what is the best way of reducing depresion??
92091
Go out with friends. Join volunteer organisations. Take time to visit young cancer patients (and you'll realise just how lucky you are!). Help the poor. Pray.
798607
The best ways to rid yourself of sadness and loneliness:\n\nJoin clubs any hobby you are interested in (chess club, astronomy club, bridge club, womens club etc) you will make all kinds of friends.\n\nGet out of the HOUSE often. You need contact with people, any people (like at the store, library, swim center etc)\n\nGet lots of exercize, it promotes serotonin for good feelings (go swim at a pool, jazzercise, biking, hiking, walks, tae bo etc).\n\nEat healthy, very important to nourish the mind so you wont be depressed (lots of fruit and veggies and lean meat) Also take supplements (vitamins and minerals and herbs) Talk to someone at a herb shop or health food store. They have amazing stuff.\n\nRead Books (fiction for pleasure and non0fiction to learn about health, wellness, hobby, and more)\n\nGet involved (community service, find something you can help with) My best days were spent helping others. Very important for your well-being.\n\nMake contact with family and friends (make the effort to visit them, talk on phone and email them asap) See your child more often you are her mother and she needs you.\n\nHere is an important book I want you to read. It can change your life for the better.\nThe Luck Factor by Dr. Richard Weisman (amazon)\nTells you the steps to make your life better, more luck in every aspect of living, even how to pick a mate. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Please read it too.\n\nGood Luck & keep you chin up.
412287
Take a walk in the sunshine. The sunlight increases serotonin levels. Focus on good things either in your past or things you want to happen in the future.  Also drink a couple of glasses of water it seems to help pep you up.\n\nWhen I feel this way, I tell myself I can have a one day pity party and tomorrow when I wake up I am going to start the day with a brand new attitude.\n\n\nGood Luck:)
1071264
Past medication, I am going to recite here what I found in Kathy Cronkite's book regarding depression: Liz Carpenter, former White House press secretary uses these techniques to keep "the wolves" at bay..........\n1. Do something for someone-a child, a friend, a mate. 2. Do something for yourself-a new hairdo, a new dress, a massage. 3. Do something for your home-garden, plant a tree, clean a drawer or closet while listening to music. 4. Have eight people to dinner with your good china and best recipes. 5. Take three upbeat friends to lunch. 6. PLan a vacation. 7. Exercise-swim, dance, jog, walk. 8. Volunteer to work in a soup line. 9. Follow the AA formula of HALT-take positive steps to avoid being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. 10. Confess your depression to a sensible friend or physician. 11. Join something-a cooking club, tennis club, church or all three. 12. Sing-even if you think you can't. \n\nKathy Cronkite wrote "On the Edge of Darkness", Conversations About Conquering Depression". Buy it. I sent it to my Aunt and never thought I'd need it for myself. It helped me immensely along with my doctor and his kindness in understanding. I have a prescription now, whereas, all I wanted to do was just lay down and die. God Bless.
616255
You definitely need to see a doctor before it gets worse to determine whether therapy, medication or both are the best route for you to take. Also, a quick fix that I found is eating dark chocolate - it gave me just enough to get over the depression feelings - but it doesn't last long - maybe a couple hours max.\n\n\nwww.mommastayshome.com
1043760
surround yourself with positive thoughts. set simple daily goals that you can achieve. stick to a routine as much as possible. give yourself a compliment at least twice a day. write things down in a planner or journal to help you stay focused. and if all else fails... seek professional help. depression is nothing to play around with. sometimes we need outside help and that's okay.
764880
Keep a list of good things to refer to when you are feeling down - things that you have achieved or that make you happy. Be your own best friend, who reminds you of what's best about yourself. \n\nDon't stay in with the computer all the time - go out, get fresh air, smile at people, be part of your community. Also, have a proper routine for the jobs that have to be done - cleaning, self-care, paying bills, etc - you will feel better for being on top of them. You can give yourself a reward for each job completed....\n\nThink about the activities you enjoy most or are best at and plan more time for them in your life, and in ways that involve other people.\nSo if you are a good cook, cook good meals for yourself, but also volunteer to cook for a local project. If you enjoy singing, join a choir. If you feel you have no particular skills, why not take an evening class to learn a new one. \n\nExercise is good for your self-esteem as it makes you fitter and better able to cope with stress, but it has to be the right exercise for you. If you are not into team sports or the gym, consider walking, cycling, jogging or dance.\n\nImagine that you are a photographer or journalist with an assignment to record something beautiful or joyful every day. This will make you go looking for the positive things in yourself, in other people, in nature and in the world around you.\n\nBudget for a small treat each week, whether it's a magazine, a movie, a bright scarf, a new picture for your wall, a manicure, whatever you enjoy.....\n\nMake a list of ten things you would like to achieve or experience in the next few years, and start doing them! Don't get anxious about things you have not yet done - you still have them to look forward to.\n\nDon't give into negative thoughts about yourself or other people, or guilt about the past. Treat each day as a fresh chance to do some good in the world, to look for the best in other people and in yourself and to enjoy life.\n\nGood luck!
521200
Try group therapy.  There are free ones.  Look in the newspaper under the community calendar.  There are ones through churches, different clubs and hospitals.  Being able to anonymously talk about things may very well help.  Also, you should try to exercise and eat healthy.  This certainly can affect your hormones, etc...  Search out things you've always wanted to do and do them.  Make an effort to enjoy yourself.  Even when you would rather just sleep, do something.  If the sun is shining, go outside.  It is not easy recovering from depression.  Half the battle is making yourself aware that the only true cure is making the choice to be positive and happy.  It is terribly hard to do.  I did have the help of welbutrin (anti-depressant) for about 3 months to help me through some serious depression.  It simply gave me more energy.  Other than that, I just had to realize that depression comes from within me.  There is no outside source.  I didn't become depressed because I was going through bad things.  Lots of people go through bad stuff all the time and they are not depressed.  It was my mind and heart.  I finally decided I wanted to be happy and consciously made an effort to be so.
404911
Find a new therapist who will help you and not just fill you full of pills!  \n\nAlso, try working out at the gym - that should help with self-esteem, make you feel less tired, increase your sex drive, and increase your motivation.  Research has shown that just 30 minutes of exercise can be more effective than an anti-depressant.  If you are doing both then maybe things will start to look up!
986553
You don't need to wear a mask. Try to be around the people who can accept the fact that you are going through a hard time. There is nothing like having to be an actress on top of feeling really depressed.\nThere are things that can really help with depression other than the pills.\nNutrition can affect your mental well being. Try to eat a balanced healthy diet. No junk food, cut down of sugar... Eat lots of fresh vegetable, grains, beans... Omega fatty acid is amazing for depression, the brain. Add flax seed oil to your diet. one to two tablespoon a day. Vitamin B complex and B 12 are great for depression.\nTry your best to not aggravate your depression by drinking alcohol and smoking.\nExercise is crucial. Try to go for walks in the nature where you can feel at peace, near the water, in the park...\nGive Yoga and meditation a chance. It will do you a world of good. If you can, try to volunteer so that you can get the focus off your depression and do something positive.\nAt night try to take a hot bath, add few drops of lavender essential oil. It is very soothing.\nTry these methods for a month or so and hopefully you'll feel better. \nYou can get well if you have the right attitude and determination.\nGood luck my friend.
1057469
if you dont want to take meds the next best thing is exercise.  it clears the mind and promotes a good self image.  also seeking a higher being, prayer, meditation is helpful.
621041
Exercise is a great method..if you can pick your mood up to do it. Most forms of exercise release endorphines which are a natural pain reliever and mood enhancer. If this doesn't work it helps to change your diet...and or try meds. I've tried all of these at least once. PS...laughing is another great fix...it also releases endorphines...see funny movie.
678047
I think the most important thing you can do for yourself is accept that there are no magic pills. If you put too much faith in medicine, chances are you will be disappointed because pills do not always address the underlying causes of depression.\n\nThings that you could try instead:\n\n1. Examine your diet. Is it healthy and balanced? If it isn't, think about taking supplements for a while. I know everyone booed Tom Cruise when he suggested vitamins as a cure for Post-partum depression but, actually, he made an important point badly. Poor nutrition is a factor in a vast number of mental illnesses. If you want to get serious about nutrition, buy a book called 'The Optimum Nutrition Bible' and follow the supplementation regime for depression. It will work - promise!\n\n2. Another thing to try (in conjunction with 1) is to take more exercise. It's the last thing you feel like doing, I will bet. But exercise gets those serotonin and endorphin levels elevated and you come out on a high. Even if you are unfit, you come out feeling like you have achieved something when you finish a class. Think about taking up aerobics or using a cross-trainer regularly\n\n3. Try to talk about your feelings. Depression is often caused by repressed anger. Women, in particular, tend to suffer from depression because we tend to internalise stress. The best way to not get depressed is to get used to expressing and asserting yourself. If you type 'depression and anger' into Google, you will be surprised by the amount of material on the web about this.\n\n4. Try to get enough sleep. If you prop your body up with lots of cigarettes, coffee, alcohol or soda (or even recreational drugs) try to cut right down. Try to cut out alcohol as it is a depressant. You know by now that trying to bury your feelings in unhealthy habits isn't working. In fact, it may be making you feel worse. It's time to give up all those bad habits for good.\n\n5. Do what you can to shift your mindset. If you sit there all day saying 'I am depressed', you will feel depressed. I guarantee it. Instead, wake up in the morning and say 'it's a gorgeous day today. I think I'll go for a walk'. Then do it. Or look at your feet and promise to paint your toenails a pretty colour. Listen to some music (no mopey love songs or funeral dirges - listen to upbeat tracks that make you want to dance or sing along). \n\nI too have suffered from depression, for many years. It has only lifted in the last 6 years. I did the pill thing, the alcohol thing, the hospital thing and therapy. But what really helped me was a determined effort to change my mindset - from cup half empty to cup half full. I try to be positive but I keep things real. I think about how I feel about things a lot. And if I am angry, I express it. Why shouldn't I?\n\nIt will not be easy but make a commitment to yourself to take some of these steps. Only then will you position yourself to be free of this burden forever.\n\nTake care and good luck.
820562
well RAmbo lol i'd say all you have to do is dont think about what makes you depressed....go and do something to get your mind off of it! either that or you need to start off fresh and just forget about it....try at least....depression is a horrible thing!
449777
Sunlight, in the winter get a bulb that emits sunlight like tones or even a plant bulb. Also fresh air, mild exercises. Any exercises or stretching you do today that you didn't yesterday is an improvement.Not too much too fast so you get sore and discouraged.\n Try giving your time and energy to a group or cause, focus on others for a bit. Smile at people you come in contact with, make a nice comment to someone at least once a day. Trying to find something nice or comforting to another can often brighten your day as well. Balance your food intake into smaller more frequent meals. \nSet small goals for yourself, and mark their achievement even if only mentally. Reflect on your day don't dwell on the bad but remark on the good. As for the bad, Put it to bed so to speak before you go to bed yourself. recognize but don't let it be an excuse to feel bad, beat yourself up, or hold you back. Pick one area to improve on the next day. Also if you go to docs be sure to mention any  and all meds and supplements you are currently taking.\nGood luck, don't get discouraged by a bad moment, hour or day.
933196
theres many things you can do. when im depressed or feeling low, i call or talk to one of my friends or family members. i also like listening to music. another thing you can do is eat your favorite food.
744379
Well, you know there is always counselling and supports available to you in your community, but have you tried the self-help approaches? Here are some good tips that you can try at home to see if this lessens your depression. Best of luck.\n\n"GET OUT OF BED: \n\nOne of the most important things you can do is get up at about the same time every morning (even week-ends). Preferably, that means about 7 a.m. or earlier. You might not feel like it but Get Up. Such regularity helps your body function more normally so you're more likely to feel normal. \n\nLIGHTS: \n\nLight helps your body function better. So turn on a lot of lights as soon as you arise. Open curtains to get more sunlight. Better yet, go outdoors into the sunshine as soon as you can. Remove any eyewear so light will enter more readily (glass cuts out some of the sun's rays). But don't stare at the sun, of course. \n\nMOVE: \n\nBe active right away -- oxygenate! That means getting up and walking around your dwelling for five or 10 minutes, or perhaps riding an exercycle. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing and transports more oxygen throughout your body (especially to your brain), helping you feel mentally alert and alive. \n\nMUSIC: \n\nSelect and play some energetic, happy music as you dress and have your breakfast. The audiovisual department of most libraries has albums and tapes you can check out. \n  \n\nBREAKFAST: \n\nBegin your breakfast with protein (i.e., meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, cheese). When you get up, your body chemistry is ready to convert food, especially protein,into longlasting energy. To balance your most important meal of the day, add an orange or other fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or whole grain bread. \n\nTALK WITH SOMEONE: \n\nOne of the quickest ways to beat the blues is to interact with others. You might not feel like doing that - you'd rather avoid people when blue. So make lt easier on yourself. Talk with someone you enjoy about a subject you enjoy so there is definite give and take. \n\nAnd, force yourself to say "hello" to the persons next to you in class, those where you live, anyone around. \n\nLIMIT CAFFEINE: \n\nThe long-term (four hours or so) effects of caffeine are depression. Try to limit coffee to no more than one cup in the morning. Coffee can make you more alert for an hour or so, but later you get an opposite reaction. Caffeine tends to increase the release of insulin in the blood, and insulin lowers the blood sugar level. When you have low blood sugar levels, you begin to feel less sure of yourself, and have low energy levels, which can lead to the blues or depression. \n\nLIMIT SUGAR: \n\nSugar might give you an initial rush of energy, but within an hour or so the blood sugar level can become low, and when it's low you may feel low, too. \n\nThe caffeine/sugar cycle. It's easy to get caught in the caffeine and sugar cycle -- having coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or something with sugar every two hours or so to "stay up." For example, cola contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar plus caffeine equal to about half a cup of coffee. In addition to bringing on the blues, this cycle can result in dependence, poor nutrition. and obesity -- reasons to get down on yourself even more and feel blue. \n\nMAINTAIN FIBER: \n\nFiber helps food go through your digestive system at a proper rate, giving a more constant energy supply. Highly processed foods merely provide a quick surge of energy which can be followed by depression. You can maintain fiber in your diet by eating an orange or grapefruit rather than just drinking the juice. Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals. \n\nSTRESS B COMPLEX: \n\nSome persons report receiving help by taking a concentrated vitamin B complex. You'll find these called something like "Stress B" or "B 50." This is controversial. \nSome nutritionists say, "Yes, this really should be consider