depression

[FindingHope19]

Anyone have any ideas on how to get over depression without taking medacation?

[EvolverU]

I want to back up my friend ariley13, above. For both 'situational' & 'biological' (b/c they both manifest organically!): diet, exercise & proper hydration are key. There's really no one magic 'all-natural' bullet that will stop true depression. While St. John's Wort is effective for some, it would be wise to check with a Dr. first as it's contra-indicated w/ a host of medications. Rather -- a hoistic, multi-pronged approach is called for. I would recommend everything the above poster suggests plus I would have both  food & environmental allergy panels done. Sometimes making a small adjustment in your physical environment can make all the difference.

I've found that depression can also be caused by the people we choose to surround ourselves w/, the thoughts we choose to dwell on, the movies we watch, the music we listen to, the books we read, the places we hang out, etc. I know we may be 'stuck' by finances or by familial/marital bonds in certain situations but I've found that while we're still there, it's so important to maintain some kind of inner freedom, faith, plan/direction, fight, etc. Otherwise, personally, I get pulled into the powerful undertow of that frightening darkness & have a hard time climbing back out. I've learned that I must combat it every day & that I must live in each moment. When I find joy or elation, I grab it & embrace it. I'm grateful for it. I find that this has helped. I also tell myself when things cloud over to just sit with it -- that it's not permanent & that it will pass. I try not to let myself fall into it & let just let go. I breathe & try to steel myself -- give myself a pep talk -- even laugh at myself & shake my head. It doesn't always work but it's the best I've come up with. I'm not sure if any of this is familiar or helps at all but I wish you Peace, Comfort & Clarity in your struggle.

[ariley13]

Sometimes the biggest cure for a lot ailments is good old diet and exercise. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day will help to jumpstart the endorphins in your body and it can help to promote sleep as well. As far as diet, if you are able to stay away from fatty, sugary, and processed foods, it can really help.(I know that's al the good stuff!) Try to stick with lean proteins such as fish, poultry, beans, and legumes. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies. It really just takes time to heal. If you find that you are having a hard time and unable to deal with the depression, please talk to your dr. Sometimes an antidepressant is the answer. There is nothing wrong with that. Good luck to you! I hope you find relief very soon.

[ncgirl01]

There are 2 types of depression: organic/biological and situational. Organic/biological means there is a chemical imbalance in the brain, literally something from within causing the symptoms. Situational happens when someone is dealing with a problem ie: death of a loved one, prison, etc..that is causing the depression. Since you have not mentioned what has led to your depression it is hard to say what might help.

There are natural substances such as St. Johns Wart that have some success. Check with your local GNC and ask about natural remedies that help restore dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.

Exercise is a must. The harder you can push yourself the better. This will produce endorphines in the brain which lift your mood.

Getting out of yourself by doing things for others so you're not left with your own problems to think about helps.

Proper sleep

If you're recovering it is likely organic/biological. Unfortunately sometimes the best way to jump start your brain is with a prescribed med for a short period of time. There are some really good ones out there with few side effects that really help.

Hang in there and keep searching...there is hope somewhere.

[DeliriousNomad68]

That's a tough one. What have you been using, how much daily, and for how long??