How to recover from depression?
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YES!!! its a long & lonely road but hang in there.\nit's ok to feel weak sometimes, we are only human.\nchange your lifestyle if you have to...\npositive thinking & self- worth is very important.\ni sincerely wish you luck & love!\ndon't worry about things you cannot control. change the things that's dragging you down.\nyou can't fly with broken wings.\nhope the link can help...
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Getting professional help. A community web site,DepNet.com, is an outlet for those who suffer from depression to share their experiences with fellow sufferers or supportive cyber-friends.\n\nOptimism can have a profound impact on your health and life.\nDon't look at the negative side, always have your mind set on the positive side and it will make your everyday full of laughter & fun and automatically you will feel contented and satisfy with your life.\n\nDo some exercises regularly.Do exercise will let your mind have a chance to rest and to delete those negative idea from your brain and heart.After exercise you will feel refresh and have the power to do everything and complete it well.\n\nYou can also share your problems with your family, friends, and beloved. Believe that more brain is always better than one brain.After sharing your problems, you will find that you have just put down a huge rock on your back.\n\nLearn something that your find it interesting like gardening, yoga, drawing, playing piano, mountain climbing and else.\n\nTake part in activities that have the chance to interact or communicate with others. Made friend with others will light up your whole life.\n\nSo, after reading this please be cheer up and lives well because there is people who do care about you and love you. Everyday is a new day and we should face it with a happy mood when we open our eyes on the very first moment.We should cherish every moment of our lives.See you.
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Activity - stay out of the bed, talk to a trusted friend.  Do not dwell on the probleml make do-able plans for your life and do one of them everyday.\n\nFor example you may want to take a course, call the school and get costs. Each day do something even the smallest thing.  But you must do something.  \n\nSometimes you may need medication to get ot of it, because the serotonin level in your brain can drop low enough and you will not get out of depression by yourself.
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do something during your free time. have fun with friends, read books, go shopping, listen to music, watch movies (not alone of course), try to learn something new (an instrument or maybe a sport), exercise, join clubs and meet new people.. and the list goes on..\n\nexplore. there's more to life...\n\noh, if you feel depressed or something, try writing it down. trust me, it helps. makes you stronger =)
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Well, provided that you have been properly diagnosed with depression, it's possible you need to be placed on some long term medication. This will help regulate your body and brain into a more happy state of mind. You may also want to try some counseling to see if there are any underlying problems that you need to address. Good luck.
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When depression strikes, the depressed person isn't the only one affected. Everyone around them -- family, friends, and co-workers -- feels the impact.\n\nHelping a loved one cope with depression can be key to his or her recovery. But it isn't always going to be easy. Here are some tips.\n\n\n\nGet the facts. The first thing you should do is learn more about depression. Read up on its causes and treatments.\n\n\nGet other people involved. You can't do this alone. Your friend or loved one may want you to keep his or her depression a secret. But that isn't healthy. It puts far too much pressure on you. So try to get a small circle of family and friends to help. That way, you can help look after your loved one together.\n\n\nAsk what your loved one needs. Be direct. Unless you ask, you just won't know what your friend or loved one wants from you.\n\n\nDon't try to solve the problem on your own. Your loved one needs professional help to get better. Depression is a real illness. You wouldn't try to cure a friend's diabetes on your own. You shouldn't try curing depression either.\n\n\nOffer to help with the practical things. People who are depressed are easily overwhelmed. Everyday stuff -- dressing the kids for school, grocery shopping, or laundry -- may feel like too much. So pitch in. Sometimes practical help can make a big difference.\n\n\nTake time for yourself. Taking care of someone who is depressed can be overwhelming. So it's key that you set aside time for yourself. Do things that you enjoy. Get out of the house on a regular basis. Take walks or go to the gym. Catch a movie or dinner with friends.\n\nGiven what your loved one is going through, you may feel guilty or selfish for thinking about yourself. But taking care of yourself is crucial. If you don't, you'll burn out -- and that won't help either of you.\n\n\nKnow your limits. There is a lot you can do to help your loved one. But you can't do everything. You can't make your loved one well. You can't watch him or her 24 hours a day. These things aren't in your power. In the end, your loved one has to want to get better, too.\n\n\nTake threats seriously. Suicide is a very real risk of depression. If your friend or loved is threatening to commit suicide, take action. Don't leave the person alone. Remove any weapons or large amounts of medication. Call a suicide hotline or your loved one's therapist. In a crisis, don't hesitate to call emergency services. You can't keep something this serious a secret.\n\n\nI hope that helps, all the best to you and your gf!I went through a bout of depression, but didn't really tell my friends: I knew that they would say 'just cheer up!' or 'just don;t think about it' or 'snap out of it'... Those are actually the worst things you can say to someone who is depressed, as it makes them feel even worse that they cannot make themselves 'snap out of it'. I would advise you just to be there for her to talk to and do things with... and don't give up on her!
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Here are some tips that you can do to make your life more balanced and decrease any depression.\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 considered," and others say, "No, this is not a good Idea." You can try some and decide whether or not it helps you. If it does help, the
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Talking to trusted family and friends, moderate exercise (brisk walk, 30 min/day), and daily exposure to sunlight can help.\n\nIf depression lasts more than a couple weeks, you should see a doctor.  It is best to talk to a psychologist or social worker.  Psychiatrists do a better job than family practitioners of prescribing medicines for depression because they have so much more experience with it.\n\nAlcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant.  It is best to stick with drugs prescribed by a psychiatrist.
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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
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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!
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The way I dealt with depression was to get into a deep study of the Bible.  Although I still sometimes get depressed, it is nowhere at all what it used to be.  I now know ABSOLUTELY that someone cares about me and loves me and will help me.\n\nJehovah's witnesses offer free home Bible studies at your convenience and without commitment.
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I live with long term depression and can not take the anti-depressants doctors prescribe, yes, I have tried the new ones with the same results, they make me more depressed, not less!\n\nOver many years I have developed a lifestyle that alleviates the depression in a natural way. Here is what I do, I hope it is of help to you and others as well.\n\nCounselling: I find having a person I can rely on to talk to is very helpful when the depression is bad, many counsellors now agree that depression in many cases should be treated in a more natural way.\n\nFood: Eat lots of raw fruit and vegetables and if you have to cook them only just cook them! Natural foods are bright in colour and so are pleasing to the eye to eat. Also ensure you eat fish once a week every week.\n\nDrink: Limit coffee, alcohol, soft drinks and tea, instead try lots of water, fruit based cordials, herbal teas and fruit juice\n\nExercise: Walk outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air for 20 minutes a day. During the walk really look at your surroundings and take note of the big strong trees, cool soft grass, blue sky, and if you are lucky enough to live near water notice the water and how it responds to its environment. We tend to breathe more shallowly when we are depressed so some exercise helps us breathe deeper and increases the oxygen intake making us feel better all over. You dont need to run a marathon, just exercise regularly and only do what is possible.\n\nVitamins: Take multi vitamins one day and Multi B the next. You dont need to overload your system with vitamins otherwise you simply end up with expensive urine! If the Multi B and the multivitamin both have Vit C in them then that is even better.\n\nSunshine is the best and easiest way for human beings to absorb Vit D. So being outside in the sunshine is a good thing. Being sunburnt is not, so take care to wear a shirt, hat and sunscreen. And sunshine just makes you feel good! It actually releases some chemical in the human brain that makes you feel good.\n\nIf you eat lots of white flour based foods, fried foods, and processed foods you will find that this tends to make your digestion system sluggish and seems to add to depression so avoid them.\n\nNew Things: Learning a new thing alleviates depression because it gives us a sense of satisfaction and achievement and you cant feel satisfied and depressed at once! Take on new challenges whether it is getting around to learning a musical instrument, painting, riding a bicycle, or learning Tai chi you will find that a sense of accomplishment feels very good.\n\nGrow something: Carig for something else turns your attention to positive things like what you can do right and what is possible. If you think that you are the worlds worst gardener try this: Ask someone for cuttings of geraniums stick the cuttings in some dirt and water daily for a week. Geraniums are the most amazing flowers to grow because they grow from cuttings so there is no cost involved and if you plant half a dozen cuttings you will get two or three plants from that. Their bright colours and often scented leaves are a delight. An old fashioned plant but a cheerful one. Daisies also grow from cuttings and are bright cheerful plants. Both daisies and geraniums grow really well in pots and so do many vegetables! There are lessons we can only learn by osmosis, we have to absorb the lesson and growing something gives us some of those lessons.\n\nGet Involved in Your Community: Join an interest group, a local health centre committee, or a church or other organisation. Being with others with a common goal can be very upliftng. Being with, caring about and learning about other people leaves no room for you to be wound up in your depression.\n\nMusic: Get a good collection of music of all kinds, try some classical, some heavy rock, some lilting little melodies, african drumming music, aboiriginal music, the more variety the better. listen to all kinds of music.\n\nGet a pet: You dont have to buy a d
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You absolutely do not have to suffer from chronic depression!  Antidepressant medications are a lot more sophisticated than they were years ago and have helped countless people regain their lives.\n\nTalk with a doctor and get a treatment plan started.  If your dr. won't listen to you then find another one.  Find one that will help you.  Get started TODAY.  If you had a broken foot you'd get medical help, right?  Depression is a medical condition...just like any other.\n\nAntidepressants usually take a couple weeks to kick in, although most people I know that are taking them say it didn't take that long.\n\nDon't believe that depression is something you just have to 'deal with'.  It isn't.  There is nothing wrong with seeking help and getting medication to make things better for yourself.\n\nGood luck!!!
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You can take some control over how you feel by using some of the strategies listed below: \n1. Learn some ways to relax and incorporate them into your daily routine. Even if too much stress and tension aren't the cause of your depression (although they very well might be), they certainly aggravate it. \n2. Identify things that are pleasant for you and plan them into your schedule. Research suggests that depressed people have a lack of pleasurable events in their lives and that they actually avoid things that give them pleasure. \n3. Increase your activity level. Unfortunately, depressed individuals don't have much energy for exercise, so they tend to remain inactive. Low activity level serves to increase depressed feelings, which then inhibit activity further. To break this cycle, schedule daily exercise that is appropriate for your lifestyle and conditioning level. \n4. Identify self-ctitical thoughts and switch to self-rewarding thinking. In other words, get off your back. It is easy to make yourself depressed by being overly harsh and critical. \n5. Analyze your social behavior. Many depressed people are lonely and isolated. By learning new social skills and assertive communication, you can often get needed support .\n6. Children might avoid the need for presciption antidepressents. and if the one of the parents are depressed, getting the parent help can prevent the child from becoming depressed.\n7. Listen to soft soothing relaxing music or something with lots of rhythm. Music is to the spirit of mankind like a bandaid is to a cut.\n \nit's more the intensity that you can prevent.
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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.
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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.
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Therapy (and during desparation, drugs) will help the symptoms, but the root causes of depression have to be eliminated.\n\nI disagree with it being a brain diorder.  Your serotonin level depends on how good your life is going.  If you're going through a tough time, your serotonin is low.  Watching funny shows on TV and exercise allow you to make your own serotonin.\n\nThe best way to beat depression is to stay on a routine, betting up at the same time of day no matter what, have morning and bedtime rituals, and journal like crazy (I prefer notepad on my laptop.  Surround yourself with things that you feel are your identity.\n\nAbove all, stay around people.  What saved me was starting to hang around a church group.  And in them I found a ton of people to trust and feel comfortable around.  Gradually, my identity resurfaced, and I was back to my old self.