How do I get myself out of my depression the medications I have been on years, they do nothing?
803475
"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. \nSome nutritionists say, "Yes, this really should be considered," and others say, "No, this is not a good Idea." You can try some and decide whether or not it helps you. If it does help, then perhaps you should consult a nutritionist to see if there are other ways you can augment your die
832500
crystal-hun i believe u need to c your doc asap these meds r serious and they know how to dispense them just b upfront with him and tell him all u feel dont hide nuttin from him dont think theres to many folks that are not on any antidepressant's drugs in this day and age...good luck happy holidays
267017
First of all, do not blame yourself.  Depression is a chemical imbalance that is easily treatable.\n\nMy recommendation is to visit a licensed doctor that can evaluate your mental condition and prescrible a method of treatment.  It may involve medication; It could involve meeting for regular counseling sessions.\n\nIn the meantime, this might help:\n1:  Sleep regular hours (6-8 hours a day).  Too much or too little sleep will only make the situation worse.\n2:  Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet.  Also, try and drink more water.  This will help get your body on more of balance, which in turn could help your mental situation.\n3:  Exercisize regularly.  This releases "feel good" chemicals into your brain that can help alleviate your depression. Also, it will help get your sleep on schedule.\n\nI hope you feel better!
634232
Very kind of you to ask us Ladies, my Son. It's normal to feel depressed or as if life is passing you by. You're 22 years old and it seems that you have it all right where you want it. You just don't know what to do with it. Be happy that you have what you do. If you continue to be unhappy go and volunteer at a soup kitchen or a shelter. Trend towards doing something useful rather than sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Give money to a library or to a humane society. Do something for someone else. You don't need medication. You need a purpose. You have "things" but you need to give of yourself to appreciate them. Good luck, child. I hope you find what you're looking for.
942122
click here please:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression#Treatment\n\nand go to doctor
143848
Try exercising...it really does make a chemical difference in your brain, which affects your moods. Stick with fresh, whole foods (no processed or fast foods). Start thinking about your life goals and what your purpose on earth is - and find strength in your chosen religion. Ask a doctor about a prescription for an anti-depressant like Zoloft. Try acupuncture. Watch funny movies and take meticulous care of yourself. I hope you feel better soon. The important thing to remember is: You can eventually start to feel better.
1041923
well i'm still trying to battle mine...started with antidepressants....but they just made me feel worse...now I just try and focus on the gym, workout as much as possible and talk when I feel sad or emotinal....I might start counseling....but in reality, it won't end until you try to pull yourself out of it....it someitmes takes you to be strong and know that you need to deal and face your issues head on...
404911
Find a new therapist who will help you and not just fill you full of pills!  \n\nAlso, try working out at the gym - that should help with self-esteem, make you feel less tired, increase your sex drive, and increase your motivation.  Research has shown that just 30 minutes of exercise can be more effective than an anti-depressant.  If you are doing both then maybe things will start to look up!
757728
If you are not feeling better after 4 years maybe you are on the wrongs meds.  However, nothing is a miricle cure and you have to want to get better and make some effort yourself xxxx
851029
What u need is some expert advise. Go to the\ndoctor where u got the prescription and tell\nhim exactly what u told us and he should be\nable to adjust the treatment. Depression is a\nserious illness and needs to be addressed with-\nout embarassment as it can be a life saver if\ndiscussed and treated . If kept inside the de-\npression gets stronger and one can do harm\nto themselves. Also ask what programs are\navailable to be able to get into to where others\nwho have depression can talk about it and get\nadvise amongst ur peers. Good luck and never\nbe ashamed to discuss ur condition  so that\nu can get the help needed.
36853
IMO medication is the only this that is going to help. I have this too and meds helped me quite a bit. Good Luck!
108133
There really isn't a good answer for this.  I was diagnosed about 6 years ago with clinical depression and was given some medication to take.  It really helped me get back on track so that I could focus on what makes me happy.  If you are not already on meds then you need to start taking them.  The first step is to get back to where you can think clearly and then find a psychologist to talk to about your problems.  \nThe most important thing is to get help with the physical symptoms.  Until you do that, you can't work on the cause effectively.   Best of luck to you!
678139
Man I feel your pain, been there done that.  Anyways, my tips for you.\n\n1)  NO CONTACT WITH YOUR EX!  Trust me on this one, until you are over your ex, you should have zero interaction with her.  \n\n2)  Workout.  Working out helps you release any chemicals in your body that carry depression.\n\n3)  Pick up a new activity or interest- when you learn something new, you gain confidence, which is something someone that just went through a breakup desperately needs.\n\n4)  Vent to friends until you can't anymore- and if your friends don't want to hear it, go to a counselor!\n\n5)  Pay attention to your hygiene and fashion sense- Give yourself a new look if needed.\n\nGood luck
294340
Anti-depressant medications work like SSRIs.  Probably cognitive and behavioral therapy are used too.
26516
Get moderate exercise and plenty of sunshine.\n\nA walk first thing in the morning is likely to help!\n\nIf you feel depressed for longer than a couple weeks, you should see a doctor or therapist.  Talk therapy and the right medicine are best for depression.\n\nSome nonpharmacologic methods of treating depression include psychotherapy, exercise, support groups, self-help literature, and light therapy. Patients shouldn't undergo nonpharmacologic therapies unsupervised or for prolonged periods because longer periods of depression are more resistant to treatment and 70% to 80% of patients respond to an adequate trial of pharmacologic therapy.7,12,16,17
392113
There are all sorts of things that can cause depression. Major life change or loss, basic chemical imbalance, changes that come with age such as puberty and menopause. Depending on the core of your depression there are many different paths to take. You might choose to see a counselor or try meds. Changing your diet and a good detox can be really helpful. Sometimes it's as simple as getting more exercise. Best of luck to you!
417554
Talk to your doctor.. and/or a counselor..  I was going through exactly this same thing.. I talked to a counselor for a long time .. am taking anti depressants and my life is SO much happier now! Please make the effort, it is SO worth it.. good luck to you.