Depression

[ianess]

Don`t say pull yourself together. Any genuine advice?

[christie]

how long have you been feeling depressed?there are different medications you can take if you dont want to take antidepresants you could try st johns wort i found they worked well for me and there not adictive,you also have to think why your depressed do you no what triggerd it off,iv sufferd bouts of depression for a few years if you can let me no why you feel like this and il try and give you some advice.

[andy hughes]

You will find a number of Visitors on here who have direct experience of this dreadful condition, in varying degrees. I assume you have seen your GP, and got some medication? You need to allow about three weeks for it to settle into your system. Don't worry about 'addiction' - I have taken medication for over fifteen years now, and anticipate taking it for the rest of my life. I see it the way a diabetic sees insulin - it's medication that helps me stay balanced, nothing more, nothing less. Times can get really ba, and it's impossible to believe that you will not always feel this way, but hang on, just get through it in its own time - and it is ITS time, not yours, which what is hard to deal with. Try and explain to those close to you just how hard this is to deal with - ask them to be there for you, or leave alone, depending what you need. Exercise is good - walking especially. Stay in touch with us - we are here for you. A xx

[OBonio]

I recommend St John's Wort also. During 3 months of redundancy I went onto it. I'm sure it stopped me and the mrs splitting up! On the other hand, it could just have been the 'belief' that it worked that sorted me out... Avoid alcohol. Although it seems to pick you up, ultimately it's a downer and hangovers really don't help things either. No idea if this is related, but I've found recently drinking the recommended 2 litres of water a day had helped with energy levels, confidence and positive thinking... Hope these help.

[Doolallygirl]

See your doctor as the first port of call. They will probably prescribe something. Maybe see a therapist? My dad went to one a couple of times and that and the prozac helped him through his depression. He took the prozac for over a year but was able to stop. I wouldn't worry about addiction. Maybe talking to Samaritans isn't such a bad idea either if you don't feel you can talk to anybody that's close to you.

[ianess]

strange how the same names appear so often on this site. thanks guys and gals.it`s good to know this isn`t permanent.

[pinus]

Take it seriously and consult you GP. The hardest part is to recognise and accept just how ill you are - it's all too easy to say that you know others are in a worse state and more worthy of your doctor's time. You will feel that you are letting other people down, and that you *might* just manage to continue doing something so as not to let them down further. Let it go Stop looking after others Let them care for you for a change Discuss the medication and be open about side effects you think you have noticed. There are many drugs available, and your GP will want you to be used the best one FOR YOU. During the two or three years that I was on medication, the drugs and doses were changed several times Avoid over-the-counter remedies if you are on presciption medication. Having said that, check that you are getting all the essential fatty acid omega watsits in your diet. When I was suffering, the clinical psychologist at my GPs suggested UDO's Choice oil, to make sure I was getting the omega 3, omega 6, omega 9. I told him that I did not believe it would work (great sceptic that I am). I ate my words after a few days - it certainly helped to lift my mood. This is the site of the UK distributors: it's cheaper to buy direct from them than to get it from the local pharmacy or health store.

[pinus]

I missed the link http://www.savant-health.com/default.asp

[Mrs_Pegasus]

Also dont assume its depression, thats why it is so important to see a GP and rule out other problems such as diabetes, thyroid problems etc.

[brawburd]

You must see GP. I agree with everyone else that you DO come out the other side, but you won't feel that just now. If you want to speak to people who have some knowledge of how you feel, pop over to http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Answerbook/ This is a genuine offer of support, not a plug for the site. n.b. St John's Wort can be useful but counters other medications and shouldn't be taken if you have certain conditions - best to see the doc. Hope to speak to you soon.

[Wraith]

Speaking to someone about it, face to face that is, often helps. It's true what they say 'It's easier talking to a stranger than to someone close'

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Try these links, there's some good advice. Click here or here.

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Hope these help. Take care.

[Greedyfly]

I have suffered with Manic depression for about 15 years and the only thing that has helped me is hypnosis. Not the 'find stuff out sort' but relaxation hypnosis - it helped me no end.

[worder]

St. John's wart definitely, if you do not want anything that's gonna be addictive. stay away from people and situations that cause you to become depressed, i know it is easier said than done. and depending on your particular case, therapy. once a week over a period of time, maybe a year, for instance, will do you wonders. give it a try.

[crazy chick]

I would suggest that you go see your doctor about this, he/she may provide you with councilling and or medication. Try talkin to someone you know and trust, don't go through it alone

[crazy chick]

Plus st johns wort are very good

[CyberShell]

Counselling has helped me. I have learnt not to feel so guilty about myself and accept things are the way they are but I can change them if I want to. I have never taken anti depressents natural or prescribed so I cannot comment but I was always a little scared and kind of wanted to get better without drugs. It is slowly getting better patience is very important. Depression is all around you and its horrible but its part of your journey so go with it.

[Shapeshifter]

I would stongly recommend avoiding anti-depressants. As many people have said already there are many causes of depression. I guarantee you that if you begin to take regular excercise and cut all sugar from your diet, concentrate on eating fresh produce and avoid processed products you will feel like an entirely new person after 3-4 weeks. Take some strength from your inner self too. Do you smoke hash? That's bad for depression. The drugs really don't work. Including the anti-d's. Chin up. You'll be fine kid.

[jills]

just wanted to wish you all the best with this is8748. Although I've never had depression myself, I know friends etc who have. The advice others on here have given you seems to be excellent (as usual). Good luck with this illness, I'm sure you'll get through it.

[Doolallygirl]

I feel a bit silly saying this but I remember someone saying that a pet is good for depression. A dog for example. You need to take it for walks (excercise is good for depression), feed it and more importantly take care of it. I personally feel it is very theraputic just stroking my cat and my dog. I don't mean just go out and buy a random dog. Maybe offer to dog sit for someone while they are on holiday? I'm also not saying to do just this, still go and see your doctor and do what everyone has suggested above. Remember you don't have to go through this alone.

[david small]

Exersise hard thge endorphins in your brain will give you a lift and ease your self inflicted pain.

[Yinzer]

I agree with what shapeshifter said, there is a whole slew of things that can be affecting you so that it is better to try changing these things and living a more balanced life first. The only problem here is that sometimes you can be so deeply depressed that it's impossible to muster the energy/motivation to change these things. Antidepressants are a sticky situation. You'll need to be patient as it can take a while to find one that's right for you. But they can also have a numbing effect, where you don't feel depressed but at the same time you'll find yourself in a situation thinking "this is so fun, why can't I feel it?" The best thing is to try naturally (perhaps combined with an understanding councelor) and use medication as a plan B. Also remember to take time to do nice things for yourself and don't isolate. Best wishes!