How do you handle your depression?

Question

Everyone gets to feeling down from time to time, but how we deal with it is what really matters. What tips do you have for anyone dealing with depression in a more positive manner?

I am usually a very cheerful, happy guy. But when I get depressed, usually I'm just feeling sorry for myself, or only wishing things could be better than what they are at the time. Most often, my way of snapping out of it is to talk to a friend or even a co-worker and 99% of the time I feel much better.

Thanks for all the positive feedback! I just found this forum and registered. Anyone who needs extra support, check this out...

http://www.depressionforums.org/forums/index.php

Answer 1

I am a depression suffer. I take celexa for it but it was my choice after looking at all the medication. It had the less side effects and was easier to come off it not like zoloft or that others which can cause suidical thoughts.

I had gotten angry and snapped at some of my friends and i was woah.. what am i doing. I talked with a friend and i asked her what do you think of a physcologist. She said that it would be the best thing for me. You know what she was right.

I actually felt better when i talked with the therapist she excellent. I told her right from the beginning that i didn't want to be coaxed i wanted the truth no matter how blunt. She has helped me through things that I didn't even know how to cope with. My dad's death, my sister being raped, my other sisters house being broken into and beaten and raped, my mom getting sick and my husband getting sick and my best friend suffering from brain cancer.

Just because you got talk with a dr does not mean your crazy.. This person is "PAID" to let you talk to them and they have to its what they do.

I am not saying that therapy and medication works for everyone. you have to "WANT" it to work for it to work. Everyone's choice is different.

Talking with friends and talking about things, writing down thoughts in a journal, listening to music and mediatition.. these are all things that have helped me.

I hope i helped. If not i'm sorry.

Answer 2

I do as you do and talk to my friends. I find laughing helps so I usually turn the TV on or pop in a DVD. Depending on what exactly is bothering me I write/blog about it. For me, thats like releasing some of it. Just make sure when you're feeling the blues to do things that make you happy. Doesn't matter what it is as long as its in the limits of good taste.

Answer 3

i appear to be very happy on the outside, but i have to admit to myself and not to others that it's just a face i put on. i am depressed most of the time and i always try to suppress my emotions so that no one knows. i take some time to go for a walk on my own, look at the clear blue sky, stay in my room, listen to music, cook something, whatever that takes my mind off my emotions. i also allow myself to pour out my emotions so they dont bottle up by crying in my room, sometimes hitting myself on my thigh and hitting the walls. it's not healthy but sometimes they help to make me feel much better. i've even thought of cutting myself but i know that will be an addiction. i wish i can talk to someone but no one would understand.

Answer 4

I pray -- hopefully before I get TOO depressed (otherwise, I'm in too negative a mood to have faith.) I've had therapy and meds which helped at the time. I also talk to my fiance, TRY to get some physical activity (this really works), and get outside of the house everyday.

Please, if things get to be too much for you to cope with, speak to a professional and get help. It is a serious issue.

Answer 5

i work at home (houswife) and i often find my self getting into a depression, i have found the reason though , and when you can find the reason that is the first sep in correcting it, other than meds because there is a chance of becoming dependent on them , although if you have major depression then it helps for a shor period of time, mine was not being social and always being inside, so every now and then i have a girls night out, and i like to jump on my treadmil alot !!!

Answer 6

We have ups and downs, but when we get depressed....just do lots of creative arts therapy. Playing your favorite CD to sooth and relax like something that is comforting you to uplift body, soul, and spirit. Doing drawing will help to get your mind and release the stuckness. It helps you to open up to visualize your feelings, emotions, and thoughts to understand yourself and situations why you are feeling this way. Express yourself through journaling, writing, and ways to get your feelings and thoughts to the words. Then, it helps to just either tear it after or read it over. Some people just get rid of them to let their feelings go. Do exercise, dance, or anything to help to release it and cheer you up. There are other like drama role-play and poetry therapy as well...whatever just be creative. Sightseeing will be helpful to walk in peaceful place to relax and think about positive thoughts than negative.

Mainly, it is just to think positive and understand what causes the depression....

Moreover, if you have friends, support, and whatever that can be helpful to talk to or counselor that will be helpful than stay in depression.

Answer 7

Talking it out is a good way to deal. My personal favorite is to get some exercise. I would definitely stray away from the antidepressants. You know that you are a strong enough person to get to the other side of this. Take a good look at your diet and get plenty of sleep. You are strong and you will be fine.

Answer 8

It's probably not the answer for everyone, but when I'm feeling down, I try to get some fresh air and exercise. It's a good way to take my mind off my troubles and help me focus outward, instead of inwards.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Yes you sound like you've got it. Sometimes depression is a chemical condition in the brain. It helps to be a positive person though. Reading self help and reaching out to others and becoming a thankful person really help too.

Answer 10

I just don't allow the thoughts to continue to relive any depressing thoughts Prevention is much easier to deal with than the climb out of the pit of depression.