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 M¢30  Funded By Mahalo ? |  November 11, 2009 01:31 AM

What do you do when your depressed?

I'm on depression pills. They aren't working. I've taken then for two years. I need help!
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November 11, 2009 02:49 AM
I have several things that I do.....

A few minutes of sunshine (about 10 to 15)

Light Exercise (like walking or playing with my cat)

Of course, chocolate helps sometimes although I try to be careful not to eat too much of it which is easy to do when you're depressed. I try to stick with dark chocolate because it's better for you from what my friends tell me.

Sometimes it helps to cry it out or scream into a pillow (to release the stress and pent up anxiety). (Seriously, I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes it works).

Talk to a trusted friend from my church.

I also like listening to Christian music. That always seems to lift my spirits.

I think sometimes I get depressed when I'm dehydrated or haven't had enough sleep, so I'll drink some water (not caffeine or sugar, they can sometimes make it worse) or take a nap.

Sometimes just taking a break and petting my cat works (especially if she is in the mood to lay quietly in my lap and purrs while I pet her).

Change my diet. Sometimes I'm not getting enough fruit, vegetables or meat. My husband likes a lot of bread and pasta, so we don't always eat like we should.

You may also want to call your doctor or a pharmacist for additional advice and/or see a counselor. If you attend a church they should provide free counseling. You may not know what's bothering you, but someone with an outside perspective may be able to get to the root of it more easily.


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November 11, 2009 02:05 AM
It helps if you know why you're depressed,then you can hopefully tackle the problem when you're feeling a little stronger.Also ,remember that everyone has bad days or weeks and don't expect to be otherwise.
I find that you need to be kind to yourself,sometimes you are the only person that will be! Music can be very soothing or mood lifting,as can losing yourself in a good book,if you are a reader. If you have an understanding friend (or two) ,try to unburden yourself on them,but be aware that at some point you may need to listen to their problems and try to help.
If money is not an issue,a shopping trip,treating yourself to a few new clothes etc can work wonders.
Have you tried counselling? many peple find it helps a great deal.
If you would prefer a more natural treatment than the pills,have a look at this website which gives information on the Bach flower remedies,I have known people to find these treatments to be very effective.
I hope you feel better soon,good luck for the future.

http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies
Source(s):
http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm


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November 11, 2009 02:46 AM
What helps me the most when I am depressed is exercise. A long brisk walk outside does wonders for my outlook. Any type of outdoor workout is beneficial. If that isn't possible, find a good local gym where you can get in a good workout.

Here are some helpful excerpts from Andrew Weil, MD:
"For faster, symptomatic treatment of depression I know no better method than aerobic exercise in the usual amount: thirty minutes of continuous activity at least five days a week. If you are depressed, exercise may be the very last thing you want to do, but force yourself to do it. Results will not be immediate but should be noticeable within a few weeks.
One final piece of advice about depression: it is a state of high energy turned inward, negative. You will never come to terms with depression if you try to disown it or suppress it. The way to emotional freedom is to own your depressions, appreciate them, and transform them. You will then be able to use all the energy they contain."
Source(s):
Natural Health, Natural Medicine by Andrew Weil, M.D.


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November 11, 2009 02:59 AM
It's difficult to know what to say without knowing any further details. Obviously if the medication isn't working so you need to consult your doctor; or perhaps find a different doctor

I agree with @marlene that exercise can be beneficial to counteract depression.

For me, sometimes when I'm feeling "down" I go for a bicycle ride; weather permitting of course. I find it impossible to be depressed while cruising downhill past the corn fields at 30 miles an hour with the sun setting in the west. Sometimes I worry that someone will see the idiotic smile on my face but that worry doesn't last for long. ;-)

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November 11, 2009 03:16 AM
I watch the 'Maury Povich Show' and realize life ain't so bad


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November 11, 2009 03:22 AM
Depression pills are not a cure all.

Some can help but they are in NO means a cure all.

I have taken them before, I have had issues with taking some of them. Doctors prescribe them because they sometimes lump people into a category depression and since they've known to be effective on some people, they use them for everything.

I have taken to more holistic medicines these days. I try not to take pills. I have learned that much of my depression has come from my attitude and how I linger about things that have upset me.

My kids, somewhat take a lot of my depression away. No matter how bad it gets, they can always make me laugh. :)

HUMOR is always the best medicine.

If you can't laugh at yourself, laugh at someone else :P

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November 11, 2009 04:32 AM
I listen to rock, metal, pop music. try to get some anger

Anger helps a lot its more powerful.

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November 11, 2009 08:56 AM
I go to shopping......it helps me a lot when I am depressed, but empties out my pockets :(

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November 12, 2009 05:25 AM
I experienced being depressed when I was in college when our professor in Psychiatry subject failed half of the class and I was one of the mortalities. I know I did not deserve to fail for I did my best but she told me she cannot change the grade because she submitted all our grades to the registrar. What a bummer! I really hate her at that time. Then I was depressed because although there is no pre-requisite but I have to be overload the next semester so that I will not be delayed in our internship. And getting my first failure really did made me sad and depressed.

The subjects in second semester are very hard and I don't feel like doing them or studying for them. Then I happen to read the booklet by Norman V. Peale entitled "The Power of Positive Thinking" and I tried reading it and I applied what he said on the book.

It was hard at first but I made it a habit to take each day at a time and begin the morning with a positive attitude. And I was amazed at how the days passed by and I am no longer dwelling on my failed subject and in spite of my overloaded schedule I was able to hurdle the second semester and passed all the subjects with flying colors.

So, try to read books of encouragement and if you haven't read the book of Norman V. Peal please do so it might help you stop taking pills.

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