Are there ways to fight depression without having to seek professional help?

Question

This is a serious question so please, serious answers only.

Answer 1

eat bananas, for real i frogot whats in them but it makes you happy i dont know why i learned it in school.

Answer 2

Of course, and in most cases, the depression goes no deeper than a mild form and lasts a relatively short time.

When the depression lasts for months and months, or it interferes with your daily ability to function - eat sleep and participate in your daily responsibilities, or it
dominates your ability to participate in relationships, or
death or harm or fear dominantes your thinking

then, these are the signs that your depression is too deep to climb out of without some help.

Help can come from a friend to talk with
a counselor, or psychologist, or minister, or grief counselor,
or through a physician.
Realize that some depressions have physical causes of body parts that are working incorrectly or low levels of required nutrients or chemicals.
Possibly your stress level is making you sick, or you were traumatized, or you are grieving -- and it feels like you have hit a wall and can't find a way beyond it.
Some situations or relationships seem impossible to solve.
Or, maybe there is some malfunction in your brain, or an injury that won't go away.
Some people are disoriented as to who-where-and when for no appearant reason.
These are some of the reasons to see a Psychiatrist who is a medical doctor specializing in brain function and behavior.

Keep a close and caring watch over your friends and relatives. If this person appears to be depressed beyond their abilities to cope with life or to function physically and mentally and emotionally -- they may need for someone to come alongside and actually take them (give a ride, make the appointment, and hold their hand) to a doctor to get the help they need. It really isn't interfering. It's saving a life.

Answer 3

There are tons of things you can do, but I have found it is best to have SOME professional assistance (even if only counseling). I have found that counseling and antidepressant medication make the best combination. However, you can:

-read books that deal with depression or any subject you may feel depressed about (survivor of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or PTSD for example);

-go to http://forums.walkers.org/WB/?boardID=walkers Walkers In Darkness and find others that are struggling with the same issues you are. There's a lot of support there. :) Good people.

-try journaling. Don't force yourself to do it every day and don't use a fancy journal if that puts more pressure on you. Use a notepad and don't worry if your handwriting isn't legible. The journal is for YOU not for anyone else! Write or draw whatever you feel at the moment. Keep it someplace safe where no one can get at it.

-write letters to those who have wronged you in the past, then burn the letters (or tie them to a balloon and let them go - but with no identifying info). This will help you let go of the past.

-pamper yourself. If ice cream makes you feel better, then eat ice cream (within reason). If hot baths or bubble baths make you feel better, then take the time to have a hot bath! If reading helps, then have a reading hour set aside each day.

-take time to rest and make sure you are getting enough sleep. If you aren't sleeping properly, try over the counter medications to help (or performing some relaxation exercises before bed). If the OTC meds won't work, see your doctor about something like Ambien or Lunesta.

-Remember HALT - whenever you are feeling especially depressed, ask yourself, "Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired?" If you answer "yes" to any of those, address it. If you are hungry, eat. If you are lonely, seek out company (even if it's online). If you are angry, journal about it, or go for a walk. Exercise is a great way to funnel "angry" energy and to get an endorphin rush to boot! :) If you are tired, make yourself take a short nap! :)

Most of all, hang in there. Lots of us deal with depression and you can live with it. Things do get better. Good luck! :)

Answer 4

The truth is that many people attempt to battle depression on their own before seeking help. Some people succeed, others do not, and if it feels like you're not making progress, if you feel like life is not worth living, or if you feel a deep sense of hopelessness, seek help, please!

That said, mild depression (severe depression is best dealt with by a professional) can sometimes be alleviated with some lifestyle changes, such as increasing your exercise, improving your diet, or taking steps to feel more productive. Sometimes, the steps necessary to do things like that feel like they are too much, and that's when to seek help. And remember, "help" is not always medicine. The best results are with medicines and therapy together. In addition, sometimes depression can be caused by a medical condition, like hypothyroidism, for which there is no treatment without seeing a doctor, so don't avoid seeking help unnecessarily. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

The only proven ways to fight depression are psychiatrists and anti-depressants. Psychiatry is usually more effective, and anti-depressants are often ineffective. Prozac is one of the most over prescribed drugs in the nation.

There are herbal remedies, such as St. John's Wort, which claim to aid depression, but numerous studies refute this claim.

Depression is a serious illness and professionals are the best option in making it better. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and the sooner you consult a professional, the better.

Answer 6

Serious depression, with thoughts of suicide, you should see a doctor. This isn't something that is your fault.

But let me tell you what worked for me... I started exercising more and stopped eating sugar and white flour. Something about it eased the hormones or something. I feel much more centered. Also, whenever you catch yourself in a negative thought, consciously replace it with a positive thought. Also reading the Bible helps. Good luck!~

Answer 7

B vitamins, eat well, exercise, laugh, however you can, hang around positive people, pray, there are many ways to help yourself, I take medication, but also do these other things. read uplifting stories and tv shows, no sad or violent crap. Do you have a pet? a bird, or something to care for and talk to, and maybe help someone else? Think of things to be grateful for, there is always someone less fortunate.

Answer 8

exercise is a great natural ailment to depression. it gets your endorphins going and helps you feel better.

also being in the sunlight because it releases the vitamin d in your body and elevates your mood.

however if you are seriously depressed then you should at least seek counseling. talking about things really helps.

good luck!!

Answer 9

Do something that will make you feel good about yourself. Go run for about half-an-hour. Read a good book. Do something for someone else. Yahoo Answers is great for getting your mind off ourselves. We can find other people to help and we can realize that many people have it much worse than we do.

Answer 10

God Almighty is our best Healer. God loves you, and you are precious to Him. Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation, and qualifying us to Heaven. Just come to Him in genuine repentance and faith. and you will have a life of joy, peace and meaning. Life is short and uncertain. Eternity is forever without end. Heaven is wonderful beyond descriptions. Never, never, miss Heaven for anything in this troubled world! Best wishes.

Answer 11

Yes you must train your-self to look at the future and the big picture instead of little small details that arent right or arent done. See positive instead of negative and get ready for a battle you have to want it.