What are some ways to cope with depression?

Question

I feel like I'm depressed quite often. Are there ways to make yourself feel better without counseling?

Answer 1

Have blood tests; check to make sure there's enough iron in your blood; low level anaemia can mimic depression. Underactive thyroid can do the same, so get this checked as part of your blood test.

Make sure you're eating healthily. Take a multi vitamin. Eat oily fish. Chocolate will also make you feel a bit more cheerful!

Escape into some great books, watch some comedies on TV.

But if all else fails, and you feel your depression is getting worse, then DO go to the doctor; you could arrange some cognitive behavioural therapy or medication. Life is too short to spend months, even years, battling depression.

Answer 2

There are things that can be done to help ease depression that do not include counseling. These mostly include keeping busy in order to keep your mind too busy to feel sad; things like exercise, reading, sex/masturbation, music, movies, going out with friends, etc. However, you do want to be careful that over-use of sex doesn't become an addiction that can lead to unsafe practices and STDs.

Sometimes, no matter how hard people try they just can't shake the blues. It's caused by hormones and only drugs can help balance them. There are people who are depressed for no reason due to imbalanced hormones. They could go to counseling, but it wouldn't help since there isn't anything in particular that is bothering them. These people need to see their doctor and obtain a perscription for an anti-depressant.

Answer 3

If you have mild depression, you could consider drinking St. Johns' Wort tea. It's been known to help that. Regular daily exercise can help reduce depression. Sunlight also helps particularly if you find yourself tending to be sleepy on cloudy days. Eliminating junk food and trying to keep your blood sugar from spiking is yet another one.

Surprisingly, food allergies turned out to be the cause of my older brother's recurring mild depression. He doesn't get it anymore.

Most people never need medication or counseling and their depression fizzles out within 2 years. It is often temporary or situational.

If none of these things are helping, then you should consider getting help. If you feel suicidal or have suicidal thoughts, get help now! You may need more intensive work than anything self help will do.

Answer 4

Thanks for asking this question. Even I am looking for answer on it. I have not been diagnosed with depression only because I refused to tell anyone about it and see a psychiatrist. And I have NEVER taken any pill for it. I am not over it completely but I am much much better. I had been reading online about and trying myself as well. I will tell you what works for me. You have to force yourself to DO something. Go out, Meet people even though you might have an urge to just stay home and do nothing. Join a Gym. Exercise is Very helpful. Go to Libraries. Explore things around you. Try to set a schedule for you. Wake up early in morning. Make a list of things you want to do today and follow them through. Sounds a bit Robotic but it works. Eat fresh vegetables, eat salad, fruits. Make sure you have balanced diet. This should do some good. :)

Answer 5

self medication which is not a good idea. some people say that exercise creates a natural high that combats depression the same way some drugs do. If you are depressed for a reason, well then you need to change that scenario for the better. Some people recommend that you stay so busy that you dont have time to be depressed, or if you are you still have to deal so you get over it faster.

Answer 6

You need to find out what type of depression you experience. Some depression is caused by a lack of seratonin and that needs medicine to manage it. Some depressions are caused by life circumstances and that needs to be resolved by speaking with a professional trained to help you get to the bottom of the issue and then work on overcoming, or managing it. Some depression may be caused by a change in a woman's body and again needs a professional to resolve. The bottom line is, before you avoid going to a doctor to discuss is, realize that there are different types caused by different things both pysical and mental. Getting the correct diagnosis will then help you to select the right approach to managing it.

Answer 7

counceling and talking will not usually work without the right medicine. You need to see a doctor about depression and get the correct medicine for it.
I was very depressed and got help. I feel much better now! Depression is a physical sickness from a chemical imbalance in your body. You need medicine to restore the balance. Talking will not help. You have to fix your body.
see a doctor you wont be dissapointed. It takes about a month for the medicine to work. Good Luck.

Answer 8

I have had problems with depression and can not afford counseling so I have found that exercising helps. I fell like I am improving my health and making my body look better and that makes me feel better. I hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 9

I think your answer is in the Bible. I don't know your situation or weather you are a christian ( have a relationship with Jesus Christ) and study his word, so I will just say, without that relationship we don't knos who we truly are and we have no hope.
My bible tells me that we are Created in God's image, were placed on the earth by God who gave us rule over all his creation. so out of all the beauty you see around you the one thind that should impress you the most is that you are God's child. He knew you while you were in your mothers belly. he know your name your ways and your personality. God Loves YOU! and he cares for you. I can't tell you how much he loves you exept that he sent Jesus into the wold to die for you. His death was the price for our sins so now all you have to do is exept his sacrifice and ask him into your heart. Once you have done this you are saved. What the bible calls born again. please don't take what I tell you lightly. The bible says more people will reject God's love then those that will believe and repent for there sins. And so more will go to hell then those that will go to heaven. to learn more listen to endtime.com and you will understand. I hope I have helped you. God Bless.
PS. the bible says think about the things that are good, the things that are pure and the things that are of good report. thank on these thaings. and you will feel better.

Answer 10

Yes. Find the 1 thing you really like to do and do it often. You can start a journal to release depression. Remind yourself that there's always people who are worse off then you. Think about why you are depressed and slowly reverse your thoughts. If your religious or believe in God - turn to him - he works miracles. Good luck & stay strong.