prescription in place of a listening ear and therapy.

If you are seeking medication, a psychiatrist is where you should go, but medication will only be so effective unless you use it in conjunction with some good therapy or counseling. I see pills as a band-aid on a bleeding wound. Find out what is causing you to feel down and you will be closer to actually stopping the bleeding, so to speak.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I deal with that a lot. Most days - it seems like it's a daily fight. I guess you just keep putting one foot in front of the other; you don't want to look back later on in life and think about the days you wasted just trying to make it through. Tell more of what's going on - how's it tough?

Answer 5

Really tough? Find one thing. ONE THING that is not so bad. Even if it's your neighbor's cat that is staring at you through the curtains... and think of all of the ways that the cat is enjoying his perch and how he is not having the worst day in all of his 9 lives. I think doing this can help you think toward a different perspective than the big blue feelings that you have now. Good luck!

Answer 6

You need to be strong, and trust in yourself.

Talk things over if possible with friends.
Many times others have the same problems and depression that you have, and discussion can sometimes, but not always, help a great deal.

Please take care.

Answer 7

I agree with bmac, however, music always helps me. Always. Download some stupid, perky, preppy tunes, like brittney spears or some crap. Works like a charm.
Go dancing
Get drunk (but ina place where you can dance, not in a bar)
Go to a sunny place
Eat some chocolate
Dress up and look damn fine (seriously)
Rent the Naked gun, hot shots or something like that
Go to youtube.com and whatch funny videos

I mean, this is not gonna get rid of your problems, but it will cheer you up, and problem solving is much easier that way.

(just read shibis answer, i'd do that too! good luck)

Answer 8

By getting help from a professional. Everyone goes through tough times, but if you get depressed and you can't get past it, you need help.

Answer 9

you just gotta keep going, find some support (friends, family, professional, whatever) and try to focus on everything thats going right in the world, or at least in your own life. use the bad as a chance to grow and celebrate all the good.

Answer 10

I think we have the right to be happy, while giving all our life, time and health for the ones we love. find anything that make u enjoy your life without hurting the others...Treating urself like a .... will not bring happiness to your home. be happy so u can be there for them.