Getting back to yourself, after depression

[4710ks]

What are teh first steps toward getting back to yourself after you realize that you are depressed. Are there support aids or groups that you can talk to? Just really where to begin to get over the past and create a new you.

[whodunnit]

Hi there,

You use a few words asking for the solution to depression really. It's not that easy to describe but I'll try a dot point for you and others can add to it. May be meaningless points but if so ask what it means.

. identifying you have a problem,
. defining the problem for yourself,
. getting a medical diagnosis,
. Agreeing with and fully accepting the diagnosis,
. Accepting the need to get help, as in treatment, and support,
. Working with and not against the medical support, ie taking meds as prescribed or attending all therapy sessions etc,
. Finding ways to monitor your progress, up or down. Mood charts are a worthwhile item,
. if declining, seek more help, higher med dose, different med, better therapist, better doc, seeing a psychiatrist instead of a GP etc,
. If improving sticking with the treatment and not just stopping cos you feel better. Only stop in agreement with the doc(s) and gradually, over time,
. When you feel good take small steps, not suddenly want to party as you used to as that is the road to ruin,
. Deciding if you can actually cease treatment altogether or need to use maintenance. Ie, lower doses of meds or still therapy but longer between sessions. Gradually let go of the support instead of just jumping into the unknown,
, Never be afraid to go back to treatment if you feel things are starting ro fail again. Waiting is the worst choice,
. Hopefully and finally, give thanks to all those who helped you back.

Easy list, hard road. I wish it were as easy to do as it is to write. I'd ask others to add to the list so we can all see what things need doing, this was done off the top of my head so I will have missed some critical elements.

Ahh, here's one already!

. Research and learn about your illness until you know as much as you need to.

Good luck

[HVAC]

My most recent depression has been over two years.

I went from my GP to a Psychiatrist who specializes in really hard cases of chemical imbalances.

We have tried many kinds of medication combinations and other therapies.

I got on a really good diet. But I have other health issues.

I started an exercise program starting slowly.  I hate exercising. I go to one class a week to get out of the house.

I go to several support groups. When I want to and when I don't want to.

I started back in therapy even though I could not afford it. My Psychiatrist pointed out that I could not not afford it since I was heading for the hospital.

I journal.

I make little goals. Some days I just do the dishes.

I accept every invitation even if I do not want to go. I usually do not want to go. I go for walks or the theater or to lectures. Once I go I forget about things for awhile.

I distract myself. Therapy was real hard this week.  I normally would have shut down.
Instead I worked on a project. I am training a Service Dog. It takes a lot of time. I find animals very healing. I have to take her out in public in order to train her.

I have ups and downs but my life gets better and better even with depression. I never dreamed I would have had the life I have when I was a  depressed kid.

[Jaquta]

I think to get over the past you need to speak to a well qualified and experienced psychotherapist.
You create a new you by gaining insights through the therapeutic relationship.