Serious question about coping with depression?

Question

What do you do when you feel depressed?? I only want people to answer if they seriously have ever been depressed, not just pious people who think they have the right cheeky answers. I get depressed alot but I do NOT want to take medication because then medication will run my life. I just want to be able to cope.

Answer 1

Being depressed alot is quite a bit different than clinical depression. Clinical depression is basically your brain's lack of the chemicals, such as dopamine and endorphins, which make you happy. If you don't take medication or smoke or make up for the lack of natural chemicals in your brain, there really isn't much that you can do.

If you are depressed alot, you can always do things that would make you happy. Hobbies such as arts and crafts would give you a sense of accomplishment. So would getting a job in which you do well in.

Movies, comedy clubs and the like are also good. Any kind of laughter, even temporary, will give you a boost.

Dark chocolate, and if you're old enough, sex with a loved one would boost your mood and alleviate depression.

You might also want to check out WWW.Depressiontribe.org. Its a support group for others who are dealing with depression, clinical or other wise.

Don't turn your nose up at medications though. Although anti-depressents get a lot of bad press, it can be said that too many people are over prescribed. Ask a good physician/psychiatrist about it and see about getting started on a really low dosage.

Good luck!

Answer 2

There are some really great answers here. I would like to say though that I do not believe that the meds associated with depression would ruin your life. Quite the opposite. Many bouts of depression are associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be brought on by just about any kind of stresser. There isn't much you can to to repair this yourself except to wait and see if it will ever level out on it's own. That to me is not wise as this could drag out forever and possibly get worse. They have some really good anti-depressants that have minimal side affects now days. Just about everything we put in our mouths have some kind of chemicals in it so don't freak out over the meds thing. And, I am not saying that you will instantly feel better either. There could be some really good reasons for you to feel depressed. At times we all need to embrace our pain in life too. You have to feel the bad to feel the good... The question to me would be if you possibly need to make some life changes? Maybe some personal growth is in order. We all need emotional intelligence in our lives, very hard to have in a depressed state. I try to define where my depression is coming from (if I can) and then change my mind set to make it better. Sometimes that takes a plan... There are days when the only thing that can make me smile or appreciate life is the sound of a bird singing... therefore I go where I can hear the birds sing! Pay attention to yourself for a change and do what is good for you. Sometimes I play ZZ Tops so loud it rocks the walls and dance all over my house!!! Sometimes I sing... I am an awful awful singer... hard to be depressed singing "All I want for Christmas is a Hippapottamos"!!!

Best thoughts coming your way! Soak some of that up! Possitive energy is a great thing!

Answer 3

I understand why you don't want to take medication. Many people fear that they will become dependent on them.

However, I hope you realize that depression IS an illness...and a treatable one. Many people suffer from depression. It's more common than you can imagine.

I think you should talk to your doctor. Medication for depression can really help. It doesn't have to be forever. I went through a time in my life some years ago when I was really depressed. I went on anti-depressants for a couple of years and now, 5 years later, I'm off all medications (except for the ones I must take for diabetes...insulin). I feel great now. I just needed some help for a little while (I took Prozac).

Coping with depression on your own is a bad idea. We all need a little extra help and support at some point. There's no shame in that. Talk to your doctor. If you are really adamant about NOT taking any medications, he/she can recommend a support group or other form of counseling. The resources are there...use them.

EMT

Answer 4

I have had a ton of difficulty managing depression. Regular excersize has helped a lot. Another thing that has helped me has been eating healthy. Jumping out of your regular schedule may help a lot too. Taking a day off to go to the beach can be quite liberating.

Don't completely dismiss medication though. I was on daily medication for years and understand your desire to stay away from that. However, I still keep a couple of single-dose anti-depressants/anxiety medications handy just in case I am having a really difficult time and need to take something to put the world back in perspective.

Answer 5

Exercise and giving of yourself can make a huge difference.

Exercise not only helps you feel better about your health and appearance, but releases endorphins that will help balance your brain chemistry during episodes of depression.

I find that one of the best non-medicine remedies, though, is just getting out of my own brain and getting invested in something bigger than myself. For me, that's work with my church. Think of any place or cause that you care about, where you can make a difference or improve the world. I find that when I'm in a true depression looking outside myself for purpose can change my perspective and get me through.

This is not from a "pious" person. I've struggled with chronic depression and major clinical depressions throughout my adult life. Sometimes medication has been the only thing that worked, but more often than not I'm able to tough it out by using one or both of these ideas.

If your depression is so severe that you are considering suicide or fantasizing about it, please do consider medication as a short-term tool. I prefer not to use medication when possible, for the reason you state, but there are times when it can be very helpful.

And don't be ashamed to talk with your doctor or a trusted family member or friend about your depression. A clinical depression is an illness characterized by an imbalance in your cerebral chemicals. It isn't noble to suffer through cancer without help; it's no more noble to suffer alone unnecessarily through depression.

Best wishes!

Answer 6

Depression is such a deep subject and so many things can be causing you to have these feelings. I agree - if you can stay away from meds do it - but some depressions can only be controlled by meds.

Ask yourself these questions:
- Can I pin point a time of month when I feel more anxious or depressed? Could be hormonal imbalance. Try supplements like zinc and magnesium.
- Has there been a major change in my life (death of a loved one, changed schools/jobs/cities, gone through a divorce or parents are divorcing? Reasons for depression that can be changed with swapping down time with things you like to do - even if it takes all of your energy to do them. Once you start you will begin to feel better.
- Does depression run in my family? Could be a chemical in balance and require medication.

Sometimes changing everything around you - including friends can help.

Meditation can also be a way to came your mind and rest your spirit. Prayer is one form of meditation.

Answer 7

Honey,
I have dealt with depression quite a few times. Meds do work, but you don't have to take them forever, just until you learn coping skills, which a therapist or psychiatrist can help you with. Then you can get off the meds. Make sure the Dr. says it's o.k. first.

At first I didn't want to talk to a therapist or anybody, but when I finally dragged myself into the therapist's office, I was glad I did. She said everything I was feeling was normal & explained it all to me so it made sense. I wasn't crazy after all!! I just needed help understanding it and how to cope with it.

It's not all in your head, no matter what people say, it's a real illness or a chemical imbalance. It is real and you need help. Please seek medical help before it gets out of control.

Answer 8

Do you wish to have a mental illness or a psychiatric injury (my terms, but in use) ?

A psychiatric injury is depression brought on my external events. Sometimes, it cannot be shaken off. A cold virus can make me depressed. More likely it will be other people being a pain though.

A mental illness is defined by the mental health nurses (don't trust them they are idiots) is an internal event. Somehow, you are meant to get out of it, so they give you pills on a trial and error basis (this is quackery) and see if you cheer up or stop moaning. These bloody pills are addictive (don't even work at once) and some like Prozac can be a social nuisance. (He is not depressed any more but making everybody else unhappy).

Grief is different. The sense of loss is sometimes a bit like depression. And that can be the case of the football team gets relegated for some.

Answer 9

I am glad you want REAL answers from REAL people that have experienced REAL problems, instead of retards complaining about bills and their spouses!

I have never really been a happy person. Instead, I lead a life of logic, and deep philosophical thoughts that others could never fathom in their dreams. Anyway, not long ago I lost my father. Needless to say, even if I WAS a happy, carefree person, those days were GONE! *sigh*

Basically, I took a leave from work, recommended by my psychologist (and mother, of course) to try and gather my bearings to start living a somewhat normal life again. Everything got disrupted: eating, sleeping, any other ritual habits. I am trying to straighten things out though. It helps to have great family and wonderful friends!

One suggestion I heard, that was not some cliched jargon crap, was to travel, since that is the one passion I absolutely hold in my life. Always have, and always will! I did all the things that "used to make me happy" before, and not a damn thing worked! Then, well I met someone amazing that lives in California. Funny coincidence, I always wanted to go there. So, you see, I need something new to do, instead of familiar. That prospect is helping me get through these days with greater ease, because of the promising reward I see.

Hope I helped. I know it gets really hard to talk about. People do not like listening. They pretend, but I wonder who really keeps their ears open. I try to, ~N

Answer 10

I suffer from depression and I used to feel like you as far as taking medication. I felt as though if I start taking medication, I will be on it for life. Counseling has helped me a lot. When you can talk to an unbiased person, you can get to the bottom of your illness and can better deal with it. Once you find out the source, you can really come to grips with your life. My doctor also explained to me that depression is an illness like high blood pressure, heart disease and epilepsy. Sometimes, medication is needed to help MANAGE the illness. Find an affordable counselor/therapist that you can talk to. Also, look up different medications for depression. What works for some won't work for everybody. Get some ideas of how different medications work. Look at taking medication like taking a vitamin. You are taking it to HELP you to feel better. Don't give up. Good luck!!