Depression

[augigi]

Anyone have experience with depression? What helped you?

I have a strong family Hx and have intermittently had mild-moderate depression over the years. Recently though I have suffered "severe" clinical depression. First, I tried exercise. Then I tried a clinical psychologist. Now I think I am heading to medication, as I am just unable to function right now. It's so hard to explain to people what is wrong, or why you don't just "cheer up". I would if I could!

Before anyone asks, I am in a corporate job and not a patient care area right now, so fitness to work is not an issue.

I am really just looking for people that have overcome depression and methods they found useful.

[gradgitated]

I was diagnosed with depression at age 33, following a 20 year battle with it on my own. I never understood what made me feel (and behave) so differently from everyone I went to school with and worked with...I simply felt overwhelmed by life and didn't want to take proper care of myself.

I started taking meds for depression as soon as I was diagnosed and was amazed one morning when I awoke, paused, and suddenly realized.."Whoa!!! THIS is what "normal" feels like!!!!".

In addition to taking meds, I have found the following helpful:

From September to April every year I try to spend at least 1 hour reading or working under a full spectrum light (all wavelengths of light, minus the UV)...the brand name is Reveal, made by GE.

I try to stick to a regular pattern of sleep... go to bed at the same time, sleep the same amount of hours every night.

I try to avoid the things that I KNOW will upset me (i.e. tear-jerker movies, negative media, negative people); when avoidance isn't possible (like in work situations) I have friends that I can talk to, which is extremely helpful.

I take my meds faithfully and immediately report new/worsening symptoms to my doctor.

Eating a healthy diet is helpful too, but sometimes caffeine and sugar can really mess me up.

Sessions with a trained therapist can be a big help. In my case, learning to eliminate faulty thought patterns allowed me to feel much better about myself and to accept constructive criticism in a better way.

By far the most lasting help that I've received has been the result of taking the time to educate my family and friends about depression....arming the people who are important to me with accurate information has allowed them to be more understanding and supportive. Often, people who are depressed don't notice or flatly deny new/worsening symptoms....input from knowledgable people can be very helpful.

It took me a long time to get over feeling"ashamed" of my condition and there were times that I wanted to give up on finding the right medication. I'm happy to say that all of the effort was worthwhile and I'm feeling good about myself and my life. I wish you the same.

[augigi, CNS]

Thankyou for sharing your stories and tips. I've started medication, and still attending the psychologist for weekly cognitive behavioural therapy. I've also been overwhelmed by support from my friends, family and workmates. Hopefully things get brighter soon :)

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Depression isn't "about" something. It may be exacerbated by certain stressors, but it's due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. I don't personally think reading the bible will help with that as I believe "god helps those who help themself", but thanks for the input.

I'm sure you meant that your personal depression isn't about anything, rather than a blanket statement about all depression in all people.

There is situational depression that many people experience and to say "it's just a chemical embalance that needs correction" is only part of the equation for them.

The Bible didn't help my severe depression I went through in the 80s. However, besides emotionally depressed, physically in horrible shape and exhausted, I was spiritually bankrupt. The recovery was long and slow and all areas needed to be addressed for me to find lasting peace. To this day I need to be attuned to those areas.

Good luck with the medication.

[MarySunshine]

Exercise helps me very much with moderate depression. I literally think of it as my life-line. My time at the gym isn't just about being more cardiovascularly fit or better looking (that helps!) but I feel like a different person if I don't exercise. Best wishes, augigi.

[augigi, CNS]

Major clinical depression is by definition rarely "situational". That is what I was referring to.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Major clinical depression is by definition rarely "situational". That is what I was referring to.

O.K. Won't go off topic any further. Thanks for the clarification.

[augigi, CNS]

MarySunshine, you inspired me to get off the couch and go for a walk!

[jennshort568]

I am BiPolar and have so far only applied to nursing school. I have been in school for four years just not nursing. The right medications is only part of it. Talk therapy helps alot and gives me the skills I need to make it thru each day. Exercise and diet are crucial. I used to just pop the pills and wait for recovery. It wont come like that. You have to work at it and it is a struggle. But with the three things it is very 'do-able' (lack of a better word there....)