Depression Treatment without Medicine?

Question

I'm 20 years old, almost 21. I have never had anythign close to a girlfriend, thinking about it, I've never even kissed a girl. I go to college, get good grades, have several friends, respected by many, and I have a decent part time job. I don't keep in contact too much with my family, I usually see them during the summer when I travel.

So, that's one side of me. The other side is pretty much my main side that not to many people know. I have been depressed my whole life, with everything I do and everything I dont do. I dont have the money to go to a professional, I dont believe in taking medication anyway. I have many of the symptoms of clincal depression or major depression.

Tried many things to just be happy with my life, but I really can't keep in my depression anymore. People are seeing that I depressed, their help does nothign for me except make me sad and want to be alone.

Figured random people on the internet would help....no...but opinions of others always help

Answer 1

You are asking people's opinions, but then you don't like some of the answers. You said that it only makes you want to be alone. And you've ruled out medication. Maybe you don't feel like people are understanding you? Maybe you need a good friend to really talk to. Just make sure that you understand that misery loves company. So try not to be a drag, or hang out with other miserable people.

I personally do not like the idea of popping pill to be "normal" but you also have to realize that there are very good medications that can help balance out certain chemicals in your head that contribute to depression. Depression is a very real thing and CAN be controlled. They're not going to give you a "happy pill" but they can give you something to help give you a leg up on this.

You could try herbs like 5HTP, St. John's Wart, and B-Complex vitamines. Omega Fatty Oils are really good for your brain function too. But then you're getting into not knowing the quality of what you are taking.

So if you refuse prescription medication then you can make sure that you eat healthy, get enough rest, and don't stress too much. Sunlight is also important. And you should also excercise. Excercise releases "feel good" endorphines.

One of the symptoms of depression is also a lack of motivation. So you can want to isolate. It doesn't mean that you want to jump off a bridge, but you just can't get motivated. Classic depression.

So you can try some of this stuff and see if it helps. But make sure that you don't let your depression spiral into other things, like unhealthy isolation, drug abuse, or alcoholism. It seems like you try to avoid drugs already, but don't fall into that trap. And remember alcohol is a drug too.

Answer 2

Hey man.

I suffered with major anxiety and depression when I was in my twenties. It lasted for years. I know how you feel. I know how hard it is to discuss your problem with friends and family. For me it was too embarrassing. I told my doctor about it somewhat. I wouldn't admit how bad it really was because I didn't want him to put me on Prozac or something.

Here's what worked for me. I stumbled on an article about fish oil being used to treat depression. The information was believable enough for me to give it a try. So that's what I did. I started taking just one fish oil capsule every day along with my multivitamin. After about 2 weeks I started noticing a difference. I upped the dosage. After a number of months, my depression and generalized anxiety were totally gone. I have been taking them ever since then. It has been many years now and my depression and anxiety never came back. I posted my whole story on a website. If you're interested, I will email you a link.

Do some research on it. Its cheap and very effective. Others have had the same success as me.

Answer 3

If you're in college, you should be able to see a psychologist on campus. Most campuses have a student counselling centre where students can go for counselling for free or for a very low cost. Cognitive behavioural therapy is quite common for on campus psychologists because it's short term (can last 6 to 8 wees) and has the exact same success rate in treating clinical depression as do antidepressants, except with therapy, you're less likely to relapse after treatment is over. Why not check that out?

Answer 4

Depression is sometimes a temporary inner reflection time. This is a natural process in one's life and should be embraced. There are times when one needs to go deep to silence the world and hear your true thoughts and feelings. If your dizzy feelings and you continue to withdraw from friends and family you may need some interventions beyond embracing your down time. Some suggestions are supplements that include B complexes, st. john's wart and a GOOD multivitiman. Also activity ---walking for 15 minutes will boost your metabolism. Although it is hard to get out of the house ----that 15 minutes will begin a new feeling. Some people use LIGHT therapy ---check out the idea of sitting under lights for 20 minutes in the morning. Good luck and I am happy you are reaching out for help!!!

Answer 5

I have had depressions off and on all my life. I know how it feels. It's like you are at your wit's end. When I was your age, I got into major depression. Went to see many shrinks but didn't help. The most important thing to make depression go away is to make yourself feel good about yourself. So I started working out like 2 hours a day seven days a week religiously. I started to look better. Girls noticed me. I could concentrate more on my study. I kept myself around people who are positive about life. People liked being around me. the most amazing feeling is I felt so good about myself . I thank god I should have done it long time ago. BTW I was a major nerd and today I am married to a drop dead gorgeous woman. It can happen to you too.

Answer 6

I can identify with your problem, having dealt with clinical depression for 32 years now. I found a program that got me off of antidepressant medications and has enabled me to tap into a joy I never thought to experience. This may sound like a come on or spam, and I can't help that, but if you email me, I can and will share what I've found with you.

Answer 7

Sunlight (in the darker months make the space you live in brighter (paint, bedding, lighting). Eat right and exercise. If you exercise daily ( a good 30 minute brisk walk) and do another physical activity 3 times a week (indoor rock climbing, squash, volleyball, basketball, the gym, swimming, martial arts, etc) it will help over time.
You can see a counsellor weekly as well and NOT be on medications. It gives you a place to vent, be yourself and find new ways to cope.
A journal can help as well... another place to let things out that are bothering you.

Answer 8

Sun light... Positive Music... Walking... Finding the joy in simple things... Also, make a list of everything that you love in life and read it when ever you can, my therapist taught me that and it helps. Know that you are not alone with this and it is defeatable.