How to fight depression.

[dave rogers]

I am seeking advice on how to actively fight against depression that seems to be a never ending battle in my life right now. I hope this thread helps others to cope with this very real problem. I see it effecting those I care about around me and feel helpless to do anything about it. I want to focus on actual ideas that work for those of us that suffer with this problem. One thing I won't do is to take advertised drugs to help with the depression. There is no way I'm going to become dependant on stuff like that. If there are people out there that have witnessed individuals that have successfully managed their depression by doing something, I would sure like to hear what worked for them. I want desperately to be a happy person again. I know I can because I have days that I'm fine and content. I can't seem to find joy in anything I used to. I fake it quite well but inside my mind is constantly in turmoil. As a Christian I know that God allows suffering in various ways in all our lives.

[dave rogers]

I've read through other threads related to depression and have concluded that vices like drugs (alcohol, pot, anti-depressants) are the most popular way of dealing with it. The other way seems to be to stay active (excercise, hobbies, sex). What about when you find yourself alone with just your thoughts. How do you control that. I know millions have justifiable reasons to be depressed but I refuse to believe that it is something we cannot overcome. I know dwelling on our pain is a bad thing but can't quite figure out how to stop it. I've come to accept the fact that pain and suffering is simply part of living. I haven't quite figured out how to move on with a clear head. I feel like I'm living in a daze. A constant state of clouded thinking and awareness. I see others that have suffered exactly the same pain but they seem to have been able to continue without having been disabled the way I feel. Maybe its my personality compared to theirs. I just don't know.

[59Flash]

I am seeking advice on how to actively fight against depression that seems to be a never ending battle in my life right now. I hope this thread helps others to cope with this very real problem. I see it effecting those I care about around me and feel helpless to do anything about it. I want to focus on actual ideas that work for those of us that suffer with this problem. One thing I won't do is to take advertised drugs to help with the depression. There is no way I'm going to become dependant on stuff like that. If there are people out there that have witnessed individuals that have successfully managed their depression by doing something, I would sure like to hear what worked for them. I want desperately to be a happy person again. I know I can because I have days that I'm fine and content. I can't seem to find joy in anything I used to. I fake it quite well but inside my mind is constantly in turmoil. As a Christian I know that God allows suffering in various ways in all our lives.

You don't have to take meds for the rest of your life. I took an anti-depressant for about 9 months about 10 years ago. I haven't had a problem since. I get depressed just thinking about depressed people thinking that they will have to take meds all of their lives, it's just not the case for everyone. You don't have to live like that. I know, I was there. Be advised that there is no drug that will make you "happy". You have to do that yourself. Anti-depressants are not "mind numbing" like you probably have heard. You feel no different and act no different. It takes about 2-3 months for you to "feel" better, if you know what I mean. If I were you I would see your Dr. and ask questions about the different drugs and how long you would be on them. Write your questions down before you go, you will surely forget some of them when you get there. There is help, depression is not the same as it was many years ago. You don't have to suffer like that anymore.

[59Flash]

I've read through other threads related to depression and have concluded that vices like drugs (alcohol, pot, anti-depressants) are the most popular way of dealing with it. The other way seems to be to stay active (excercise, hobbies, sex). What about when you find yourself alone with just your thoughts. How do you control that. I know millions have justifiable reasons to be depressed but I refuse to believe that it is something we cannot overcome. I know dwelling on our pain is a bad thing but can't quite figure out how to stop it. I've come to accept the fact that pain and suffering is simply part of living. I haven't quite figured out how to move on with a clear head. I feel like I'm living in a daze. A constant state of clouded thinking and awareness. I see others that have suffered exactly the same pain but they seem to have been able to continue without having been disabled the way I feel. Maybe its my personality compared to theirs. I just don't know.


Nope, I think that they just hide it better. I didn't even know that I was depressed until my Dr. asked me a bunch of questions after I went to see him about headaches and disturbed sleep.

[notluzn]

Find a hobby and get out and stop posting on Hannity all day. :) Do man things. PLay video Games, go to Football and Baseball games, work out, lift weights, work on cars so on and so on

[dave rogers]

Find a hobby and get out and stop posting on Hannity all day. :) Do man things. PLay video Games, go to Football and Baseball games, work out, lift weights, work on cars so on and so on
Do man things? I will compare my life to yours any day of the week. My problem is I don't find joy in doing the same things anymore. I'm right now heading out to bow hunt for a moose in Fairbanks, Alaska. Hows that for a "man thing". As I prepare for the hunt I'm just going through the motions. I go to work with the same emotion or feeling of simply existing. But hey thanks for your post anyway.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Question: How to fight depression?

Answer: Alcohol.

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

Control...the illusion of control is the root of more depression then I can point too. Bare with me while I explain. (*This is pointed too base depression...not a chemical imbalance of enzymes in the brain or a mental disorder...but base depression based on emotions and expectations in our modern days.)

We all have events or times in our lives that make us question or stop dead in our tracks what our life is really about. Most of us have worked hard, are honest people, follow the rules..and yet the stuff we site as 'bad' still hits our lives. This can cause self doubt, self loathing, anger and finally, depression.

Control...or the illusion of control applies here. For example: If I go to college, I'll get a good paying job...which will allow me to purchases a home...and find a nice person to share my life with..and we'll have kids...who we will raise to be good healthy productive adults'. Pretty standard stuff right? So what happens when you get through college..and you can't find that good paying job?...or you by a home only to watch it burn one day?...or you find a person to spend your life with..but get a divorce? or you want kids but are unable to have them on your own steam...or worse yet, a debilitating disease jumps into your life taking away everything you worked towards in building your life and meeting your goals?

Depression is simply anger turned inward..that anger is usually based in disappointments or expectations that never materialized regardless the work or effort put forth by the person in his or her life.

So...drop the illusion of control. Understand that we have no control over anything...even our breathing and the beating of our hearts is not under our control. What we do have are choices. We have full abilities to make choices for our lives...but that's no guarantee that the choice will bear the fruit we want. We must be fully aware and grateful for what we do have in our lives..and be thankful for what blessings are bestowed in our daily lives.

Physical pain and illness. This alone is enough to make most people fall into a deep void of depression and never resurface into the light of day again. Why? Loss of day to day choices in what they 'want' to do verses what they are able to do. In this, those of us who experience this type of loss, must learn that even our pain serves a purpose...our lives still serve a purpose..and even though we may never be able to climb Mt. Everest (which would we have done that anyway if we were healthy? most likely... no) we can still contribute to those arounds us and be effective in our own day to day lives by being proactive in our own lives.

Depression is a nasty double edged sword. The reality that started the depression in the first place must be dealt with. Many who are depressed simply avoid dealing with or fixing the very thing that began the journey into depression. Honesty with one's self is the first step towards pulling up and out of the depression spiral. Once the very real situation is sighted that began the depression spiral...the next step is to work within it, deal with it..and grow from it..and move on. Leave unrealistic expectations behind you...they won't serve you and only feed the spiral downward in depression. Realize and make a list of what you can do..what you love...and what goals you can still set for yourself.

No one can 'make' you happy. It is a journey that is a one man/woman trip. You can have those in your life that will share your happiness with you...but no one can 'make' you happy. Try to find one thing each day that brings a small smile to your face. Comedy, kids playing...dogs, cats..whatever brings you joy...smile and be grateful for that moment. When you have enough of those moments lined up each day, you'll find your depression receding...your self deprecation sliding away....your hope restoring. In that small move...you'll feel more like yourself again.

Excersise, diet, proper nights sleep and supplements like your B vits, can all be part of helping you on your journey out of depression. Service to others is another great way to focus on something positive and boosting your inner moral. Small steps at first make for great strides later on down the road. ;)

~Mysty

[The Girl from Ipanema]

Great post, Mysty! I've bookmarked it for a future reminder when the stress factors pile up. :)

[notluzn]

I for one don't believe that a Pill is the answer.

[notluzn]

Do man things? I will compare my life to yours any day of the week. My problem is I don't find joy in doing the same things anymore. I'm right now heading out to bow hunt for a moose in Fairbanks, Alaska. Hows that for a "man thing". As I prepare for the hunt I'm just going through the motions. I go to work with the same emotion or feeling of simply existing. But hey thanks for your post anyway.

Sounds like you need to change things up. I'll shout out when I go Elk hunting :)

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

Great post, Mysty! I've bookmarked it for a future reminder when the stress factors pile up. :)

:redface: Thanks...just posting what I know. I think we've all been there once or twice in our lives.

For women, I like to use the analogy of a gas tank. Usually and most of us (don't want to say all of us or use a general broad brush to make all women equal in this) take care of everyone else first..and ourselves last. Like a car, we need 'gas' to run. Fuel to burn as it were. We work (either in or out of the home) we take care of our environmental needs for our families, we are the social secretary for our family, we raise the children, taking kids to this that and the other activity...it's go go go..with a short reprieve for sleep a few hours at night before getting up to do it all again. It's down right exhausting!

Add to this day to day in most women's lives a trauma or tragedy. A loss of a job, loss of a partner, a health issue..and now you've got a recipe for disaster. I remind the women in my life constantly to refill their own gas tanks...for without fuel, how can they service their lives, their family, their job and their friends when they themselves are running on fumes?

Refilling your own gas tank doesn't have to be something huge, expensive or grand. It can be as simple as taking 30 minutes for yourself in a quiet candle lit bath; reading a favorite book or poems. It can be as easy as putting on your favorite music and dancing in the living room. It can be as easy as taking a small stroll down a favorite street or a short drive in a favored area. Heck, it can even be a quick scoop of ice cream at the local ice cream store. :mrgreen: Just make sure it's something that brings you solace, peace and above all, joy.

Make sure the activity is something that is just yours to enjoy. It doesn't take long and should be done daily. The more fuel you have, the better you can deal with the day to day challenges in your life. ;)

~Mysty

[CaptainPike]

The only times that I've experienced what I would call true depression have been when I was stuck in dead end, go nowhere jobs. I stuck those jobs out as long as I could, but in the end I just had to quit and look elsewhere for work.

[59Flash]

I for one don't believe that a Pill is the answer.

I felt that way too. I was desperate and tried a pill. It fixed me. I haven't had a depression since I stopped taking that pill 9 years ago.
Edited to add.... The pill I took is the same stuff that they put in stop smoking pills...I stopped smoking too. I just can't remember what it was...welbutren, or something like that.

[StoneScratcher]

Do man things? I will compare my life to yours any day of the week. My problem is I don't find joy in doing the same things anymore. I'm right now heading out to bow hunt for a moose in Fairbanks, Alaska. Hows that for a "man thing". As I prepare for the hunt I'm just going through the motions. I go to work with the same emotion or feeling of simply existing. But hey thanks for your post anyway.

Please let us know how your hunting trip went! Did you see any moose, if so, did you get one?

I've never been moose hunting, and never have seen a moose in person. I've seen one at a hunting store, one of those Bass huge sporting stops.

Do you eat moose? I never thought about that until now.

About your depression, you hang in there and fill that glove your life has become. Turn it into a boxing glove and fight for things that you have passion for. You may hunt today and decide not to pull your bow out, but instead, let the moose walk by. Or you may shoot the moose and hang the biggest moose head anyone's ever seen over your fireplace. Whatever you choose to do, it's not just going through the motions.

Someone once said, if you catch a butterfly, you've changed the universe.

The smallest things matter...in all we do or don't do.

Turn it around, is what I'm trying to say. All of our five senses turn inward, give us information to process as data to evaluate our lives. When you think of human mortal life as this--it seems pretty boring, doesn't it? How selfish our demanding mortal fleshy vessels are always snooping around for something to process to survive or to find satisfaction from. That can become depressing if it is all that seems to be what life is for. But it's not.

There is a sense, sort of a sense--it is what we are meant to be, what our lives truly are intended for. You say you are a Christian, so in that belief, of Christ's Heavenly Father, we know we are to be like Christ, to be like God. That "sort of a sense" we are supposed to excercise, is not about our five senses which only take in data. It is about GIVING outwardly. It's at a higher plain/plane, at a place where there, tethered one, each to the other, we all live our LIVES.

That tether pulls at us every moment, although years in this world will cause that tether to seem so faint, so weak, hardly noticeable, we may ignore or not even notice it. But it is there.

So today, whatever you decide, whether you let the moose walk by, or decide to bring home the prize to hang, or even if you decide to stay home, remember to feel that pull, the pull that causes a hand to move to the pocket to drop the coin in the tin cup held by an outstretched arm. It is not the sound of the coin that is giving. It is that TUG that caused you to move your hand to your pocket, without thought, without seeing if there was an audience, without thinking of worldly things. That giving is what tethers us all one to the other and to God.* And there is nothing to be depressed about knowing that you are held in the net fashioned by the greatest hunter of all--the true Fisher of Men.

God Bless, and Be Well. And let us all know what happened on your hunting trip.

* Edited to add: This giving, of course, has nothing to do with the sound of the coin, and is not about money. It is the act, itself, that tug to give, that passion that gives almost an auto-response to smile at a stranger, to say hello, to drive a different path to then bump into someone who is there for a reason. Enjoy the journey and follow that tug.

[khigh]

Journal. That's pretty much all that helped me through the deep depressions. Or shopping- but that got me in a lot of trouble. Now, I do take meds, but not just because of depression- was diagnosed Bipolar I last week. Between the therapist, the meds, and the journal, things are going smooth. Right now I am on 3 meds, hope to get down to 2 when things even out. Xanax, Wellbutrin, and Lithium.

Don't always discount meds. Sometimes, you do need them. Though, if you can get through it without them, I wouldn't take them.

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

I felt that way too. I was desperate and tried a pill. It fixed me. I haven't had a depression since I stopped taking that pill 9 years ago.
Edited to add.... The pill I took is the same stuff that they put in stop smoking pills...I stopped smoking too. I just can't remember what it was...welbutren, or something like that.

Wellbutrin...an old tried and true as I like to refer to drugs that actually do and react as they are designed to.

http://www.drugs.com/wellbutrin.html site is a basic listing of what wellbutrin is and what it's designed to do.

If at all possible..and it's not a chemical issue diagnosis, is try to affect a solution without introducing medication into the body. Sometimes depression can literally be as simple as not enough Serotonin production in the brain. With serotonin levels low, sleep can elude the patient, appetite can vastly change, listlessness, loss in interest of things/activities that once were enjoyed...on and on the list can go. Serotonin can be replenished through holistic methods and diet and can cause a positive effect in the patient quiet rapidly.

Of course, it all depends on what is the causative factor of the depression itself. Some medications regimens can actually cause depression as well. Better to find the root cause and get on top of it, as it doesn't take much for it to get out of hand and cause some really physically harsh side effects.

~Mysty

[FidelisAdMortem]

I for one don't believe that a Pill is the answer.

Thats b/c the bottle is the answer.

[traditional_woman]

IMHOP succombing to depression is a choice! Not only is it a choice, it is and can become a choice of habit. If you wake up with the woe is me mentality and go to bed with the woe is me mentality....guess what? You become it. You say you are a christian, so then you need to take every thought captive, and i'm sure(hope) you know the full scripture. I am not speaking of cases where the person has real mental health issues, or are deficient in specific nutrients causing them to be a little down. I am speaking of ppl who choose to stay in depression b/c it has become a habit, or because they are self-centered.

OP, when is the last time you set a day aside to put your thoughts on someone else? When was the last time you said or did something to try to lift somebody else up? When was the last time you set out to make someone elses day? I don't ask all these questions to condemn you, but to get you thinking about how you can change your thought process.

[angelicmadrigal]

There is a HUGE difference between someone who is depressed for a biological reason and a person who is depressed for psychological reasons. You can be one or the other or you can be both. For some people therepy works, for other people it doesn't. For some people medication works, and for some people it does not. Some people have to do both.

Some people can overcome depression by excercise, change in diet, etc... Some people can't. And honestly trying to tell someone who legitimately needs to be on anti-dpressants (or other medications) who needs to be on them is like telling someone with cancer not to take anti-cancer meds, because believe it or not depression CAN kill you.

My advice has been and always will be leave all your options open. Depression can also be a sign of OTHER illnesses (such as hyperthyroidism) so it's always good to have ONGOING depression evaluated by a physician to screen for other health concerns.

Medicaiton is not necessary or appropriate for everyone, but those people that paint people with a medical need for medications as no better than drug addicts are the type of people that CAUSE people not to get help and potential cause people to DIE from depressive episodes.

[angelicmadrigal]

OP, when is the last time you set a day aside to put your thoughts on someone else? When was the last time you said or did something to try to lift somebody else up?

Actually, that doesn't necessarly cure depression. You can spend your entire life doing for others and trying to make everyone else happy, and it won't matter if you truly have a problem. I should know I used to do 40 hours of community service a week in high school, volunteering for this or that cause, and it didn't do anything other than make me EXHAUSTED, which in turn ended up exacerbating my condition.

Regardless of your opinion, there is no cure all for depression. I'm sorry you feel the need to take such a complicated problem and try to fit it into a neat little mold, but it doens't work like that.

However, it does help to try to find out what triggers depressive episodes, and try to pin down WHY you're depressed.

Also depression isn't simply a "woe is me attitude". Depression takes many forms one of the more dangerous types is when someone simply stops caring about anything. They aren't sad or unhappy feeling, they are just NUMB. They have no wants or desires, everything is just....BLANK. So yeah, you can be depressed without even thinking about how sad you are, etc...

[traditional_woman]

There is a HUGE difference between someone who is depressed for a biological reason and a person who is depressed for psychological reasons. You can be one or the other or you can be both. For some people therepy works, for other people it doesn't. For some people medication works, and for some people it does not. Some people have to do both.

Some people can overcome depression by excercise, change in diet, etc... Some people can't. And honestly trying to tell someone who legitimately needs to be on anti-dpressants (or other medications) who needs to be on them is like telling someone with cancer not to take anti-cancer meds, because believe it or not depression CAN kill you.

My advice has been and always will be leave all your options open. Depression can also be a sign of OTHER illnesses (such as hyperthyroidism) so it's always good to have ONGOING depression evaluated by a physician to screen for other health concerns.

Medicaiton is not necessary or appropriate for everyone, but those people that paint people with a medical need for medications as no better than drug addicts are the type of people that CAUSE people not to get help and potential cause people to DIE from depressive episodes.

Good post, and i intended[but didn't] to recommend that the op get a checkup, including blood tests.

[angelicmadrigal]

Good post, and i intended[but didn't] to recommend that the op get a checkup, including blood tests.

It's always good to have that stuff checked out, mostly because some conditions like hyperthyriodism that have depression as a symptom can have really nasty long term consequences if not treated in a timely manner. Plus if that really is the root of your problem antidepressants may not work, and could have bad consequences, not to mention you aren't treating the ACTUAL cause.

[Gabby]

As some have said, there are different kinds of depression.

True clinical depression does not go away on it's own. The feeling of not being able to enjoy things that you used to really like is a good indicator of clinical depression. Having flat emotions or sinking into deep depressive sink holes that actually hurt are other good indicators. Taking medication for clinical depression does not have to be a life long thing. As others have said... a few months to two years often is enough to get the body functioning right again.

[bbt630]

I wish there was an easy answer to this one.

I absolutely refuse to go on any anti-depressant meds. Period.

I've just learned to accept it and deal with it. Life's easier that way.

[traditional_woman]

Actually, that doesn't necessarly cure depression. You can spend your entire life doing for others and trying to make everyone else happy, and it won't matter if you truly have a problem. I should know I used to do 40 hours of community service a week in high school, volunteering for this or that cause, and it didn't do anything other than make me EXHAUSTED, which in turn ended up exacerbating my condition.

Regardless of your opinion, there is no cure all for depression. I'm sorry you feel the need to take such a complicated problem and try to fit it into a neat little mold, but it doens't work like that.

However, it does help to try to find out what triggers depressive episodes, and try to pin down WHY you're depressed.

Also depression isn't simply a "woe is me attitude". Depression takes many forms one of the more dangerous types is when someone simply stops caring about anything. They aren't sad or unhappy feeling, they are just NUMB. They have no wants or desires, everything is just....BLANK. So yeah, you can be depressed without even thinking about how sad you are, etc...

Everyones depression is different, just b/c volunteering made you exhausted doesn't mean it will make everyone exhausted. I know for a fact it has helped several who were battling depression. I've already said (i know you've been there but try not to personalize and make this about you) that i wasn't speaking about ppl who have been diagnosed with clinical depression or mental disorders such as bipolar. We all have probably been depressed for a season or two, some longer than others, some more severe than others, but this isn't a contest. I guarantee that the ppl who beat depression(meaning that it is not the focus of their life) made a choice to overcome it, and changed their thinking. Again, I am not speaking of ppl who NEED medication to function.

[Gabby]

I wish there was an easy answer to this one.

I absolutely refuse to go on any anti-depressant meds. Period.

I've just learned to accept it and deal with it. Life's easier that way.

Why do you refuse to go on medication that would help. Do you see it as a defeat?

[Ninjacorpse]

I like to write music, works for me.

[Ninjacorpse]

Why do you refuse to go on medication that would help. Do you see it as a defeat?

They can sometimes make things worse.

[notluzn]

Thats b/c the bottle is the answer.Our society has wondered why they are all on drugs but can't seem to figure it out. :)) :)):cool:

[FidelisAdMortem]

I wish there was an easy answer to this one.

I absolutely refuse to go on any anti-depressant meds. Period.

I've just learned to accept it and deal with it. Life's easier that way.

This is true. Just bottle it up and suck it up. Having a defeatest attitude is what does ya in. If you just simply suck it up, you'll be fine.

[Gabby]

They can sometimes make things worse.

When needed they usually make things better. A person can tell pretty quickly the meds are not working.

When you have an infection and the antibiotic does not work... your doctor gives you a different one. You don't just suffer with the infection. it's the same way with clinical depression.

[Gabby]

This is true. Just bottle it up and suck it up. Having a defeatest attitude is what does ya in. If you just simply suck it up, you'll be fine.

I hope you are being sarcastic here.

[Ninjacorpse]

When needed they usually make things better. A person can tell pretty quickly the meds are not working.

When you have an infection and the antibiotic does not work... your doctor gives you a different one. You don't just suffer with the infection. it's the same way with clinical depression.

What is your definition of quickly? Many of the drugs have an accumulative affect and take awhile to start doing their magic and then take awhile to wear off. You spend months being a guinea pig while your doctor tries and finds the right meds, I get the feeling you would soon grow weary of trying anything new they prescribe.

[Gabby]

What is your definition of quickly? Many of the drugs have an accumulative affect and take awhile to start doing their magic and then take awhile to wear off. You spend months being a guinea pig while your doctor tries and finds the right meds, I get the feeling you would soon grow weary of trying anything new they prescribe.

Are you talking about something that you yourself experienced or something that you heard about?

I was on an anti-depressent after I gave birth to still born twins. I took them for the year or so and have been fine since... that was about 20 years ago.


I had a friend who was on Prozac a couple of years ago. About 6 months into her treatment the pharmasist filled her prescription with a generic. Within a week it was clear to her that the generic was causing her problems. She called me. We called her doctor and the pharmacy re-filled her meds with prozac. Within a day or so she was doing well again. she's now been off prozac for about a year and is doing very well.

[FidelisAdMortem]

I hope you are being sarcastic here.

Buck up, buttercup.

[Ninjacorpse]

Are you talking about something that you yourself experienced or something that you heard about?

I was on an anti-depressent after I gave birth to still born twins. I took them for the year or so and have been fine since... that was about 20 years ago.


I had a friend who was on Prozac a couple of years ago. About 6 months into her treatment the pharmasist filled her prescription with a generic. Within a week it was clear to her that the generic was causing her problems. She called me. We called her doctor and the pharmacy re-filled her meds with prozac. Within a day or so she was doing well again. she's now been off prozac for about a year and is doing very well.

Lets just say I know from personal experience and have watched the affects certain medications have on relatives.

[jeepers]

Thats b/c the bottle is the answer.


LOL

Right. So you wake up in the morning with the same problems that you had the night before, only now you feel like total dog**** physically on top of it. Or better yet, you get addicted.

Woot!

[dave rogers]

Thanks for all the posts. Very intelligent and well thought out. I'm sure my answer is in there some where. My moose hunt turned into a rabbit hunt. I got three snowshoe hares and one grouse with my bow. Best small game hunt I've ever had with a bow. I've read every post that was written. Apparently depression is a far ranging problem. I don't know which one I've got but it sucks. I'll figure it out. I know that staying busy helps alot. You can only stay busy doing stuff for only so long. Eventually I find myself just waiting for the next day so I can do something again. Forcing myself to stay active is how I've dealt with it so far. As for the person that said I should help others and that should help. I help others to a fault. It doesn't help me with my depression. It's as natural to me as breathing. Frankly I don't understand people that find it hard to help others. To me thats the unnatural way to live. I want to find satisfaction and happiness again. Desperately. I think I think about it to much. I consider myself a thinking person and have always been able to figure things out. This one has got me licked though. I've got a great family and tons of friends. My Church is second to none. My situatin is no harder than anyone elses. I guess it just takes longer for people to recover from a tragedy then others. Thanks again for all your sincere posts. God bless.

[StoneScratcher]

Thanks for all the posts. Very intelligent and well thought out. I'm sure my answer is in there some where. My moose hunt turned into a rabbit hunt. I got three snowshoe hares and one grouse with my bow. Best small game hunt I've ever had with a bow. I've read every post that was written. Apparently depression is a far ranging problem. I don't know which one I've got but it sucks. I'll figure it out. I know that staying busy helps alot. You can only stay busy doing stuff for only so long. Eventually I find myself just waiting for the next day so I can do something again. Forcing myself to stay active is how I've dealt with it so far. As for the person that said I should help others and that should help. I help others to a fault. It doesn't help me with my depression. It's as natural to me as breathing. Frankly I don't understand people that find it hard to help others. To me thats the unnatural way to live. I want to find satisfaction and happiness again. Desperately. I think I think about it to much. I consider myself a thinking person and have always been able to figure things out. This one has got me licked though. I've got a great family and tons of friends. My Church is second to none. My situatin is no harder than anyone elses. I guess it just takes longer for people to recover from a tragedy then others. Thanks again for all your sincere posts. God bless.

Glad to hear you had a great hunt!

God Bless and don't help others so much you end up living your life for them instead of living your life for God! Step away so you can get perspective. This may be why you feel you "help others to a fault."

[DLaw911]

I am seeking advice on how to actively fight against depression that seems to be a never ending battle in my life right now.My advice is don't ask questions like this on a public forum, nor try to get answers from the same.

Depression comes in many forms including clinical (chemical imbalance), situational, and a host of others. Medication is RIGHT for one and totally useless and wrong for others. You should seek help from a professional. That's the only advice you should be taking from an online board.

[Ninjacorpse]

My advice is don't ask questions like this on a public forum, nor try to get answers from the same.

Depression comes in many forms including clinical (chemical imbalance), situational, and a host of others. Medication is RIGHT for one and totally useless and wrong for others. You should seek help from a professional. That's the only advice you should be taking from an online board.

Well don't get stuck on the first professional you come across either, some only wish to just medicate you and get you out of their office as quick as possible. Do not be afraid to visit a few and find one that you feel will have your best interests at heart.

[traditional_woman]

My advice is don't ask questions like this on a public forum, nor try to get answers from the same.

Depression comes in many forms including clinical (chemical imbalance), situational, and a host of others. Medication is RIGHT for one and totally useless and wrong for others. You should seek help from a professional. That's the only advice you should be taking from an online board.

True, but I'm pretty sure he knows this already. Maybe he has sought(or maybe he hasn't) professional help but wanted to come here and speak with others who have gone through depression. Maybe he was just in a mood to be transparent and get some things off his chest. This can be quite theraputic for some people.

[DLaw911]

True, but I'm pretty sure he knows this already. Maybe he has sought(or maybe he hasn't) professional help but wanted to come here and speak with others who have gone through depression. Maybe he was just in a mood to be transparent and get some things off his chest. This can be quite theraputic for some people.If I knoew that people would make comments like "grow a pair", "get a backbone" or "grow up" I doubt I would be asking for advice. I only know one person who has openly discussed his clinical depression. And for as long as I knew him he was a total basket case. It was extremely sad to watch, especially since he was withdrawn from the world and all who loved him. This problem persisted for about 30 years, most of the time staying at home and being supported by his family. He finally sought and received psychiatric medical care and was prescribed various medications. Today he is outgoing, he has a full-time job and has a smile on his face. At times he relapses but it is usually for short periods. Miracle?? Not really, but in his case medications made a big difference. For those depressed over the loss of a loved one, a job, a pet, or other situational affairs, drugs are simply a waste of time and can cause more harm than good.

[DLaw911]

Well don't get stuck on the first professional you come across either, some only wish to just medicate you and get you out of their office as quick as possible. Do not be afraid to visit a few and find one that you feel will have your best interests at heart.Definitely good advice (if one can afford it). Lots of people avoid psychiatric care like the plague since it is a preexisting condition for insurance purposes like the kiss of death.

[freemind]

Question: How to fight depression?

Answer: Alcohol.

Alcohol: The poor man's Prozac.

[angelicmadrigal]

. I think I think about it to much. I consider myself a thinking person and have always been able to figure things out.
This is going to be one time I think you'll wish you didn't think so much. If it gets to the point you feel like it's becoming the focus of your life, you might want to consider seeing a Dr. and a psychologist. One of them should be able to pin down whether you have an emotional slump here, or a biological issue. If you go to a PSYCHOLOGIST they can not perscribe medication to you. So if you don't want medicated (and everything checks out O.K. with the Dr) this may be the route you want to go. Psychologist don't just work with people with diagnosed clinical depression, but they also help people deal with situational and temporary depression.
I've got a great family and tons of friends. My Church is second to none. My situatin is no harder than anyone elses. I guess it just takes longer for people to recover from a tragedy then others. Thanks again for all your sincere posts. God bless.

Just a note here, you can be surrounded by the greatest people, and in plentiful quantities, and still be a very lonely individual.

[angelicmadrigal]

. For those depressed over the loss of a loved one, a job, a pet, or other situational affairs, drugs are simply a waste of time and can cause more harm than good.

There is a good reason for that. Antidepressants were created to adress a particular biochemical issue, if you don't possess that particular issue it's has the potential to cause very serious problems.

[angelicmadrigal]

Are you talking about something that you yourself experienced or something that you heard about?


It's actaully a fairly common occurence. Antidepressants come in several classes, and most treat VERY specific biochemical imbalances. Unfortunately, there is no lab test to find out which chemical imbalance you suffer from, and most have the same symptoms. Also,everyone's biology is different so these types medications often have to be adjusted to the right level.

I was lucky it only took 2 tries for me,though my reaction ttot he first medication was fairly serious (severe muscle spasms and seizures). The second medication I was on worked really well.

[nortman]

Dave;
I wish I had an answer for you, but depression is very complicated. It is not only a physical illness (screwed up brain chemicals), but it is also a psychological illness. I'm with you in not wanting to be on antidepressants all my life, but I don't knwo what the alternatives are. I'm not a big fan of counselling. After watching some of the local psychiatrists during my psych rotation in nursing school, I've learned that it is a very inexact branch of medicine. I have nothing to add to help you other than to say that I'll pray that you find healing adn can beat it.

[content]

My advice is don't ask questions like this on a public forum, nor try to get answers from the same.

Depression comes in many forms including clinical (chemical imbalance), situational, and a host of others. Medication is RIGHT for one and totally useless and wrong for others. You should seek help from a professional. That's the only advice you should be taking from an online board.

100% agree.

[BrittleBullet]

Alcohol: The poor man's Prozac.

Reminds me of Homer Simpson.

To alcohol, the cause of and solution to all of life's problems.