how do you get over depression?

Answer 1

In my experience, you cannot 'get over' depression - you can make it easier to live with though. These are the things that help me live with my depression.

1) Talk - bottling things up doesn't help. Externalise your emotions. Work through your thoughts, and try and understand why you are having them, and if they are helpful or not.

2) Keep a diary - work out what 'triggers' you have, make lists of things that make you feel good and things that make you feel bad. Look at your lists often.

3) Eat healthily - don't drink, avoid caffeine and sugar. Lots of fresh food, fruit and vegetables.

4) Stick to a sleep pattern. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time - even if you don't sleep at all in the night. Stick to 8 hours and don't sleep in.

5) Get outside for an hour a day - walk in the fresh air and clear your head.

6) Socialise - keep in touch with friends and family. Get out and meet people.

7) Set goals. Set realistic, achievable and positive goals. This are personal - I set goals such a doing a course, joining an exercise class, sticking to my diet etc.

8) Give yourself a break - you aren't going to get better overnight, you are allowed slip ups. Remember that no one judges you as harshly as you judge yourself.

9) Talk to your doctor - ask what help is available and take it! Talking therapies help a lot of people, and CBT or counselling or something similar may help you. Medication is an option, but remember that it is your body - you can decide what goes in.

10) Talk to people who understand - it can be isolating feeling like you are the only person in the world with this awful illness. Talk to people who understand that some days it is too hard to get dress and who understand the reason why you stand in the supermarket crying over which tuna. It is liberating to know that other people are in the same boat - share tips on how to keep positive.

Answer 2

I think you learn to live with it. I have suffered with depression on and off for 10 years now. I am learning that things I do make it worse or better. Getting outside even when you don't feel like it, talking, and not shutting yourself away. Appreciating what you CAN achieve, however small also helps you feel better.

Medical advice is a good thing if the depression is ongoing. It takes many forms and should not be hidden. We all need help sometimes and that's nothing to be ashamed of. There's help out there! It certainly doesn't need to take over your life. :-)

Answer 3

It's hard to say HOW you get over depression. Sometimes it requires medical care by a doctor, including some prescriptions, sometimes people can just overcome it by changing parts of their lifestyle. Also, it can really depend on why you are depressed. Is it a chemical imbalance? Has something really terrible happened in your life recently? If you think you are depressed, call your doctor as soon as possible. That's the best thing, as they are trained to help you.

Answer 4

It depends, if it's only temporary, think positive. But if it's long term & severe you need medical help. All you have to do is see your GP, you'll get pointed in the direction where you can get help. There is pleanty of very effective medication available, but most people get over depression naturally, after a while. So make sure that your depression is not caused by something that's happened to you recently, you'll get over it. Medication should only be used in cases of severe, and long term depression.

Answer 5

I am into my 4th week of depression, so I know how it feels to cry for absolutely no reason at all! I see my doctor once a week and am having counselling too. The counselling really helps me and the lady I see recommended this book for me to read, which I have bought and am half-way through. It's Self esteem bible, build your confidence day by day, and it's by Gael Lindenfield. I don't know how long you have had it, but I am slowly getting better, there is light at the end of the dark tunnel.

Answer 6

you acn't get rid of it. i've was diagnosed with depression over 3 years ago. i tried therapy, meds, and herbal alternatives but nothing seemed to work. what did work was my ability to realize that its not your fault for being sad. its completly out of your control. your emotions will sometimes get the best of you, but its not your fault. things may seem hopeless and completly askew but again, its probaly not. what seems to help me is getting alot of fresh air and sunlight. try going out and keeping your mind active. usualy you'll fall into a depressive state when you are sitting around doing nothing, even if it kills you GO DO SOMETHING. im not advocating it but smoking pot has also helped alot for me, it calms me down and i'm able to sort things out eaiser and take everything as it comes, one at a time.

Answer 7

Depends. Some go to Doctors. Others try to deal w/ it on their own. If its real bad seek a professional. If not many eat ice cream or chocolate. Just make an intelligent decision. Good Luck.

Answer 8

Consider seeing a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication. There are several anti-depressant meds and if you're seriously depressed, suicidal, then medication is worth trying.

Answer 9

Medication and or Therapy.
You may want to socialize more you may want to even volunteer at a local hospital.
You may think of POSITIVE thoughts leave the Negative thoughts alone.
Listen to music or you may want to join a support group.I would say keep busy.
Remember You Are Beautiful there is only one you!!!!!!!

Answer 10

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE EVERY DAY, TALK TO POSTIVITE PEOPLE, DON'T LET OTHERS BRING YOU DOWN, GET SOME SUN, OR A SUN LIGHT TO SIT UNDER OR GO TO A TANNING PLACE , HAVE A PET THAT YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF AND TALK TO. IF NEED BE GO TO THE DR. FOR SOME MEDS OR A SELF HELP TALK GROUP, THEY DO HELP. PLEASE TRY SOME OF THESE IDEAS, THEY DO HELP. I KNOW.