Things that helped my depression - please share

I've just recovered from a pretty significant depression.  I think it was a result of a nagging health issue that's just brought me down, down, down.  Anyway, I'm doing much better and thought I'd share some of the things that I think have helped me climb out of it.  

1.  Started taking Fish Oil supplements.  I don't eat ANY fish at all, so I was definitiely lacking in these essential healthy oils.  Always hated the idea of the fishy burps, so I avoided them.  But I just started with a Naturopath and she sold me some that are great (lemon flavored burps!)  and I really think they've helped my mood.  I've read that taking fish oil supplements can help depression in as little as three weeks.  I've only been taking it for a week or so and I feel better.

2.  I started taking 4,000 IU of Vitamin D3 a few months ago.  It is supposed to help with depression.  Was recommended by a Healh Food store lady a few months back so I started taking it.  Had my MD test my Vitamin D level in my blood and it was on the lower end of normal - 36.  My Naturopath agreed that 4,000 IU is needed.  She wants my level up to around 60.  

3.  I started seeing a social worker to discuss my "issues" with anxiety and cycles of mild depression for many, many years.  Just taking that step seems to have helped me know I'm on the right path.

4.  I started seeing a Naturopath to help me find natural ways to combat my anxiety and depression.  Have only had one appointment.  She recommended the fish oil, but also 5-HTP for depression and L-Theanine.for anxiety. She also recommended CoQ10 because I'm on a statin for my cholesterol.  This helps with energy, I believe.  I have to see her again to get the whole plan in place.

5.  Exercise.  Both my social worker and Naturopath and every single article ever written on depression mentions the benefits of exercise.  So I try to walk at least 30 minutes a day.  More if I can squeeze it in.  

6.  Eat better.  Cut out caffeine and simple sugars.  My naturopath says to eat "lean, green & beans".  Use healthy oils like olive oil and eat 2-3 servings of fruits a day.  Kind of hard since I don't cook and I work a lot.  But I'm trying to get the good stuff in the house so I can actually EAT it!

7.  For some reason, at the end of each day as I lay in bed I started this ritual of Seven Good Things.  I think back on my day and come up with Seven Good Things that happened that day.  They can be little baby steps that I took to get myself out of my bad mood and to connect with people.  Or just something that made me happy, like seeing a deer or a beautiful garden I came across on a walk.  Something that is positive and makes me smile.  

Hope this helps others and hope others post the things THEY'VE done to help with their depression.  

;)

[Northcoast]

I went to an event last night and the speaker was Stephen Post who wrote "Why Good Things Happen to Good People".  Never heard of him before.  But in his presentation he talked about how helping others had a significant effect on depressed people.  Volunteering our time to help someone or something can help alleviate depression.  I used to volunteer at my local animal shelter, walking the dogs.  I loved that I could bring a little bit of joy into their lives especially since they were scared and lonely.  I'm going to start back up.  I'll get my "helpers high" as Stephen Post called it and my exercise at the same time.  

As he spoke I thought of this website.  How people respond to other people's questions and post their comments of encouragement and advice.  Our own little way to help others.  It made me wonder if every time we post our advice that we get a sense of satisfaction and a little "helpers high".  I think it makes me feel good to offer comfort and encouragement to others here.  Stephen Post said the same positive response happens to recovered alcoholics who are active in AA and reach out to others who need their help.  

[Jesamay59]

thank you for this information  I will give it a try  I take citalapram for depression  At this time it doesn't seem to be helping a lot   I also am alone a lot which I don't think is really good  I don't like to be around a lot of people   but  thanks again  Jesamay59

[therese83]

There is a great program  on the net 'couch25k'  that is couch to 5 km.
It takes you from sitting on the couch to running 5 k.  in three months.
There are DJ mixes that go with the program where the music speeds up and slows down.

There is a facebook group where you can discuss your progress as you go along, tips idea and support.

The results are amazing, deep deep sleep you go to bed physically tired, the results on mood are great.

[Northcoast]

I read something the other day on the Huffington Post website about depression and alternatives to anti-depressants.  It said that fish oil supplements really do help.  I really believe they've helped me.  I spoke with my Naturopath today and told her how much better I was feeling and that I think it is due to the fish oil.  She said that she's seen improvement with many clients who were depressed once they started taking this supplement.  Give it a try but get a high quality brand.  The article also mentioned 5-HTP as a good alternative. My Naturopath is ordering me a supplement that uses 5-HTP in combination with other things that help anxiety/depression.  I'm not depressed right now, but always seem anxious.  So I'm hoping this supplement helps.