How do I deal with depression?

Question

I would like to know how to deal with depression with out taking the meds that the doctors give me? I was told that some people do it but i wasnt sure how.

Answer 1

If you don't want to be put on medication, then I would suggest that you consider finding a good psychologist that you could talk to. I understand where you are coming from, I have chronic depression and I do not like being on medication, but for me it's almost necessary. I see a psychologist once a week for an hour, and it's helped me so much to have someone who can listen to me and help me understand what's going on with myself. You could ask your family doctor (whom I am assuming is prescribing your medication) that you are interested in seeing a psychologist and see if he/she can refer you to anyone. Another thing that has helped me, is doing a LOT of research on my depression and the different treatments that are available. There are a lot of options for you, you just have to be informed and search them out. Good luck, I hope that you are able to find something that works, and don't feel that there is only one way of working to get a grasp on your depression.

Answer 2

Some people need anti depressants their entire lives but there are other people that control it with therapy and exercise. If your doctor believes that you need this medication right now then it is best to take it as prescribed but it is also important to let him know that you want alternatives to help you to live without these medications.
There is a chemical called Serotonin in the brain. Some people have lower levels of Serotonin. Exercise increases the serotonin levels in a persons body. There are people that believe they get natural "high" just from exercising. Go for a fast pace walk or find an aerobic activity to do with your friends. It can't hurt to try.
There are many people that find therapy useful for depression. A therapist will give you the tools to learn to relax and feel better about yourself.
What ever you decide to do it should be discussed with your doctor so he/she knows you are working toward a better tomorrow.
Talking to friends or talking on message boards like this is helpful but don't follow a strangers advice when your doctor knows you better than we do.

Answer 3

Although medications, such as SSRI's -are helpful in some cases, others benefit from therapy sessions, group therapy,or help from spirituality. Also realizing that depression is a true illness- not a character flaw or laziness. Some depression is situational or based on certain events, this responds well to therapy, but in the case of a chemical imbalance (such as seratonin or dopamine) meds may be required, at least until the person is out of danger. If the depression is genetic, runs in the family etc.. it is physical. So, that would be like telling a Cancer patient to meditate or go talk to a therapist as a way to treat the cancer. Talk to a professional- there are many treatment modalities now and help is available, in many forms- also on-line support groups and information (avoid the site's where people just dwell or discuss suicide etc..). If suicide is thought of or planned one must get help immediately!!! Good luck

Answer 4

Hi there !! Excercise is a wonderful way to help depression. You naturally release the chemicals in your brain that beat depression.
You do need to be active, and remember thoughts are things. Be positive, be around positive people. Watch funny movies, go for a walk, read a good book. Stop and analyze all the wonderful things you have in your life, and be grateful for them, it could always be worse. Just look around and see those that are far worse than we are.
You say the meds the doctor gave you though and I must tell you that sometimes we have such chemical imbalance in our brain we need meds just to get that jump start. You will find the desire to excersise,and do other things that you might not feel like doing when depressed.
Chin up, and remember do not let your tears cloud your day, or not let you see the stars at night.
best of luck to you

Answer 5

Find a good psychiatrist and psychologist. Only a psychiatrist can prescribe the meds, but it's better talking with a psychologist.You need to take the medicines to start putting the chemical imbalance back in order. Then after therapy treatment, you may eventually be able to wean yourself off of the meds. That is what I did.

Answer 6

If you do not want to take your medication, then ask someone close to you whose is also suffering from depression what to do; or continue to talk to me. I will do my best to help you now. You are depressed but do not want to take medication right? Well depending why you are depressed, you should try different things such as; if you are depressed because of your past (recent or not so recent) then try, try and try again to forget what happened. If you are depressed because someone very close to you has died, then cope with your grief, but don't not forget them. If your depression comes from a source that you do not know, then go to a therapy session. Counseling has helped me. My depression has not gone away completely but it is getting there. I am taking welbrutrin 100mg twice a day and I am slowly coming out of my depression. I believe that if you take your medication, you will get better. It is entirely up to you though. If you truly want to get better, then you must try yourself. No one else has control over your actions. If you want to become no longer depressed without medication, then you need to try your hardest then try even harder. You will need to work with you doctor, friends, family and anyone else who will be able to help. I would suggest going to a therapist or counselor at least once a week. Even if you do not think they will help, I know from experience that they do.

Answer 7

Depression Help - Diagnosing and Treating Clinical Depression
By Joshua Miller


Depression can simply be a reaction to monotony or a lack of control. Financial problems can also lead to depression, and so can moving or a loved one’s death. However, some people have genetic predispositions for depression. Chemical imbalances in the brain can lead to chronic depressed moods of varying degrees. Some hormonal changes can trigger depression, while other individuals’ depressive moods can be caused by seasonal cycles. It has been found that some physical illnesses can also lead to feelings of depression.

There are several mood disorders that include general depression. Manic depression, or bipolar disorder, is signified by periods of extreme highs followed by periods of extreme lows. Clinical depression is defined as a long-term depression episode, and seasonal affective disorder is a depressive disorder that relates to the seasons in a cyclical mode.

Many individuals seek treatment for depression every year, and those numbers are growing quickly. As less and less of a stigma is attached to being depressed, more and more individuals are claiming to be suffering from depression symptoms. There are a variety of designer drugs available these days to help treat clinical and manic depression. Often times, medical doctors will prescribed these drugs to patients who claim to be suffering from depression without actually performing psychiatric evaluations.

If you think you are suffering from a depression disorder, you should first consult a psychologist to see if you are actually clinically depressed. If the psychologist diagnoses you, he or she may prescribe therapy as treatment, or he or she might also refer you to a psychiatrist to obtain prescription drugs to help with chemical imbalances. Most psychologists find it most beneficial if patients combine their medications with therapy sessions to help them realize the roots of their episodes of depression.

Answer 8

I would say, plan a day to the beach, invite some of your friends, have pot luck! Bring a volley ball and to play at the beach.

Listen to happy music. Head to a club, do some harmless flirting.

Exercise..do some cardio! Buy a new dress that makes u look good, you will feel good!

Change a new hairstyle.

Hang out at coffee joints with your gfs and talk the night away on weekdays.

Answer 9

Do something you enjoy. Go out with friends. More importantly, do some exercise. After you've gone for a long walk, or done some other form of exercise, you tend to feel better.

Answer 10

Take the medication and enjoy yourself. Have fun with friends and live life! Over time, the medication will allow your brain to adapt to the dopamine which will allow you to feel happier. But try your best in the mean time to see the silver-lining.