I've been feeling depressed...?

Question

I've started taking antidepressants but they apparently won't kick in for another couple of weeks. Some days I'm fine, other days I feel like I'm in this deep hole and I'll never get better. What are some ways to get through the days until the medication kicks in?

Answer 1

It sounds crazy and it's probably the last thing you feel like doing but exercise will really help.

When you exercise it releases seretonin in your brain, the nerotransmitter (the one that anti-depressants increase, that you can also get from the sun and from chocolate!) and will therefore make you feel better. Although it's hard to get motivated, especialy when your feeling so depressed, it really will make you feel better once you start.

So, even if it's just dancing around the house or jogging on the spot, try it out, it should help.

Otherwise, on good days write down things that make you feel better, you can look at the list on your bad days. Or come up with things you enjoy doing, even little things. Then when your feeling bad, do something that makes you feel good, even just for a little while.

Answer 2

Just take one day at a time. If you do not feel like getting out of bed, then don't. Once your anti-depressants kick in, you will notice a big difference. The world will open up, the sunshine will come thru the window, things will look better. After you feel better do something for yourself

Answer 3

Shanti is right... exercise does help. But even if you don't want to do that, do SOMETHING. I've struggled with depression myself, and I find I cope much better if I engage my brain in something. Watching TV is too passive... do something more active. Read a book, organize your closet, bake some cookies, play cards...anything where you have to pay attention to what you're doing. It's not a cure-all, but it has kept me from sinking into despair. Good luck.

Answer 4

Just try to go easy on your self and if other try to bother you tell them to go away firmly.