Intro

[JS1981]

Hello, I am new here and I am looking for new ways to deal with depression. I am taking medication, supplements, and talking with a therapist. None of this seems to be helping. I do not drink or do drugs, and I have a great life. I have nothing to be unhappy about yet I am still in happy. I have dealt with this for as long as I can remember and within the last two years the bad days are getting worse and occur more often.

[softwaremom00]

Have you tried Neuro-Acupuncture ? It is a very specialized type of cranial acupuncture. My son has a similar problem.. things are not working for his depression. The acupuncture helps a little but he still gets sad. He just tried 4 Ketamine infusions and they did not help either.(Ketamine is not the miracle drug that it is often touted) He has started the genesight test. This test is supposed to use your DNA to target therapies. I hope it will give some insight into which medication to try next. He also sees a therapist weekly and takes supplements. He does meditation with me.. but that does not help either. You might try it. It is a mindfulness meditation. I know it sounds overly simple but what about 30 minutes of solid cardio exercise each day. If you do enough to get a runners high then this might boost your mood. I could not convince my son to give that much of a try. I find when I run(used to run) I would have to really push myself the first 20 minutes sometimes more and I had to work myself up to a speed and time. Good Luck.. and please know that we are here for you.

Depression is a hard disease and when you cannot find anything to relieve you it is frustrating. It is really painful.. at least with physical pain the doctor will give you pain pills but with depression pain they do not have a universal pain pill yet.

lots of hugs and prayers

Softwaremom

[JS1981 in reply to softwaremom00]

Thank you for the advice. Is neuroactupuncture the thing with the lasers on your head? I have tried that, I don’t remember what they called it. It helped while I was doing the treatment and a few days after but then depression just came right back. As for the exercise, I think it would help. I just have to find the motivation to do it. I get up pretty early for work and my job is quite psyical. By the time I get home I’m pretty wore out plus I’m taking online classes, it’s tough to find the time also. I’ve had a membership to a gym for about two years now (I enjoy swimming and lifting weights) and I think I’ve been four or five times. I know the exercise will help, I’m just having a hard time doing it.

[Lakewolf]

Depression can be genetic. Do any of your family members have it?

[JS1981 in reply to Lakewolf]

My brother and sister both have it but beyond that I’m not sure. I don’t really have the type of relationship with my parents that I feel comfortable asking them.

[Hidden]

Hello and Welcome JS1981!

I’m so glad you’re here!! I have found that medication alone really doesn’t help much, but in conjunction with a few simple mind tricks I play, it all works out for good! Would you like to hear my spiel on what works for me?

[JS1981 in reply to Hidden]

I would love to hear it although I’m not sure it will help. The therapist gave me some as well and didn’t really do much. Talking and getting any advice I can does help though

[b1b1b1 in reply to Hidden]

I would like to hear your mind tricks.

[Hidden in reply to b1b1b1]

See below! 🙂

[Hidden]

One thing I have been focused on is detoxing my gut and intermittent fasting. Walking also helps a lot.

[Hidden]

I see that you’re already thinking that the advice will not help you which brings me to tip #1) Think positively!!! I cannot stress this enough. Thinking in a positive manner can become more natural than not with practice and vigilance. This is not a joke and can help you change your life!

#2) Keep your head out of the past. No ruminating! The past cannot be changed and is a waste of time and good, mental energy. If you’re unable to do this consciously, distract yourself with something you enjoy. If you can’t find something you enjoy, then get out and help someone less fortunate than yourself.

#3) Keep your head out of the future! This type of thinking produces anxiety. The future hasn’t occurred yet, so stay out of it. “What if’s” are not allowed as well as self-sabotaging the future with our negativity (sound familiar?). Give tomorrow a fighting chance by staying out of it.

#4) Live in today only, embracing the things you have control over. If you have zero control over something, let it go! Let go of everything, and I mean everything that you don’t have control over. You’ll be surprised at how light your load will be when you simply follow #’s 1-4.

#5) Exercise gratitude for all of your many blessings. Try doing this several times per day, especially when you’re feeling bad. Be grateful for both large and small blessings. Personally, I like the small things! When you’re feeling all grateful, it’s hard to throw a pity party!

#6) Do not isolate! Make yourself reach out to others, not necessarily for support, but to just talk and socialize. Don’t say no to opportunities to socialize. This is really important. Isolation makes everything worse.

#7) Get out and do the very things that you don’t want to. Pushing through our unwarranted fears and thoughts leaves us with a sense of accomplishment and pride, which of course, raises our self-esteem.

#8) Don’t listen to the lies depression tells you! Work on self-love. Tell yourself how wonderful you are and believe it! Engage in things to increase your confidence. You are what you think...

#9) Do almost anything to stay out of your head. Thinking too much is never a good thing for us. Stay busy and squash negative thoughts. Search really hard for the positive aspects of every situation. No matter how small the positive may be, focus on it!!!

#10) Cultivate your spiritual life. This is the reason for all things to me, but if you’re opposed or offended, I’m sorry!

Now!! Whew!! Healing from depression takes a lot of positivity and action. These tips are helpful when and if a person is willing, has a desire to get better, and takes it seriously. I hope you find peace of mind and can see hope alive all around you! 🌺🙂🌺

[b1b1b1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Very good ideas!

[Lakewolf in reply to Hidden]

I become anxious even when my head is empty (which my sister would say is most of the time.)

My spiritual life suffers, because I can’t concentrate.

[Hidden in reply to Lakewolf]

Hello Lakewolf!

When I become disconnected from the Light, I basically have to start over with prayer and for the moment, talk to Him in simple sentences, such as, “please help me” “give me the strength and concentration to seek You” “deliver me from this suffering” “help me to help myself” 🌷🙂🌷 The last sentence in quotes is the key to freedom, spirituality, peace and love. When you seek your higher power with all your heart, you will find Him...if you want it, you can have it! ❤️👼🏻❤️

[Lakewolf in reply to Hidden]

I know. He’s the only One Who gives me hope.

[Hidden in reply to Lakewolf]

He is Hope, Light, Warmth, Power, Compassion, Love and Peace 🌺🙂🌺 I long to be in the sunlight of the Spirit now and forever. 🌞

[Lakewolf in reply to Hidden]

AMEN!!! Me, too! I feel MUCH better now, thanks to Him and you.

[Hidden in reply to Lakewolf]

It is Him, my friend, oh yes 💐❤️💐

[softwaremom00 in reply to Hidden]

I love what you wrote. I am going to copy it and share it with my son(and myself) Thanks for writing it.

[Hidden]

How long have you been at it?

I would echo what the others have been saying. Try working out, meditating, practicing mindfulness (instead of being "in" your head), having a gratitude journal, and having a positive mindset. All of these can help elevate your mood as long as it doesn't feel like work.