For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

I have been feeling down in the dumps the last couple weeks - I have never taken medication (but if my symptoms continue, I will consider it). I was just wondering what you do to help yourself out of feeling blue.

It seems that nothing has seemed to help me yet - its been hard to keep motivated, focused and happy.

Does anyone take anything natural to help eleviate depression or anxiety. Is there anything that has made a difference and llifted your mood?

Tia

Message edited 3/14/2011 9:21:26 AM.

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

Exersize and getting out of my usual routine help a lot.

Also getting out with friends and laughing.

Change it up.

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

Exercise definitely does help. Fresh air helps me too. Going out for walks at the park or at the beach can do wonders.

Even if I don't have to look nice for any specific occassion, forcing myself to put on real clothes and a little bit of makeup makes me feel better.

Focusing on projects help. Is there a hobby that interests you? Make time for it.

Even just organizing and decluttering or moving the furniture around one of the rooms in the house makes me feel like I am accomplishing something, and keeps my mind off of other things.

Swap out the news or Law & Order or whatever "heavy" tv you may watch (if you do) for a sitcom or silly movie once in awhile. Turn on the radio and just dance around your living room for a few.

Try to get out with your friends once in awhile.

If you're still not feeling better, there is no harm in going to talk to somebody about it. It's helped me a few times.

Hope you're feeling better soon!

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

Force your self out of bed, get ready even if you are not going anywhere. Try to make plans to do things that you like to do, embrace a new hobby (cooking, baking, tennis, biking, sewing, painting), talk to someone, exercise!
maybe the start of spring and a little sunshine will help! but don't just sit around, that is the worse thing you could do!

disclaimer... I have not dealt with it personally, but my mother has and I know everything was told to do and did and she was really bad, i was her best friend through it all (still am )

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

Excercise defintely helps me ALOT. It's to the point where sometimes I excercise too much.

I've tried therapy...but its ehh for me. I need medication. I've been on prozac on and off for over 10 years. There's a big difference in how I feel when I'm on vs. when I'm off it.

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

With two kids its been difficult to just sit around and do nothing - so im constantly on the go whether I like to or not- it helps pass the time and the fresh air definitely has done wonders.

Thanks so much ladies.

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

I just gave in to Wellbutrin and its helping a lot.

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

I just started taking prozac about 2 months ago and it's helped a lot. Yoga and meditation help too.

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

A friend of mine takes a natural supplement used for depression called SAMe. Supposedly, it's a chemical that can be found naturally in the body that's supposed to help boost your mood. My friend says it works great, but I have no personal experience with it.

Re: For those that deal with depression, what has helped you the most...

Therapy
Exercise and Medication.
I resisted it for a long time and originally went on it for my back/nerve pain and found it helped my mood tremendously.