Depression: Methods or MEDS???

Question

What has worked better for you, pills or changing your thoughts? I am trying to deal with being in and out of depression, and I don't want to be on drugs, but I am willing to listen to peoples' opinions about medication. Also, without medication, what methods are there to beat depression?

Answer 1

Depression may be caused by negative thoughts, poor circumstances, loss of loved ones, genetic factors, biochemical imbalance in the brain, emptiness in heart, unforgiveness, addictions etc.

There are some natural mood lifting food and vitamins that you can take with your drugs. They are:

-multivitamin
-Vitamin B complex pills
- Vitamin C
- GABA (you can get this at a pharmacy) it is a natural neurotransmitter in your brain.
- SAMe
- Calcium
- Magnesium
-Evening Primrose oil
- Flax oil
- Omega 3

try to have some exercise daily. Go into the sun. Talk with friends. Pray to Jesus, he gives you peace and lifts your mood. These are scientifically proven to work.

- Listen to soothing music on a couch.
- have aromatherapy
- eat healthily, oats, wheats, brown rice, more fish, chicken, lots of vegetables and fruits and other natural food, less oil, no sugar, no deep fried stuff, less red meat
- drink lots of filtered or bottled water
have a pet
- cultivate new hobbies
- do not take alcohol and avoid caffeine
- tackle your problem that is giving you depression. Problem solve with a counselor or friend to reduce the magnitude of the problem.
- Every time you catch yourself thinking negatively, think what is the most positive way of expressing your feelings and thoughts.
- Forgive others, release all bitterness and release all grudges, love God and love others
- Do a kind deed each day. Volunteer your service to the elderly, orphans etc
- I know I have said a lot. Take baby step, one step at a time. Give yourself time to get out of depression.

Think positively.

You may want to see a psychiatrist and counsellor to work out your problem. Psychotherapy may help. Prayer does help. Claim healing from Jesus. He loves you. Read the Bible, start at book of John. Take note of John 3:16, Acts 2:38. It is God's love message to you.

For anxiety, try deep breathing from your diaphragm and progressive muscle relaxation. You can buy books on how to overcome depression and anxiety.

It takes time to lift out of anxiety and depression. First thing is that you desire to get out of them. Next is the tenacity and perseverance to make changes to your life.

I've been through depression and anxiety, so I understand.

God bless you richly and have a blessed Christmas. Attend a United Pentecostal Church nearby your home. (www.upci.org)
There are brothers and sisters who care and be friends with you.

I found that methods worked better for me.

Answer 2

The most effective means seems to be a combination of talk-therapy with MEDS. Changing thought doesn't work too well, since thoughts are part of the depression problem; you can get so down that you lack the "koiack" (ability or inner strength) to change your thoughts. You can also consider changing a medication if it isn't being as effective as it has been or you would like it to be, but that should be done with a psychiatrist (who is a MD as opposed to a phychologist or social worker). There are those who claim that modern therapy is a load of hooey, and that people who do the therapy would be just as well without it, and those who frankly don't want to be a pill-popper all their life. Remember, though, that psych "drugs" are legitimate, and the problem with drug "drugs" is that they treat no specific sickness other than boredom or ennui or the expectation that something "cool" will happen and that "dose" is commensuate with gives you the sensation that you feel better.

Answer 3

It depends on the individual. At my lowest point, I was contemplating suicide, in which case, meds DO help.

If a person isn't considering suicide then meds are pointless in my opinion, because they numb you, so you don't really deal with what is causing the problem/s.

I went on different medications, saw many different therapists/psychologists/psychiatrists... when I wanted to get off my meds (because I felt it was the right thing for me) my doctor said it would be too hard to do, and to stay on them.

In my experience, psych's are too quick to "label" people and hand out prescriptions - none of the psychs I went to actually helped me deal with my problems. It seemed they were in it for the money.

In the end, the best thing for me has been getting off those damn meds and seeing a counsellor. Life improved dramatically for me.

I am now studying to become a counsellor myself.

feel free to email me, I'm more than happy to help.


The best method to beat depression? Finding a counsellor you can relate to and trust, being consistant and never giving up.

It's not easy, and a lot of people make the mistake of thinking it is.

Answer 4

pills first, then methods. pills allow you to have more focus and they make it easier to deal with the crazy stuff. you cant be expected to just make huge life altering changes when you are in a lot of pain, its just not realistic...trust me, i didnt want to take medication either, i was adamant about it. but i found that medication made the day to day a lot easier. once you can get through the day to day stuff, you can handle the bigger picture things that are bothering you and causing you pain. of course pills are not a panacea, you must do the work and eventually come off the pills...but they are a good starting point if you feel like you dont know where to start. talk to a psych about it, its your decision, but its also one that you should make with your doctor. good luck!

Answer 5

Personally, I prefer not to use pills. Yes using them can help you focus but it also can take ALL your emotions away which I found to be disturbing to me. I am not knocking meds. when you have tried all other methods first before resorting to them.
I know having a pet to take care of helps me forget about my problems & kept me from being depressed. Try finding a new hobby to peak your interest. Getting involved in new projects helps depression.
That is my opinion for what it is worth.