How do you pull yourself out of a depression?

Question

I know that my 'blah' is due to depression & fibromyalgia, but I'm finding it hard to rediscover a purpose in life. Everything seems to be 'grey', and nothing really seems worthwhile. I do things because life happens around me. Even when I do fun things with the children (others as well as mine) it only lasts for the afternoon.

In the evenings once everyone has gone to bed (I'm also insomniac and am not sleeping) I just feel as though "what's the point?" even though I am a born again Christian and I'm striving to lead a life pleasing to our Lord Jesus.

To those who don't believe, don't bother answering with smart mouth comments, as I'm really not in the mood for it.

"If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all"

Blessings, Gypsy Queen

Answer 1

Depression is a biochemical imbalance in the brain. This imbalance is normal and even healthy for short periods of time as part of the grieving process -- it facilitates dissociation from the source of the pain.

If this process continues for more than two weeks, however, medical intervention is necessary. Therapy can often work if the depression was started as part of the natural grieving process, by helping you work through the lingering grief and allowing you to work towards closure. If, however, therapy does not help, medication may be called for, because depression is a physical illness, NOT simply a state of the soul. Its chemical format is a lack or reduction of serotonin in the brain -- if you lacked insulin and were a diabetic, I'm sure you'd take insulin injections without moral quandry, so why deny yourself exactly the same form of treatment for a physical chemical imbalance in your brain?

As for what you yourself can do in the mean time -- Exercise, sunlight, and laughter. Set aside 15 - 30 minutes a day for exercise as appropriate for you (taking into account your fibromyalgia, for example). If possible, do the exercise outside in sunlight. Be exposed to sunlight as much as possible -- WalMart carries 'daylight balanced' or 'natural light' florescent bulbs, which can be used to some assistance [your eyes will take a while to adjust, its somewhat harsh compared to soft yellow lights]. And laugh... even if there's nothing to laugh at. Force yourself to laugh even if you're just acting or pretending. Laughter has been proven, even uncaused, to boost serotonin levels slightly as well as lower blood pressure and other such positive effects. It's certainly not a cure but it's something you yourself can do. If you find it silly that you're laughing for no reason at all, great! Laugh all the louder at how silly it is! :)

I wish you the best. We may not see eye to eye on the religion thing, but as one human to another, I wish you the best of health. I've suffered depression all my life and even on the meds I still regularly must cope with 'badthought' days because nothing gets rid of it for me, just helps me cope.

Answer 2

Wow... you just described me (except the jesus part- I'm an atheist... but same concepts apply).

What works for me, is to assign a schedule to things to start out. Insomnia is hard to beat, so a doctor might be necessary at this point- but any sleep specialist will tell you... go to bed at the same time every night, wake up at the same time every day. This will make your lifestyle consistent enough to get some rest... this is important, because if you're run down all the time the depression will be worse.

Also, try not to let the doc give you prozac. I had really bad luck with this one- it leaves you feeling like crap. Diet helps, exercize helps a LOT, and staying active helps. Go out more, keep your lifestyle busy- you will eventually find peace of mind in your daily activities.

If you still can't kick it, you need to see a doctor again and start looking at deeper counseling methods. I've been through treatments for this too many times to count... you eventually pull through, but it takes some doing. Just be as proactive as possible!

Hope you feel better soon :)

Answer 3

I was in the grip of clinical depression for a long time. Depression is an illness, and is best treated by those who are trained to do so. I had the good fortune to have a very solid psychologist who referred me to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist prescribed medication which addressed the chemical imbalance that gave me the "what's the point" feeling you describe. Once the medication began working, the psychologist and I were able to work through the confused thinking that depression created.

After 4 or so years of treatment, I was able to be weaned of the medication. I'm currently living a very happy and stimulating life.

If I have a toothache, I go to the dentist. If I have a skin problem, I go to the dermatologist. If I have a psychological problem, I go to a psychologist. My suggestion is that you might profit from a visit.

If you want to discuss this, please feel free to send an e-mail, and I promise I'll respond.

Best of luck

Answer 4

Try not to think inwards at this time. We all tend to concentrate when we are down on our negative emotions that are coming from within. Concentrate on others right now and eventually your depression will leave you. If its a constant issue maybe you need to see a doctor to get the edge off of you. Otherwise listen to others, be there with open arms. Volunteer at a womans shelter. Foster a pet that wouldnt otherwise have one. Donate your time to others in some valid helpful way and sure enough the world will once again make you smile. We all all too much of a Me society.

Answer 5

When I find that I'm depressed, it's generally because I focus too much on my own small concerns. And, truly, ANY of my concerns are pretty small when compared to world hunger, war, or the degradation of our environment.

The best cure I have found for that is to do something for others, serve others, make a positive contribution to someone else's life. It doesn't have to be anything world-shaking. Just asking yourself what you can do to make someone else know that you love them, or that the world has kindness in it, will do the trick...this will move you into the state of active participation in what you wish the world to be, and that is a great cure for depression.

The other component of coming out of depression is to redirect my focus to what is good in my life. When I focus my attention on everything that is beautiful and loving and positive, those things become more "real", more immediate. And the natural result of that is thankfulness.

Also, pay attention to your body's needs. Many a case of depression is tied to poor nutrition and other health-related issues.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

One of the most damaging myths a christian can believe is that we are supposed to be happy all the time because we have Jesus. But depression is an illness with a physical cause. You really need to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist to get treatment for your depression. I have been there and I know that you don't have to suffer like this. I'll be praying for you.

Answer 8

friend, there is a thin line between thinking n worrying. too much worrying leads to depression. the root cause is our thoughts, if we can watch our thoughts we'll b fine. definitely u have a purpose in life, behind everything there is a lesson for us to learn, look closely n we'll find it. see jesus in everyone, treat everyone with the same love we have for the Lord. in the night, if u can't sleep, contemplate on jesus, think what He might b doin if He is here now, talk to Him. he is our closest friend. He listens. i'll pray for u my friend. take care

Answer 9

Just go out to enjoy the nature. You will realize that your problem is so minute comparing to the complexity in nature. Nature will reward you with its orderly peaceful appearance and make you forget about the chaotic society. Then you are more prepared to help preserve our natural habitats.

Answer 10

Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. When you feel depress begin to worship God. Play a worship cd and sing along with it if you need to. In doing so you will find yourself in the presence of Jesus Christ and in His presence is fullness of joy. Taste and see that the Lord is good!