Does anyone have tips on how to handle depression?

[Anonymous]

So over the past few months, things in my house have been very hard to deal with. It is a lot of stress. I have a lot of pressure on me to step up and take care of my niece due to my sister's medical problems. I have been focusing on college work as much as I can, but now classes are over with until August/September. So now I have nothing to bide my time and keep my mind off this. Just a little information: I had to move in with mom so I could have the means to go to school so all of my friends are out of state. I have tried to make friends here, but the people I have met either are busy with their own families or they are still in the partying phase of life. I don't think partying is a path I want to walk back down. I also try really hard to look for work, but this is a pretty rural area and not many jobs to go around. I even got a "we apologize that we aren't hiring" letter from a couple places. It also doesn't help that I don't have a car of my own. I am trying to build a set of coping skills to keep out of my own head. I get really down on myself and I am tired of feeling like this. Any tips would really be appreciated. Thanks!

[Poppykate]

I have been dealing with depression, on and off now for almost 10 years. My best advice would be-
1. Ensure you have adequate ( ongoing support) from your GP and a psychologist)
2. Don't take on too much! Stress only adds to depression. Only take on as much as you can handle ( and than remove one or two things). The last thing you need is a relapse to set you back.
3. If you need money, and can't find work, than create your own job. I was good at sewing. Made a few dresses and displayed them on facebook, sold somemore on www.etsy.com I made up some business cards, which found there way to a small store, and I sold my dresses from there. I made costumes for a professional theatre production. Now I tailor men's coats. My point is, find something you are good at, and people will want to buy it!

[SweetCaroline17]

This is not depression. It's just a phase of trials. Hang in there, it will pass. Remember to always be around family as much as possible. It really helps.

[Asker]

To be honest, my family is one of the main sources for my stress right now. Thank you for the words of encouragement though.

[SweetCaroline17]

Oh... well, then you could try animals. If you have pets, cuddling with their dog or cat helps a lot of people.

[Asker]

I do have a dog and she spends a lot of time curled up next to me.

[SweetCaroline17]

Awww! Also what came to mind is to always be serving someone in need. Whether it be visiting someone in a hospital or nursing home. Or bringing someone a warm meal. It could take your mind of your troubles and make you feel very blessed.

[Asker]

I have always like to volunteer at animal shelters and such so maybe I will see if there is one close to here. Thank you.

[SweetCaroline17]

Your welcome. And yeah an animal shelter would be awesome.

[summiter]

Lots of exercise helps. Also try to get outside everyday. Get a little sun on your skin (in moderation) it does help. Try to eat well and get 708 hours of sleep a night.

Avoid alcohol and cigarettes as these make things worse. Do you have anyone you can talk to about things? Is there a guy in your life right now?

[Asker]

I tend to smoke when I get to my breaking point and it usually keeps me off edge. Do cigarettes really make it worse? I talk to my my best friend a lot, but she can't do much living 500 miles away. I also talk to my cousin quite a bit and go see her when I can, but even she lives an hour away. And no guy.. I have tried going out twice since I moved here and both times was totally messed up. All they wanted was sex and that was history when I said that's not how I am.

[summiter]

Just try not to use the cigaretts as a crutch. Have you tried some meditation? (I'm a med student... not a doc yet) Sometimes that works. Have you tried exercise? Hard exercise releases some "feel good" hormones that may help. Get outside every day. This may sound weird but it helps some... does masturbation help? I know that is a personal thing, but it also gives you a feeling of well being.

Anyway I would suggest: exercise, meditation, get outside... go for long walks, listen to music you like, if you are comfortable with it... masturbation, but most of all you need someone to talk to. Is there a counselor at school or a public health nurse you can go to. I know there are always health professionals if you have insurance or money. Talk this seriously and work hard at it. I'm in school also working my butt off, but take time for yourself.

[Asker]

This really helped. I do try to get outside. I usually take my niece to the park on sunny days. Due to my schedule, I don't have a ton of time to myself, but I will try out the meditation tip and see if I can find some work out routines I can do at night when I have me time. Unfortunately, the only health care/coverage I have is for family planning which isn't really helpful considering I don't have a guy in my life. I have looked into finding a counselor but there is a pretty long wait to get an appointment. And masturbation helps temporarily, but that good feeling only goes so far. Thank you for the tips. I really appreciate you taking the time to help.

[summiter]

Hang in there. depression is far too common and do not ever feel ashamed about it.

[Asker]

Thank you again. You have no idea how much you just helped.

[Anonymous]

you should find a therapist.

[Asker]

I think enough people in my house see therapists/counselors.. My sister has 2 and my niece goes to one weekly for behavioral problems. There would be no room in the schedule for me to get one. :/ Thanks though.

[sakurawizard1024]

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