Have you had depression?  How did you recover and get on with your life?
111370
first of all, it's ok. it's normal. some people would say you're going through a quarter-life crisis. school, up to this point, is all you've known. teachers guiding your schedule, classmates keeping you company, a bubble (campus) that is safe and warm.\n\nnow, you've exited the womb that is school. you're crying as the world slaps you on the back. HE'S BREATHING!! the world is excited. you can take a few days in the incubator, or you can move on with your life. \n\nthe job fair sounds hopeful--not because it promises a career, but because it's something that's getting you out of the house, defining your goals, and pushing you toward the next phase of your life.\n\nhow did i recover from depression?\n-fought every negative thought, no matter how much it hurt my pride\n-filled my schedule with activites (church, the gym, music lessons, lunch, coffee, theater, etc.)\n-called a friend\n-turned off the tv\n-took a walk\n-before bed, write down a list of things you want to accomplish the next day. this gives you a reason to wake up and get going (like school!)\n-pick out your outfit for the next day. choose something that makes you feel smart/sexy/confident\n-set your alarm for the next day!\n\nrock the job fair! and if you can't wait that long, print up an application and head out. start talking to people. jobs are more likely to turn up if you're networking, than hiding away.\n\nnote: a job can be a way of continuing the "womb." be aware of this, and focus on this concept in therapy. you have to be confident and loving life no matter what you're doing. because some day, you'll retire, and then it will be much harder to get accustomed to life outside the womb.\n\ngood luck! you can do it!
137348
I was depressed when I left college and downed a bottle of aspirin to make all the sh*t go away. It didn't work, (well, i'm still here afterall lol). I then tried to think things through and decided I had only a couple of options open to me. 1) I could go see a shrink, listen to all their BS and end up on psych drugs. 2) Kill myself. (Both 1 and 2 equated to the same horror as far as I was concerned). Or 3) Find something that would give me purpose in life, find strength and the will to create my life as I see fit. Thinking this meant "finding God", I grabbed the nearest encyclopedia and read as much as I could on religion and spirituality. Most of it was a bit of a turn off, truth be told. I was an atheist then and believed that I was responsible for my life and future and simply refused to accept that I was some pawn or puppet of forces out of my control. But I eventually did find some data that matched my beliefs: Buddhism and Scientology. I did as much research as possible, looked at all the pros and cons and, being the eclectic that I am, used bits of both philosophies to sort myself out. I also did some self-improvement courses that addressed my low self-esteem and self-confidence, and in the space of 1-2 months I had erased a lifetime of introversion, depression and misery.\n\nThat was how I did. And it worked for me. There are so many different options available out there, you should do as much research as possible so you can find something that works for you. If you are genuinely to the point of ending it all then that is your choice, but there is help out there if you reach for it. These guys, especially, are on call 24-7 to talk and help if you need to. http://www.volunteerministers.org/eng/help/index.htm
814469
I "expirienced" depression reading your question.
873558
Never let anyone or anything make you lose your faith. Hold on to that - it's valuable.\n\nFriends come and go, all throughout our lives. You can reach out to someone and be their friend whenever you choose to.\n\nAs for the depression, I think these tips are pretty useful. Take care and all the best.\n\n"GET OUT OF BED: \n\nOne of the most important things you can do is get up at about the same time every morning (even week-ends). Preferably, that means about 7 a.m. or earlier. You might not feel like it but Get Up. Such regularity helps your body function more normally so you're more likely to feel normal. \n\nLIGHTS: \n\nLight helps your body function better. So turn on a lot of lights as soon as you arise. Open curtains to get more sunlight. Better yet, go outdoors into the sunshine as soon as you can. Remove any eyewear so light will enter more readily (glass cuts out some of the sun's rays). But don't stare at the sun, of course. \n\nMOVE: \n\nBe active right away -- oxygenate! That means getting up and walking around your dwelling for five or 10 minutes, or perhaps riding an exercycle. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing and transports more oxygen throughout your body (especially to your brain), helping you feel mentally alert and alive. \n\nMUSIC: \n\nSelect and play some energetic, happy music as you dress and have your breakfast. The audiovisual department of most libraries has albums and tapes you can check out. \n  \n\nBREAKFAST: \n\nBegin your breakfast with protein (i.e., meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, cheese). When you get up, your body chemistry is ready to convert food, especially protein,into longlasting energy. To balance your most important meal of the day, add an orange or other fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or whole grain bread. \n\nTALK WITH SOMEONE: \n\nOne of the quickest ways to beat the blues is to interact with others. You might not feel like doing that - you'd rather avoid people when blue. So make lt easier on yourself. Talk with someone you enjoy about a subject you enjoy so there is definite give and take. \n\nAnd, force yourself to say "hello" to the persons next to you in class, those where you live, anyone around. \n\nLIMIT CAFFEINE: \n\nThe long-term (four hours or so) effects of caffeine are depression. Try to limit coffee to no more than one cup in the morning. Coffee can make you more alert for an hour or so, but later you get an opposite reaction. Caffeine tends to increase the release of insulin in the blood, and insulin lowers the blood sugar level. When you have low blood sugar levels, you begin to feel less sure of yourself, and have low energy levels, which can lead to the blues or depression. \n\nLIMIT SUGAR: \n\nSugar might give you an initial rush of energy, but within an hour or so the blood sugar level can become low, and when it's low you may feel low, too. \n\nThe caffeine/sugar cycle. It's easy to get caught in the caffeine and sugar cycle -- having coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or something with sugar every two hours or so to "stay up." For example, cola contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar plus caffeine equal to about half a cup of coffee. In addition to bringing on the blues, this cycle can result in dependence, poor nutrition. and obesity -- reasons to get down on yourself even more and feel blue. \n\nMAINTAIN FIBER: \n\nFiber helps food go through your digestive system at a proper rate, giving a more constant energy supply. Highly processed foods merely provide a quick surge of energy which can be followed by depression. You can maintain fiber in your diet by eating an orange or grapefruit rather than just drinking the juice. Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals. \n\nSTRESS B COMPLEX: \n\nSome persons report receiving help by taking a concentrated vitamin B complex. You'll find these called something like "Stress B" or "B 50." This is controversial.
605686
I have suffered from depression since I can remember. I dealt with it by punching walls until my knuckles were bleeding, binge drinking when I was 14, smoking weed at an early age, and cutting myself. My depression would come and go, I'd feel good for a while then go through stints of depression. They'd last anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months. I probably was not eating as much because I'd sleep about 10-12 hours a day, so I wouldn't be awake to suffer. I was eventually put on Prozac, but I had to start seeing a psychologist to get the meds. I was on that treatment for about a year, then decided that I could deal with it on my own. I'm 23 now and even though I've stopped most of the self destructive behavior, I know that it's always there. For me it kind of feels like being a recovering alcoholic; you're never really get over it, but you gain the knowledge on how to cope with it. I just have to remind myself that there's bad days and good days; a rainbow comes out after the storm has passed. I'm a health fanatic now, I go to the gym and lift weights. It's my release... a lot of my depression manifested itself as anger, so instead of punching things and cutting myself I bench press and do curls.
115083
At one point in my life I was really depressed. i'm talking clinical depression here, the kind you get when the chemicals in your brain get mixed up. i was a Christian at this point, but had been drifting away from God.\nanyway, i was standing by my window one day. at this point i was closer to committing suicide then i had ever been, and was contemplating the action right then. as i stood there, i suddenly felt this overwhelming prescence.\ni can't really describe what happened next, (it's too personal) but God came to me. i spent some time in prayer, just pouring out my heart. when i left my room, i felt like a completely different person. everything literally looked brighter.\n5 years later, i'm still following the Lord and couldn't be happier. i really believe that God saved my life that day, both spiritually and physically.
243475
First, it's good that you realize you are depressed. So many people deny that there's anything wrong with them. I have suffered from depression and was suicidal. I was fortunate to find a truly great psychiatrist and therapist who helped me work through my problems. Besides all the things that caused me to become depressed, I have a chemical imbalance in my brain. When I first got sick (20 years ago) I refused medication. But, it came to the point where I needed it. Some people do, some don't. \n\nIf you have a doctor, make an appointment so that you can be evaluated. You may have to take some medicine, at least short-term. Medication can help to elevate your mood enough so that you can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your doctor should be able to refer you for counseling.\n\nFeeling as you do, it is hard to do well in school. The semester must be almost over. Perhaps you need a break from school and concentrate on feeling better before you tackle it again.\n\nI don't know what your debts consist of, but the Consumer Credit Counseling Service may have an office in your area. I've listed the link to their online service below. They are professionals who can help you get your debt under control, working with you to create a plan to get out of debt.\n\nAs for not having a boyfriend, I know it's hard, but perhaps you have enough to concentrate on without having to deal with one.\n\nYou say you live with your family. Do they know how you feel? Are they supportive? If so, talk to them. If not, follow through and call your doctor.\n\nI know it seems rather bleak and hopeless right now, but I've come a long way from where I was 6 years ago. It's been hard, but I did it.\n\nGod Bless!
262652
Here's a screening quiz I found that can help give you an idea:\nhttp://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm\nIf you think you need help, by all means get it.  I'm not sure of your situation, but talk to a psychiatrist, a counselor, a school official, a social worker...even if you don't have money to pay for a psychiatrist visit there are ways to get help - talk to a counselor at school or at work to see how.  If you are depressed, there's a good chance that medicine and/or talk therapy can get you back to your old self.
493319
yea alot of people have ...i have been suffering from depression for quite a few years now and i have felt like that about everyone in my life ..through 2 pregnancies and a whole lot of depression... i honestly believe it is because you figure (as i do) if you don't love yourself how can anyone else love you ...its gonna be hard but for the most part and to help you get over feeling this way you HAVE to i repeat HAVE to learn to love yourself
697918
take positive action today, right now. Life is too short and precious. I am your age and have recently retrained after 2 horrible years of illness. I am now doing a job i love. It was tough to get here but well worth it. Be prepared for things to get a little worse before they get better. for example you may be quite low on cash for a while. \nFirst...what do you want to do? need inspiration? look through the job pages, or check out what courses are available. \nsecond...if you don't want to be in this country, where do you want to be? \nthird...how about giving yourself some thinking time and doing something positive and rewarding to fight off the depression? You're young enough to be eligible for loads of charitable organisations, for example BUNAC. They pay for your flights, you do some volunteer work in an interesting place. Might help to get you some perspective.\ngood luck xx
303730
First of all, you need to get ahold of yourself, find a job, and have a little more self confidence.  The people who get hired and move up in life all have great self confidence, a good out look on life and most are optomistic.  If you wallow in your depression, you will get nowhere.  So cheer up, look at the world with new eyes and go for it!
404009
First of all you need to get over your depression mate, nobody wants a depressed person around.\n\nDepression is all in the mind and doctors and phsycies like to go on saying it's an illness or whatever to make money out of you, making things worse on the person.\n\nYou are depressed? Yes I believe that you may be depressed, but to stay that way is unacceptable!\n\nWhat is getting you depressed? Right now it's you wife being unhappy right? You need to find out what got you depressed before!\n\nE.G:\nIs it cause you don't get paid enough? If so go ask your boss for a boss for a raise, if you haven't asked cause you afraid, get over it, go ask and you'll sort this problem out, or even get another job.\n\nAnother E.G.\nAre you depressed cause someone died and you can't get over it? Well the answer is simple... GET OVER IT! Cry, shout, scream whatever, get the F over it!\n\nIf you are seeing a doctor or Phsycologist for your problem, trust me, they don't work, get rid of them and it's you and your mind, the gloves are off! GET THE F OVER IT!\n\nMany people go on to wimper "I can't do it, I need help" Of course you can, you can do anything, I can you can he can she can, we can.\n\nStop being a baby, if you still think you can't get over your depression, or give up trying, then you should just give up your wife, I know it's gonna be hard but just do it, don't think about it!\n\nNEXT... Why are you even entertaining the fact that your wife is talking to her ex? Where are your balls mate? You should be in charge, get up and get some life into yourself, and you'll stop being depressed and your wife will love you, be happy and respect you.
115843
Dude, I spent many nights pondering the outcome of suicide! I grew up very poor, and often thought it couldn't be any worse. Fat kid, Stupid kid, whatever all the other kids said was mean and thoughtless. Later I found that none of those stupid things meant squat. In my life I have touched other lives, even saved a few. That made all that suffering worth the pain. \n\nIt gets better. I finally found out I had some depression issues. Got some great little happy pills fron the Doc that make life easier. But it comes down to this, Pain and depression and suffering are all part of growing up and they turn into strength and experience. That strength grows each time you suffer. \n\nYou can use that later in life to help other people.\n\nMaybe you should talk to someone about treatment for depression. It's diferent for everyone. Suicide is not the answer.
196155
Exercise is a great remedy for depression.  Give it a try for a couple of weeks.  Really get your heart rate up; work up a sweat!  Of course, check with your doctor first.\n\nI went through a depressive period a while back and tried a few different antidepressants.  They all blunted my mind.  Exercise has been the only thing to help.\n\nGood luck!
451677
If you are able to identify the source of the depression it might help.  My job was making me miserable.  I came home & went to sleep.  I did not enjoy any of the things I used to.  I became very withdrawn.  One day I said "no more!".  I went back to school and within a suprisingly short amount of time have completely turned my life around.  I now have my own business, and enjoy life again.  Good luck to you!
984821
There are loads of options. Depression's not my bag, I'm bipolar, but I suggest you wander over to http://www.crazyboards.org for some more advice.
39339
I understand your desire to learn about depression and remedies for it. I have three things that have\ngotten me through times when I've been depressed, and\nthey're all gentle solutions that I think will suit an\nintelligent person like yourself. \n\n1 - The first is what Freud calls the "talking cure".\nHe insists that it must be performed by a\npsychoanalyst who you are paying for, but actually\nI've performed it by writing in a diary. The key is to\nbe very honest, and try to find connections that you\nmight otherwise be supressing, because these are the\nareas that need work. For example, what's the first\nthing that pops into your mind when you think of\n"depression"? If the answer is "flying a kite", then\nfollow the chain... What do you think of when you\nthink of "kite" and "flying"... You'll be surprised\nhow quickly this takes you right down to an event in\nyour childhood or an unresolved conflict that might\nhave happened a year ago.\n\n2 - Looking for lies. A chair cannot make you\ndepressed. A lampshade cannot make you depressed. Only\nanother person can make you depressed. I believe it is\nbecause a chair and a lampshade cannot lie. Only a\nperson can lie. Depression, it seems to me, comes from\nbelieving a lie. That conflict (between reality and\nthe lie) takes up so much mental energy to maintain,\nit drains you as a whole. You may find, after using\ntechnique #1, that it leads to you to this conclusion\n#2. For example, after free associating your way to an\nevent, you might find that it was when someone told\nyou that you weren't worth a hill of beans. The\nproblem is not that they insulted you, the problem is\nthat you believed the lie. Beware, giving up on a lie\nthat we've believed in for a long time is tougher than\nit sounds.\n\n3 - This one is going to sound goofy, especially after\nwading in deeply with the other two techniques. Get\nsome light to shine on the cells in the back of your\neyes. Go outside for an extended period of time\nwithout sunglasses (no need to stare at the sun or a\nlight-bulb, indirect light will do). Use one of those\ngentle light therapy products like www.everlyte.com .\nTake a trip on a sailboat. Spend a few hours in open\nfields on sunny days. It's those cells in the eyes\nthat produce much of the chemical that pills and\nherbal remedies seek to replace, but the cells in the\neyes put the chemicals where they are needed, in your\nbrain, and not in your stomach and everywhere else.\nThis third technique will help you with the other two,\nallowing you to think clearly, and get out from being\nstuck in a loop.\n\nI hope this "whole-istic" answer is as helpful to you\nas it has been to me over the years. A gentle look at\nthe whole picture is often better than a sledgehammer\nto just one piece of the problem.