Depression

[tigerlilly01]

   How can you overcome depression?  I don't want to be dependent upon drugs but to cope with the things life brings leaves me very depressed at times.

[missijl]

Don't become overwhelmed. Only deal with what you can do for today. Try to take care of yourself, rather than worrying about others' well being. Treat yourself to something nice each day--even if it's just some meditation time, time reading a good book, or a nice bubble bath. The more you take care of YOU, the better you'll feel. 

[AmyTrivitt]

Keep a journal, when you think you have no one to turn to and talk about things with write in it. Always make time for yourself doing something you love to do!

[dkanofsky]

Depends what type of depression you have.  It's nothing to be ashamed about though.  I would see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.   

[samrhett2]

Depends what type of depression you have.  It's nothing to be ashamed about though.  I would see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.   

I could not agree more.  I have suffered from depressions and anxiety for over 25 years.  I really sucks and I would not wish it on my worst enemy.  The worst part is that people do not understand.  They grow frustrated that you cannot just develop a positive attitude and move on.  That is like asking someone with cancer to cure themselves.  If the cause is biological, I think that sometimes it will correct itself with proper diet and exercise and counselling, but why suffer until that occurs?  Many illnesses like depression are hereditary and therefore part of your gene makeup.  You can do things to combat the depression, but in my mind, you probably won't ever eliminate it.

I have accepted the fact that I will be on some sort of medication the rest of my life, but I have been to the gates of hell and taking medicine is a pleasure compared to where depression once had me.  Having depression does not make anyone a flawed person anymore than having thyroid disease.  It is all controlled by chemicals so you need to find out if your body is producing enough of the proper kinds to make you feel well.

[ButterflyWings]

 :heart:Tiger I deal with spurts of depression..It is hard but..I tend to re-focus my thoughts somewhere more uplifting..I think of the good when everything seems bad..I talk to someone close or just cry.I write all I feel down to get it out..Remember no matter how bad things seem they always get better and without the bad and ugly we do not see the good always..Don't hold it in hun let it out it is always so freeing and sometimes you find that it is not as bad..If you ever need to vent I am here and always a good listener..

[nancynghbrs]

I have been on so many different kinds of anti-depressants, I can not list them all, plus I have thyriod disease. People who have never experienced depression have no ideal how it can effect someone's life. It is a cruel and miserable disease. If you live with someone who suffers from depression, you must understand it is not a choice. It consumes every part of you and robs you of life. A supportive spouse or family member that continues to encourage you and listen to your fears, along with medication is the best way to manage the bouts of depression.

[tigerlilly01]

Thank you all for your encouragement and kindness.  It is hard to admit how down you are when everyone around you is so happy.  I am blessed and thankful for all I have but depression still comes and goes.  Thanks for listening.

[samrhett2]

Tigerlilly, you are right it is hard to admit and for that very reason most people never knew how bad I was feeling when I was falling apart.  I learned how to pretend that I was ok all the time.  I put on a smile and went to work because I had to.  Behind the smiles and cheerfulness, I was dying.  I felt like I deserved an Academy Award some days, but I knew that it served no purpose to try to tell most people how I felt and they would have felt bad not being able to help.  I don't know how I did it, but I made it through years doing that and then I would get home from work and sleep until the next day and do it again.  You can get better and it is good that you are expressing how you feel in a safe environment.

[Mickey001]

I have been diagnosed with depression also.  I have been seeing a Psychologist for over 5 years.  I am also on medication.  Between the counseling and medication, my life has really improved.  I have resolved myself, that I will need counseling and medication for the rest of my life.  Before all of this, I was always sad and never went out.  Pleas seek counseling and if appropriate, medication.   

[ppv2]

Take one day at a time.  Get plenty of rest.  Spend some time exercising several times each week.  Go shopping or to the movies.  Spend some time with your friends.  I hope these ideas are helpful.

[ElleRich]

Depends what type of depression you have.  It's nothing to be ashamed about though.  I would see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.   

I could not agree more.  I have suffered from depressions and anxiety for over 25 years.  I really sucks and I would not wish it on my worst enemy.  The worst part is that people do not understand.  They grow frustrated that you cannot just develop a positive attitude and move on.  That is like asking someone with cancer to cure themselves.  If the cause is biological, I think that sometimes it will correct itself with proper diet and exercise and counselling, but why suffer until that occurs?  Many illnesses like depression are hereditary and therefore part of your gene makeup.  You can do things to combat the depression, but in my mind, you probably won't ever eliminate it.

I have accepted the fact that I will be on some sort of medication the rest of my life, but I have been to the gates of hell and taking medicine is a pleasure compared to where depression once had me.  Having depression does not make anyone a flawed person anymore than having thyroid disease.  It is all controlled by chemicals so you need to find out if your body is producing enough of the proper kinds to make you feel well.

I have bipolar disorder and was diagnosed in 1988.  I mainly have the depression and anxiety.  Without my medications, I cannot function.  There is no shame in it. It all has to do with a chemical imbalance in my brain. I live with this on a daily basis, just as someone with diabetes takes insulin.  Please see a psychiatrist on your depression and receive your options.  Counseling also helps.  I hope that I have helped you