I've been going through depression for about 14 months now. What are some ways to beat it?

Question

I haven't admitted it to anyone that I've been going through depression. I don't want to take any medication for it. What are some things that I can do to get over it. I can't really think of to many specific things that have made me depressed.

I know that Depression is considerred a disease, but beyond that I don't have much knowledge on it, other than the fact that I do know I have been going through it.

Answer 1

There is help for you. You do not have to live like that and you are not alone. I get a ton of emails through my website http://www.attackanxiety.com about depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes you to feel sad or hopeless for an extended period of time. More than just a bout of "the blues" or temporary feelings of grief or low energy, depression can have a significant impact on your enjoyment of life, your work, your health, and the people you care about.

Depression affects people differently. Some feel down for extended periods of time; for others the feelings of depression come and go. If you have short episodes of mild depression, you may be able to continue to work and take care of daily activities. However, if you do not seek some form of treatment for your depression, you are at risk for getting more depressed or becoming physically ill. In severe cases, depression can cause people to become incapable of communicating, unable to do routine activities, or suicidal. In these cases, it is essential to seek medical attention.

People with depression may be reluctant to seek help because they feel that it is a sign of personal weakness or a character flaw or that they should be able to "pull out of it" on their own. We now know that depression, like other medical conditions, has a chemical and biological basis. Treatment for depression is safe and usually effective even for severely depressed people.

Answer 2

If you think you're depressed, you should, at minimum, see your GP. Personally, I'd recommend going directly to a therapist, who should also recommend blood work to test for physical problems that may be causing the depression.

Info:
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional and make no claims as to the accuracy of this information.

Physical Info:
Clinical depression was/is believed to be manifested physically as an imbalance of three neuro-chemicals in the brain that control mood (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine).

Studies have found that this chemical imbalance has an indirect relationship to the cause of depression, since lower levels were found to inhibit the growth/regeneration of neurons in the portion of the brain related to mood.

This is why medications take two weeks or more to work because it takes time to regenerate the neurons, even though your neuro-chemical levels increase significantly within a day of taking the medication.

Most of the "modern" medications used to treat depression effect the levels of one or more of these neuro-chemicals. Combinations of medications are also commonly used to treat depression.

Depression can also be brought on by other physical problems (as others have mentioned) so get the blood tests.

Mental Info (for lack of a better term):
Clinical depression can be caused by traumatic events in life but can also occur seemingly without reason. Mental health issues such as depression can also be hereditary.

Usual "Western" treatment involves medication and/or therapy (talking with a trained professional). Studies have found that a combination of medication and therapy to be the most successful in treating depression.

"Eastern" treatments, some of which are being adopted by the Western medical community, include meditation, accupuncture and accupressure as well as various herbal remedies/food supplements.

If you're absolutely sure you don't want to try medications, therapy alone can be very effective in treating depression.

Other things you can do:
- Exercise on a regular basis. This releases endorphins, the bodies natural mood enhancers. Exercise also increases energy level, and adds a host of other benefits (too numerous to mention).

- Eat healthy (certain vitamin deficiencies can cause depression).

- Try to create a routine for yourself to stay active and social. You may not enjoy yourself too much at first but you'll feel better and it'll get easier fairly quickly.

Did I mention, see a therapist?

GL!

Answer 3

Depression is considered an illness like diabetes, heart considtions and epilepsy. I dont admit it to very many people in my life because I have learned from bitter experience that unless they've been there many people cant understand it or sadly some people will use it against you. Things you can do is exercise a brisk 1/2 hour of walking each day. A healthy diet and meditation will help. There are herbal medications such as St Johns Wort or Hypericum but I urge you to rethink your medication issue if you find that you are unable to manage your symptoms. Try to take up a hobbie that distracts your mind, listen to upbeat music and sing along.... I do that in the car so no one can tell me to stop :-)

Answer 4

Depression is sometimes situational. Did anything happen 14 months ago that may have caused it? Any changes in your life. Losing someone through death is obvious but there are many other subtle losses (moving, change of job etc) that can take a toll on you.

Have you been sleeping properly? Do you get enough exercise? Do you eat healthy? If you're not taking care of your body on the outside it can affect how you feel inside.

Do some soul searching. Listen to your inner voice. Do you think negatively about yourself or life etc. Negative thoughts can make you feel depressed. It can be difficult but you can train yourself to think more positively. You can force yourself to say positive affirmations: "I love myself. I'm happy. I have all that I need." & train yourself to feel better. There are many self-help books that may inspire you.

Speak to your doctor about it as well. Personally I don't believe in medicating emotions but there are a number of meds to treat depression if it is a clinical depression (a chemical imbalance) just be careful because they affect everyone differently & can have side effects.

Do things that you enjoy. Appreciate the small things in life. Make a list of things to be grateful for/happy about. Happiness is a choice. Sometimes it just takes more effort.

You are not alone. Many people feel down, especially at this time of year. Winter is so grey & bleak without sunlight.

Good luck. Take care of yourself.

Answer 5

Depression is no fun, no matter how long it lasts, or who has it, man/woman/ or child. I too have depression, but I am bipolar. I am on medication for depression.
I know you stated you don't want medication, but for me, mine was so severe, without the medication, I would still be depressed. But, I know what I have heard others talk about that might help you.
I have heard others talk about those Energy drinks, any thing that can give you energy. Some of those drinks have things like gingko, guarana, and other herbs that helps with depression. However, for myself, that only lasts a few hours, 4 at the most, then I have to take something again. So, I prefer to take something that is going to last all day. Also St. Johns Wort is suppose to be good; but then you are looking at another pill.
I suggest you go to a doctor and make sure your depression isn't physical (diabetes, cancer, heart etc), and to make sure you have don't have a mental illness, such as bipolar. If none of these exists, then go to the Library and look up depression, and find out what you can do for yourself. But I highly recommend to get yourself checked out first, as there can be so many different reasons to be depressed. With your depression lasting this long, there is a reason. It isn't something you have brought on yourself, there is something going on with you. Thats a whole year out of your life! A whole year of depression, something that is the most treatable illness for doctors. We DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER WITH DEPRESSION any more, and it isn't any thing to be ashamed of. The way the world is today, it's a wonder more people isn't depressed. But, please get yourself checked out!

Answer 6

well Jon you have taken the first step by talking about it here. Congratulations. There are many reasons for depression. some physical,mental,emotional,family changes, deaths,loss of friends,moving,even the weather. The best thing I can tell you (i have it too) if you won't see a doctor or take meds is go outside, even if the weather is bad and breathe some fresh air. take a walk everyday. Try not to sleep to much(big problem for me even on meds).Try to go somewhere there are people. If you don't want to "communicate" with them just go where they are like the mall or walmart,grocery store, library. Find a good book to read or a good movie to watch.Usually a funny one is best. Do some sort of exercise. It changes your body chemistry. Drink lots of water.Get a pet. Get a hobby, like painting,puzzles,woodcraft. Make some friends with your neighbors. Do something to help someone else.

Answer 7

I would suggest that you seek professional help through a mental health center where you can talk with someone ( a therapist ) about feeling depressed. Talk therapy has helped me with my depression. I understand about not wanting to take medication for it, but just talking it out with someone who can validate your feelings & being non-judgemental can give you some good feedback as to why you feel depressed & can give you some professional advice. I would go to a clinic that has a sliding fee scale so that you will only have to pay what you can afford according to your income. Good luck to you, my depressed friend!

Answer 8

Please see your family doctor. His/she can do blood tests to determine if thyroid is low, among other things. Depression is very incapacitating. There are many newer antidepressants you can try with your doctor. These can do wonders in taking the edge off of your sad moods. Depression is very common in the general public. Please seek out your doctor for more information. You can seek help, & still keep all of this just between you & your doctor.
Good Luck!

Answer 9

you're just feeling bored...thinking that you have no place in this world...well that was my feeling whenever i'm depressed try spending more time with your friends go hang out or try playing video games or online games for me i usually play dota with my buddies( they taught me) most of the time i enjoy a little chat with my classmates at school...tell them your problems maybe you keep hiding it inside of you

Answer 10

hey chill bro jus make ur self busy and try to forget what ever worries u hav or jus go for a vacation and chill out and it might work out and jus hav fun and keep smiling always good luck