Depression?

[emoboi]

Talk aboout ways to feel better
because i dont know how to feel better

[tekla]

Better how?  Physically, spiritually, just more fun in life?

[Lachlann]

Some good uplifting music usually helps me.

Theres one particular singer that I listen to when I'm down... and no matter what, I always end up feeling better, even if its not completely.

[tekla]

I find the intense physical activity works for me, if its intense enough you can't even think of anything else, and feeling better physically often helps one to feel better in other ways too.

[emoboi]

Yea i mean physically and emotionally better

[Kate]

Music.

A nice drive.

Iced Chai Tea Latte.

Throwing myself into my work sometimes helps... IF I manage to get some cool things done. The pride of accomplishment and feeling productive and helpful is nice.

~Kate~

[TheBattler]

I got told by my specalist in Sydney yesterday that I need to do some physical activity like getting back onto my bike. It sooooo cold here in winter - can I wait a while  .


Alice

[tekla]

Start with something you like, or at least don't hate, and just try to do a little bit a day, walk, ride a bike, swim.  When I started riding some years ago it was all I could do to go a couple of miles.  Now I can get 20 miles in an hour without too much effort.  I take my camera so I can combine that with my walks and rides.

[trapthavok]

music and video games. something where you really don't have to think.

[vanna]

i'd really like to hear ways too,

im getting sick of walking up to the edge and wondering what it would be like to jump off. That in itself is an odd experience i mean its almost addictive which cannot be right ive tried music, exercise i work out like crazy. Im not one to moan and im starting to feel guilty writing this especially in someones thread sorry emoboi but i really dont know where this is all going either.

Dont want meds i have an addictive personality and abused for years to hide pain too so any other ways your ladies and gentlemen get by would be really nice to hear.

Hugs
Vanna

[glendagladwitch]

I had a really bad down time a while back, the kind that feels like the flu but isn't.  Cognitive therapy can help some.  You might want to read up on that.  The main thing is that you have to force yourself to do the things you used to enjoy but no longer find pleasure in them.  If it involves exercise, so much the better.  Diet can also be important.  Make sure you are having a nutricious diet.  A low carb diet will make you depressed, and you need fish and whole grains and oats.  So go ahead and carb up with cereal and go do that sport you like.

If your problem is really bad, meds might be needed.  I went through a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant with limited success.  I was always borderline hypothyroid, so I take only synthroid now (and hrt of course) and feel great.  No longer lethargic.  Physical activity is up and mood is improved.  Mental acuity is also up. A psychiatrist is essential here.  For a shrink who is less likely to freak out and throw you in the loony bin, I suggest you pick one who is a member of this organization:

http://www.aglp.org/

[tekla]

Nothing takes my mind away from my own life like work does.  But you have to do what you love and love what you do, in my case I'm lucky and I can do that, but everyone has to find out what that thing is for themselves.  You know it when it does not seem like work, and hate to have it end.

[joannatsf]

Call my shrink who then bumps my dosage of Wellbutrin to the limit!

[tinkerbell]

Get a pet! You'd be surprised how wonderful they can be in relieving depression.  I find that playing with my kitties or feeding the ducks at a nearby lake (where I live) is much, much, much, more therapeutic than all the years I was on anti-depressant meds    Play your favorite movie or watch a comedy.  Listen to motivational music.  Fill your brain with uplifting thoughts from others.  If you feel like reading, choose something that is inspiring.

Yoga and meditation work wonders as well according to some friends from work, and yes, tea, a simple cup of tea with lots of lemon did more for me than what two prozacs and one trazodone didn't do.  Find a therapist, someone who cares for you, trusts you and actually listens to what you have to say, and not just anybody with a fancy degree who is merely there to earn a quick X amount of dollars wishing that your one-hour session were over.

tink  *almost six months off the anti-depressant meds and counting.  Yay* 

[emoboi]

I like music and all but sometimes it makes me more depressedd and i hate the meds i have to take

[NicholeW.]

Doing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy exercises actually can help. Excercise, at least to the extent of staying busy and not dwelling on problems and negative thoughts can help. Employment that will keep you busy at least while you're there. Mingling with others who maybe aren't prone to depression. Overall just finding things to enjoy in your life.

Meds can help, if your depression is bad enough and you and the doc can find one that works for you.

But a lot of depression is up to us to change. And some depression is pretty normal human existence. Having it last for weeks, months and years is the abnormal kind.

--- Like Tink said, get a boyfriend, or another pet, and find something other than yourself to focus on taking care of!! >   ---

That can help too. Or make a joke!

Nichole

[Lisbeth]

Martial arts helps me.

[tinkerbell]

--- Like Tink said, get a boyfriend, or another pet, and find something other than yourself to focus on taking care of!! >   ---



Nichole

LOL  I was telling Alice through PM that in my case, SRS and Peter Pan have been a blessing and the reason why my depression as well as my transition are now officially OVER!  This fairy isn't depressed anymore.  I don't despise my anatomy.  I don't cry myself to sleep.  I don't isolate myself from the world.  I love my body now; I love what I see  ; I am happy with what I have, and I love my life.  I never thought I would say anything like this but miracles do happen, I suppose!

tink

[NicholeW.]

--- Like Tink said, get a boyfriend, or another pet, and find something other than yourself to focus on taking care of!! >   ---



Nichole

LOL  I was telling Alice through PM that in my case, SRS and Peter Pan have been a blessing and the reason why my depression as well as my transition are now officially OVER!  This fairy isn't depressed anymore.  I don't despise my anatomy.  I don't cry myself to sleep.  I don't isolate myself from the world.  I love my body now; I love what I see  ; I am happy with what I have, and I love my life.  I never thought I would say something like this but miracles do happen, I suppose!

tink

Miracle or just a full and loved life can work great wonders! And yes, it shows, very clearly, with our princess!!

But all joking aside, being able to be even somewhat social can truly help a depression -- we are social animals and others is what we need and crave. Finding someone, love-interest or friendship and companionship are excellent anti-depressants and can give any of us a chance to actually have others mirror our problems and hard places for us and keep our minds away from sorrow and worry.

Nichole

[TheBattler]

--- Like Tink said, get a boyfriend, or another pet, and find something other than yourself to focus on taking care of!! >   ---



Nichole

LOL  I was telling Alice through PM that in my case, SRS and Peter Pan have been a blessing and the reason why my depression as well as my transition are now officially OVER!  This fairy isn't depressed anymore.  I don't despise my anatomy.  I don't cry myself to sleep.  I don't isolate myself from the world.  I love my body now; I love what I see  ; I am happy with what I have, and I love my life.  I never thought I would say something like this but miracles do happen, I suppose!

tink

So happy for you Tink. I could fell my mood changing so I talked to someone to chear me up (another Monday avoided  ). I relise that while I have a long way to go, there is little to fear know as all the hard work is done. Now I get to enjoy the jouney and I should be happy about that.

Alice