what is the best way apart from medication to ease depression?

Question

i have been on meds before and this time i would prefer not to if possible

Answer 1

Depression is an expression of the state of your psyche, and therefore psychotherapy is the way to treat it most effectively. Our psychological state is manifested in ways which may include some changes in neurochemistry, hence the use of medication, but this is unsubtle at best, and never, ever cures anything - it only prevents one feeling too much during the time one takes the drugs.

I have said 'psychotherapy' rather than 'counselling', because I'm trying to make clear that depression needs something more than just a chance to talk. It needs a therapist who can go deep. There ARE some counsellors who can provide this, but most people who call themselves counsellors have not done a long period of their own therapeutic work and can't work with unconscious processes.

Do be sure to find someone who is fully qualified and registered with a professional organisation. In the UK, try http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk (the UK Council for Psychotherapy) or (but here you need to look carefully at the level of qualification) http://www.bacp.co.uk (the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).

Answer 2

Hello,

I agree with most of what has been said above. If you have had anti-depression medication prescribed in the past, then a doctor must have felt that your brain's 'energy chemicals' were low.

Unfortunately people who have been depressed before, tend to get depressed again; the problem is 'recurrent' or they are said to have a 'depressive tendency' ('diathesis') or a 'depressive personality.'

Other personality features that very often go along with a tendency to depression, are outlined in Anthony Storr's book "The Art of Psychotherapy" page 94. We are talking about things like, low self-esteem, and a willingness to do anything for other people, in order to get their approval. This is why you are being advised to get counselling or psychotherapy, both of which involve an in-depth look at your whole personality.

There is one form of counselling called 'Cognitive Behaviour Therapy' which is more about examining immediate negative reactions in your mind, and less about examining your whole personality. Some people find it helpful.

Hope this helps. Beliger

Answer 3

Vigorous exercise produces endorphins in your body which make you feel good. Good for the body too. Watch only comedy films and TV shows, read joke books. Go out and do things you enjoy. See a professional counsellor. Go to church and be born again to a new life with God. Help people who are worse off than yourself. Grow a flower. Have a pet. Do all of the above and you will be too tired, too amused, too filled with God, too emptied of all your problems and too concerned with the well-being of another to be depressed.

But if all that doesn't work, your depression may have a physical cause that can only be treated with medicine. Then treat it with medicine, because depression feeds on itself as you spiral downward.

Answer 4

It depends whether the depression is one that needs tablets etc. Only the doctor could tell you this. If you are depressed because of 'something or someone or it's period time' then you can try to do something without tablets.
I always think a warm bath, pamper yourself, have a good cry, or treat yourself. Whatever does it for you.
I do hope you will feel better soon.
Good Luck

Answer 5

i was told that exercise is very good for depression i also found that going for walks in the fresh air worked wonders. find somewhere peaceful to relax.

i hope this helps as i know depression can be horrible to have.

Answer 6

Lots of sunlight, exercise it includes walking ,ice creams, chocolates.All these things help produce serotin in the brain which is happy hormone.

Answer 7

Counseling.

Answer 8

get out in the countryside, and go for long walks, enjoy the beauty of the simple things, and most of all keep a positive mind.

Answer 9

Try to find a hobby and develop a passion for something.

Answer 10

Stay active, exercise, practice deep breathing and get a hobby.