6 Practical and Powerful Ways to Overcome Depression

Zach Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 5:52 am

From Wikipedia: “Recent studies show sleep deprivation has some potential in the treatment of depression. [...]“ So carefull when advocating more/better sleep as a treatment. I personally found that one very short night can help to quickly overcome a depressive phase.

Kyle Richardson Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 6:31 am

Brilliant work!
I am impressed with this site everyday.

William Mize Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 7:01 am

As someone who struggled with severe depression in the past, please let me recommend two books that I used to yank myself up and out of it.

“Feeling Good” by David Burns - shows you the fallacies in your thinking. Just because you think a thought doesn’t mean it’s true.

“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron - I’m a novelist, and this really helped me reconnect to the absolute joy of creating, journal writing, drawing, etc.

Michel Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 8:38 am

Depression is a clinical condition caused by chemical imbalance in your brain. Maybe you are talking about sadness?
I don’t know if you can tell the difference. You say “Over 120 million people worldwide are affected by the black dog of depression”, that’s depression in the clinical sense. Not in the colloquial sense. The approach you describe can’t do much to someone with clinical depression.
The first thing you need to do to overcome depression is seeing a doctor. Sadly, it is not even mentioned in this article.

Kim Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 8:53 am

I have to agree with Michel. “Against Depression” by Peter Kramer explores clinical depression including brain changes (shrinking hippocampus) and more that occur when depression is untreated. With that said the article certainly advocates positive habits for all.

Winky Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 9:03 am

Serving others.

For me, when depressive thoughts and feelings begin, if I go and serve or help and do for others, this changes the focus away from me and a power greater than myself lifts me out of the depressive mood or state.

Josh Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 9:11 am

#6 is good advice, but saying “stop it” isn’t going to do much. In the tradition of Zen, and most traditions that focus on meditation and changing your thoughts, the awareness of the negative thought patterns is the best you can do — and it’s all you need to do.

We cannot forcefully control our minds. Buddhists have known this for thousands of years and modern studies have reinforced the traditional wisdom. But we can TRAIN our minds by being aware of negative thoughts and seeing them for the empty, hollow, meaningless jabber that they are. This mindfulness, in turn, translates to a reduction in negative thinking.

Janice Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 9:29 am

@Kim and @Michel - There are many different kinds of mood disorders with some common themes related to depression:
http://www.allaboutdepression.com/dia_01.html

Yes, it is good to see both a primary care physician and a psychologist to check your symptoms to make sure there’s nothing else wrong biologically. But many doctors and psychologists recommend many of the above as ways to deal with depression. There are individual differences in how well people respond to just these changes alone, and how much they need some combination of regular therapy and drugs to help overcome their symptoms.

Judd Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 9:49 am

some of you guys need to get over yourselves and accept this for what it is some simple steps that, in addition to one’s normal routine of dealing with depression, i.e. meds, lobotomies, shock therapy, may, and indeed in my life very well do, help one deal with the daily darkness that makes life seem like a wet banana sandwhch.

Drew Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 9:57 am

Leo, thanks for posting this! Your blog is tremendously helpful, and I appreciate the fact that you delve into subjects like family life, diet, and fitness as well as simplicity and productivity. Great stuff - keep it up!

forrest Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 10:03 am

Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are many real physical changes. The activities promoted in this article can correct the imbalance and reverse the changes. Ingesting pharmaceuticals isn’t the only way to fix your brain.

I overcame the worst depression of my life by exercising outside and becoming aware of my thought patterns. The therapy/medication route had failed me and I had lost all hope that I would ever want to be alive again. Exercise does change your brain.

I second the recommendations for “The Artist’s Way”, “Against Depression”, and “Feeling Good”.

Megan Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 10:12 am

Some of you make the point that depression involves things going on in the brain and that medical intervention is necessary. One point however, is that the things mentioned in this article, particularly sunlight exposure, do affect chemicals in the brain. For example, sunlight increases melatonin, which is a precursor to serotonin, a chemical that plays a role in depression. So although you may write these things off as extremely simple, they can help immensely. I have struggled on and off with depression in my life, and while I have also consulted doctors and taken medication in the past, I especially found that working out regularly helped me a lot. It also increased my self-esteem and how I felt about myself, which in turn helped me deal with my depression as well.

Paula Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 10:12 am

About the sleep: I was recently put on a CPAP breathing unit, which keeps me from snoring and waking up. My depression has dropped an incredible amount in the last couple of months, just because I can actually get sleep. According to the sleep study, I was waking up 96 times a night before I had the CPAP, and my blood oxygen dropped to 72%. Not really a miracle cure, it is a pain to clean every day, and sometimes to sleep with, but the unit really helped my depression.

PastDepressed Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 11:16 am

Megan has it exactly right. Most of the things listed above (including the rudimentary cognitive/behavioural therapy described in 6) do affect your brain chemistry. In cases of severe depression, they will not be enough, and you should combine them with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist. They may enable you to get by on a lower dosage than you would otherwise need, or reduce your dosage if you are already on medication. In common cases of acute depression, you may need to take medication to end the episode, but not need continuing medication as long as you can apply the strategies above and similar ones.

Consult a mental health professional in any case; they will help you integrate these kinds of strategies with your overall treatment regimen, and can supervise you getting off medication if that’s what you want.

Mike OD Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 11:25 am

From a professional fitness trainer’s point of view I can honestly say that exercise and nutrition are a huge factor. The lack thereof of good nutrition and exercise will certainly not help any moods. People always feel better after doing some kind of exercise especially if it is outdoors or with other people. Nutrition wise I can’t stress enough how insulin and insulin resistance of the brain plays a key role. Fish oil especially DHA has been proven to increase moods and cognative abilities (as well as decrease insulin resistance). SUGAR has to go, PERIOD! If you are not getting a good nights sleep then you probably are not getting the proper GH response needed. Sugar/Insulin will shut down the GH response at night, so make sure you don’t have any after 6pm. You need to take control of these good habits and you may be amazed at what can happen.

Balfour Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 12:29 pm

I read through the comments before I read Leo’s post and I just wanted to say Leo did not say don’t use medication or the traditional medical world–au contraire, he said this is an option, as quoted:

“Traditional routes of therapy and even medication are effective and should definitely be considered if depression is disrupting your life.”

For anyone who said the article didn’t even mention seeing a doctor, you can’t get antidepressants in the US without a prescription, and therefore, you would see a doctor to get one. Hello?

Priscilla Palmer Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 13:03 pm

You have been tagged for The Personal Development List. (See my site for details), I would love to have you participate.

gerryc Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 13:17 pm

I know from personal experience that the 6 suggestions worked for me (also the traditional approaches).
I would be interested in hearing from someone who is currently depressed, willing to try at least one of the suggestions and checking back after 1 week in the forum.
That being said-I know that getting started is easier said than done.

Betsbillabong Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 13:17 pm

Having dealt with depression, I can honestly say that for me, all of the above have helped. (Although at the worst of times, I needed medication just to get back to a place where I could consider doing them). Socializing and getting outside & exercising seem to be most important to me.

It’s absolutely true that all of the above affect the brain. I read a book recently, THE ATHLETE’S WAY, which has a very interesting section about the neurochemical benefits of exercise.

I also second (or third or fourth) FEELING GOOD and THE ARTIST’S WAY. Just getting out and doing something will make you feel better than staying in bed, no matter how hard it seems to leave.

Jen B. Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 13:19 pm

These are really good ideas in addition to medication, though. I definitely urge anyone with depression (not sadness) to see a doctor. But also go for walks in the sunshine and cuddle your dog.

Metroknow Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 14:12 pm

William/Betsbillabong: Thanks for the endorsement of Feeling Good. I have used the Artist’s Way in the past and found it really useful - I will check out Feeling Good as well.

Thanks for the article - I didn’t expect an article on this subject on this site, but it really maps well!

Gerard Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 14:52 pm

Everyone keeps writing, “What Leo was saying,” etc. This was a GUEST POST by John Van Sickel of Walking the Black Dog at http://www.walkingtheblackdog.com

Leo Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 15:01 pm

Hey everyone … I’d first like to point out that I didn’t write this article, as some of the comments seem to imply. It’s a guest post by John Van Sickel, who has actually used these techniques to deal with depression, and who writes about these issues on his own blog. I thought it was well done.

I’d also like to point out to those who might have missed this in the article (those who said the article doesn’t even mention seeing a doctor):

“So what can we do? Traditional routes of therapy and even medication are effective and should definitely be considered if depression is disrupting your life.”

Then John goes on to write, for those who missed it:

“However there are other, natural steps to take that can, over time, be very effective. In fact, some studies have shown these to be as effective (or more so) than traditional therapies.”

I think the intent of the article is clear from these paragraphs. If the depression is so bad it is disrupting your life, seek traditional therapy (seeing a doctor or therapist). However, there are some things you can do on your own that might also prove effective. And for many people, including John, they have.

That’s the crux of the article, and I don’t think it’s disputable. In fact, I’ve used 5 of the 6 items here myself, for mild depression (nothing serious), and can tell you that they actually help. You can add your own advice if you like, however.

Amy Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 15:17 pm

I have dealt with depression for 17 years and I do take medication daily but I also follow many of the suggestions outlined in todays blog. One thing I will say is if your depression is so severe that you need a Dr make sure you find the right Dr. For 10 years I saw a Dr that believed that the more medicine he prescribed the better I would be and I ended up on 8 meds and unable to function. I lost my job and wound up totally disabled. After nearly dying and spending 5 days in ICU I found a Dr that listened to me and worked to get me off all but 2 meds. I went back to work and use excercise, diet and meditation daily. I didn’t work for 3 years barely leaving the house and now I haven’t missed a day due to depression for nearly 5 years. Get outside go for a walk and be your own loudest advocate. Remember that a Dr and a pill won’t help if it is the wrong Dr and the wrong pill but fresh air and sunshine will never make it worse.

Bruce Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 15:31 pm

Intelligent discussion going on,that’s good. Anyone have a suggestion for severe post operative pain. I’ve had hip surgery and debilitating pain persists. Physician says I’m depressed, prescribed drug therapy. I say it’s my butt that hurts, I can’t lie on it, or my operative side, at night. So I don’t sleep. Without it, there is no healing physical or otherwise. Any suggestions?

Barrister Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 15:35 pm

At the risk of being attacked by the fringe, I’ll throw this out there: how about prayer? The happiest folks I know - and many of these are also poor and have numerous physical difficulties, as well. Yet, they’re also happy. They need omega 3 fatty acids to be happy about as much as my computer does to run a program.

JayZeli Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 16:24 pm

I do not pray but practice Gratitude. I do it every day it helps. Give thanks for all that is good in your present past and future. It gives me a sense of appreciation knowing that you’ve been given so much and will get more. I do this every day and it centers me and makes me happy. Love the post.

Gratitude plus Exercise plus Taking control of your life = Happiness

Jean Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 16:45 pm

Leo,
How affirming to sign on to my fav blog and find this great article. It’s just another one of your posts that is so spot on and timely for me - THANK YOU. I’ve done all of what Van Sickel suggests. It took time and persistence, particularly on days when I felt no motivation. Glad to report I had wonderful results. Though I’ve got to remain vigilant in keeping the black dog at bay, it’s been a treasure to learn of alternatives to the many meds that no longer worked for me.

Thanks for the link to “Walking the Black Dog.” It’s all good.

Jean

Donna Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 17:36 pm

All of these are essential steps for managing depression. I work in mental health and one of the most revealing questions I can ask is “So what do you do for FUN?”. Sadly, too many people are completely unable to answer this question. But those fun activities are what give life meaning and counteract the daily crap that we all experience. So getting people to think about hobbies and past interests and past dream goals they used to have can be a very useful exercise.
If those you are stuck and having trouble getting essentials done, I very much recommend http://www.flylady.net. It’s a site that started as a way of decluttering your home. But it also helps declutter your head in a non-psychiatric way. It has all of the elements of a good CBT program. Yet it offers good solid practical strategies for getting things done that are actually doable.
For the chap with the hip pain, have you seen an acupuncturist at all? When acupuncture works, it works impressively well and I’ve been able to discharge patients who were quite suicidal and depressed due to pain issues because that therapy made them human again.
Another tip…draw back the curtains and throw open those windows. The last thing you need if you are tipping into depression is a dark and dreary house. Light therapy is an effective therapy and even if you are not going to go for the expensive light boxes, exposing yourself to some good oldfashioned sunlight [preferably on your early morning walk!] can be a very good thing.

Glenn Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 18:27 pm

It’s somewhat disappointing that noone has mentioned the human givens approach. This approach, while advocating the points mentioned in this article, also brings into the mix an up-to-date understanding of the way the brain works w.r.t. the path taken from impulse to thought (APET model), and especially the role emotional arousal plays in producing the cycle of depression. This understanding enables a therapist to quickly and effectively break the cycle and restore someone suffering from depression to an emotionally healthy life.

Side note: The so-called chemical imbalance mentioned in other comments is at best an effect, not a cause, and at worst a myth.

CS Palmisano Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 18:53 pm

Just when I was starting to think that your articles were becoming rather formulaic you drastically change your approach. Well done.

Lyman Reed Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 19:37 pm

Great article, and great comments as well. As a person who has struggled with clinical depression all of their life, I can attest to all of these as being helpful. And yes, medication and talk therapy can help as well. Use what works, drop what doesn’t. The light and exercise one’s were always key for me, but I didn’t care enough to even try them until I found a good doctor and started on a medication.

Vanessa Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 19:51 pm

Good info everyone! I think the thing to keep in mind is that everyone’s different – what works for one person isn’t a universal panacea.

I have mild to moderate recurrent depression, and after a serious episode 18 months ago I tried all the six steps John lists, plus meditation and a course of SAMe (a natural antidepressent). I also did Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with my psych, identifying negative thinking patterns and working to change them. All these things helped a bit, but the only thing that really made me “not depressed” was medication. It was the last resort for me, but a week after starting on it I woke up and felt normal – it was like a miracle. But like I said, this won’t be the case for everyone, or even most people. It’s just my story.

For what it’s worth, this is the page that helped most when I was depressed: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/alt-support-depression/faq/part4/

Richoid Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 21:58 pm

I’m buying into the idea that depression is a reduction or cessation of neurogenesis. Neurogenesis can be stimulated through excercise, socializing, learning activities, etc. but all those things are also harder to start, when depressed. Learning may just be impossible.

Omega 3s, caffeine, supplements like cat’s claw, lion’s mane, cordyceps and others may help stimulate neurogenisis as well. I found the latter helpful in learning, focus, and recall, which makes it easier to start all the other things (excercise, socializing, learning).

Ken Xu Says:

August 23rd, 2007, 23:16 pm

Can I add up some point of mine? I used to meditate to overcome my depression. It’s more useful than sleep.
When we are under depression, sometimes sleep would bring up a lot of nightmare and hallucinative subconscious view.

jo Says:

August 24th, 2007, 1:50 am

Leo I think your advice is good for those with mild or situational depression (cat died, lost job), and in conjuction with therapy & meds for more profound cases.

As someone who has struggled with depression since time began, I am firmly in belief that some of us came out of the factory with our wiring messed up. For those who are suffering from chronic depression, it will behoove you to get medical assistance. There is nothing wrong with it, and anyone who is reading this that is ashamed to get help, please don’t be.

Rod Sherwin Says:

August 24th, 2007, 3:54 am

All of the factors mentioned can help but what about clearing the actual cause of the depression? You can attempt to change your thoughts but what about actually clearing the emotion? The Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT is a form of ‘emotional acupressure’ that clears emotional issues at a deep level which then results in new behaviours and thoughts.

Brent Says:

August 24th, 2007, 4:16 am

While many of the commenter here have mentioned the chemical imbalance portion of depression and recommended seeing a doctor. A doctor will likely prescribe medication if you are diagnosed with depression. I think the chemicals may be more of the symptom than the problem. The only way I got out of my depression is when I stopped taking the medication which made me more depressed. I started doing the things this article suggested. I fixed my sleeping. I made sure to eat more regular meals. I made it a point to spend more time with people at school, even if I was just listening, and even if it wasn’t important (gossip, drama and the like). I took back up my exercise regime and whenever a down thought came into my head I gave myself a little internal rebuking reminding myself that my own mind could be my own worst enemy. I’m really glad to see this blog enlightening people into aspects of depression, many of us just go through slumps of mild depression and think that its not bad enough that medication is needed, but would like a solution. Doesn’t everyone want to be happy?

Angie Hartford Says:

August 24th, 2007, 10:19 am

While this article is useful, it would be more appropriately titled: “Six Non-Medical Ways to Help Manage Depression.” To imply that a chronic neurological condition can be cured with these steps is disrespectful to those who struggle daily with clinical depression.

I also believe that the management of most chronic medical conditions is based in behavior, lifestyle, and medical treatment. There are few of us who would not benefit from incorporating these six suggestions into our daily lives.

Amy Says:

August 24th, 2007, 11:39 am

I don’t think anyone is being disrespectful, people don’t understand depression which makes things even worse. It took my near death for my family to finally realize how debillatating this disease can be. I know I will probably be on meds for the rest of my life but applying some of these 6 suggestions has vastly improved my quality of life. Depression can make you very angry but these suggestions are not given to diminish the very real suffering we experience. I think everyone could benefit from more exercise, a better diet, proper sleep and I think people suffering with depression can give themselves a better fighting chance by just trying a few of these.

Marc Says:

August 24th, 2007, 15:07 pm

Let’s keep in mind that not all of us live in the sunbelt and have the benefit of sunshine almost everyday. Here on the west coast of Canada, we often have up to a month or more of clouds, rain and no direct sunshine. Often during these times people get depressed. I’m planning on buying a sunlamp for this winter to overcome this problem.

We also have to keep in mind that “Western” medicine emphasizes in most cases treating symptoms and visible causes and not the root causes. While drugs may control depression’s chemical imbalances, isn’t it better to heal the whole body so that the dependence on these unnatural chemicals is not life-long? Yes, having to change your lifestyle (ie. diet, exercise, the way we think and react to life’s ups and downs, etc) is more work than just popping a pill everyday, but it is a more natural way to deal with any kind of illness, be it physical or mental.

I also strongly believe that acupuncture, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), meditation/prayer/yoga and other alternative treatments should also be considered and any medical professional who dismisses them and is not supportive of you trying them should not be trusted. It’s just too bad that these alternative treatments are not always accepted by health insurance companies as valid medical treatments as they can be quite expensive.

And to add to the tips above: if you are suffering from depression, please stop watching/reading the news reports. I think Leo has posted before about a media fast and while some may argue (again) that you need to stay informed, at what price? Try a media fast for a week or more and see if you feel any better.

As far as books go, you might also check out some of the books written by Dr. Wayne Dyer (ie. “10 Secrets to Success and Inner Peace”, “Being in Balance” are two of my favourites) and the Conversation with God books by Neale Donald Walsch.

gerryc Says:

August 24th, 2007, 16:05 pm

Bruce Says:

August 23rd, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Asks about suggestions for debilitating pain

Jon Kabot Zinn - don’t know if i’m spelling correctly- teaches, or did, meditation to “alleviate” pain for cancer pts. i know he has put out Cds

Polly Says:

August 24th, 2007, 16:06 pm

I’m in Canada too and can’t speak highly enough of getting what I call a “happy lamp”. I’ve had mine for 6 winters now - well worth about $200!

And if you even think you might have sugar/alcohol sensitivity, check out “Potatoes not Prozac” (radiantrecovery.com) Learning how what I put in my body affects my mood and energy literally changed what I’ve been able to do in my life.

leah Says:

August 24th, 2007, 16:08 pm

I’m surprised to hear so much of a break between the medical-model people and the natural-path people. I’ve suffered from severe depression since I was 13 years old (22 years and counting!), and never have any of these things worked alone.

Yes, I pop a little pill every day, but that pill would never be enough without the skills I learned in years of cognitive and behavioral therapy. And while those things combined might give me the ability to survive, following the suggestions in this article allows me to thrive.

Depression is a complicated disease with many causes and effects that are still poorly understood. We shouldn’t be arguing over what is the “correct” way of viewing the disease but rather encouraging anyone who is suffering to get as much help from as many different approaches as possible.

Al Says:

August 24th, 2007, 16:17 pm

Great guest post. I went through therapy for depression and to me, it was the constant negative thinking that kept me down. Feeling Good and Artist’s Way are both excellent suggestions. I’ve used both. Sunlight and exercise were important factors for me too, living in Wisconsin at the time. Although they were offered, I had no interest in medication. Good luck to all who have to struggle with this.

Evan Hadkins Says:

August 24th, 2007, 19:03 pm

My pet theory on depression (if not a simple chemical which is fixed by taking a pill - which it rarely is and those who advocate it don’t mention the side effects and the suffering involved with starting and stopping) is that depression is anger turned inwards instead of outwards.

So if you’re depressed see if your angry, find a way to express it that doesn’t hurt you, others or the furnishings. The people I know who have done this have felt better

Lyman Reed Says:

August 25th, 2007, 10:04 am

@leah - yes, yes, and yes! Thank you! People on the “chemical imbalance” side seem to constantly put down the “natural remedy” people by saying “You don’t understand are are being irresponsible”, while the “Improve your diet and stop taking unnatural pills” seem to love to talk about how just “popping a pill” isn’t going to help you in the long run. Both sides of the issue, in my opinion, are doing a disservice. I also “pop a pill” each morning, but use meditation, prayer, exercise (sometimes ;) ), nutrition, journaling, etc., to combat my depression. Don’t discount something just because it doesn’t fit into what you think “should” work.

Aurelius Says:

August 26th, 2007, 4:58 am

I notice that a lot of people here are falling back on that old myth - that a lot of depression is a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain and therefore must be treated chemically rather than through lifestyle changes as John has written.
But if that were the case, doctors would be testing for chemical imbalances before proscribing drugs. And they aren’t. Drug therapy is the first resort, before any such tests are done.
The reality is that in 98% of cases, depressed people need the kind of lifestyle adjustments mentioned in John’s 6 steps. But it’s “unacceptable” to say so. Most people on anti depressants do not need them. They need to do John’s 6 steps, and what Winky said in about comment number 5 or 6 - serving others.

Melanie Says:

August 29th, 2007, 21:56 pm

I think it’s important to realise depression is a clinical disease which results in a feelings and physiological effects. That is, one person’s “worst time of my life” might be another persons base line for day-to-day living (ie. it doesn’t get any better, but it can get a heck of a lot worse).

Using myself as am example, I have dysthymic depression coupled with major depression. So that means that I have chronic, long term depression (which doctors call ‘mild to moderate’), with periods of deep and acute depression. If we use a scale of 0 - 10 to indicate moode and severity of depression, where 1 is rock bottom, 10 is never felt better, then 4-5 would be my ‘good days’ experience with periods going down to 0.

In my experience, the steps above can help, but only if my depression is not within the major depression range. And they do not ‘fix’ my depression, merely alleviate it slightly.

So, say my mood is at 3 and I only feel flat and uninterested in life and be able to function to all appearances normally - then the measures above might help bring my mood up to 4 or even 5 if I am lucky.

But if I am at 0 or 1 on the mood scale, nothing really helps. Oh, you can ‘fake it until you make it’ (advice I am tired of hearing by the way) but really, at that stage, the going through the motions with the helpful steps above shows no perceivable benefit and feels empty and pointless. The only real assistance at this point is meds, therapy, self-care (hard to do when depressed), TIME and endurance.

But there is an actual point to this rambling:

Nothing is one size fits all. Certainly not depression treatments or therapies. And while these 6 steps are useful points, they will not help everybody all the time,

Melanie Says:

August 29th, 2007, 22:08 pm

Oh, and the most helpful piece of advice EVER is a quote from Winston Churchill, who famously suffered from depression:

If you are going through hell, keep going.

Simple advice, but so profound.

Jake Says:

August 30th, 2007, 15:29 pm

I was hospitalized in the past and was on long term medication treatments. For all those complaining “depression is a chemical imbalance”, I believe this is total BS, everything changes your brain chemistry as others have pointed out, Sleep patterns, Sunlight, Exercise, falling in love, etc.

The two things that helped me get out of depression were:
A) Stopping medication which ACTUALLY messes with your brain chemistry( for many years I had PTSD from the withdrawal symptoms)
B) The conscious realization that I and only I decide whether to be happy or sad.

Once you understand that you have control over your thoughts and actions, being happy is much easier.

Jon Says:

September 3rd, 2007, 11:01 am

This post hits the nail right on the head. I’ve suffered from severe depression and a mood disorder for years. I’ve taken all the drugs, and done endless hours of therapy, all to no avail. I quit the drugs (half because I don’t believe in their efficacy FOR ME, half because I have no health insurance and can’t afford the $400 a month for them) Now I manage my condition with a strict sleep schedule (same time in bed and awake each day), followed by a little exercise upon waking in the sunshine. Although some days it’s really hard to stick to it, that plan gets me 70% of the way. The power of positive thinking and doing the things I love get me another 20%. I’m not completely there, but I’m better off now than ever before.

Also, I highly recommend the book Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns to anyone who wants to learn how to take control of their mood!

Ethan Says:

September 12th, 2007, 8:00 am

There’s also an approach which states that depression is caused by some form of disturbance in the same energy system/field that is adjusted by TCM/Acupuncture.

This approach, called Emotional Freedom Therapy, approaches depression (and many, many other things like anxiety, addictions, etc.) by tapping on a number of acupuncture points instead of using needles.

It is easy to learn and it can be learned for free. I’m saying this because it helped me quite a bit in various situations. Please see: http://www.emofree.com for more information and dive in with an open mind I’d say! :)

Sunny Says:

September 13th, 2007, 15:01 pm

I’d like to thank Leo for this fantastic blog.

I have been clinically depressed before and I would like to say that the silver bullet for me was a true friend in which I could confide in, someone that understood my situation and told me it was okay.

In my case, it came from the most unlikely person: my boss — who noticed my lackluster attitude at work and came to my home when I didn’t come to work the next day (he tried calling but I didn’t pick up).

When I wouldn’t open the door, when he was knocking (I truly didn’t care who was knocking), he got my landlord’s number from my neighbors and got him to open up the door.

He drove me to the E.R., where I was diagnosed with clinical depression.

I told him about my diagnosis and he told me it was okay and told me about similar problems he had encountered in the past and encouraged me to get better.

I was referred to a psychologist by the clinic but I never went. I didn’t have to - my boss’ concern “cured” me. It was like, perhaps the world is not so bad after all. After that event I got better gradually.

It helps to be conscious that you are depressed. That really checks you against inflicting bodily harm upon yourself.

It also helps to pray during this state.

I would imagine that most people don’t have anybody to confide in when depressed. I guess Amish and simple folks have friends all around who act as a pillar.

Leigh Says:

September 21st, 2007, 9:56 am

As someone that has long suffered from clinical depression in a family of others with the same condition, I want to echo the “not one size fits all” statements.

In general, doing the things on the list helps to keep me balanced–particularly socializing, getting exercise and enough sleep–but when a trigger occurs (such as the birth of my children or the loss of a job), I have required medication to lift my depression. As others have said, without the medication I couldn’t do the other things.

I have largely and permanently conquered the negative thinking spiral, but that negative thinking is completely separate from the spontaneous thoughts of self-harm that occur when I’m in a depressive episode. Only medication has been able to truly clear those from my mind at those times. I, for one, am grateful for it.

Leigh

mark Says:

October 21st, 2007, 21:50 pm

Sometimes depression is caused by an imbalance, but sometimes could that imbalance not be caused the depression? I recommend Choice Theory by William Glasser. He teaches you how to think your way out, how to uncover subconcious thoughts and choices so that you can choose your way out of depression.

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November 5th, 2007, 8:31 am

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todd Says:

November 9th, 2007, 5:41 am

you are certainly right about the one size doesnt fit all statement. i believe some people do suffer from a chemical imbalance that have long term depression. for some its a series of more situational events and a spiraling effect into a deep dark hole. i certainly suffer from the latter, i dont really know for certain i suffer from a chemical imbalance. thats is theory i gather, when the doc passes out yet another med to try. but i havent any real proof of it. but i do know i still search for the answer to be stable enough to focus on retraining my thoughts and not let them possess me. at this time i dont do that well. meds havent helped me, and i no longer let the doc make the choice for me. actually he has no better idea than i do whether a particular med will work on me or not. its a little like throwing a dart at the dart board picking a med to try. being a well read patient is wise. but im still in a bad place and hope i can practice mediation and read dharmas when i feel so wound up with anxiety. i am going to try inositol. in larger doses it suppose to be helpful for depression, ocd and anxiety. certainly worth a try, as i hate the side effects antidepressants and anxiety meds have. i do agree that exercise helps, and i use to be an avid weight lifter. depression has a way of sucking your energy from you. prolonged stress has given me bouts of nervous exhaustion (read about this if you havent heard of it). its very frustrating to want to be active and feel old before your time. that is the circle of depression and anxiety, a frustrating cycle. i believe if one has friends and family that are supportive, people tend to have a better attitude and not feel as much the isolation and lonliness. which can just further deepen the hole. we are all different yet all the same in the fight to free ourselves from this darkness. i wish you all well and enjoyed reading your posts. thanks for reading mine.

Lee Edward Says:

December 9th, 2007, 15:15 pm

Thanks for all the good information listed.
I started taking some really bad “blood pressure” medicine and have felt horrible the last several weeks.
The things I used to enjoy are now simply not worth doing. I am distant from my wife and kids and have suicidal thoughts. I am going to buy the book mentioned and pray that things get better.
Thanks.

Beth Says:

December 30th, 2007, 9:21 am

For those who mention pharmaceutical therapy — please keep in mind that for some of us, drugs are not the answer. I am a nurse and my personal and professional opinion is that people are way to quick to turn to a pill to solve all their problems. All depression is NOT caused by chemical imbalances in the brain; furthermore, even chemical imbalances can be created by longstanding patterns of sadness brought on by bad habits and choices, erroneous thought processes, or outside events over which we have no control. By correcting diet and other lifestyle habits, and by making a concerted effort to change the way we think, we CAN have an impact on our brain chemistry.

Beth Says:

December 30th, 2007, 9:24 am

I am not opposed to drugs per se, but I have seen them fail time and again with my friends. At one time, almost all of my 30-something professional friends were on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, etc. Routinely, like clockwork, I would hear them having the conversation about how that particular antidepressant had stopped working and their doc was switching them to another. I even got on the bandwagon, trying multiple antidepressants before finally deciding that my brain just didn’t like them. I had horrible side effects that were too numerous and severe to wait out until the positive effects kicked in and the negative side effects abated. The feelings were so horrible, I decided I preferred sadness!

What works for me is exercise and Omega-3 fish oils. It isn’t easy; nothing is magical. I have to work at it. I have to fight negative thinking, and stick to my diet and exercise plan with vigilance.

Kathy Says:

January 1st, 2008, 22:40 pm

After reading through all of these posts, I see that there are many different types of depression, and many ways of “treating” it. I tried self-help books, psychotherapy, herbs, energy healing - you name it - and nothing really made a difference until I tried a fairly low dose of an SSRI medication. Within one day, I realized that THIS is the way other people must feel (”normal” people)! It was incredible, and it has continued to work for me for several years. I’ve tried getting off it, but each time I become very irritable and down. I guess in my case I had a “chemical imbalance”.

That said, I also try to eat right, get at least 9 hours of sleep each night, and exercise. I get at least 20 min. of sunlight each day. I “use” coffee to wake up in the morning.

I also found that my most serious depression lifted after I had children. I think that this is because I needed someone else to focus on, to care for. Pets are a great way to get outside of yourself and care for another living thing (for those of you who do not want to parent a human at this time!).

If you are depressed, I wouldn’t rule out medication, as I did for so so many years; on the other hand, all of the other steps are necessary as well.

Peace!

Me Says:

February 12th, 2008, 10:09 am

@Bruce,

Like you I’ve had surgery on my Hip to fix a fracture, Dull Pain Persists and there is a screw embedded in my muscles as well.

I’m currently depressed and taking St. John’s Wort hopefully this would resolve matters

psyche Says:

April 3rd, 2008, 16:19 pm

hi barrister:

if you are indeed a believer, and are advocating a positive method to overcome a problem, then why call non-believers names? doesn’t your god talk about compassion for all?

camuacores Says:

April 6th, 2008, 5:35 am

Interesting that recent analysis of all the anti depressant studies indicate placebo’s actually work as well if not better than anti depressants. Anti depressants have always been a bit of a con.Most people get better within a couple of weeks all by themselves. The whole chemical imbalence hypothesis was just that a hypothesis, good for selling pills but not actaually backed by any hard science. It seems time is the great healer anything else is just window dressing, except perhaps ECT which does seem to help with extreme depression but god knows how.

Christian Says:

April 11th, 2008, 16:37 pm

That’s a terrifically succinct summery. As someone who has been through it I know how effective all those things are. I’d make one minor supplements though.

Rather than specify aerobic exercise I’d encourage any vigorous exercise. If your out of shape start by walking fast enough to get a little out of breath 20 minutes a day 5 days per week. That can be a tremendous help. Once you’ve got that ritual down for 30 days find something to push yourself further. If your already in some decent shape though exercise can complicate your depression. Missing a day or taking a rest day will darken your mood.

If that’s the case, up the intensity. Cut back on long slow runs for more speed intervals. Join a boxing/martial arts gym (they’re not all intimidating). Do some vigorous, functional weightlifting a la CrossFit. Your body adapts to your exercise. You’ll need to push yourself to keep getting those endorphins.

Of course, check with your doctor and keep it age appropriate. A heart attack is a poor cure for depression.

Paige Says:

May 21st, 2008, 20:34 pm

To Aurieus: Just how to you intend for a dr. to check your brain chemistry to see if there is an imbalance? Let’s see, brain surgery??? How would they know what your brain is doing chemically and what’s in it? Biopsy your brain maybe??? Just wondering how you think a dr. would perform that test.

Anyway. You clearly have never been clinically depressed. I never had depression until I gave birth. PPD that never went away. Yes, I’m on meds. I pray, I volunteer, I get sunlight, I do a lot of these things, but when depression hits, it hits hard. Don’t judge what you don’t know about.

Aurelius Says:

May 22nd, 2008, 3:00 am

Paige,
How do you think they test for tumours? They take a biopsy.
And how do you know what I have and haven’t been?
You’re clearly not up to intelligent debate, so I’ll leave you in your hole.

Paige Says:

May 23rd, 2008, 0:22 am

Again, I say, how can they test for chemical imbalance? They can not because no physician is his/her right mind would do a biopsy on someone’s brain unless it was a possible tumor. And even if they found the chemical imbalance, the current thought is that your synapses are not firing correctly, chemicals may be there but your brain isn’t getting them to the correct place or to the correct place at the right pace. I specifically asked my doctor to test for a chemical imbalance, and he explained to me why that is not even a possibility. I wish I had the medical jargon and good memory to explain it better.

And if chemical imbalances do not exist, why then do chemicals (ie anti depressants) work? Why do anti psychotics work for people with phychosis? In fact, everything is really a chemical if you think about it. Some things are just manipulated by man into new substances.
But everything really is a chemical, a substance that has properties.

By the way, I’m not in a hole. I’m in mild depression fighting hard to get out. I just do not like to see people who have a real illness be told to just do like I do and you will be fine, because it is just not always the case. Or, its your own fault your depressed. Just exercise and be positive. For some, that is just not a reality.

I hope to God you have never really experienced clinical depression. I would not wish it on anyone. I can only liken it to what I think hell would feel like. If you have experienced true clinical depression, I feel for you and hope you will find your path to freedom from this horrible illness.

However, I do feel that anyone who has been truly clinically depressed would know that these steps will not help by themselves. Maybe for mild depression or sadness. Take care and I hope you have a great life, hole or no hole.

My prayers are with you all and hopefully one day we will be free from this.

IMMERQULATE AYODO Says:

May 23rd, 2008, 4:11 am

am so depressed and i know after reading all these i will be able to control myself, i lost achild and that has brought my depression

sallysue Says:

June 7th, 2008, 7:13 am

Hi all. This is a great site. I burnt out last March and just keppt crying and unable to return to work. I tried my best not to get persuaded to go on medication as the doctors pushed. After about 6months, I went onto zoloft. I put on weight and was always sleepy. My rehab officer put me back at work on reduced hours and icreasing every week. I couldnt achieve her goals and now I havent worked since february. Theyve sent me to a ”quac’ who has put me on that Xz medication.
I have started to walk, and eat lots of greens, but I want to work through this without medication. But they say I have developed into clinical depression. How would they know?

I am trying my best to get to my normal self but its really hard. I havent even told my family Im not working due to being depressed as I fear I will be told off and told to snap out of it! I also feel ashamed that I couldnt manage all the demands of work and no one listening to me when I asked for assistance. After 33 years working, it was the first time I had to ask for help but the bosses didnt listen and thought I could take on more responsibilities as I use to in the past.
Now I am on medication, and wasting my life visiting doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists!

Ill try helping in hospitals and I think I will try and stop the medication as she wants to increase it even though I m feeling better.
I can see how people get into a trap and need to be careful…… dont listen to all the doctors say…listen to your body.

Steve Harold Says:

June 17th, 2008, 11:06 am

I agree with the comment about meditation. I think that it can be benefical if used long-term and help change your mood.

Eileen Says:

July 19th, 2008, 0:26 am

Alot of posts are advocating medication as a first step or even a mandatory step to deal with depression. I have struggled with clinical depression since puberty (I am 37 now) and I would resist medication if you are able to do so and don’t have suicidal tendencies. Learning to recognize the onset of a depressive state and learning to cope with it and bring yourself out of it (it can take awhile) is much better for you in the long run than medicating it away. Enlisting the support of loved ones is crucial. Clinical depression is often a chronic illness and like many chronic illnesses it requires management…it doesn’t have to be medicine. All 6 of the listed suggestions are critical to managing depression. I would add keeping a diet log to track what eating habits may trigger depression (high caffine and sugar binges trigger mine) and what foods seem to alleviate the symptoms (unsweetened high cacao chocolate and orange juice help me). I would also add educating yourself on what depression is (the chemical reactions), as being able to visualize the process that is occurring in your brain can be helpful in meditation aimed at reversing or stalling the process. Accute self awareness is key to self managing depression. Actually, I have yet to meet a person who is accutely self aware that suffers from depression, but I guess it could happen.

yoo Says:

September 15th, 2008, 18:40 pm

help

Danny Says:

December 2nd, 2008, 13:24 pm

Thats a good article I found similar article in http://www.pillwatch.com/info/ways-to-ease-depression.html

Amy O. Says:

December 27th, 2008, 23:37 pm

Barrister: I believe prayer, in its many forms, can be beneficial. However Essential Fatty Acids are just that: Fatty acids that are essential to human life (and therefore health). We actually DO NEED them in our diet and/or dietary supplementation. Most of us do not get enough in our diet alone. EFAs are essential for many aspects of well-being: cognitive ability, mood, skin, fat and hormone balance, and on and on. So while you believe that the people you know and believe to be happy don’t need them for their mood, they may benefit from EFAS if they are suffering from other conditions.

As the point was made in other peoples comments, these 6 suggestions should not be dismissed quickly. Science supports these methods. They will produce concrete physiological and biochemical changes. I really encourage changing diet. On a cellular level (and beyond), we literally are what we eat.

games Says:

January 18th, 2009, 18:59 pm

Those are awsome tips great to overcome depression, it make a lot a sense, I suffer from depression since I lost my son and I have hard time with it but Iam feel better with this type of advice, thank you!

M Says:

February 4th, 2009, 5:47 am

I have suffered from clinical depression together with eating disorders. The fact is that although I tried clynical treatment for depression, anorexia and bulimia, I could only get out of it when I started dealing with things internally. Actually, I had to admit I had a depressive tendency and learn to live with that.

From that point of view, Leo, I think this article IS useful. I actively decided I didn´t want to live my life medicated. I know this may not be possible for everyone, but at least I wanted to give it a try. The same happened with therapy. It was useful for a short while, but coulnd´t turn things around for me, and the money spent on it was enhancing my stress. I am NOT saying therapy isn´t a higly valuable weapon. I am just sharing my personal experience.

I had tendency to depression since I was 14, and suffered from eating disorders for over 15 years, so it wasn´t just a short episode. But exately because of that I found out I had to find a way of dealing with it. I had to find strategies that came from inside out, not the other way around.

What called my attention to this blog was the fact that it talks about internal changes, renewing your way of looking at things. Ok, maybe all the tips can´t work for everybody, and for some people some articles may come up as something that is ´not new´. But the fact is that this blog is very well structured, clearly written and it is very refreshing for me to see Leo talking about his point of view without being judgmental towards other points of view.

I do believe Leo, that in a way, what is written on this particular article is quite essential. Maybe in most cases of clyinical depression people need long lasting medical help. But for me there is no cure (or no way to get a way around it) without an inner change as well. People must decide to help themselves as well. There´s nothing more tempting for someone depressed then to give in to depression. I do not believe medicaments for themselves will make the miracle if this happens. Or they´ll do it temporaly. If there is a tendency to depression, one of basic things one must do in order to find a balance is learn to identify that tendency and develop weapons to avoid it.

Keep on the good work Leo :)

Joe Says:

February 9th, 2009, 16:20 pm

I am prone to bouts of depression that cause me to become negatively introverted (i.e. dark and gloomy), when I am otherwise a very outgoing and easygoing guy. This is the plan I use that has worked for me:

1. Exercise (I run 3 miles a day)
2. Meditate (45 - 60 minutes at night before bed)
3. Limit or eliminate alcohol
4. Limit or eliminate caffeine
5. Proper diet — limit or eliminate sugar, but do eat complex carbs (need to be properly exercising to burn carbs).
6. I take St. Johns Wort, 300 mg, 3 times a day
7. Talk! To my wife, to friends, etc.. Not about my problems necessarily, just talk and interact, force my brain to engage new thoughts.

These things seem to help me if I am disciplined and stick to it, but my depression is probably considered clinically mild, so I do encourage anyone with major depression, debilitation, thoughts of suicide, etc. to go see a therapist and/or a doctor.

ruth Says:

February 21st, 2009, 12:03 pm

am glad i stumbled into this site today. i”ll work on my alcohol and caffeine in take from today, maybe it will stop me from sulking over the fact that am loosing my boyfriend.

Elaine Says:

March 15th, 2009, 19:07 pm

I notice there haven’t been a lot of posts in the last couple of months, but am taking a chance that there are some out there still reading & listening. I’m not even sure how I got to this page on the internet.

I have been diagnosed clinically depressed for 4 years. At first it was panic disorder and then it became depression. I’m told that is often a logical sequence. In 4 years I have forgotten how many different medications I have been on. I have had every SSRI, every NSRI, and many others. I am now on tricyclic (Anafranil) & I hate it. They all seem to work for a while and then they don’t. I liked Effexor the best but was having trouble with focus & concentration. This drug has caused me to gain back all the weight I lost on Effexor. I hate the lack of focus, concentration & memory the most. I hate being tired all the time and I don’t like the weight gain and frankly I’m tired of trying just one more drug. I live in the northern part of the US and have had winter depression for a long time. Winter is a bad time….I just sit in the recliner and go from tired to more tired. I want to go off the drugs, but nobody else wants me to. In some ways I am afraid to try……..but I also don’t want to stay like this. I have started walking outside again now that the snow is gone, taking fish oil, Vitamin B12 (which really has helped), Vitamin D3 etc. Is there anyone else like this………..I can’t be that unique. I know I have a long history of poor self-esteem, negative thinking etc. But I’ve gotten a lot better about some of that.

marie Says:

April 1st, 2009, 10:18 am

I believe that the brain changes are a RESULT of depression, not the CAUSE>

chgofirefighter Says:

April 24th, 2009, 20:24 pm

I came across this site by luck or call it devined intervention. I don’t know if my depression is a “chemical imbalance” “situational depression” “lack of self esteem or just a bad way of thinking” my parents suffered from alcohol and drug abuse so maybe they suffered from depression. Some say that depression is just a way of thinking. But I have notice that those that have a strong family background, good social skills, support etc do better w life than those that never had.

Shoot I’ve been told that I like to feel sorry for myself, wow that’s good counseling. If `WE” depressed ppl would have a choice do you think it would be feeling depressed or sorry for yourself would be our choice? No! I rather be full of joy and happiness then being sad, I have to admit that a lot has happen to me, some by my bad choices, lack to follow good advise and jst being stubborn. Other things happen to me bcuz it was dealt to me, lack of a mother/father/family etc I’m educated, have a career, home, nice car, etc but those things are not making me happy, why? Well, that’s the magic lottery winner. I don’t wish clinical depression on my worst enemy, its a horrible experience, lack of focus, lack of decision making, lack of appetite, poor sleep, sleep to much, thoughts of ending a beautiful life simply put it, this is not normal and this is not life but lack of it, your brain shuts down in order to survive and we have to do whatever it takes to come out of the dark hole and into the light, be it medication as a temp solution, counseling, doctor, exercise etc

Marina Says:

May 1st, 2009, 2:41 am

People. For all of you that think that depression is a disease please don’t listen to all these so called psychiatrists! Only you can stop your feelings of loss. It’s just a part of you that tells you that you are a loser and you start listening to it and you feel helpless. Do not listen to these voices in your head. There is not such a thing as a depression, that’s what they tell you and you start beleiving it’s a disease. Common, your body can handle stress. Do you know that sad things happen all the time and none of them was your fault or it was your fault. There is nothing wrong with reacting negatively, but after sometime you’ll get annoyed with it and will start thinking positively. You have an option of taking this pills and seeing this doctors forverver or your just can throw away all of that and get out and just have fun. Most of all these so called diseases are our bodies’s failure to recognize their inner power. You have more power than you think. You need no meditation, no exercise, you just need to realise that you are able to deal with live positively. Have no job, you can get it, it’s all temporary.
Whatever you lost is replacable. As long as you start feel sorry for yourself, your body will start to think that you’re sick, but you know that this is not real. Primitive people were not depressed, so why should you?

curious Says:

May 6th, 2009, 9:56 am

hi,
i have a question for the ppl who have had depression:
1. do you do volunteer work?
2. do you know your neighbours?
3. do you partake in a social activity (for eg. play a group sport, member of a religious group, member of social change group, adult education etc … ) outside of work?
i am just curious, i am not trying to make any implicit assumptions with the questions above … as i think they relate to me too … i am recently married to a wonderful partner, in a new job (recent promotion), move countries and now living in an exciting international beaufiful european city (all my friends are jealous etc), we are in the process of buying an apartment … yet i feel so depressed … and i am starting to think it may be because outside of my new partner i have do not have a social network here and i don’t do any of the above … ? my depression does not make sense to me given that on an objective, external level i “have it all” … i am confused.

No Depression Says:

May 18th, 2009, 8:07 am

6 Ways to Overcome Depression are excellent tips.
Especially I like 30 minutes in 3 times a week exercises
and having friends. Being together with friends makes
the person emotion free or with positive emotions.
Thanks for the tips.

Claude Says:

June 5th, 2009, 7:09 am

If clinical depression is all about the hard science of chemical imbalance. How is it that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is being hailed by the main stream psychiatric community as an extremely effective treatment for severe depression. This may or may not be carried out alongside a suitable drug regimen. In my experience these six steps at the very worst will be a strong support to any treatment and at best can effect a complete and drug free cure. Either way they are all very worthwhile. Clinical depression is about chemical imbalance brought about by external forces and these imbalances can be reversed by the application of an appropriate set of alternative forces. These 6 steps and others like CBT are the answer. Get to it and get well.

Ana Paula Says:

June 10th, 2009, 14:46 pm

How do one get’s up and starts to exercize? I have been dealing with Panic Dissorder and attacks since 2003, now I’m dealing with depression since I lost my father and I have no energy at all, so how do you just snap and exercize? it makes sense all that is said and written but when you are so blue how do you do it? I do take medication and honestly it has loss it’s efficacy at the lowest dose and I’m increasing it, I have lost alot due to depression just wish it was easy to just get up and do it, I for one hate exercising but I see as I read and read that it all points into that directon and maybe that can be the answer.I’m 32divorced mom and dad of 3 kids.

Ana Paula Says:

June 10th, 2009, 14:52 pm

Dear Curious,

I know all my neighbors, I do volunteer in my children school and I’m very sociable, depression is a disease as real as diabetes, now when you are depressed what do people tend to do? leave you out in the cold because they don’t understand someone who is depressed and by all means they do not want to put up with the side effects of it (negativity, drama, moodiness, etc) for one I have learned who my true friends are out of 5 that I tough’t I had I’m left with 1, just 1 who has been there at all times, I think is a combination of medication, theraphy and self help, is hard to find the willpower but at the end if we do not do it for ourselves no one else will, I hate the gym but I will drag myself to it one way or the other I have to win this battle :)

Ana Paula Says:

June 10th, 2009, 15:00 pm

Marina,

Have you or anyone you know suffer from depression, Panic Disorder, Panic Attacks, OCD, Bi Polar disease and the least goes on and on have you? Do you know anyone? I can’t possibly believe you or someone you know suffered from any of the above mentioned and you would say is not a disease, altough I respect your opinion I disagree with your statement that depression is not a disease.

Masha Says:

June 29th, 2009, 9:51 am

There seems to be a fine line between sadness and depression which can confuse us. First of all, I find it unfortunate that the science of the human mind and heart is trying so hard to be a hard science and to treat the human soul as if it were a machine. Yet, depression really is something different from sadness: it is when you want to get up and do something but can’t. For example, you imagine how nice it would be to go to the beach or to go for a run or to call somebody and dress up and leave the house for a while, but you just can’t get yourself to do it. This is the kind of depression I have known in the past. With regards to cause I don’t think it’s necessarily genetic. It seems to me the hormones and chemicals follow our feelings and not the other way around. We are each different and life offers all kinds of good and bad experiences. Our reactions vary. And over time, I think, things just pile up and the small sadnesses, not dealt with properly, overload us. I think this site gives good advice. Getting out, interacting, doing sports, but if you can’t get yourself to do these things or if doing them just doesn’t help enough and you are still feeling unnecessary pain for what may seem to be no reason at all, you should see someone. I don’t recommend pills unless you are really in bad shape and are scared. I have been doing psychoanlysis for over five years now and I don’t know, it hasn’t turned me into a happy person or anything of the sort, but overall, I am able to do much more and to feel better most of the time. I don’t think there’s an easy answer. If you’ve come to this point, it’s gonna be a struggle to work yourself into a better condition. Just taking pills alone won’t do it either. If you’re going to take pills, make sure you also get very good help so that slowly you can reduce the dosage and free yourself from having to rely on them. This is only my own personal view.

Sarah Rose Says:

July 1st, 2009, 4:18 am

What makes sense to me, is that like personalities and fingerprints, everyone’s depression will be different (causes, severity, chemicals before feelings or the other way around, etc.) and in turn, everyone’s path to feeling better will be different. We can never know another’s pain, and therefore we can never say what will work for them. I think that the spirit of the argument on both sides merges in the theme that everyone needs to be their our own advocate and not simply just listen to what they are told or rely on only one method of treatment. It may take a lot of time, but there is a specific formula and balance for each individual. The key is to diversify, experiment, and remain open minded.

fighting depression Says:

July 3rd, 2009, 18:58 pm

thank you for all the informative comments, i realised couple months ago that i suffer from depression, i thought the lack of energy was due to the fact that i was fat, or the fact that i spend so much time on the computer. i started a diet 2 weeks ago, and jogging 1 week ago. i am 100% confident i will continue because i started many times and never completed, but all those times i didnt know who my enemy was.
i used to eat lots of junk food for a temporary hapiness fix, and a lot of sadness followed, caused by the dissapointmen that i couldnt resist the urge.
i am taking hunger reducing pills that work wonders, i couldnt have fought the urges without them. they are 100% plant, no amfetamines and stuff * hopefuly* .
i’ve been betrayed over and over, sometimes out of selfishness, sometimes people just didnt realise what they were doing and how it affected me.
Unlike most people, I dont have anyone i can trust right now. One way or the other i am too different from people i know, i know lots of good people, just not that people i can relate to.
my 2 best friends turned on me slowly, we talk on the phone rarely, but they have done me wrong, and i just dont have the power to tell them that,i am too disgusted.
so like someone said, self-awareness is very important, identify your enemy, and know that taking steps to make your life healthier, so you have enough mental and physical strength, is the way to go.
i wish good luck to everyone here. and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. no doubt about it.

i am on the right track this time, now that i finally know what is wrong with me, i made the mistake of relying to much on people, instead of relying on myself.