What are good ways to cope with anxiety and depression without having to take meds all the time?

Question

Are there any meds that seem to work better than others in treating anxiety and depression?

Answer 1

I personally like working in the yard. It's a great stress reliever. Walking also helps.

Answer 2

well im going through anxiety and depression myself ive had it for 3 years the way that ive coped is just generally doing things to keep myself busy not think of things that get me down and upset,talking to people about the way i feel.smiling and having a laugh is a good way to cope with depresion.I mean i was given meds but i didnt take them because i didnt want to rely on a drug to get me better,well its worked im not insane yet so it must be a good thing....
Also go and have a word with your gp........they can give you advice of places that do relaxation groups and stuff like that.

Answer 3

Exercise is a very good method to combat depression as long as you are not so depressed that you cannot bring yourself to do it. I say do what makes you happy and accept the love and care that others want to give you. If you like restaurants then go out and eat a few times a week.

Whatever you do to help yourself be sure to make a pattern of it so that it is consistent.

examples:
Exercise every MWF
Go out to eat every Tuesday
Play Board Games every Sunday
Write Letters to Friends and Family Every Saturday
Sing Karaoke every Thursday

just make a list of things to do and be sure you keep doing them....

As long as you have something to look forward too you have less of a chance of looking towards something depressing.

Also, start watching and listening to comedy!

Answer 4

I deal with these issues too and I stopped taking meds 2 years ago because I felt indifferent to everything. I get enough sleep, I eat right, i avoid caffeine beyond my morning Joe and I say the serenity prayer every time I get anxious...it works for me! Good luck! Also, if i feel myself slipping, I will go back on meds for a bit to replenish my serotonin levels.

Answer 5

I am single mum. I have been suffering for panic attacks for some 15 years now, though it was not until recently I understood what they were. They were progressively getting stronger and more frequent, stopping me from some days even leaving my house. I read this book and it all made perfect sense.

I am not saying I was not terrified of putting theory to action, I was more scared of that than the next attack! But I decided to view it as a game, one I had control of and could therefore not lose!

Answer 6

Keep a good diet and exercise, I also suffer from depression and I know what you mean by doctors always wanting to put you on medication. Go outside as much as you can the fresh air will give your brain more oxygen.

Answer 7

I take meds for depression. They work. Take them.

If you really want other ways though, write your thoughts down, go to a therapist, EXERCISE, be healthy, find something to distract yourself with when you get sad.

If you dont, you could end up like i did when i wasnt taking my meds...in the hospital.

Answer 8

I always watch something funny. Lately I'm up to japanese tv show called 'gaki no tsukai'. It is very lame. You can find lots of their videos in youtube. altho not all of them are subbed,but you can still understand the funny side.
They really do make me LOL. After watching them I always feel better. Also try 'Hard Gay' a funny Japanese show about a man,dressed in SM costume attacking crowd. Look in youtube.

Other way is I try to make scrapbook.Or, i Plan a trip!!

Answer 9

First, stop take a deep breath, breathe in through your nose and feel the air filling your stomach, feel and see the stomach rise then exhale slowly through your mouth.Then start thinking about a pleasant memory, one that can make you laugh or smile. This always does the trick for me.

Answer 10

Planning. Exercise. Socializing through volunteering.