I'm a teenager, what can I do about depression without medications?

Question

I've been feeling worthless,
feel like there's nothing to live for.

Extreme irritability against my family,

Mild thoughts of suicide.

What can I do, shrinks wont help, I don't want any meds..

And also, loss of apetite, and weight loss.

Answer 1

I know you don't want medications or to see the doctor, but you really need to get a handle on your depression before it kills you.

i wonder why you don't want medication. Depression is a treatable disease, but often people need medication to treat the disease.

Please let your parents or another trusted adult know that you are in serious pain. Let them help you because you need it.

Answer 2

There are lots that you can do for yourself.

1. Keep busy and occupied. Find a purpose in life.

2. Meditate.

3. Join a support group.

4. Identify the reasons why you are feeling this way such as irritability towards family and deal with the reasons.

5. Talk to an adult whom you can trust.

6. Vitamin B12
http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com/Article/Depression-Treatment-the-B12-Way/12744

Answer 3

You may not wanna hear this, buuut.. what's your religion?
Do you believe in God? If so how close are you to Him?
Don't want to get too.. 'preachy', but I felt like this recently..
asked God into my life and everything changed.
I've been raised in a Christian family, and I've called myself a Christian all my life, but I never was really very serious about it.
Might give it a try, what can it hurt?
Don't bother if you're not going to be serious about it and don't mean it.
I'd recommend checking out a youth conference, called Acquire the Fire. It's just a one-weekend thing. Amazing experience.
Also, if you're interested in talking to me.. I'd be happy to talk to you.

P.S. I completely understand why you don't want to be on meds.. I didn't either. I'm kinda.. anti-medication myself.

Answer 4

See depression treatments/resources at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 2, and suicidal thoughts on page 5, and adopt the multidimensional approach. View ADD/ADHD, page 7, on eating: include high nutrient density foods: broccoli & yams (sweet potato), and a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement daily, washed down with FRESHLY SQUEEZED HOMEMADE orange or grapefruit juice, until your appetite returns.

Answer 5

Walking outdoors in nature has been proved to help with depression--and it's healthy for you anyway.

Cheerful music
Comedy TV
Funny movies
Phone friends who can make you laugh
Writing (or drawing) is quite therapeutic--get it on paper
Stay away from people who pull you further down
Self-help books from the library
Therapy/counseling

Answer 6

You might need medication.

I have taken antidepressants for more than 20 years, it's not such a big deal.

I'd rather not take them if I had the choice, but they help.

Answer 7

ive felt the same way. try lying down on your bed and just go to sleep. sleep always helps. or insted try going out for a walk outside, you need frsh air.