Dealing with depression

[MasterRokon]

I'm pretty much making this thread to help anyone deal with depression, as of right now 12/05/11 2:00pm, ive been quite down, and constantly repeating in my head FML. Youcan post anything that will help a member outa their stump, or even if you need help to get outa stump.

[Shadowscale]

Talking to a friend or doing somthing constructive helps.

[Frost Mage]

Yeah, I've been on Prozac 40mg for about 3 months now and it's seemed to help it a bit. I still get in those moods on occasion though. I've also had some anxiety here and there related to school.

[MasterRokon]

Talking to a friend or doing somthing constructive helps.

Yea due to certain personal issue, the one friend i had that i could talk to well would want to, i sorta dropped due to moral stuff, but i have work today so i hope thats constructive enough.

[Kerr]

If it is that bad you should try talking to your doctor about it.

[Narzul]

There's a massive difference between actual depression and feeling down at a particular moment in time. Keep that in mind.

[Frost Mage]

There's a massive difference between actual depression and feeling down at a particular moment in time. Keep that in mind.

Thank you.

[Frost Mage]

Me?

[Avron the S'wit]

There's a massive difference between actual depression and feeling down at a particular moment in time. Keep that in mind.

This is very important advice.

Whenever I am feeling down, I remember a card I saw on (yes, laugh) postsecret:

It's very true and very humbling words. I hung it up on my wall, and it has never steered me wrong, not once.

[MasterRokon]

Ive pretty much dont got anything repressed, but i did attempt to take my life two times last year, but im not as down as i was during those times, also work sorta made me feel better, i also think i know what was causing it XD confessed to a friend my feelings for her, now she hardly looks or talks to me IRL, but still on skype, just a little less, i felt like i made the hugest mistake ever and wished i could reverse time, or just die to hear her voice again.

[leroybrown]

Honestly dude you may want to see a councilor. This is different from a psychiatrist. They just kinda talk to you, and figure out where you are in life. They help you work things out with words. If you need medication, they'll recommend a psychiatrist.

If you have something against seeking help then you should do something to combat your negative feelings. Don't let this go on.

[Yomnom]

If you're feeling constantly depressed you should see a doctor about that. I've had moments when I felt terribly depressed for little things, I have anxiety problems too. Now I'm on medication, things are seemingly getting better.

If you're just feeling down because your day didn't go that well or you're dealing with stress, check some funny things on the internet, watch a comedy film, read a book, play a bit with your pet, if you have one.
Personally the blog "Hyperbole And A Half" always cheers me up, you may have heard of it, if not, google it, it's pretty cool

[everar]

strive to appreciate your brief time in this complex environment. if it seems overwhelming, that's because it always is, but that's neither good nor bad. face your fears, neuroses, compulsions, and addictions directly. if someone in "real life" is happy to challenge you and help you think outside the box, get to know them. surprise yourself. surprise others. if you are having trouble finding such people, head out your door with any particular arbitrary mission -- it doesn't matter what it is. sunlight/vitamin D also tend to boost happiness in this domesticated and sheltered world, which people forget.

[MasterRokon]

Honestly dude you may want to see a councilor. This is different from a psychiatrist. They just kinda talk to you, and figure out where you are in life. They help you work things out with words. If you need medication, they'll recommend a psychiatrist.

If you have something against seeking help then you should do something to combat your negative feelings. Don't let this go on.

Did last year, hate em dont know why, but i can coup with it, games, writing, friends, and game planning for my future career are things that help me get through it all. Though my school work has dropped tremendously everytime i feel this way, and when i am better im working XD so im falling behind in school work.

[Biggsydaboss]

If you are dealing with low mood or full on depression. Do not underestimate exercise, sleeping properly & eating healthy. If you can manage all three you will lift your mood somewhat. If you are living in the Northern Hemisphere you might be suffering from 'seasonal affective disorder' or SAD (a very apt acronym). If you have been diagnosed with this, or feel that your mood gets low during the winter months. You can buy a lamp that produces light with the same properties as sunlight. A couple of hours a day in front of this lamp will help.
I have extensive personal experience in supporting someone with mental health problems. Any advice I give will be based on best medical practice & up to date research. So some of these ideas may seem silly, but please trust me they're the things that have been shown to work.

Ps to the person taking Prozac. It can cause anxiety, as do many SSRI or Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors.

[Frost Mage]

Yeah, but the anxiety was also in effect back before I was on medication. And for all the people thinking that we need to see a doctor because of it, most of us are going to a therapist or a doctor at least.

[MasterRokon]

Well i am outa my stump now, but i do know exercise works good, but its hard to just get up and do when you lack the motivation during a(for me) depressant mood, idk i havent been diagnosed or anything, though i just get in the lack of motivation, everthing seems like crap to me, i hate life, etc. Feelings, usually like a month. But i do hope this topic stays alive, its nice to have a communtiy to talk to, and not a school therapist person, whom seems to only make people cry, and hate their past more, atleast in my case.

[Biggsydaboss]

Frostmage. Firstly can I ask what type of depression you've been diagnosed with. Generally it splits in to two branches. One is psychological (emotional) depression, this type of depression is very common with people who have suffered loss (but it's not limited to people suffering bereavement). It's seen as something that can be expected & usually shouldn't be treated with anti-depressants, talking therapies are usually seen as the best form of treatment for these.
If one the otherhand if it's clinical depression & the meds your doctor/phsychiatrist is giving you is exacerbating other emotional issues, in your case anxiety. It is something you should discuss with your doctor & see if there is another type of anti-depressant you could take, that might not have these side effects.
Do not underestimate the holistic side to any illness (whether a psychiatric or general illness). Taking in to consideration all aspects of your life & making positive changes where possible can help massively.


Master Rokon. In regards to your point on motivational issues. Setting yourself a reward based scenario has been shown to help i.e 'If I go for a jog round the park this morning, I'll treat myself to a nice cup of hot chocolate' well that's the one I use.

On your other point, if you find whatever therapeutic technique your school counsellor is using isn't working for you. Ask if they can try a different approach. There are many techniques that can be used & tailored to meet your needs. The typical sitting on a couch & sifting through your past is only one of them & if your depression is related to, let's say emotional & or physical trauma, it's probably not going to work.

[Sneaky Skeever]

There's been some sound advice on this thread. Exercise, food and sufficient sleep do wonders, but in my mind, most important of all, don't isolate yourself. Get out. Talk to people.
Some personal experience here from a severe depression, got into treatment about a year ago. I had SSRI meds and weekly therapy for about six months. The worst was over rather quickly (had a wonderful psychiatric nurse) and I doubt that I'd drift into suicidal plans again, but I'm not completely over, still having issues with self-esteem (and this damnded darkness).

[Biggsydaboss]

Skeever absolutely. Being a sociable person & having positive social experiences can help with your self esteem & lift your mood quite considerably

[Wolfie]

Being Bi polar its daily life for me, but the best thing fdor me? play music

[Sav]

Being in a family with a lot of hotheads can get VERY depressing. What i do most of the time is think to myself that i'm alive, and remember of all my good memories. That usually helps for me, not sure about you though.

[Biggsydaboss]

Savilus. I think that's the worst one, when your family are so wrapped up there own emotions that they're not just being unsupportive. In your case they're actually bring detrimental to your health. I have a friend who's going through a rough patch & her family are, well I'll just say it idiots. They're not helping her at all. Sometimes family isn't those who share some DNA with us, it's those that care for us & put us first when we need them to. Don't underestimate how much a good friend can help.

[Nightingale]

Savilus. I think that's the worst one, when your family are so wrapped up there own emotions that they're not just being unsupportive. In your case they're actually bring detrimental to your health. I have a friend who's going through a rough patch & her family are, well I'll just say it idiots. They're not helping her at all. Sometimes family isn't those who share some DNA with us, it's those that care for us & put us first when we need them to. Don't underestimate how much a good friend can help.

Yes, it's usually important to focus on those who you enjoy being around. People with similar interests, things like that.

Depression usually stems from something your dissatisfied about, so improving yourself in any way can at times help immensely. For example, learning more about a particular subject so you may fit in better with a group of people, or improving your sexual appeal to whatever sex you happen to be attracted to. These can help greatly.

There are plenty of people willing to help, you just gotta find 'em. Hell, some girls are even attracted to "damaged" guys...strange, yes, but it happens.

[Biggsydaboss]

Nightingale I see what you mean, but measuring yourself by standards that are skin deep can also lead yo issues with self esteem. I'm a big belly man, with a shaven head, a missing tooth & scars & I'm built like a house. That's not how I judge myself, I admit that's usually the way other people judge me. I see myself through my Childrens eyes & the happiness I give them, the kindness I show strangers & the strength of my resolve, the insight I give to others & the respect that I show to those who differ from me. These are the qualities I judge myself on. It's these types of qualities that I should be judged on.
It's what's in your heart that counts, not how attractive you are.