depression ?

[armodia]

how can a person treat depression without going to a doctor?

[Kimtrey]

Eating right, getting adequate sleep (at least 8 hrs), and exercise is key to helping with depressive symptoms.  Exercise will especially help as it increases endorphines which will reduce the depression in addition to helping you sleep better at night.  Talk therapy (especially proven to be effecctive with depression is CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which a Licensed Profressional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Psychologist can provide and they are not doctors but it would still more than likely require insurance to see them unless they would do it pro bono.  Meditation, Yoga and some herbal supplements like St Johns Wart are believed to help but the supplements can have side effects and interact with other drugs so you should use them caustiously and really consult a physician as they are not approved by the FDA.  I guess I am wondering, however.....Is there a reason you don't want to go to a doctor?  Depression can be a very serious disorder.  If you are having thoughts of suicide, self-harm or you want to hurt someone else you need to seek medical attention. Even if it is a financial issue, you can contact crisis hotlines in your area or even go to the emergency room.  It is important, no matter what to talk to someone, even a friend and let them know what you are going through.  Medication like SSRIs are extremely effective especially in conjuction with psychotherapy but you would need to see a doctor to get those medications prescribed.  Best of luck and don't be afraid or ashamed to seek out the help you need!

[demileigh]

I have suffered from depression since i was 8 years old and I only got help for it when i was 15 and alhtough it really helped to talk to someone I found out that if u suffer from it u always will but u just have to learn what helps you handle it e.g. i find exercise really helps and writing poetry about how i feel also having a good friend or someone who is willing to listen without judging is very helpful and just remember that although u probs feel alone ur not and through all those hard times i actually found out who were my real friends

[ktolver]

Talk with someone about how you feel or listen to someone that may have felt the same and maybe they can help with a positive way out