How do you deal with your depression?

Question

I have been suffering from depression my whole life and this year it has gotten a lot worse because I lost family, friends and the person I loved left.

I have been hitting the gym since, started going to a psychologist and I have been trying to be more social but it all seems to be temporary and it doesn't help with the thoughts and urges. As an artist I have also started playing songs and drawing to express my feelings.

My mind seems like a black hole where nobody can hear you cry for help while the darkness slowly consumes you.

You can share here what you are going through, help each other or share advice.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Hey man I am sorry to hear that and I am sorry for all your losses.

I will say for me some days are more difficult than others I usually always try to be goal oriented for instance I am in an accelerated program right now for school so though I deal with depression I am still working towards this positive step to improve my life by next year.

I would also say taking the time to make a list of all the things you like doing or make you happy (as long as they are not destructive to you or others) and then finding time to do those things can go a long way to recharge the batteries. Also I know this doesn't work for everyone (it doesn't always work for me) but if you smile when you are feeling down even if you don't truly feel like it I have found at times it does help in that moment.

I will say keep hitting the gym that is a very good habit to have a great benefit is that you are still young but if you neglect the gym at this stage your overall appearance and health can take a turn for the worst fast so good on you keep at that and translate that into the rest of your 20s and your 30s too. It is good you are getting professional help I would say try to focus on a timetable where you make progress in therapy and can get to the point where you don't have to go all the time just when something really rough happens for instance.

I get what you are saying when I am social I often make people laugh and that helps in the moment and I am glad that I can make others happy but it lasts just for those interactions. But, keep aiming to be social it is a lot of trail and error.

I would say for friends try to cultivate several good quality ones with futures (ones that want families, ones that have career/education plans, etc) basically people who can handle responsibilities this will help foster long lasting friendships if you put in the effort theoretically.

Now I don't know if you work or are still in school but I would say be sure to do research and get a career path where you are satisficed at least somewhat with the job and income it could provide even if its not your 100% passion. I know depression can make you drudge through life on auto pilot but try to prevent this because then you might find yourself stuck and then have to go back to school for a different career path in the future. Essentially try to live your best life for yourself and with that effect help those closest to you as you find them.

I know the icy sting of loneliness can make you feel numb but keep those positive habits work on your weakness through different methods and if you keep moving forward and never give up good things are sure to follow. Anyway hope some of this insight helps questions, comments, concerns just ask (I am pretty busy but will answer when I can) and good luck!

Oliverlogan263 · Accepted Answer

Here are some strategies I use to deal with depressive episodes:

• Medication: For me, SSRIs have been life-changing in managing my depression symptoms and giving me a baseline of stability. Medication isn't right for everyone, but it's worth discussing with your doctor.

• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy has taught me skills to challenge negative thoughts and adjust my perspective. A good therapist can also give you tools and homework to improve your mental health.

• Self-care: This includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and avoiding substances. These basics can improve your mood and give you more energy to cope.

• Journaling: Writing down my thoughts and feelings helps me process them and gain clarity. It can also reveal patterns that a therapist can help address.

• Limiting news/social media: Reducing my exposure to upsetting content and comparison online improves my mental health, even if just a little.

• Connecting with others: Reaching out to friends or family for support, or joining a depression support group, can alleviate feelings of isolation which often accompany depression.

• Pursuing meaningful activities: Doing things you enjoy, even if you don't feel like it, can improve your mood. For me, that's things like playing music, gardening and spending time in nature.

• Practicing gratitude: Making a daily list of things I'm grateful for, no matter how small, can retrain my brain to focus on the positives. Over time, this shifts my perspective.

• Being kind to yourself: Self-compassion and acceptance are critical. I try to see my depression as an illness, not a personal failing, and give myself grace through setbacks.

I hope some of these strategies are helpful for you. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Remember - you're not alone, and there are always tools and people who can help. Keep seeking support and don't lose hope.

lightbulb27 · Answer

I've not had that, not that long, only briefly.

Depression caused by trauma in early life. You need trauma therapy, there's various approaches to that. you can start reading about it, writing out your past. There's a process to address traumas. It's as simple as this... you were supposed to get unconditional love from your parents as you grow from day 0 through adulthood. There are stages a human goes through to develop, you can read about those (Erickson Development Stages). As well, each personality may view life differently and thus what is traumatic to them won't be to others. You have to find the offending traumas, oaths, wounds and heal them with the truth and love. Love, which is peace, security, freedom is what the child needed in the first place. Releasing the power of the negative traumas and replacing with positive emotions, frees the persons energy, thinking, feeling to function in a new way. Mind thinking positive, the mind produces good chemicals rather than "depressive" ones.

That's one way to do that, that's the concept.

JewelNeverBroken is a community approach web site to help others whom are struggling... the singer Jewel started it. Her story of rising above demonstrates one way a person can get out of the bad place. Examine it and you'll see how she used positive thinking to set herself right.

Anonymous · Answer

Change you attitude. That's the only problem you actually have. It really is that simple as nutty as it sounds. You have the ability to change it anytime you want. Most people don't do it or even know they can. And it is why most of the world loses and very few win in life. But u have to understand attitude first. Attitude isn't about being bubbly or optimistic.

jahaims · Answer

All the cheesey ways. Diet, exercise, friendships, force myself to do my hobbies and get sunlight as well as taking vitamins/minerals

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