Depression: ways of dealing with it
 

I'm sure everybody here has suffered it at some point or another, even I have. My question to you is what do you do to get out of it or better cope with it?

I myself play a lot of music. I try to play upbeat, fast music so I'll have no choice but to start dancing or something. I try to play video games as well.

Usually I try to hang out with friends.
If this doesn't work, or is not an option(which, acutally, is often the reason for my depression), I usually play the piano.
If this doesn't work, I listen to some awesome virtuoso piano music.
And if this doesn't work, I log onto GFF and act like a goofball.

I think it is kind of clear that I haven't been all that depressed lately. :p

You actually act like a goofball here? Why haven't I seen evidence of this?

Also, another thing I do is instead of riding the bus around everywhere I need to go, I get out and walk around some. Fresh air helps too since I have a tendency to act like a hermit and stay in my room a lot.

You know, being sad for a day and being depressed are entirely different things.

I had depression for a while. I won't get into the specifics of why, but I basically let things settle themselves. I would of course do the whole emo thing and lay in the dark listening to music. I remember it being spring/summer so it would rain a lot. Not sure why, but hearing the rain in the dead of night really calmed me, put me in a good place.

Eventually I just didn't feel depressed anymore.

Yeah, like I said, I have not been depressed recently.
Once, before the boards died, I had been going all across the board, pretty much conversing only in images I found from google. I was feeling rather lonely that day, because all of my friends were either occupied, or having "together time" with their "special" others. That was an interesting day though. I recall Merv asking me where the heck I stashed all of those pics, or something.

I listen to music or I hang out with my best friend. He is always able to cheer me up. Sometimes I just try to get some sleep. That doesn't really work, for me anyway.

Ahhh... depression... how I do not miss thee... oh wait, you were visiting just recently... >_<

I tend to actually allow myself to sit in my stupor during my depression but for no longer than a few days... during such time I tend to pick up on my drinking a bit and spend less time online or around friends. It's just a part of who I am that I tend to shut folks out... though I try my best to put on the "happy face" when the wife gets home so that she's not constantly worrying about me.

But that sure beats how I used to deal with it... disappearing for days and never letting anyone know where I was... it bothered a lot of people that I would do this... and I can understand why... I just needed time to sort through whatever demons were plaguing me and best to face them and deal with it alone than with distractions.

I get depressed when I don't work hard and procrastinate. Of course, starting and finishing the work makes me feel better though.

I'm considering paxil. Or sleeping pills. Whichever comes first.

I'm seeing my doctor on thursday. It's a simple appointment to get some meds refilled, but I am considering talking to them about the issue of depression. I'll probably shrug it off and "chicken out" though. I really don't want to see a shrink though. I just want some fucking pills and to be on my way, but the only way to get pills is through a shrink usually so that's why I am thinking that the whole thing is not worth it. Also I think that depression is not the problem anymore, it's more like social anxiety is the cause of the depression. Who really knows. >_>

I've been talking to good friends lately about my problems, ones who understand my situation(that led to the depression) and stuff. It helps, better than doing nothing by yourself. I would suggest trying to pin point your cause and try to solve it, I guess everyone would suggest that though. I've been trying to do it, but, you could say that things aren't very successful.
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Jan, if you're talking about anti-depressants, be careful. Too many can lead to a case of mania @_@. I've never taken any myself, so I don't know how it would feel personally.

They can work pretty well. BUT do not work for everyone. Also, I already have a case of mania. I've probably altered my DNA enough since birth what's one more substance. lols

Also shrinks are worthless for the most part. It's much better talking to actual friends about your problems.

I'm going to have to agree with Greykin on this... today people are too quick to jump to the "gotta get pills" conclusion instead of actually trying to pinpoint the possible problem.
I spent many years on anti-depressants and it wasn't doing anything but making me feel like a zombie most of the time. Even letting my doctor know about this didn't really register any sort of real response. I finally got sick of them... dumped the bottles... and dealt with my depression head-on.
Granted, for some folks the meds are a good thing... but I've seen the bad side of things too with some folks that seem to sink deeper into their depression when on them.

I actually think pills are a good idea, when you've been through everything else and nothing seems to work. Never taken them myself.
I get very restless when depressed to try and work myself out of it. Even if I don't want to do anything at all, it seems better than lying in my bed staring at the ceiling. I just try and make myself busy, get some work done, do something that will feel worthwhile.

and I agree with you on that... for some it's a good thing. But I was referring to people who don't even try to find other solutions to their depression or other problems... it's the first jump people make is for the pills. It's making us a nation/global community of pill-poppers... and as with anything that we take in... eventually it won't have the same effect and the dosage would need to be increased and increased and increased. It's just insanity...

I think the pills do the most harm when they're not needed in the first place - and just as you said, many people see them as a quick fix to all their problems. In my case, I know the source of my problems, but have no one to talk with about them, and haven't been able to summon any sort of motivation to work through them on my own.

I did have an appointment with a counselor, and though it was reassuring to learn that I do actually have moderate depression and social anxiety disorder (as opposed to just being a sloth), I have little interest in hypnosis or relaxation techniques. I should known better than to try a place called "Bright Path," I guess.

So medication is a last resort. Even if they do more harm than good, at least it's making some kind of change. It's pretty scary to be able to rationalize suicide.

WHOA why is everyone so gung-ho for pills? I'm guessing it's because it's possible to be more descrete taking medication than to see a psychotherapist... something like that.

For the most part I think that pills are never sufficient on their own. There is usually some mood or state of mind a person is in to cause their imbalance, which helps contribute to the depression. Those issues need to be addressed to make any improvements.

Whether it be a shrink or a friend, a good thing is to have someone you can not only talk to, but can be completely honest with. Someone who's dependable. It makes a world of difference.

I'm the opposite on pills. I never liked pills to begin with, even pain pills. Anything where I have to swallow it whole doesn't sit well with me, especially when I used to choke on them. I'm aware of all the risks associated with them so I try to stay away from them. I'd rather talk to someone about before medicine is suggested.

Another thing I do is I write a lot, mainly poetry and short stories. Writing is my way of "speaking" when nobody is around to listen. It helps quite a bit.

My take on dealing with it is to understand how it works. I was horribly depressed between the ages of 15-17, and what helped me get out was a book my dad had read ont he subject, which helped me understand the cycle of thought that depression follows. When I realized I was thinking like that, and was able to break that cycle, things started getting better for me. I don't really believe in pills, personally, but since everyone is different, and has to handle thier problems differently, I won't argue with people that use them to help them cope.

If they ever decide to possibly re-open X-Change... I'd be interested to read some of your stuff. But I too used to write as a way to deal with whatever I was going through at the time... sadly (or happily) I haven't had or felt the need to express myself in writing for many years... I think the last time I write something was maybe in 1999...

Aw, thanks, Niekon! I had somewhat of a small following when Xchange was still around. I'm getting ready to put up something in my journal.

As far as writing goes, I have to physically force myself to do it when I get depressed. If I don't, I'll just sit around and stare at TV, but not really watch it. Writing helps me break out of that pattern.

I usually sleep. Strangely, even when I am most depressed, a good nap will make it fade away, at least for a while.

This actually bothers me, however. Generally my depression is because of problems that need to get solved but can't be. I am frequently frustrated at the fact that I did not solve the problems but merely adjusted to them. I'd much rather sincerely cure my depression than avoid it, but it seems like often times I don't have a choice.

i find someone to talk to. no other way works better, at least for me.

I have a counsellor who I talk to a lot... also take a lot of St John's Wort which is like a natural anti-depressant.... play a lot of music that fits with my mood..

i find the most unhelpful thing trying to cover it up and force myself to be happy.. all that does is create tension and stress... you have to be allowed to deal with your true feelings and let them out in a healthy way... its when you cover them up that the problem begins

I agree with the first part, but the second part is what I'm not so sure on. Most people don't want to hear about other people's problems. Some people can't talk to other people because of various circumstances. I don't think covering it up begins the problem, but it certainly adds to it.

I think that a big part of the problem is not being able to express yourself. Humans are social creatures, and they have a need to feel like they understand and are understood by others. This need can't be fulfilled if there's not sufficient communication.

Yea, so. Sorry to interrupt. I can't say I've ever been clinically depressed. But I have my bouts of sadness - like anyone.

I usually sit alone, and WALLOW IN MY OWN SHIT for a whole 3 or 4 hours until I get really ANGRY at myself, get up, and cheer up. After acting like a sad bitchass whore for a few hours, you can nothing BUT cheer up. ^_^

I used to punch walls...

But it didn't seem to help. So I went to see a psych. and that worked:)

About a week ago my sister was diagnosed as being "severely depressed" and was put on some pretty heavy-duty medication. She's been depressed for a long time, but her psychologist, sensing problems larger than she was capable of dealing with (apparently) referred her to a psychiatrist who determined that she is suicidal because of her desire to sometimes just run away from everyone and everything.

My question is, isn't it normal to feel that way sometimes? Particularly when you have children. I don't know any mother who hasn't felt like running away and never coming back at some point. There have been times when I've thought about purposely running my car off the road, but I never seriously entertained the idea and the impulse left me pretty quickly.

It seems like a lot of doctors are doing this these days.

I hate to pry, but what are the underlying issues she's faced with? (You don't have to answer that)

Alice, you may be interested in reading/listening to this article, courtesy of none other than NPR. <3

I find doing my job helps me feel better. I'm dong something, making money and forced to be nice to people. Being forceably nice and upbeat helps me feel better really fast. Plus since my job is hectic, I sometimes forget I'm even depressed. Fortunately, I have had not major bouts of depression (meaning last more than a day) since 2001.

Paxil fucks up the reproductive system and it causes insomnia. If this does not work you, the next best would be remron but that's up to your doctor. Remron will knock you slap out the minute you take and I did not have any other debilitating side effects. I only stopped using it because my parents didnt like how it would knock me out cold it did keep the depression at bay though.

Paxil IS the best antidepressant hands down. Just...well you need to sleep -.-.

Life feels so so new when this thing(depression) is not fucking with you everyday. It's nothing like being miserable and hating it, only for it to go away. It's feeling ill for years with all the unwanted lows that are associated with it.

Sass, that piece on depression was awesome! First of all, it really hit home because our mother is/was depressed. I also suffered a bout of depression about two years ago that I was able to work through with the help of my good friend, Effexor. I haven't been on any medication in over a year, and things are going well for me.

Secondly, about mid-way through the article they listed the symptoms of clinical depression, and they match my sister's symptoms perfectly, including the insomnia.

As far as the underlying issues, I'm stumped. She has a seemingly perfect life. She's smart, beautiful, married to a great guy who makes tons of money, has two smart, healthy children, and a great job working at their school as the school secretary. I know that clinical depression has little or nothing to do with what's going on in your life, but I'm having a hard time understanding what the deal is with her.

I'm definitely going to share that article with her, though. It may alleviate the guilt she's probably feeling about being depressed.

Check out my journal here. I put up one of my writings, one of the more recent ones.

Another I find that helps when depression sets in is to find something funny on TV or on the Internet and just laugh until it hurts. :)

A few things I do to get me out of that state of mind:

1. Play the piano - pretty much just bash my heart out onto music

2. Scream down the hall (good old dorms :3 I'm glad I'm not the only one that does that XD) - I don't know but it just feels so good!

3. Revert thinking; think why you shouldn't be so in the dumps and that there's been worse and convincing yourself just to get over it. It's sorta hard at first but after a while, it gets easier.

4. I don't know if this would help anyone else out there but ripping paper (I have my pile of paper that's going to the recycling anyways) and breaking pencils (um... don't sliver yourself -__-' ... you can only have so many pencils though...)

I used to practice on my keyboard for hours and hours (up to 8). I wouldn't eat because I'd rather play. However, I lost the adapter when we moved here and I don't have the money to keep putting out for batteries that I know are going to be used up after all my practicing. :(

Hey, could you give me some suggestion how to deal with depression caused by frustation that you cant achieve something because of your limitation?

Honestly I've been suffering such feeling for a long time. I always feel depressed for little things, like I cant be number one, like I keep pending my japanese exam and feel that everyone will step forward into the future and leave me alone behind back. It's really disturbing now. I feel like I'm the world's worst idiot.

I cant help it. I want to avoid such feeling.:(

I've had those types of feelings before (hell, I still have them a lot now).

Are you a perfectionist? Someone once told me something that I guess I needed to hear: "You're human. You owe it to yourself to allow yourself to make mistakes."

They're inevitable and a part of living. If you do have such feelings, you should use them as motivation to better yourself, rather than get depressed. And remember: despite what it seems like, being the best isn't everything.

Taking action about it is the best. I hear some music, any kind is good for me. Drawing, writing Poetry. Reading books...etc.

Are you putting this pressure on yourself or is someone expecting something high of you? The last time I got depressed, mine's was due to the fact of the latter. A lot of people around me keep calling me super smart, brilliant, genius, etc etc., but I don't agree with it. So, whenever I get an A, it's like a big accomplishment to me, but they say they expected it and it's no big deal.

In one of my classes a year or so ago, I got a D. That was due to the fact that it was during the summer and I was working two full-time jobs. When I saw that grade, I had an anxiety attack. Whenever people asked about my grades, I told them they were good. I didn't tell anybody about it until a year later. :(

I'm still learning not to let other people's high expectations of me make me go overboard. It's hard, but I'm getting there.

People. Like has been said before, there is a biiiiig difference between feeling sad and being depressed. Way back in my angsty teenage years I had a touch, but having witnessed a friend go through depression (and one that ultimately ended him) I have to let it be known that depression is a psychological disease and not just a quick fix thing that goes away after doing something pleasant. It's something much deeper, and needs appropriately deep and holistic treatment. I suppose if you're one of those lucky people that deal with it, try your best and see where it goes. But I think it's really best left to the professionals like shrinks and the like, and I do hope that if anyone here ever gets/is truly depressed you can find yourself a decent one.

How come no one has brought up therapy? Everyone will go through some sort of depression in their lifetime, whether it's unintentional or because something bad happened. Like someone else mentioned, being down or just sad, is very different than being depressed.

Psychiatrists prescribe pills, psychologists will sit with you and help direct you to a solution. Pills should definitely be a choice you make, you should never be pressured to taking pills unless you've been tested and have some sort of disorder. I'm not for the pill popping solution though. If you really think you're depressed and don't want to be, you need to seek help, not just "oh I'll listen to angsty music to cheer me up" If it actually DOES cheer you up, then you're just feeling down, that's not a mood disorder.

Stress is a major factor and causes anxiety and depression in most people. We all deal with stress, but if it's to the point where you feel really hopeless and self loathing, it helps to really talk to someone. There's no need to take pills unless you seriously can't function or get up in the morning. You shouldn't be taking pills and not going to therapy at the same time, because these aren't magic pills. I can't emphasize that enough, and I've been there. They don't magically make you feel better. There's a lot of work involved and you can't do it alone.

There are some references to therapy, earlier in the thread.

A big thing with a lot of people is the stigma of seeing a psychologist. A lot of people don't seem to realize that clincal depression is a disease and dismiss them like... people here at GFF dismiss the "emo" subculture. Having people possibly know that you're "bad enough" to see a doctor about this sort of thing can be anything from scary to humiliating. Considering a lot of the symptoms of depression (hopelessness, withdrawal, etc.), making such a move is quite difficult. That's why making a move to see a shrink is such a huge step for someone who's truly depressed.

Well of course, you can't get better unless you want help. Seeing a therapist is for people who want to get help. Otherwise, they're going to be in denial. If you do see a therapist, it isn't broadcasted to the world unless you want it to be. No one will have to know. Plus nowadays, a lot of people have a shrink, just like how people have lawyers ;)

But I understand the social stigma of seeing a shrink, especially in cultures who generally don't go.

I've never been seriously depressed before, but I find that the best way to combat sadness of any kind is to find different to do. I may find myself learning how to cook something new or reading an old book. Watching an old movie usually helps as well.

Depression? :tpg: .
I thought that what children could cause were headaches. :poke:

Yeah, same here. I thought children couldn't do any worse than that.

Sigh, I'm depressed again. Now is because I failed on my japanese exam, and now I force myself to memorize JPLT level I dictionary. I wonder why actually I feel being idiot not able to do that other people do. I feel like I'm punishing myself for small things, but I really couldnt help it. I feel guilty if I'm unable to achieve my target and I'm horrored that I might stuck in low level forever.

How to overcome this depression? :(

I had these same feelings of frustration when I was in college until one professor said something to me that really enlightened me. I had always done very well in school prior to the time. Many viewed me as a genius and as someone wise. When I was in a place where I was average or less than average compared to others, it was truly a humbling experience.

The professor who I had talked to had told me of his Graduate school experiences. He went to Grad school in MIT and he was a very educated and intelligent individual. The thing was, everyone there was also very intelligent. He told me of how many undergrads could not deal well with their academics in the first few years. Many many of these students were the best of their best, top students in their high school classes. They were number 1. Then they went to a place where everyone else was number 1. Suddenly, the majority of them went from being the best to being average... from all A+'s their whole lives to getting B's and C's that they've never seen. It's something that is very painful to deal with.

No matter your expertise or skill, there is always someone out there who is better. There is no true best at anything. Every person has their faults and it is those faults that allow others to be better than them in certain aspects.

The funny thing is, after all that humility that I went through, now I feel my ambition burning again where I am. You realize that the majority of the people in the world aren't brilliant and/or hard-working... you suddenly get your confidence back again. It may not seem like it now as you are exposed to many who are intelligent and hard-working but the world is vast.



On the main subject though, I found that reading philosophy can be uplifting for the spirit and general questioning of yourself and the world around you can help at times as well.

I have gotten depressed in the past...not a suicidal depressed but jus a sad/emotional depressed.

Usually I often rock out to music or even play games. If I do get desperate enough, I'll sometimes play GTA or something jus because its fun to run over things...and get your money back.

I have never actually been psychologically "depressed," but one point I was very very very very very very very very very very very very unhappy.

The cure I found was playing music, at times calm instrumental, at times something loud with lyrics that you can relate to. Another way was going out with people you know and like to be around with, see things, do stuff.

I have to echo what soapy said: If you get depressed...I mean real depressed, not just sad for a few days...see a therapist or psychiatrist. Depression is serious buisness, and the sooner you get help the better. Most high schools and colleges that I know of have free therapy sessions and insurance generally will pay for it as well, so cost shouldn't be an issue. Even if it is, if you're truly depressed then you *need* to see doctor. Depression isn't something to fool around with, its very serious, and if untreated can last for years or even longer. And be wary of anyone who would prescribe you some pills and be done with you, that's not of much help. All this I learned from experience.

Piano used to be a great way for me to kind of get away from everything. I stopped playing piano many years ago, and unfortunately my abilities are slowing creeping away.

I'm sure if I really tried to I could get back into it, but that is time and money I don't seem to have.

I didn't even know I had depression until someone told me. I tend to keep myself busy so that I don't think about the things that make me feel depressed. Music helps me a little, but certain types of songs trigger it even more.

I've actually gone and told my teachers and lecturers about it, and they were really helpful in getting me to overcome it (even if it's just for that one extra day).

I use to be extremely depressed. At first I smoked alotof pot.. but thatdidn't really help any. Then I found out about the wonderful thing called Guitar. I play it everyday now and have for about 7 years now, and most recently after some shit went down with one of my best friends, it got me really depressed and the guitar has helped alot.. actually just music in general. I started playing piano and it just helped me out alot.

Sigh . . . I've been in a depressed state of mine before. Now my gf won't let me stay in that state. Depression is a vicious cycle . . . cliche but it's true. So break the cycle. Like so many other ppl in the thread, playing music is very nice and soothing on the mind. You can talk to ppl . . . unload your feelings on them. Taking a walk or bike ride usually works well . . . Anything where you have to put your focus on that one thing instead of your feelings . . .

Oh . . . and eriol . . . I get those feelings a lot now that I'm in university. But sometimes, you gotta convince yourself that you did the best that you could. When you get your test marks, accept them and look forward to the next test. Your past tests are already done . . . No need to dwell on them anymore. Just focus on the future.

play video games like mad! wootness to that
chatting with people online kinda helps a bit...

What kind of games do you play, though?

I recommend getting out of your house/dorm/whatever and walking around. This is easy if you live on a big university campus, for example. Don't underestimate the power of a good walk for relieving the temporary blues. Serious long-term depression, however, will require a doctor or therapist.

Also, the seasons can have a profound influence on depression. If I recall most suicides take place in the Spring... it seems that Winter really wears on some people. So go get diagnosed for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) if you notice a correlation. There are therapies that can help.

:tpg:

I hate taking pills, even if it's pain pills or vitamins. I'd rather talk to someone.