How to cope with depression? (page 2)

cult classic

Some things that have helped me get a grip on depression (some mentioned above)

To the extent possible reduce contact with negative, pessimistic people (including close friends/family members)

Challenge your negative thoughts. Ask yourself, "what is the worst thing that will happen if this thought comes true? And then what is the worst thing that will happen? And then what?... and so on... this takes away the power of those catastrophizing thoughts.

Light, light light, Get outside. Even on a cloudy day, spending time outdoors is better than sitting inside in artificial light. (check your vit D levels)

Get a pet. It gives you something to love and take care of that won't add to your problems and worries.

I have to second the caffeine tip above. I have never been a coffee drinker but a small cup (black, no sugar/cream) in the morning (especially in the winter) does wonders for my mood.

Clonazepam helped me in a pinch. I used it during one particulary bad stretch of anxiety (closely linked with my depression) a few years ago. It reminded me of how I used to feel before major depression took over. Since then, I've been able to settle back into a relaxed state when anxiety/depression strikes. I will use it again if all else fails.

Do whatever you have to do to get good sleep. You will never feel better if you're not sleeping well.

Good Luck on discovering what heals your soul.

Xanthippe

make yourself sorry you are going through a rough time. I had depression for years as a young pioneer, I know how terrible it is. Not helped by the Watchtower making out I was spiritually sick and telling me not to take antidepressants because they are addictive. Go and help someone else to take your mind of it or do some hard physical work they said.

They don't know what they're talking about. There is more than one cause of depression. For me it was caused by both a physical illness called systemic candidiasis which affects the brain chemistry and stress from working my butt off pioneering depleted a neurotransmitter in my brain called serotonin. Prolonged stress depletes serotonin. There is also some evidence that some people are born with lower levels of serotonin in their brain to start with, then if you pile on the stress your brain can't function properly.

The way I dealt with it was to cut out all unnecessary stress in my life. Obviously there are some responsibilities we have to take care of but other than that pull back, learn to say no to things. As a short term remedy I have taken SSRI medication to build up my serotonin. They do work but you can also build up your serotonin yourself with rest and reducing stress.

Learn to do things to make yourself happy and don't let JW ingrained guilt make you feel you always have to be working. As others have said avoid negative people who drag you down. When you are feeling really bad just live in the present completely. Don't think about tomorrow that just stresses you. Deal with now, this moment. Living in the now really works but it takes practise. Hope you feel a little better soon. Take care.

snare&racket

It is important to talk to your doctor, with regard to your concerns for depression........and also to do some tests, to rule out other causes (hypothyroid etc).

Take a look at this page, it is very helpful.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/depression-leaflet

snare x

Fernando

There are many medicines:

Exercise is medicine
Walking is medicine
Talking medicine (Psychologist, especially CBT)
Socialising is medicine
Sleep is medicine
Fruit and vegetables are medicine
Hobbies are medicine
Finding and clarifying identity, meaning, engagement and pleasure are medicines that make us happy
Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose are Medicines that motivate us
Meditation is medicine
The whole gospel is a powerful and natural medicine
Not so good medicine - synthetic, addictive and psychoactive iatrogenic medicine (Psychiatrists)

Fernando

Just watched a program on SBS where new research is discovering how important microbes in our mouth, stomach and intestines are to our overall health.

Re-instating missing microbes was reported as curing depression, cancer etc (in certain cases)

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/234273859562/Life-On-Us

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/234273859563/Life-On-Us

AFRIKANMAN

To all of you who are fighting with this Beast in all its many guises ......My most sincere wishes to you.

Please know that you are not alone in this battle.

Very good pointers have been made on this thread - after 30 months of this hell including 2 suicide attempts - I only got relief when I was put on to Venlafaxine [Effexor] that was after months of trying many other meds [Note: by stating the meds that worked for me does not mean that it is the be and end all for your specific situation ie I am not specifically endorsing it as The One] Needless to say I was back on track within a month - then I also managed to find a new niche in life work-wise and I was into remission. I am now [20 months down the line] - still on the Effexor [SNRI ?] -

However you have to approach your affliction holistically - eg Psychiatrist/Meds/Exercise/Diet etc etc etc - and finding good human support.

In my case my wife and my kids were my anchors. What support did I get from my - then - fellow elders??? Sweet Fanny Adams !!!!

Via the professionals - you need to also identify the Triggers for your depression.

I am also intensely into Mindfulness.

I have trimmed my life eg live very simply - have axed my debts and am in advanced Fade [totally Inactive and not attending meetings]

I would be more than willing to "chat" to anyone who would like to bounce things off me.

I am 58 yrs old, Professionally qualified with a passion for Music [am a trained Muso] and Art / good reading and quite Maverick and a little eccentric [according to my wife and kids] - Talk to me if you wish - I will not judge you!

May you all experience relief from the affliction.

NAVYTOWN

First and foremost, see your doctor and maybe a counselor or psychologist. Do this first and from there do some of the other things mentioned above.....light therapy, probiotics, better diet, exercise, etc.

berrygerry

Many great suggestions here.

As with any other medical situation, if the problem can be identified as well as triggers, then your battle is half over.

Meds may be necessary longterm, possibly only shortterm or even intermittently as the need arises.

The other suggestions for physical activity, diet, quite possibly supplements, work and home environments, are all valid.

As we know that our brain creates bridges from repetition, cognitive dissonance may impede quick repair of those bridges.

Personally, the last time that I talked to elders about meeting attendance and field service, and don't you always feel better afterwards, and I said No, I often feel worse, knowing that I cannot live up to what I and my family are being told that we are supposed to be doing.

Band on the Run

I am getting back on my feet. Moving did not help. I must move again b/c the ghetto blight is too much for me. After being away for 40 years, I did not realize how Entitled I had become, Every time I drive the car, I return to scenes of abuse. Four political groups asked me to join them. There is no excuse for this city being so dysfunctional. All one has to do is visit local towns that regulate certain industries, such as taxis.

I still have a way to go. Today I an in Newark when Central Park and the Village would be lovely.

done4good

1. Get help. No sense in going it alone, or without professional expertise.

2. Identify the enviromental situations that trigger it, and remove yourself from them if possible.

3. Get medication if needed.

4. Do not abuse alcohol. It will make it worse.

d4g

How to cope with depression?

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