How to handle severe attacks of depression?

Question

depression as u know it, has its ups and downs....apart from counseling, when one has a deep attack of depression, how to alleviate it

Answer 1

I too am a sufferer of depression and I work through it without medication prescribed or otherwise as I forget to take it when I am in a trough. I try to watch TV shows movies that make me laugh so the 'feel good' chemicals in the brain get a bit of a kick start. I also go to the gym as this assists again with the 'feel good' chemicals we naturally produce when exercising.
I make sure I have a blind open 24/7 to let natural light in so that I 'have a light' to work towards out of the 'black fog'. And I no longer worry if I do not have a 'full' nights sleep as I will sleep eventually from just being physically tired. When at work I aim towards being happy and smiling and eventually it becomes automatic instead of being a conscious choice.
Recently I read just say WOoooo Ooooo sets of the internal reactions that cause laughter and in turn will make us feel good, happy. You guessed it, I WOooooo Oooooo several times a day, this also brings a positive, happy response from other people too. So everyone around you benefits.
Be kind to yourself and having recognition of when depression is occurring is the first step of putting it into perspective and working through it. A Psychologist by the name of Kelly gave the theory that we are our own best Therapist as we know ourselves better than anyone else.
Just a hint, a friend of mine named her depression and when she started to feel it coming on she would say 'George is on the way back' and treated it like an unwanted visitor that she had to be nice to and get rid of as quick as possible.
Whatever works for you. Best and kind wishes to you.

Answer 2

I've suffered from depression for over 25 years. If you are currently on medication, have your doctor re-evaluate the prescription. Often times medication needs to be changed or dosages adjusted. If you're not on medication, consider talking to your doctor about the benefits. Remember, if you were diabetic, you'd take insulin. Your brain is an organ and sometimes needs medication to help it function properly.

Exercise, eating properly (plenty of fresh veggies and fruit), and spending some time OUTSIDE everyday helps. Even in the winter getting outside helps.

Helping other people will often help the depressed person. When a person feels needed and doing things for other people, their problems seem to diminish in importance. Of course, some depression is situational - death of a loved one, job loss, etc. - and when dealt with properly - grieving, finding a new job, etc. - the depression lifts.

Sticking to routines can be beneficial also. Sometimes that just means getting out of bed, bathing, dressing and eating. I've found that showering, getting dressed (including socks and shoes!), and applying the little makeup I wear seems to get me motivated to be productive. Again, productive could be something as little as walking to the mailbox - but I'm up and doing something!

I hope some of this helps. Unfortunately, depression is different for everyone. Don't confuse "down in the dumps" with diagnosed depression - it's not the same! And please, don't discount counseling - the right professional can be helpful.

Answer 3

Wow, I'm sorry but if you give all your problems to God and develop unshakable Faith with him...your problem will go away 100%!
You can also Exercise 60 min/day high intensity like elliptical trainer or running.
Go to where there is bright sun.
Change the way you talk to yourself and keep it positive positive positive.
On top of the Medication and Counseling because you have severe depression you have to do these other things also if you sincerely want to get better.
Take care may God be with you!

Answer 4

I suffer from depression... I take celexa which is sort of like prozac but with less side effects.

Before I was on celexa, and I was feeling depressed, I would go excercise... for some reason it really helped me out because I guess it got my emotions out somehow.

Answer 5

along with medication.... try to make the effort to stay active. Keeping busy doing some sort of hobby, walking, window shopping, anything! It tends to shift your mood to a different place.

Answer 6

Aside from medication and therapy, try to stick to a routine, doing things. Routine and getting out and doing are really key.

Answer 7

Try Wellbutrin, get outdoors and exercise. Worked for me.