How to overcome depression without medication?!

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I would go to the bookstore and buy a few of their books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is the only 'talk' therapy that has about a 60% success rate against depression. I would also check out their selections on Social Anxiety Disorder. I recommend "The Highly Sensitive Person--How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms you" by Elaine N. Aron. Ph.D. It deals with sensitivity, self-actualization, and self esteem. It is out in paperback now. I would venture that you work best alone, so you can tackle the depression and isolation at the same time while alone. Both approaches have helped me a lot!! The best of luck to you.

There are many myths, realities, beliefs, scientific facts and various treatments you can use to address and defeat your depression problems. The first step in overcoming depression problems is knowledge.

When it comes to depression problems problems, or any other disorder of the body, knowledge is power. You can learn how to overcome depression problems problems. Learn everything you can about depression problems. Find out what causes depression problems.

No matter your age, your health habits or your genetics, sometimes, despite your best efforts, depression problems can occur.

The good news however, is with proper education and a clear understanding of the causes and treatments for depression problems problems; you can adopt a lifestyle that will minimize the effects of depression problems, resulting in a happier life and a stress free life.

http://stopdepression-naturally.info

I have just always tried to keep myself busy with things I like to do. Mostly I throw myself into music and poetry. Whenever I feel an emotion I write it into poetry as to get it off my chest. I guess you could just try opening up to people. It may be hard to do but if you talk to someone about what's bothering you it helps. Or at least it helps me.

You need to get out and meet good people...get on face bonk...i will be your friend mike halawani...you sound like a good person who is afraid to try new things in life...life is what u make out of it...you need good people who care for you no matter what...check me at fbook then tell me more about you...iam not sure if im allowed to send you my number but its on profile...am open and a nice guy..

Try to join some community group,or volunter.somewhere.

I think lonliness is why your depression lingers on so much - part of the problem may be that you are introverted (as I am) and another part of the problem may be that when a person is depressed, they tend to isolate. You need to find a way to get out and meet people. For me, what has always worked best is hobby clubs - there are clubs for quilting, videogaming, fishing, aquariums, bowling leagues (who WANT lousy bowlers, because it helps their handicapping system) and many other things. You have to screw up your courage and just GO and meet people, and it is easier in a club (even though still scary if you are shy) because you automatically have something to talk about together. Also, there is volunteering, and there are "consumer" groups where people with mental health problems get together to socialize. We call them drop in centers here. People play board games, watch movies together, do crafts, etc. and the meetings are 2 times a week or in some centers, monday thru friday.

Generic Practical Depression tips (PRINT THEM OUT):

Check out your library for self-help books on depression.

Could a prescribed or over the counter medication be causing or worsening your depression? Many meds do this, including birth control, blood pressure, pain, acne, antipsychotic, anxiety (benzos) or sleeping medications, and also alcohol and illicit drugs and MANY others.

Hypothyroidism is a depression mimic. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, or interrupted sleep (crying baby, barking dog), or burning the candle on both ends, can cause depression.

Lack of sleep is thought to be a major cause of depression and/or anxiety.

If your depression is worse in winter, try using a light box (10,000 Lux (light intensity) at about 20” - about $300, Sunray is one good brand). I have extra windows, painted the walls peach & yellow & have a skylight. There's a link to a cheaper lightbox & more info at psycheducation.org.

Put colorful, happy things around the house. Do nice things for yourself. Make a list of things that make you happy, like: bread fresh from the oven, the crisp sound of a saltine cracker breaking, fresh sheets on the bed, touching frost on the windowpane, etc. Read that list when you are down. Use comforting scents. I like vanilla & cloves.

DON'T listen to sad music! Listen to upbeat stuff- same with movies & novels.

DISTRACT yourself. Read a novel, watch a comedy, go out with friends, play cards or play with your dog or cat.

Volunteer. Helping others makes you feel better about yourself & you make a difference. If you are religious, your religion may help you.

Put a half-smile on your face. Changing your expression helps change mood.

Cognitive Behavioral therapy is the most proven kind of counseling. Try free computerized CBT at moodgym.anu.edu.au. Also, if you have an abuse history, it is likely to be a major cause of your depression.

PS since the meds have not helped, you could try VERY slowly tapering off them, over a few months, and see if you get better. In my case, and my brothers, the meds made us much worse, and off meds, we have been doing better, albeit still depressed and disabled. It could be that you are like us, that for you the meds are actually making your depression more chronic. It took about 3 or 4 months for me to notice a big improvement after I stopped my meds. I did discuss this with my doctor. It is ok to email me if you want to talk some more - I summarize a lot in these answers.

I've had bipolar for about 30 years