Depression - how do you cheer yourself up?

hmm I think I'm in a really depresive moment of my life (it's been more than 3 years now) and the only thing that keeps me going is thinking about the future, thinking that everything will be just fine with time (though I'm now loosing my hopes). also I try to think about the good things in my life and getting a lot of sleep (mm someone mentioned this is bad? o.oU)
 
People suffering from anxiety, panic, stress and depression should consult a specialist and only then should use the medicine, as there can be various reasons behind the disorder. Medicines used to cure such disorders are habit forming and should be used for small duration. As per my personal experience, I have used Xanax and it helped me in getting over my panic and anxiety disorder. Along with medicine, the concerned person should take a break from his/her regular schedule, go out and take good sleep.
 
martinm said:
People suffering from anxiety, panic, stress and depression should consult a specialist and only then should use the medicine, as there can be various reasons behind the disorder. Medicines used to cure such disorders are habit forming and should be used for small duration. As per my personal experience, I have used Xanax and it helped me in getting over my panic and anxiety disorder. Along with medicine, the concerned person should take a break from his/her regular schedule, go out and take good sleep.
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This is very near and dear to my heart. Medicines are good when used properly and with the supervision of a good doctor and/or a therapast. I want to state this is extremely true for young people. There is an added risk for suicide in young people taking these meds. Knowing this and also knowing my family and person history of clinical depression I agreed to allow my son to use them. Sadly he took his life. Even with this event I strongly advocate the medicines use but stress the importance of doctor supervision.

I also believe that in any case it ultimately comes down to you. You have the power to overcome depression with your thoughts and will. I personally think to myself "how can I make myself happy". To make myself happy I live the kind of life that I can be proud of, and offer my help and my love and support to anyone who needs it. I tend to focus on others needs instead of my own as well as realize that I am not alone and that each and every person you come in contact with has a "story" which may be worse than mine. I also try to surround my self with all the things that make me happy. The sunshine, nature, my animals, my children, family and friends. Music and art. I often go for long drives with my favorite cd blaring. Sleep as in the right amount for your body as opposed to sleep for escapism is essential. To function properly sleep is needed and is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
 
Pristinegirl said:
Good, I thought you were going to take medication, AVOID IT! ^^ Anyway what I meant was that the common medication, SSRI's alleviate the symptoms of depression but don't induce the symptoms of well-being, which are the feelings one wants. =)
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I don't want to be conflictual or rock the boat or whatever, but I really have a problem with several people's seemingly blind bias against the use of medications.

I understand that there are many flaws with medications, and the prescriptions of them (especially when not supervised by a psychiatrist). However, I do not think that people can simply dismiss medications thinking they can solve their own problems.

I was a psych student at the time. I was seeing a psychiatrist regularly. But, I was still unable to get out of this swirling black hole that my head had become. I waited for months hoping that I could change something that would make it go away. In the end, I decided to take the plunge and that moment literally saved my life.

The medication hasn't solved all of my problems. But, it relieved my symptoms enough to be able to begin working on the issues. You can't do beneficial psychological work until you're out of the worst part of the depression. And, that's what meds are supposed to be. Part of the answer, not all of it.

You can do a lot of things on your own. And I encourage people to exercise, sleep, maintain proper diet, etc. But, you are not santa claus, and sometimes you need to seek help. And that is okay!
 
Best form of depression induced escapism is reading...especially fantasy or something sci-fi..

Being outdoors in nature (hiking, walking, gardening) helps as well.

I find journaling helps best, though. Writing down every little thought and emotion and seeing where they lead and connect. I think it helps to pin down depression (unless maybe it's due to a chemical imbalance?) so that it can be analyzed. I try really hard to think my way out of bad thoughts and bad moods. I ask myself, "How do I want to feel?"

And then I try to focus my mental energy on anything and everything positive to control my feelings. It's not easy though.
 
I used to walk when I was depressed for miles, all day really. I just didn't want to go home. I had to set myself a limit as how far and how long I could be out. Escapism through fleeing was probably more accurate. I have an alarm so I time my telly time and reading time keeping my self on a schedule so I don't fall into a pattern that would drag me further down.

I think being more scheduled especially with eating and sleeping is the best way to combat depression. I think it is 45 min. of easy exercise throughout the day is recommended, but not two or three hours before sleeping.

I have a hard time sleeping right now mostly because I have to be in bed most of the day so having myself scheduled keeps me from falling into the depression hole as much. (Guys if your lady has to be on bed rest don't act like she is being lazy or tell her how lucky she is. I hate it and I would rather be doing dishes and scrubbing my tub.)
 
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