what is the best way to deal with depression?
346997
SEE A DOCTOR!  It took me 1 year to get established on medications that did not make my depression worse and actually started to help me. And be referred to a counselor. You need to talk about it.\n\nI see a lot of good answers on here but everyone MUST realize this - depression can sneak up on you and totally immobilize you. It can cause severe panic attacks and you can develop a fear of even going outside. Until depression starts to lift, you are pretty well unable to help anyone else or enjoy any hobbies. And its not feeling sorry for yourself - even if depression were a self-pity or mind thing, you still are not physically, emotionally or mentally able to deal with it alone. You must have professional help and hopefully, a good friend who will recognize what is happening to you and be there for you whenever you need her/him.
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.
786885
first ask if there is a problem the next get out and do something invite yourself in a group do anything just get out of that room and quit being a depressed person
1055378
don't ever give up! there is ALWAYS a better day in the future. exercise really helps to ease depression. you wouldnt think of it, but just a daily walk or jog outside will help you.
1043760
surround yourself with positive thoughts. set simple daily goals that you can achieve. stick to a routine as much as possible. give yourself a compliment at least twice a day. write things down in a planner or journal to help you stay focused. and if all else fails... seek professional help. depression is nothing to play around with. sometimes we need outside help and that's okay.
645113
learn some relaxation techniques\ntake deep breath ten to fifteen times imaging that all the positive energy is coming with the breathe you take in  and all the negative enrgy is going out as you breathe out.\ngo for good books it may include story of successful person\nexercise \ntry to solve crosswords, sudoku, any number game\ntalk to those people who are positive toward the life \nmake friends who can support you but avoid those person who always critise you\nlisten toyour favourite music\nstart writing in a diary what you are feeling at the time of depression and after depression.\nremember those moments when you were confident, happy, \ntry to say positively "I can do it"\ntry these these things and soon you can overcome your depression
245103
There is a lot of help available for depression.  Depending on your condition, a doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medication that can correct potential chemical imbalances that can cause depression.  Therapy sessions with a psychiatrist, psycholgist or other counselor can help you come to terms with how and why you feel the way you do.  There are also a wide variety of support groups and "help lines" that can provide both encouragement and (usually) free advice.\n\nInvestigate the possibilites in your community, and talk to someone about how you feel.  It's the only way to start feeling more like yourself again.
678047
I think the most important thing you can do for yourself is accept that there are no magic pills. If you put too much faith in medicine, chances are you will be disappointed because pills do not always address the underlying causes of depression.\n\nThings that you could try instead:\n\n1. Examine your diet. Is it healthy and balanced? If it isn't, think about taking supplements for a while. I know everyone booed Tom Cruise when he suggested vitamins as a cure for Post-partum depression but, actually, he made an important point badly. Poor nutrition is a factor in a vast number of mental illnesses. If you want to get serious about nutrition, buy a book called 'The Optimum Nutrition Bible' and follow the supplementation regime for depression. It will work - promise!\n\n2. Another thing to try (in conjunction with 1) is to take more exercise. It's the last thing you feel like doing, I will bet. But exercise gets those serotonin and endorphin levels elevated and you come out on a high. Even if you are unfit, you come out feeling like you have achieved something when you finish a class. Think about taking up aerobics or using a cross-trainer regularly\n\n3. Try to talk about your feelings. Depression is often caused by repressed anger. Women, in particular, tend to suffer from depression because we tend to internalise stress. The best way to not get depressed is to get used to expressing and asserting yourself. If you type 'depression and anger' into Google, you will be surprised by the amount of material on the web about this.\n\n4. Try to get enough sleep. If you prop your body up with lots of cigarettes, coffee, alcohol or soda (or even recreational drugs) try to cut right down. Try to cut out alcohol as it is a depressant. You know by now that trying to bury your feelings in unhealthy habits isn't working. In fact, it may be making you feel worse. It's time to give up all those bad habits for good.\n\n5. Do what you can to shift your mindset. If you sit there all day saying 'I am depressed', you will feel depressed. I guarantee it. Instead, wake up in the morning and say 'it's a gorgeous day today. I think I'll go for a walk'. Then do it. Or look at your feet and promise to paint your toenails a pretty colour. Listen to some music (no mopey love songs or funeral dirges - listen to upbeat tracks that make you want to dance or sing along). \n\nI too have suffered from depression, for many years. It has only lifted in the last 6 years. I did the pill thing, the alcohol thing, the hospital thing and therapy. But what really helped me was a determined effort to change my mindset - from cup half empty to cup half full. I try to be positive but I keep things real. I think about how I feel about things a lot. And if I am angry, I express it. Why shouldn't I?\n\nIt will not be easy but make a commitment to yourself to take some of these steps. Only then will you position yourself to be free of this burden forever.\n\nTake care and good luck.
496518
Depression will usually pass. Try herbal teas like camomille and rosemary. have a big goal in life, like what do you want to do in life? Singer, dancer, writer, artist, engineer, geologist, open a restaurant? What is it you want? Don't you want to travel, see the world, live the good life??? Life is a very, very precious gift, we are extremely LUCKY to be here, to be able to live at all. I couldn't be depressed AT ALL knowing that. Life is the best gift of all, and it only lasts a few seconds in the big scheme of things. Good luck to you, hang in!!
233192
try to find things that intrest u then start contrentrating onthings that help u keep ur mind off the depression if severe see a counseler talk to freinds and family get out of the house and do activites and enjoy yourself hope u get better and find some joy
1183733
Exercise is one of the best solutions to depression.  Don't buy a treadmill, go jog outside.  Exercising outdoors is a lot better than indoors.
128532
Make sure you're taking care of yourself.  Do some self care, whether your a guy or girl, it can help you feel better.  Get your hair cut, take a long bath, soak your feet, use some lotion on your dry skin, better yet, get a massage!  Take time to let yourself relax and help yourself to realize that you are worth taking care of yourself.  If you take care of things on the outside, you'll feel better on the inside.\n\nYour depression could be seasonal.  Think about spending time outside when it's sunny, if it's ever sunny this time of year.  You could also purchase a full spectrum light bulb at a health food store.  They're usually about seven dollars, but they are so worth it!\n\nMake sure you have someone to talk to.  Try to talk out your problems, but also develope positive friendships.  Get out and do something, even if it's just taking a walk.\n\nTry to control your thought patterns.  It's easy to get in a rut of thinking bad thoughts about yourself and thinking about making bad decisions to hurt yourself.  Feed yourself positive thoughts instead, even if you have to force them at first.\n\nGood luck with everything, being depressed is not fun at all, especially if you've been feeling this way for a long time.  Just remember that you have to be proactive about your mental health.  Don't let yourself lie around and cry all day.  You've cried and moped enough, it's time to try to make yourself feel better!\n\nPS make sure you're eating good food.  Lots of veggies, maybe think about taking vitamin suplements or talking to an herbal specialist.
222216
Look in the phone book under counseling, or something similar.  Most cities have free 24-hour services that can help you find someone to speak with.  That's if you feel you are overwhelmed with depression.  If it's minor depression, exercise.  Studies have shown that exercising can be just as effective as an anti-depressant for someone who is only moderately depressed.
1071264
Past medication, I am going to recite here what I found in Kathy Cronkite's book regarding depression: Liz Carpenter, former White House press secretary uses these techniques to keep "the wolves" at bay..........\n1. Do something for someone-a child, a friend, a mate. 2. Do something for yourself-a new hairdo, a new dress, a massage. 3. Do something for your home-garden, plant a tree, clean a drawer or closet while listening to music. 4. Have eight people to dinner with your good china and best recipes. 5. Take three upbeat friends to lunch. 6. PLan a vacation. 7. Exercise-swim, dance, jog, walk. 8. Volunteer to work in a soup line. 9. Follow the AA formula of HALT-take positive steps to avoid being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. 10. Confess your depression to a sensible friend or physician. 11. Join something-a cooking club, tennis club, church or all three. 12. Sing-even if you think you can't. \n\nKathy Cronkite wrote "On the Edge of Darkness", Conversations About Conquering Depression". Buy it. I sent it to my Aunt and never thought I'd need it for myself. It helped me immensely along with my doctor and his kindness in understanding. I have a prescription now, whereas, all I wanted to do was just lay down and die. God Bless.
986553
You don't need to wear a mask. Try to be around the people who can accept the fact that you are going through a hard time. There is nothing like having to be an actress on top of feeling really depressed.\nThere are things that can really help with depression other than the pills.\nNutrition can affect your mental well being. Try to eat a balanced healthy diet. No junk food, cut down of sugar... Eat lots of fresh vegetable, grains, beans... Omega fatty acid is amazing for depression, the brain. Add flax seed oil to your diet. one to two tablespoon a day. Vitamin B complex and B 12 are great for depression.\nTry your best to not aggravate your depression by drinking alcohol and smoking.\nExercise is crucial. Try to go for walks in the nature where you can feel at peace, near the water, in the park...\nGive Yoga and meditation a chance. It will do you a world of good. If you can, try to volunteer so that you can get the focus off your depression and do something positive.\nAt night try to take a hot bath, add few drops of lavender essential oil. It is very soothing.\nTry these methods for a month or so and hopefully you'll feel better. \nYou can get well if you have the right attitude and determination.\nGood luck my friend.
221542
The way I dealt with depression was to get into a deep study of the Bible.  Although I still sometimes get depressed, it is nowhere at all what it used to be.  I now know ABSOLUTELY that someone cares about me and loves me and will help me.\n\nJehovah's witnesses offer free home Bible studies at your convenience and without commitment.
209174
Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the situation. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime: \nSet realistic goals and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility. \nBreak large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.\nTry to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.\nParticipate in activities that may make you feel better.\nMild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help. \nExpect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time. \nIt is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition--change jobs, get married or divorced--discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation. \nPeople rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day by day.\nRemember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.\nLet your family and friends help you. \n\nSelf help for depression\n\nEffective therapy needs to incorporate everything that works in lifting depression. You may be able to help yourself effectively, although often it is useful to get the help of a professional.\n\nHere we'll go through what you can do, as well as what you should look for in any therapy you choose to undergo.\nWhat you can do to help yourself\n\n1) Know about your condition - what you know about your depression has been shown to have an effect on well you respond to treatment. Take the Depression Learning Path - it's the best way to start helping yourself.\n\n2) Cut down on rumination. Do whatever you can to decrease the amount of rumination you are doing. (Ruminating is 'chewing over' emotional issues in your mind without coming to any decision to act.)\n\nIf possible, decide to put off difficult decisions for 1 or 2 weeks while you get your energy back.\n\nWays to cut down rumination are to:\n\na) Stop yourself when you spot yourself doing 'all or nothing' thinking. (See thinking styles)\nb) Read novels when you have nothing to do, to occupy your mind. (Make them exciting novels, not romance or self help books!)\nc) Do exercise (see 5)\nd) Work if you can\ne) Keep yourself occupied as much as possible in ways that stop you thinking too much!\n\n3) Find ways to assess and monitor your depressive episodes - The way depression makes us adopt all or nothing thinking is a unique and crucial part of understanding depression. The way depression makes us generate seemingly hopeless outcomes to our situation can make it almost impossible to see a way out of it. \n\nFinding ways to gauge your depression can help to show the shades of gray, that will ultimately defeat the black and white thinking on which depression thrives. This is often done in the form of a diary, where you grade how bad your days have been on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the worst and 10 is the best. Then, after 2 weeks or so, you can look back and see how things have varied over that time. \n\n4) Lower your emotional arousal levels calming down emotions such as anxiety and anger helps your brain function more subtly and decreases the amount of catastrophising you do. Along with getting proper rest, being able to relax is incredibly important.\n\nRelaxation therapies are effective in overcoming some of the other issues that can co-occur with depression. The effects of panic attacks, anxiety and anger, etc can be lessened and overcome with the ability to relax properly and deeply. Physi