Dealing with depression

[Bwoods]

Hey I'm new to this sharing thing and was just wondering if anyone can give me tips on how to deal with depression that doesn't revolve around drinking, smoking or self harm. I would really appreciate any tips at all.

[n1cole]

It's so hard dealing with depression. When I feel it really hitting hard... if possible I just cry and try to sleep. But that's hard me most of the time between working and caring for my kid. So I just try my hardest to keep it in until I can't vent on here or finally have alone time. Have you seen a doctor?

[Bwoods in reply to n1cole]

I've only seen my school consuler which used to help but my depression just keeps getting worse and worse.

[lsteph9]

I find it really helpful to write. You don't have to be the next Shakespeare, but I find it extremely therapeutic to get my emotions down on a page. I find it that I normally am asking a lot of questions about why I'm feeling a certain way and what made it worse. Sometimes it's nothing, sometimes something triggered it. I can normally answer my own questions after working through my thoughts. Good luck! I'm here to talk if you need someone to talk to!

[n1cole in reply to lsteph9]

That's a good way to deal with it too! Sometimes I just open up the note thing on my iPhone and type away.

[lsteph9 in reply to n1cole]

That's what I do too when I don't have my little journal! I normally keep a book of all my entries and sometimes it just nice to look back on them and see how I get through something really hard and then I can remember that I can get through this too. It just gives a little moral boost which is always much appreciated.

[Hidden in reply to lsteph9]

I have been writing too. My therapist suggested I do it before I go to sleep to get my anxieties out. I've only been doing it a few nights, but I think it is working. Keep writing and talking it out!

[Bwoods in reply to lsteph9]

Thank you so much I will definitely try that tonight.

[Mpa5524]

I to would drink to feel better then anxiety panic hit me hard and got depressed so knew it was time to see the Dr and now I'm on celexa two weeks. Also seeing a counselor who suggested I write a journal my thoughts etc and I should take up reading. And those who know me know I don't read books. But I just ordered a book "the secret" about positive thoughts etc the movie helped me in the past when this happened I was 21. 39 now and struck again. So figured I'd give the book a shot since I really dont sleep much at night. Feel better soon

[Surviving1dayatatime]

It is good to try writing down things that are good in life and things you're thankful for. Then once you've made a list for a week take it and read and think about those things. Then in the future when you feel bad read through the list

[gogogirl in reply to Surviving1dayatatime]

I like that. And how does one deal with GUILT? I deserve this due to some poor decisions years ago- and am numb.

[Stevedan in reply to gogogirl]

Why do you think you deserve guilt? I don't know what you've done but short of murder try not to carry the past, it just ways you down. Whatever you've done try to forgive yourself and do all you can to not do it again. Simple advice and seems stupid, i know but with some time amd patients mayve you can move on even if only a little. Small steps. It may not go away but with enough time it won't hurt as much. Hang in there.

[gogogirl in reply to Stevedan]

I feel guilty for taking the short cut for moving to the ocean. I moved back due to guilt. I am old now, just waiting for my time. And plus I was taken advantage of by scammers.

[gogogirl in reply to Stevedan]

Thank you for your post. I also feel guilty for now being successful with my original career. I have a type of learning disability also. I do volunteer at times, but now I am old, and would have liked a better fit for a career. Some people say guilt is good.

[Stevedan in reply to gogogirl]

Try rephrasing guilt as regret. That seems a little easier on yourself. We all regret things. Save guilt for bigger things like major crimes. Besides i see no reason to feel guilt from what you said. Infact it sounds there are some things to be proud of. Don't focus on what went wrong so much. Think about what's going right or even just ok. Take victories where you can, even if it's a good breakfast.

[gogogirl in reply to Stevedan]

Most of my life is over , and I have deep regrets. Now, I also have some lonliness.

[Stevedan in reply to gogogirl]

But your life isn't over yet. Remember we are all changing no matter what stage of life we may be in so i guess just go with it and see where it goes. I'm probably half way through my life and i just started to learn that. Your past doesn't define you what you do in this moment does then so does the next and the next and so on. Remember always changing.

[gogogirl in reply to Stevedan]

Too hard to go with that in my sixities- depression has affected employment as well, and even though I have my husband I am an outsider where we live no matter now nice I am, and even when I volunteer.

[Creo]

I've tried lorazepam abilify Zoloft counseling drinking pot pills of all sorts sex sin churches aa meetings ... and on and on

What has worked is to get away from all the well meaning friends and relatives- far away. And get involved in volunteering at a food pantry and clothes closet I help the elderly with lawn care food general living help

Toys for tots choirs etc

Could go on but I think you can see my life has become exciting . People rely on me my fish and flower garden need me. I build ugly bird feeders but the birds don't mind they need me and are excited and thankful.

It takes a lot of willpower to just do it but forcing myself to do for others has saved my life.

[August1]

pick up a musical instrument! You don't even have to be good because its for your own entertainment.

[Matt67]

Hello.... Coming from experience.... It's ok to seek help and not a weakness. Talk to your doctor and counsel thru work may be possible. Even a medication on a temporary basis. You can "get out of your head" by volunteering for people in need. Adopting an exercise class at the YMCA or gym. Join a class and exercise with others. Force yourself to stick with a regular routine. Getting outdoors and exercising can increase natural chemicals for your mind. You have only one life here and let go of old issues... You have today. You are important and special.

[tuffy33]

Depression is really hard but far from impossible to beat. Pray a lot and meditate. Let the thoughts come to you and just let them past. It is hard but keep fighting. I have been fighting for three years now.

[ChelsieG]

It really depends on you. Listen to some epic music, paint, draw, take a drive and yell and scream as long as you do it safely. Sometimes I have conversations in the car that I could never have in public. Sometimes it's just a great way to release any anger. Watch a movie with a power house hero or heroine. If you're looking for something more simple, go for a walk, take in the sun, and remember that you are worth every breath, every tear, every heartache. Do something that makes YOU happy.

[gogogirl in reply to ChelsieG]

With depression it's very hard to get started- need a supportive group of people.

[kenster1 in reply to ChelsieG]

I do the yelling /screaming when I'm hillwalking no one but me and the dog for miles its a great tension releaser.

[applesforever2020]

It is really hard to deal with depression, especially when depression is a condition that makes you not want to do anything at all. I have recently started to see a counselor who is helping me change my thinking patterns. But in the meantime I am trying to make and stick to a schedule. Unfortunately the only way I am able to do this is through sheer will power, but some days it is not enough. Otherwise I sometimes take a walk or journal my feelings. Hope this helps!