How do you control your depression?

[Anonymous]

I'm talking about medically diagnosed depression and not just being sad. I was diagnosed a few years ago. There wasn't a specific event in my life, that caused it, it's just the way my mind/body works, so I was put on therapy and medication. The medications don't make you feel good, they just stop the physical pain and help you think clearly, be able to get up and keep your emotions under control at least a little, so that you control the urge to kill yourself. I use positive thinking, sports and talking to my friends to feel better but it doesn't work anymore. Any advice what else I can do that works? Would be great if anyone who has been through this could give me some advice. by the way, I just want to say I've been trying reeeeaaally hard to get better in any way and it's an illness, not just a mood or going through a phase, so please no comments about how it's all in my head or that I'm not trying hard enough.

[LunaLawliet]

I take antidepressants. They help, yeah, but they don't really take away all of my sadness. I'm still trying to get through a family member's loss (don't pity me) and I'm still trying to bear through it to be honest. I've found that meditation helps. My mom and I do it on a daily basis. I also draw or paint. Listen to some happy music. Even crying helps. My mom told me it's not good to hold in all of your feelings so if you feel like crying, just go for it. Oh, and exercising helps too. Sometimes in the middle of the night when I can't sleep I go for a run or ride my bike.

[Anonymous]

Writing helped me a lot, I wrote everything I felt and now when I read over what I was feeling a few months ago I know that I'm an feeling and doing better

[Vanadium]

I've suffered from depression (and some other personality disorders) for more than 10 years now. Therapy didn't help, the prescription drugs helped a little but my insurance doesn't cover those anymore... so I use a mix of alcoholic beverages, marijuana and cocaine, depending on my mood. Let me know if you find a healthier alternative!

[Asker]

I drink a lot, too and it helps a little, but I'm hoping I won't start using drugs. There aren't many alternatives left, though.

[Sabretooth]

i fight trough the pain... not something i recommend. while i may not be clinically depressed, my mother was. i've come to learn that pills only help you manage the pain, but they will never eliminate it. only through counseling, prayer, drawing closer to god, and throgh deep meditation will.

[Sabretooth]

tygmha

[Anonymous]

Do you have a job or just school? I found that when I got my first job and started making money I felt a lot better, but I only had mild depression.

[Asker]

I have a job and make a lot of money, have true friends and a loving family, but still I've been feeling like shit for the last 15 years and burst into tears with no reason, when I'm not on pills. I realise there is no reason to feel this way and that it's illogical. With my mind - I understand that completely, but my body acts differently and I can't control it.

[TheOldMan59]

I get stuff on prescription.