Your strategies for depression

[Joel]

Some of you know I have been trying to deal with depression lately. My wife says I need to start taking anti-depressants. I'm sick and tired of popping pills, so I'm looking for other strategies. What do you all do to cope with this other than drink lots of alcohol and hide under the covers? I know the liquor store down the street will hate this, but I'm looking for other ideas...
Joel

[john8888]

I am struggling to try and deal with depression on a no drug basis.

I have been keeping a daily record of all activity including notes on when the “sadness” hits. The only approach that works for me is to get totally involved in something (e.g. solving a problem). Then for a small amount of time the sadness disappears.

If I struggle to increase my physical workload (i.e. time in gym, walking etc) that also seems to help a bit. (But it has hit me in the gym also)

I wonder if the sadness is related to being so exhausted all the time.

[Tmasgio]

I was on an anti-depressant for awhile after surgery and it does help but there are side effects and risk associated with these types of drugs.

When I get depressed I ask myself what is it that I am depressed about? My answer to me is that I miss being what I once was physically or being able to do what I did before. I had a rough period of these thoughts but then I am not sure what happened but I just said: This is what I have to work with and that is it. Depression is tough to battle as it is exhausting to stay positive and upbeat.

I now use alone time to combat depression: For instance, my hands work great so I started to learn to play the electric guitar. Since, I am not on any drugs except for the occassional pain killer I dont have that fog over me so now I can concentrate reading again so a good book does wonders.

My kids keep me busy especially the youngest one and watching them learn is exciting as they ask the greatest off the wall questions. I also think it is important to laugh whenever possible so always try to stimulate that side of you.

The biggest important element to me is knowing that I am loved and cared for by others. In love I find that nothing is too big to tackle because I am not alone. The feeling of being alone triggers depression for me.

One last thought I have is that I used to think I was afraid of dying but really I was afraid of living again with this new body. I choose life with a new body over dying any day of the week. I still have to watch the kids grow up and have alot more to accomplish in life.
Life is more complicated now but as you said Joel Adapt,persevere, what else it there?

Tony

[tc]

This answer is rated "R" for religious:
My faith and religious beliefs are the only things that keep me from despairing! Everything else is just a temporary distraction; Like the song, "Dust in the Wind". (That song quotes Ecclesiastes from the Bible, by the way.) I get depressed when I have neglected my spiritual life. I like the quote from Pascal that says: "There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God . . ."
Have you ever tried praying or reading the Bible?
Teresa

[went]

Jun 5, 2008 2:34:37 GMT -6 Joel said:

You know, it's either laugh or cry and I never was a good one for crying very long. It is BOOTSTRAP time people!!

[stevieray]

Joel,

Sorry to hear you have been depressed, this is something I have dealt with all my life and I am one who relies on medication. I use Wellbutrin which has the least side effects regarding sexual function, in fact it improves it some. I also use exercise, yoga, meditation, alcohol (although rarely), sex. Alcohol exacerbates the depression. There are books that help with cognitive approaches, try The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns. Don't isolate, spend time in nature and with friends. I hope you feel better.

Steve

[shannan]

So sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time right now Joel, I have to tell you that I admire your bravery for being able to voice this on the forum. I read your blog about your trip this summer and laugh often at your witty responses on the discussion board, so I found it surprising to read that you are feeling depressed. You have a great sense of humour and are always encouraging to others on this site. I just want you to know that you are valued here. Keep your chin up and hang on to the things that bring you joy.

[ScrapHeap]

Sorry to hear of this added burden to your already heavy load. I'm the type of person(ality) that likes to "fix" things. It's in my nature and in my blood. Coming to terms w/the fact that not everything or everyone can be fixed is something I've had to learn (to live with).

Everyone is wired slightly different so I don't think any of us can tell you how to best deal w/your particular depression. I really wish it were that simple. Depression, like most human emotions, is complicated. Even the "professionals" have to have time to properly diagnose before recommending treatment (activities, medication, diet, behaviour modification, etc.). But there were some really good recommendations posted here I completely agree with....

1) Identify (a) when you are depressed and (b) what you seem to be depressed over. Sometimes we confuse and attach things to depression that are not really related. "I was fine until I dropped my sandwich on the floor. The rest of my day went bad after that." It wasn't the sandwich or dropping it most likely. Something was going on before that happened.

2) Keep your mind/body plate full. I.E., stay occupied, busy. It works wonders most of the time. It's not a cure but usually works like a fully functioning band-aid.

I'm not a depressed person. That isn't to say I don't get depressed. I am not clinically depressed. Some are the same as me while others are on the clinical side. For those like myself, it's a matter of working it out or working through it. For others it is a matter of proper (professional) diagnosis and treatment. It could be due to an incident or it could be a chemical imbalance. It might take meds and sessions to help or maybe a simple diet change.

When I get depressed it is over what I can no longer do that I once could. I work through it. Hobbies are my meds of choice because they're effective for me. Then instead of looking in the mirror every morning and focusing so much on what I need to do to improve my flaws, I concentrate more on the blessing still afforded to me (thanks to my Mom for that piece of advice).

A lot of people here care a lot about you Joel. We're here if and when you need us. Just as you have been there for others in need.

-Mike

[bethann]

Joel,

See how wonderful this site is! How I just love how everyone jumps in to help each other! Depression and stress are very rotten things to go through! I think the strongest and healthiest of people go through it one time or another. It is getting through it that helps make us stronger and more caring and understanding people I think.

I get so stressed out with my life changes....so many not all from my surgery. But the biggest stress is the business I am trying to work on and knowing we have dropped 30,000 a year since my surgery. Well, it was a gradual loss, I did not quit right away I was stubborn and kept trying to do my job. So now knowing I can not work as I once did, I am trying to build a business (and figure out all the tax stuff ) It has created a bit of stress and yes with the stress and my pain the depression can take over.

Well the reason I am writing all of this is to say thank you to you. It is great to read your posts. I see such honesty and wit in the things you say and they way you say them. That you catch everyones attention and friendship.

Now my advice to you is go buy a new toilet and don't think so much about all of your "Crappola" and you will be much better! ;D. Focus on the good things in life (You were able to go on the fantastic trip you just took, many can only dream about (or read in books) about such great experiences in their lives.

Beth

[Day]

;D My strength comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.

So daily devotions...and keeping busy...helping others...trying to exercise...home-schooling our youngest son (only one left at home, they rest are grown). These are some of the things I do to keep depression at bay.

I do struggle with anxiety and finally asked for meds to help cope, as it was effecting my relationship with my family.

So I guess what works for me is this:

The constant in my life is my faith, and reliance upon my Lord.
Home-schooling (besides being fun) keeps me grounded to a daily routine (that helps). And every thing else can change as needed to accommodate.

Don't forget to just have fun once in a while. Some one mentioned that you took a recent trip. I usually have a little down and blue time after a vacation (back home nothing new to keep your mind off of things). So look for the simple things, that you can do daily or weekly to keep your spirits up!

I feel kinda silly attempting to give you advice; since your posts have kept me laughing and light hearted for quite a while now.

May God Bless You and lift your spirits,
Day