Coping with Depression

[RGD MIKE]

I have extremely severe depression(as told by a counselor i was forced to see by concerned friends), resulting from years of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse at home combined with other events, i haven't been truly happy in a very long time, except for going the occasional show i am allowed to to, and the happiness is gone and i take a pitfall as soon as i get back home. what do you guys do to cope with depression? When get so far along that you don't even have the desire to play guitar anymore? i feel like an empty soul. i don't eat, i don't play guitar much, i find it hard to sleep, and I barely make it through each day. what can i do? what do you guys do? thanks much.

[Stealthdjentstic]

I think it's really important to keep in mind that depression is a chemical problem. It's NOT your fault. Adjusting your diet can help a lot. I had a neighbor with severe depression and I could tell when she'd been following her diet or not because her depression would get worse within a few days.

[RGD MIKE]

Originally Posted by Stealthtastic

I think it's really important to keep in mind that depression is a chemical problem. It's NOT your fault. Adjusting your diet can help a lot. I had a neighbor with severe depression and I could tell when she'd been following her diet or not because her depression would get worse within a few days.

Sometimes i think it is my fault. I think everything is my fault a lot of times. Does eating make a significant difference? maybe i'll force myself to eat. I have been going on one meal a day for a while with nothing else and no desire to eat or drink.

[Sebastian]

Originally Posted by Stealthtastic

I think it's really important to keep in mind that depression is a chemical problem. It's NOT your fault. Adjusting your diet can help a lot. I had a neighbor with severe depression and I could tell when she'd been following her diet or not because her depression would get worse within a few days.

Definitely diet has a big part on how do you feel - especially when you're depressed.
Also everyday exercise/working out is good for your health - you don't have to spend a lot of time on it, but if done everyday it'll show positive effects

[Anton]

Get to a boxing class, and start working out its probably the best thing.
You'll have a diet to follow, training regime to follow this will take your mind away from the negative...The worst thing is to sit at home and hope for a change, you make the change.

Get yourself some boxing gloves and start kicking ass, you'll start to see results and you'll be blown away from how much it can change your life.
Boxing, Kick boxing, Muay Thai, MMA doesn't matter...whatever you see the most attractive...get in class...

[RGD MIKE]

Originally Posted by Anton

Get to a boxing class, and start working out its probably the best thing.
You'll have a diet to follow, training regime to follow this will take your mind away from the negative...The worst thing is to sit at home and hope for a change, you make the change.

Get yourself some boxing gloves and start kicking ass, you'll start to see results and you'll be blown away from how much it can change your life.
Boxing, Kick boxing, Muay Thai, MMA doesn't matter...whatever you see the most attractive...get in class...

I was a varsity wrestler at my school before I completely tore two ligaments in my left wrist while at a tournament(i finished the match and won) and season is up, but i understand where you are coming from i guess.

[Stealthdjentstic]

Originally Posted by RGD MIKE

Sometimes i think it is my fault. I think everything is my fault a lot of times. Does eating make a significant difference? maybe i'll force myself to eat. I have been going on one meal a day for a while with nothing else and no desire to eat or drink.

I've never had depression, but like I said my neighbor had it and she said changing her diet helped her a lot. Ask your doctor about it, it may be worth seeing a naturapath over.

[flo]

I agree with everything that has been said.

Keep in mind that a mental disease like depressions is a disease like all others. Would you blame yourself if you broke your leg or fell flew? You'd go to the doctor. Get some help.

Here's what I'd do:
1. Work out, do a lot of sports, and find others to train with. You'll be more motivated in a group. You'll be tired in the evening and hopefully be able to sleep through.Doing as much as possible outside in daylight helps a lot, too.

2. Go to bed and wake up as regularly as possible.

3. Eat healthy, lots of fresh food and vegetables. Avoid fat food and fast food. If you don't cook, learn how to, and cook for others! It's fun and good for your health. Start your day with a nice breakfast.

You say you get depressed when you come home... maybe change something about your home? Make it a nice place that you actually like going to, don't know, paint the walls, rearrange the furniture, put some pictures or posters on the wall that you like and get rid of everything that's getting you down.

Every time when I feel down I start cleaning my apartment, wash my clothes, tidy up etc. I feel that the chaos around me somehow increases the chaos in my head, and that on the other hand a nice environment calms me. When you take care of something you indirectly take care of yourself.

[RGD MIKE]

i ate a little at your guys' recommendation about a half hour ago. now we wait. thanks for the replies so far.

[EtherealEntity]

^Good, but don't expect it to fix you just like that

Just posting to say how much I agree with the workout+diet comments. I began learning about bodybuilding last September, and since then I've been in the gym 4 times a week and eating twice as much as usual, but a very healthy diet. Aside from the training itself which is going great, I've never felt so good in my life.
I am full of energy, more motivated than I have ever been, feel stronger every day and get up at 7am without fail to start a productive day. I was never depressed, but getting into this healthy routine has made me feel wonderful.
Set a rough bedtime and a morning alarm, and a healthy diet. Exercise too if you can. But at least force yourself to follow the times and eat the food. You'll get used to it in a week or so and I'm sure you'll feel a lot better.

[ovation22]

32 and still my own depression comes and goes, so you're definitely not alone. Just try to find the things you enjoy, that make you laugh, that make you smile. Even a funny movie helps me out.

I tend to involve myself in a number of projects, woodworking, music, etc. I've even started my first guitar build.

Sunshine does wonders for me, also. A hike in the woods really helps me recharge.

[steve1]

Well done for going to see a counselor (even if you were forced) thats a good first step, accepting help is important.

I'm stubborn, I refused counselling and just took the pills the doctor gave me, which had some nasty side effects so I stopped taking them. This in turn has prolonged my depression, which is still very much in my life, but now at a stage that i can cope with day to day life much better.

Exercise is good, socialising is important, try not to shut yourself off from people.

Are you in a band? being in a band really helped my motivation to play guitar, it gave me a reason to play, instead of sitting in my bedroom thinking whats the point.

none of this stuff is going to be an instant fix, it will take time, you will have to force yourself to do stuff that you don't feel motivated to do. But you can get through it.

Keep seeing that counselor.

[Origin]

I get it on and off, I exercise frequently and watch interesting movies and comedies and try to spend a lot of time with friends. Also, not to encourage illegal behaviour, but cannabis frankly helps the SHIT out of my depression too. That twisted-stomach feeling, the blank mind and apathy, everything just pisses off for a bit and I feel like doing things and like things in life are important.

[Dvaienat]

I used to suffer from depression, and still do occasionally. The best thing to do is do the things you enjoy, though I can see from your first post you have gone past the point of being helped by that. Take regular excersise, which will make you feel more lively. Socialise a lot, and meet new people. Even if you don't want to do the things, force yourself. You'll feel better for it. Keep eating too, you don't want to develop anorexia.

I hope things work out for you

[RGD MIKE]

Originally Posted by steve1

Well done for going to see a counselor (even if you were forced) thats a good first step, accepting help is important.

I'm stubborn, I refused counselling and just took the pills the doctor gave me, which had some nasty side effects so I stopped taking them. This in turn has prolonged my depression, which is still very much in my life, but now at a stage that i can cope with day to day life much better.

Exercise is good, socialising is important, try not to shut yourself off from people.

Are you in a band? being in a band really helped my motivation to play guitar, it gave me a reason to play, instead of sitting in my bedroom thinking whats the point.

none of this stuff is going to be an instant fix, it will take time, you will have to force yourself to do stuff that you don't feel motivated to do. But you can get through it.

Keep seeing that counselor.

I am in a band and has many songs written, but my mom refuses to let me play shows or anything so it's worthless there. it sucks for all that and thats one of the few things that gives me sorta happiness

[Dvaienat]

Originally Posted by RGD MIKE

I am in a band and has many songs written, but my mom refuses to let me play shows or anything so it's worthless there. it sucks for all that and thats one of the few things that gives me sorta happiness

In other words, your mother is making your depression worse. Tell her where to get off, and play the shows. She clearly does not have your best interests at heart.

[RGD MIKE]

Originally Posted by NatG

In other words, your mother is making your depression worse. Tell her where to get off, and play the shows. She clearly does not have your best interests at heart.

well, I have been abused verbally and emotionally for years(physical abuse stopped about 2 years ago) so it's hard to reason with that kind of person even if you get straight A's and never get in trouble

[Hollowway]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned SSRIs. Diet, exercise, etc are great, but for moderate to severe depression nothing has as positive of an effect as meds. Yes America is over medicated. Yes the drug companies overdo the ads. But for many diseases, depression included, a change in physiology is the best solution, and major changes are best accomplished with meds.
So my advice: see a psychiatrist and has the discussion.

[Thrashmanzac]

try to eat well and sleep well. regular counciling session may also help alot and possibly some medication could also help.
try to be around he people you love as much as you can.
it is a terrble thing but just know that you can beat it

[RGD MIKE]

I have the urge tonight. A very sting urge to do it. And I think about it, what is there to lose?

[Thrashmanzac]

there is everything to lose mate, because you WILL get through this and you will realise how amazing life can be. trust me i have been there and came out the other side, hang in there mate.

[flo]

I don't know how old you are, but it sounds to me as you should consider to move out. maybe move to a relative. Man I feel sorry for you. But I'm sure you will get through this, and you'll be a very strong person afterwards.

[RGD MIKE]

Originally Posted by flo

I don't know how old you are, but it sounds to me as you should consider to move out. maybe move to a relative. Man I feel sorry for you. But I'm sure you will get through this, and you'll be a very strong person afterwards.

Thanks. I'm 17, and all my relatives are on the other side of the countr. I can't move out

[klami]

I´ve had a mild depression for years so I obviously dont know what you are going through.
But what has made my life easier is basically just doing stuff.

Get out of the couch and just do something. Anything from working out, spending time with your friends, etc.
Spending time focusing on something else than stuff that hurts has helped me a lot.

Its a process that takes time, but eventually it will soften its grip.
I know how it is to think that there is nothing to lose, but there is, even if you dont see it now!
Hang in there!

[Thrashmanzac]

do you have acces to counciling at all? i think you should see a phychologist man and maybe talk about some methods to help you.
medication certainly helped me, perhap it could help you to