Yeah, so I figured I'd give it a shot.
I am pretty depressed at the moment. I have been for a while. It is killing my writing ability, and making it really, really hard to convince myself to keep trying to find activities and friends (I am studying abroad at the moment). I am hellishly lonely, and sick for the second time in less than three weeks.
My primary modes of distraction, which usually works best, are currently unavailable to me. So, I thought I would ask. Those of you out there who are depressed, or who get depressed frequently--what do you do? What helps?
Contemplating giving in to the too-eager doctors (as opposed to the mental health people at school) and trying meds when I get back to the States. I don't know. Anyone have positive/negative experience with this?
There are probably better boards to post this on, but I'd rather have advice from people I already know and like than blurt things out to strangers...
Feel free to pm or e-mail.
Thanks,
Effie
O/T: Depression
Moderators: Mystic Dragon, Xalia, Shard, JKatkina
O/T: Depression
Theleond Efellai of Moire Yti Anamne
:: headscratchings :: I don't have depression issues, but I did get my BA in psychology, so I can offer a little bit of advice, at least. Drugs aren't supposed to be a be-all, end-all solution to depression: they're supposed to be a tool to get you on an even keel so you can deal with whatever is making you depressed. So really, if your depression is deep enough that it's clinically diagnosed and serioously disrupting your life, I'd recommend drugs, but only in conjunction with therapy, with a doctor you trust.
Unless it's an entirely chemical imbalance or deficiency which is making you depressed, which can be tested for and such, in which case regular meds can fix the problem. But only if that is the problem-- too often doctors jump to drugs without making sure that's what's really causing the mental state....
I will say that my mother and sister are both on anti-depressants, and they seem to be pretty pleased with them. Both want to get off of them, though, not because of how they work, but because of the stigma of being on them. A lot of health insurance companies won't take you if you're on anti-depressants (hence why my mother is technically taking them for her fiber mialgia >.> or however you spell it).
I hope things work out for you. Good luck ^^'
Unless it's an entirely chemical imbalance or deficiency which is making you depressed, which can be tested for and such, in which case regular meds can fix the problem. But only if that is the problem-- too often doctors jump to drugs without making sure that's what's really causing the mental state....
I will say that my mother and sister are both on anti-depressants, and they seem to be pretty pleased with them. Both want to get off of them, though, not because of how they work, but because of the stigma of being on them. A lot of health insurance companies won't take you if you're on anti-depressants (hence why my mother is technically taking them for her fiber mialgia >.> or however you spell it).
I hope things work out for you. Good luck ^^'
The stupidest smart person you ever met.
Just burying yourself in your fav hobbies? Doesn't work. I know, I've been there. 
It helps keep you sane, yes, but it doesn't solve the problem. I had to do like Caco just said--joint medication and therapy/counselling. But the combination really, really worked. I learned the hard way that overarcing stress and depression aren't something you can fix on your own--or at least, it's a lot easier to cope with when you have people helping you from the outside.
It helps keep you sane, yes, but it doesn't solve the problem. I had to do like Caco just said--joint medication and therapy/counselling. But the combination really, really worked. I learned the hard way that overarcing stress and depression aren't something you can fix on your own--or at least, it's a lot easier to cope with when you have people helping you from the outside.
I've been depressed enough and anxious enough that I've had several prescriptions for meds, and I will say without doubt that they work for me.
I notice you say "give in to" the doctors. This is part of an issue that a lot of people have - including some of my closest friends. I've watched them get worse and worse, yet refuse adequate treatment because they feel for some reason that in taking themselves to a professional and allowing them to have a short-term drug solution, they're somehow less of themselves or a person.
But ask yourself this: are you as much as you were, when not depressed! What happened with me is that I was taking Xanax for stress, and after even just a couple days I was able to mentally sort through my problems, and have only gone back to using the drug when I'm *really* stressed out. Having the weight taken off your shoulders is a huge benefit, but *not all drugs work the same way for everyone*. If you'd benefit more from therapy sessions alone, or a combination of both, try and see what works.
Definitely helped me, though, because I got sick and tired of being victimized by my own brain chemistry.
So seek something out, even just sitting around with friends is cool. Cuz we want more artses and writings from you.
I notice you say "give in to" the doctors. This is part of an issue that a lot of people have - including some of my closest friends. I've watched them get worse and worse, yet refuse adequate treatment because they feel for some reason that in taking themselves to a professional and allowing them to have a short-term drug solution, they're somehow less of themselves or a person.
But ask yourself this: are you as much as you were, when not depressed! What happened with me is that I was taking Xanax for stress, and after even just a couple days I was able to mentally sort through my problems, and have only gone back to using the drug when I'm *really* stressed out. Having the weight taken off your shoulders is a huge benefit, but *not all drugs work the same way for everyone*. If you'd benefit more from therapy sessions alone, or a combination of both, try and see what works.
Definitely helped me, though, because I got sick and tired of being victimized by my own brain chemistry.
So seek something out, even just sitting around with friends is cool. Cuz we want more artses and writings from you.
Author of Repurposed
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Heh, yes, the burying doesn't help, especially when you can't muster the effort required to participate.
There are certainly reasons for said depression, and I will probably wait a bit and see if it gets better after they are resolved (long distance relationship, though it is with fiance, being in a foreign country where nothing works the way I want it to, lack of social involvement, fear of not being able to get into the line of work I want *whatdoyoudowithaBAinEnglish*, struggles with parents) before I start prodding people again. But I am getting very tired of it. And unfortunately, there's no real way to do counseling until mid-June. *sighs*
College counselor prescribed some books, but in usual ironic fashion, they were too large/heavy to pack. And the guy on the front scares me.
He did confirm that I am 'clinically depressed' in a mild to moderate fashion. Unsurprising, as the genes are embedded deep within the familial tree on both sides.
So, I wait. And get depressed about being depressed, which is sometimes amusing in a sick sort of way. Bah.
There are certainly reasons for said depression, and I will probably wait a bit and see if it gets better after they are resolved (long distance relationship, though it is with fiance, being in a foreign country where nothing works the way I want it to, lack of social involvement, fear of not being able to get into the line of work I want *whatdoyoudowithaBAinEnglish*, struggles with parents) before I start prodding people again. But I am getting very tired of it. And unfortunately, there's no real way to do counseling until mid-June. *sighs*
College counselor prescribed some books, but in usual ironic fashion, they were too large/heavy to pack. And the guy on the front scares me.
He did confirm that I am 'clinically depressed' in a mild to moderate fashion. Unsurprising, as the genes are embedded deep within the familial tree on both sides. So, I wait. And get depressed about being depressed, which is sometimes amusing in a sick sort of way. Bah.
Theleond Efellai of Moire Yti Anamne
*grins* Didn't see your post before, Shard.
No, mainly resisting because the counselor, who was an okay guy, was much more inclined to try rewire-the-thinking approaches, and listened to me. Not keen on the doctor's advice because I went to them to see about possibly being hypoglycemic, and they said, "Oh, wait, you're depressed? We can prescribe meds /right now/!" and I didn't want to risk taking somethilng whose effects on me were unknown right before I left for my semester elsewhere.
I still swear that it's linked to blood sugar, and they didn't bother to do a glucose tolerance test. *sigh* It's not only that, but I do get profoundly down when I haven't eaten within the past three or four hours. Of course, as I am oveweight, this sort of mood dependence on food makes even more mental and emotional fun. ;P
So it's not that I'm against meds, it's that professionals have suggested other options be tried first, and the people who wanted me to take them have definitely not impressed me.
No, mainly resisting because the counselor, who was an okay guy, was much more inclined to try rewire-the-thinking approaches, and listened to me. Not keen on the doctor's advice because I went to them to see about possibly being hypoglycemic, and they said, "Oh, wait, you're depressed? We can prescribe meds /right now/!" and I didn't want to risk taking somethilng whose effects on me were unknown right before I left for my semester elsewhere.
I still swear that it's linked to blood sugar, and they didn't bother to do a glucose tolerance test. *sigh* It's not only that, but I do get profoundly down when I haven't eaten within the past three or four hours. Of course, as I am oveweight, this sort of mood dependence on food makes even more mental and emotional fun. ;P
So it's not that I'm against meds, it's that professionals have suggested other options be tried first, and the people who wanted me to take them have definitely not impressed me.
Theleond Efellai of Moire Yti Anamne
I... do have a suggestion which might help, a little. I know it's hard, but try being more active? That way you can keep up on the eating, to not let blood sugar get your mood down even further, and being active (I've found) not only boosts your energy level (ironic, I know: waste energy to get more energy), but makes you feel better about yourself-- a direct counter to depression feelings.
I know it's hard to get motivated, but it really, really does help. I'm not clicinally depressed, and never have been, but like everybody, I get down sometimes. And going for a walk, or dancing to a favorite song, or even just getting on my sister's excercise machine all helps me feel a little better.
I also don't know that "waiting" is going to do much for you o.o Unless you're doing something about the situation while you wait. Putting things off, "hoping they get better", or looking for some change in your situation to suddenly change your mood are not at all solutions. They only put off dealing with the problem, and tend to make things worse ^^'
I know it's hard to get motivated, but it really, really does help. I'm not clicinally depressed, and never have been, but like everybody, I get down sometimes. And going for a walk, or dancing to a favorite song, or even just getting on my sister's excercise machine all helps me feel a little better.
I also don't know that "waiting" is going to do much for you o.o Unless you're doing something about the situation while you wait. Putting things off, "hoping they get better", or looking for some change in your situation to suddenly change your mood are not at all solutions. They only put off dealing with the problem, and tend to make things worse ^^'
The stupidest smart person you ever met.
If you wanna avoid drugs and doctors for the moment, you could always try some herbal remedies, at least in the short term. Vitimin D would probably be a good place to start - it's the lack of Vitimin D that causes winter depression, after all. And there's a couple others that can help too. It's something you could try while you're waiting, maybe.
And for the blood sugar thing, maybe try eating something small every couple hours? Get something healthy and high in carbohydrates, so you can nibble on them when you need to. Cashew nuts, I've heard are quite good for that.
Hope this helps. I can't really offer any advice on drugs or therapy because I never had them myself when I was depressed. I went the alcoholic route, which I really can't advise...
And for the blood sugar thing, maybe try eating something small every couple hours? Get something healthy and high in carbohydrates, so you can nibble on them when you need to. Cashew nuts, I've heard are quite good for that.
Hope this helps. I can't really offer any advice on drugs or therapy because I never had them myself when I was depressed. I went the alcoholic route, which I really can't advise...
*wry chuckle* Cacophany, I have considered exercise, and it does make me feel better. I just have to find some way of doing so over here that doesn't too much involve my feet. I like walking, especially around Aberystwyth (so pretty!) but recently had an operation on my toe. Walking is nice, but the aftermath is usually painful enough to discourage it. (Have poked the horseback riding and fencing people over here, as well as the Welsh Learners and choir folks, but no response...much frustration). I will seek out the pool, if they are not gouging for the use of it. I adore swimming... The waiting is merely because I discovered that this current trip was one of the things that came up right around the time I started getting depressed to this point (about a year ago). When I come back, that cause will be removed. With the current state of finances, I really can't afford to do that combination unless it is vital and necessary.
Shiolar, it may be a good idea. I have started taking b-complex *very* recently, and probably ought to add others. Especially considering that I positively /crave/ vegetables lately. Even ones I had not liked up until this point. I think salads for breakfast are a good sign that the body wants /something/. *mutters* Not natural...
Shiolar, it may be a good idea. I have started taking b-complex *very* recently, and probably ought to add others. Especially considering that I positively /crave/ vegetables lately. Even ones I had not liked up until this point. I think salads for breakfast are a good sign that the body wants /something/. *mutters* Not natural...
Theleond Efellai of Moire Yti Anamne
Yeah, I used to be of the "don't let drugs solve your problems for you" crowd, until it became clear that I COULDNT solve things for myself, at least not without help. I'm not on anything yet for it, because I couldn't get an appointment with the psychiatrist until April, but hopefully then I'll be able to deal with things, because I'm sick to death of bursting into tears and hating my life over stupid things every five minutes. Its something I've delt with all my life but it's gotten a lot worse in recent years, and finally my boyfriend convinced me I need to start dealing with it. There's nothing to be ashamed of in getting help.
I've sunk into some depressive moods over the course of my life so I understand what you're going through. If there's no way to change what's making you depressed you might consider herbal remedies like Shiolar said. If you can get ahold of some St. John's Wort, that's a natural anti-depressant that my father (a heart surgeon who doesn't believe in anti-depressants XD ) uses himself when he's feeling down and has told me to use before. Be careful with it, as some people are allergic to it (my stepmom breaks out in hives when she takes just one pill!) and when I took it for more than a month it interrupted my sleep patterns. But it's very good at helping you to stop your spiral of depression and in my case helped me logic my way back from getting irrationally angry with everyone around me for not making me happy! XD
And you know, if you need to talk about what's depressing you we're all here to listen!
And you know, if you need to talk about what's depressing you we're all here to listen!
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TyGryph
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Being depressed sucks. A lot.
Medications help -- though you might have to bounce through a couple before you find one that's going to help long term. (I'm on my fourth...)
Counselling/Therapy helps. A lot. They'll help you get through it, and hopefully help you find and fix the non-chemical things that got you down so far in the first place.
Also, get a Psychiatrist. Don't get antidepressants or whatever through the normal family doctor or whatever. Psychiatrists are -specialists- and they're going to know a heckuva lot more about the meds they're prescribing to balance your brains back out than the Physician who does your routine exams and whatnot.
Ef, have you got health insurance? If you do -when you get back stateside- check it out and see if you need a referral to mental health services, or if you can just make yourself an appointment with one that your insurance covers.
All of this stuff is supposed to help you solve it. And it can be overwhelming. And I think everybody's pointing you in the right direction here.
The most important thing is to take care of yourself first. Everything else comes second. ((which is why Ryslen needs dusting and AAM is... well, over there somewhere *points to a pile of junk*))
Medications help -- though you might have to bounce through a couple before you find one that's going to help long term. (I'm on my fourth...)
Counselling/Therapy helps. A lot. They'll help you get through it, and hopefully help you find and fix the non-chemical things that got you down so far in the first place.
Also, get a Psychiatrist. Don't get antidepressants or whatever through the normal family doctor or whatever. Psychiatrists are -specialists- and they're going to know a heckuva lot more about the meds they're prescribing to balance your brains back out than the Physician who does your routine exams and whatnot.
Ef, have you got health insurance? If you do -when you get back stateside- check it out and see if you need a referral to mental health services, or if you can just make yourself an appointment with one that your insurance covers.
All of this stuff is supposed to help you solve it. And it can be overwhelming. And I think everybody's pointing you in the right direction here.
The most important thing is to take care of yourself first. Everything else comes second. ((which is why Ryslen needs dusting and AAM is... well, over there somewhere *points to a pile of junk*))
Vitamin B6 is good, 12 I think, and definitely D. You could keep off your toe (owch!) doing situps and body-twisties. Not exceptional cardio I'll venture but hey, keep ya movin.
And I understand - not wanting to give up on someone who actually DOES listen = teh goodness. And *definitely* have some blood tests done. Thyroid, Glucose/diabetic, food allergies. If you're having mood swings from lack of food, or from special foods, tell em about it - give them an earful, and demand tests if you can. Some doctors won't run tests just because THEY don't feel like it, but frankly, then you have a piece o paper that says what's going on in your body.
Not exceptional cardio I'll venture but hey, keep ya movin.And I understand - not wanting to give up on someone who actually DOES listen = teh goodness. And *definitely* have some blood tests done. Thyroid, Glucose/diabetic, food allergies. If you're having mood swings from lack of food, or from special foods, tell em about it - give them an earful, and demand tests if you can. Some doctors won't run tests just because THEY don't feel like it, but frankly, then you have a piece o paper that says what's going on in your body.
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LakotaWolf
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Talk to someone. In real life. Not online. Talk to someone professional.
A few years ago I was entirely ready to "go east and die" -- that's what I envisioned; I would drive or hitchhike as far as I could, and then somehow commit suicide. I have frequently sunk into periods of depression that are chemical... because sometimes they've occurred during the happiest times in my life.
What did I do? I asked my parents to find me a psychologist (or maybe he was a psychiatrist, I dunno.) I went to him for only a few sessions, literally three, maybe four. Each session I talked nonstop about things in my life, how I felt, what was bothering me. He listened. He made no judgements, he didn't hug me, he didn't hold my hand and pat it, telling me everything was okay. I think that was important -- my friends would have coddled me, they would have "aww you poor thing"ed, and it wouldn't have helped me at all. I had to get it all out to a "disinterested" third party.
Maybe my case is unusual, but after those few sessions I felt better. Cured. I have never been as severely depressed since. Before that, I'd been on meds for a couple of months, and those helped me feel better too, but not entirely. I think mostly it was talking to a stranger who had no entanglement in my life that made me feel as though a great weight had been lifted off of me -- forever.
Depression doesn't get better on its own. It only hibernates. Don't wait, trying to see if it'll go away :{ It's never worked for me.
A few years ago I was entirely ready to "go east and die" -- that's what I envisioned; I would drive or hitchhike as far as I could, and then somehow commit suicide. I have frequently sunk into periods of depression that are chemical... because sometimes they've occurred during the happiest times in my life.
What did I do? I asked my parents to find me a psychologist (or maybe he was a psychiatrist, I dunno.) I went to him for only a few sessions, literally three, maybe four. Each session I talked nonstop about things in my life, how I felt, what was bothering me. He listened. He made no judgements, he didn't hug me, he didn't hold my hand and pat it, telling me everything was okay. I think that was important -- my friends would have coddled me, they would have "aww you poor thing"ed, and it wouldn't have helped me at all. I had to get it all out to a "disinterested" third party.
Maybe my case is unusual, but after those few sessions I felt better. Cured. I have never been as severely depressed since. Before that, I'd been on meds for a couple of months, and those helped me feel better too, but not entirely. I think mostly it was talking to a stranger who had no entanglement in my life that made me feel as though a great weight had been lifted off of me -- forever.
Depression doesn't get better on its own. It only hibernates. Don't wait, trying to see if it'll go away :{ It's never worked for me.
Lakota Windfang Sheean,
Professional Misanthropist
http://www.splintyr.com
Letting the days go by - Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by - Water flowing underground
Into the blue again - After the money's gone
Once in a lifetime - Water flowing underground
Professional Misanthropist
http://www.splintyr.com
Letting the days go by - Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by - Water flowing underground
Into the blue again - After the money's gone
Once in a lifetime - Water flowing underground
Yeah, Astra, SOs are nice like that. Mine was the one who finally prodded me into turning words into actions and going to see a counselor...and the one who told me that I needed to let my parents know. Definitely improved some things. *heh* I am far too good at masking things like that from everyone /but/ my fiance...he always finds me out. And it's not a bad thing. I do wish the parents were not so dead set on both of us graduating before we get married...I think that a lot of the stress and depression on my part is due to playing the together-but-apart, let's-keep-up-appearances-for-the-parents game. (And if you ever want downright uncomfortable, try having fiance and yourself moved into your parents' house when dear Mama is reluctant to have you so much as alone together in a room)
Good luck with the psychiatrist. If you feel like it, let me know how it goes. I do know that feeling.
Xalia, I may look into that also, though I am wary as my family in general has a tendency toward the 5% really bad/unusual response to such things. Not to mention how screwy my sleep schedule is already...serious objections from the body clock at being five hours ahead over here. *heh* Prolly one of the things that aggravated it earlier--last semester I was on a job with an extremely erratic schedule, like a Monday morning shift from 3-5am, with class at nine.
A part of me feels bad about complaining, as I know I don't really have that much to complain about. My life is not bad at all. I'm going to get married to the love of my life, my parents are wonderful and supportive for the most part, I'm graduating early with excellent grades....I'm smart and multi-talented and slowly being conditioned by my fiance to understand that he really does find me both beautiful and sexy, and it's possible that he's not the only one. And that is definitely something of an epiphany for me.
But sometimes things do seem just about unbearable, despite all that. It frustrates me, as I am very self-analytical and quite able to see when I am being irrational. Know it, hate it, and it just makes me more angry and depressed. Fun with repression is also had. I've noticed that I have never once had the desire to harm another person. Ever. In my life. But I get angry at people...and then angry at myself for being upset with them. Instant turn-around, depression, tears...bah. Fiance tries to make the point that getting angry is human, and I should allow myself to be so, but it's not penetrating.
I'm glad you don't mind listening to me babble. It does help somewhat, even as just a distraction. Writing more would help too, I think, if I could dig my way out of this abysmal writer's block.
Good luck with the psychiatrist. If you feel like it, let me know how it goes. I do know that feeling.
Xalia, I may look into that also, though I am wary as my family in general has a tendency toward the 5% really bad/unusual response to such things. Not to mention how screwy my sleep schedule is already...serious objections from the body clock at being five hours ahead over here. *heh* Prolly one of the things that aggravated it earlier--last semester I was on a job with an extremely erratic schedule, like a Monday morning shift from 3-5am, with class at nine.
A part of me feels bad about complaining, as I know I don't really have that much to complain about. My life is not bad at all. I'm going to get married to the love of my life, my parents are wonderful and supportive for the most part, I'm graduating early with excellent grades....I'm smart and multi-talented and slowly being conditioned by my fiance to understand that he really does find me both beautiful and sexy, and it's possible that he's not the only one.
And that is definitely something of an epiphany for me. But sometimes things do seem just about unbearable, despite all that. It frustrates me, as I am very self-analytical and quite able to see when I am being irrational. Know it, hate it, and it just makes me more angry and depressed. Fun with repression is also had. I've noticed that I have never once had the desire to harm another person. Ever. In my life. But I get angry at people...and then angry at myself for being upset with them. Instant turn-around, depression, tears...bah. Fiance tries to make the point that getting angry is human, and I should allow myself to be so, but it's not penetrating.
I'm glad you don't mind listening to me babble.
It does help somewhat, even as just a distraction. Writing more would help too, I think, if I could dig my way out of this abysmal writer's block.Theleond Efellai of Moire Yti Anamne
depression - that nasty little bugger that sits in the corner and waits until I'm not paying attention to latch onto me? Oh, I know him well but I'm by no means an expert or anything. Hum... well, I take 20-30 minute walks with my dog just about every day - I just plug in my mp3 player. That time alone and in my own little world makes me feel better. The other things I usually do is watch one of my favorite movies, play video games, or surf the internet.
Tea and chocolate help too for some reason with me, any food really that reminds me of some happy time. Tea is actually really good for you, couldn't hurt eh? It's just tea. *shrug*
Even if your not diabetic, your blood sugar can still really affect you so try watching what you eat for a while and make sure you get regular meals that aren't full of sugar. Sleep affects that too definately try to go to bed/wake up at the same times everyday, even if those times are 3am/8am or something. (the 'fun' things you learn living with a diabetic. >.> )
To get out of writer's block try writing something completely stupid or silly - like purple spotted bunnies or something random like that, just for fun. When I have artist's block instead of forcing myself to draw something I just doodle surreal-ish pictures in my sketchbook, whatever flows from the pencil to the paper, before long I can fill whole pages of it.
Tea and chocolate help too for some reason with me, any food really that reminds me of some happy time. Tea is actually really good for you, couldn't hurt eh? It's just tea. *shrug*
Even if your not diabetic, your blood sugar can still really affect you so try watching what you eat for a while and make sure you get regular meals that aren't full of sugar. Sleep affects that too definately try to go to bed/wake up at the same times everyday, even if those times are 3am/8am or something. (the 'fun' things you learn living with a diabetic. >.> )
To get out of writer's block try writing something completely stupid or silly - like purple spotted bunnies or something random like that, just for fun. When I have artist's block instead of forcing myself to draw something I just doodle surreal-ish pictures in my sketchbook, whatever flows from the pencil to the paper, before long I can fill whole pages of it.
=-Lylan Keep-=
Boreal Visions ~ DeviantArt
"The artist must create a spark before he can make a fire and before art is born, the artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation." - Auguste Rodin
Boreal Visions ~ DeviantArt
"The artist must create a spark before he can make a fire and before art is born, the artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation." - Auguste Rodin
Oh god... this thread could not have come at a better time.
Ef, I have no suggestions whatsoever, but I can thoroughly commiserate. These vey same things, recently, have been haunting me, and I literally only just realized two-ish days ago that I need to do something about this depression before it ruins all the things in my life I cherish. I'm going to try and find someone to talk to, myself.
Depression is weird. It doesn't care if you're in the best situation ever; it'll worm its way in over some little thing and then grow, and grow, and grow till it's bigger than everything else. I'm in a darn good place too -- art school, for crying out loud, getting financial and emotional help from extremely supportive parents, living with the love of my life, but it's still there.
Keep going, girl. Do something about it, get back on your (emotional and literal) feet. *hugs*
Ef, I have no suggestions whatsoever, but I can thoroughly commiserate. These vey same things, recently, have been haunting me, and I literally only just realized two-ish days ago that I need to do something about this depression before it ruins all the things in my life I cherish. I'm going to try and find someone to talk to, myself.
Depression is weird. It doesn't care if you're in the best situation ever; it'll worm its way in over some little thing and then grow, and grow, and grow till it's bigger than everything else. I'm in a darn good place too -- art school, for crying out loud, getting financial and emotional help from extremely supportive parents, living with the love of my life, but it's still there.
Keep going, girl. Do something about it, get back on your (emotional and literal) feet. *hugs*
Something else that I know can really tip the balances one way or another (and that I remembered when Indigo brought it up) is music. If you have access to the really upbeat, happy stuff (whatever style of music you may like) try keeping your library to that, and put away the downcast, angry, too-mellow music for another time? Sometimes it's nice to have, but listening to positive stuff can also be a real booster.
^_^' Just little things that you can do while you're waiting to get to the more serious solutions.
^_^' Just little things that you can do while you're waiting to get to the more serious solutions.
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Samber
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I'm in no way an expert or anything, but a couple things that I think might help...
-definitely the vitamin D. Me and my mom have been reading a bunch about how more natural stuff and diet changes (like, more veggies as opposed to meds) can help with depression and stuff. If you can get it where you are, Natural Ovens of Manitowoc i think it is, has this vitamin D supplement in the form of chocolate with peanuts--very yummy, and healthy too.
-go for, like, salads and fresh fruits. Raw fruit and veg taste good, are good for you, and make you feel good in a number of different ways (including a sort of healthier-than-thou gloatingness). Some people eat chocolate or ice cream when they get down... for me, a fresh orange is a zillion times better, and there's no guilt.
-snuggle with a cat/dog/warm blanket/mug of hot chocolate/cup of chamomile tea/favorite book before you go to sleep.
-if you think you might be hypoglycemic, one thing that works for my mom and my brother who she thinks is hypoglycemic is, avoid sugary stuff and really refined carbohydrates. protein and whole grains are better, apparently. also, I read somewhere that raw corn starch (ugh!) helps keep blood sugar levels steady...
-making tangible items, like cooking, helps me feel better about myself, especially if I can share the cookies with someone, and community volunteer service is a good way to focus on others instead of yourself.
-if you're part of a religious group, you could try going to your pastor or whatever for spiritual guidance, and reading scripture or praying may also help you find peace. If there's someone you feel comfortable asking for a blessing of healing or comfort, that might also be an option.
-spending a few minutes each day outside, observing nature
-and like Dray said, music can really influence your mood. country music might be a bad idea, since it tends to be depressing, and rap for me at least makes me feel yucky, but if you've got a group that you like to listen to, or church choir stuff (the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is pretty good, i think, but I'm probably biased), or even Christmas songs that would be really good.
...and I went and dug up a couple articles that had some good advice from my church's magazine. i don't know how much is relevent, but there might be something useful in there?
http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/ ... ession.htm
http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/ ... ession.htm
-definitely the vitamin D. Me and my mom have been reading a bunch about how more natural stuff and diet changes (like, more veggies as opposed to meds) can help with depression and stuff. If you can get it where you are, Natural Ovens of Manitowoc i think it is, has this vitamin D supplement in the form of chocolate with peanuts--very yummy, and healthy too.
-go for, like, salads and fresh fruits. Raw fruit and veg taste good, are good for you, and make you feel good in a number of different ways (including a sort of healthier-than-thou gloatingness). Some people eat chocolate or ice cream when they get down... for me, a fresh orange is a zillion times better, and there's no guilt.
-snuggle with a cat/dog/warm blanket/mug of hot chocolate/cup of chamomile tea/favorite book before you go to sleep.
-if you think you might be hypoglycemic, one thing that works for my mom and my brother who she thinks is hypoglycemic is, avoid sugary stuff and really refined carbohydrates. protein and whole grains are better, apparently. also, I read somewhere that raw corn starch (ugh!) helps keep blood sugar levels steady...
-making tangible items, like cooking, helps me feel better about myself, especially if I can share the cookies with someone, and community volunteer service is a good way to focus on others instead of yourself.
-if you're part of a religious group, you could try going to your pastor or whatever for spiritual guidance, and reading scripture or praying may also help you find peace. If there's someone you feel comfortable asking for a blessing of healing or comfort, that might also be an option.
-spending a few minutes each day outside, observing nature
-and like Dray said, music can really influence your mood. country music might be a bad idea, since it tends to be depressing, and rap for me at least makes me feel yucky, but if you've got a group that you like to listen to, or church choir stuff (the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is pretty good, i think, but I'm probably biased), or even Christmas songs that would be really good.
...and I went and dug up a couple articles that had some good advice from my church's magazine. i don't know how much is relevent, but there might be something useful in there?
http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/ ... ession.htm
http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/ ... ession.htm
As another being definitely prone to anxiety and somewhat prone to depression, I can say that what really helps me is getting as much sleep and food as I need. Then if that doesn't work and I don't feel better for a few days I try to figure out what else could be causing the glum state and I attempt to figure out where to go from there...
I dunno though... sometimes there isn't a reason, you're just depressed... and that just sucks...
-_-
Sorry I couldn't be more useful. Feel better soon!
I dunno though... sometimes there isn't a reason, you're just depressed... and that just sucks...
-_-
Sorry I couldn't be more useful. Feel better soon!