Depression | Depression Information

Question: Does anyone know how to cure depression?

(Posted by: Becca on 2006-12-05 23:07:57)

About a couple months ago I started getting depressed. But now I hardly ever leave my house and I am no longer interested in anything. I have avoided everyone I know and also I have been thinking of suicidal thoughts. I feel extremly hopeless, I have no one to really talk to, and I even stoped believing in religion. Does anyone know how to reverse it or simply get rid of depression?

Posted by: Chris C on 2006-12-05, 23:09:00

All the things you described are very typical of depresison. I know because I suffer from it. Many might disagree, but talking to your doctor about an SSRI (like prozac or paxil) would be a great idea. They really do work. They don't necessarily make you feel all euphoric and 'happy' but they stop you from getting into those awful ruts where you just want to sleep all day. I'd also recommend on top of that, seeking some help in the way of some counseling or something to deal with your feelings. I hope this helps. Depression really does suck. I'd also like to add that in my own personal experience with it, there's always been some underlying cause. Some kind of anxiety or feelings from guilt resulted in depression. I'm not sure if I accept the whole "chemical imbalance " thing. Just because stimulating your brain with neurotransmitters makes you happy, doesn't mean it wouldn't make anyone happy.

Posted by: Muggles on 2006-12-05, 23:09:28

You don't "snap out " of clinical depression. You need to see a professional. It could be purely chemical imbalance.

Posted by: bartman40467 on 2006-12-05, 23:10:23

You need to see your doctor. He can give you Paxil or something like it which will help. Also a change in lifestyle.

Posted by: me on 2006-12-05, 23:10:40

The best thing i've found is to go do something rigorous. Exercise, work, etc. It's hard at first , but you'll feel better afterward. Just put one foot in front of the other. Exerting your body, and a hard days work are great medicine Don't fall for the old anti-depressant pitch. They are terrible for your body and health.

Posted by: Desatin Cream on 2006-12-05, 23:10:42

Yeah, go get a life. Do something. Become a member of society and not a slug. Geez, doesnt take much to be a useful member of society... I don't get you depressed people. When I'm depressed, I go out and do something constructive with my life, like go to the library and read to kids, help clean the parkway. Just something to make me feel better about myself and more important. Geez...

Posted by: claire marie on 2006-12-05, 23:11:47

You should see a doctor they can issue perscriptions for people suffering from serious depression there is little you can physically do other than this...but mentally i believe you just might be able to help yourself...think happy thoughts oh, and try spending more time with friends :) works for me

Posted by: gm on 2006-12-05, 23:12:37

You really should consult a professional. Anti-depressants are a decent short-term aid, but you should not use them for very long. Meanwhile, think - what started you in that direction? An event? A person? Try to force yourself to a routine activity - go swimming, and force yourself to go to swim every day. Exercise will pick you up a bit, too. But first of all, see a doctor. Tomorrow morning.

Posted by: behindthesmile22 on 2006-12-05, 23:13:09

You have to stay strong first off, then maybe seek help. I feel the same way at times. Its hard but I just keep pushing through it. Life can be almost too hard at times but I find hapiness in never giving up.

Posted by: Amy on 2006-12-05, 23:13:16

Maybe better consult a councillor or phychiatrist so that they can help you work it out. try to pray GOD loves you very much!!!! Im willing to be your freind if u needed someone to talk to. Just IM me ok

Posted by: supagrrrl84 on 2006-12-05, 23:14:27

You need to speak to someone - get it out. either a friend that you trust - or a professional. I am serious, you cant keep this all inside it is an illness. once I realised that being depressed wasn't my "fault " and there was a reason for it - I felt so much better! I think you should even go to a GP. If there are no issues causing it - it could be just a chemical imbalance! and taking an anti depressant could sort it out!

Posted by: Doctor Kicka$s on 2006-12-05, 23:15:43

Set up an appointment with a psychiatrist. Make sure that they're a Psychiatrist, not a Psychologist, because psychologists cannot prescribe antidepressants. There is no way to really help cure your depression without a lot more information. It could be caused by anything from chemical imbalances to the distance between your "ideal self " and your "actual self. " Here is some information about the two main treatments of depression. One way is anti-depressants. These work great at first, but there is more of a relapse rate with these, as well as the fact that this type of medication is often very addicting. Another way is cognitive behavioral therapy, which will really get at the core of the problem. This is where you go and talk to a psychiatrist about what's causing this, and your psychiatrist helps cure you. This is the best approach becuase although it might take a while, it will be 5 x better than any other treatment in the long run.

Posted by: iltmaemc on 2006-12-05, 23:19:37

I am depressed a lot too. you need to choose to be happy. if things get bad for you, realize it is really not bad. ask yourself the following. did I have a heart attack did I have a stroke did i get in a bad accident did a family member or a goood friend die. do you live in Iraq or some miserable country in Africa if you can say no to things like the above, then you really have nothing to be sad about. choose to be happy. change the way you feel. just change your immediate surrounding like go for a brisk walk. look at a child playing or look at a flower and wonder about it. listen to some music and move around etc ok I'll stop you get the point. and realize that nothing really matters. snap out of it. stay away from drugs. you will only make the pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies rich. good luck. you can do it if I can. it is not what people do to you , but how you react to their foolishness.you are in control of your feelings smile or frown. it is up to you. if you frown do a hand stand. get it.

Posted by: Nishu on 2006-12-05, 23:21:29

Forget.. Just Forget.. Its swear to You Just smile... do not punish yourself like this... Just forget those things.. Feel Free... u know this world is not for anyone.. so enjoy every moment.. who knows we will be back on earth or not :)

Posted by: clueless_nerd on 2006-12-05, 23:21:31

First of all I feel like I need to say if you are having suicidal thoughts that you even MIGHT act on, do not read the rest of this, go to the emergency room NOW. OK.....now that that's out of the way. There really isn't a cure for depression but it can be treated. Doctors still do not fully understand it, we have to battle it as best we can in several ways. A doctor can determine if you need medicine(s) and what is best for you. There are many such drugs nowadays, they are not addictive, they will help your brain function the way it should. You need people to talk to and sort things out. Whatever you are most comfortable with: close family, a therapist, a friend. This is essential. If you are trying to solve life's problems (and who isn't?) they will help you see choices you may not realize you have. As much as you can, play sports and exercises. It literally releases helpful chemicals in the brain. Do your hobbies whether it be beading, painting, writing, or making models. If you don't have a hobby, start one. It will help you concentrate and give you the feeling of accomplishing something. We care about you and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Rose on 2006-12-05, 23:21:33

Try to relax. exercise and enjoy life. try meditation. if your still depressed then see doc.

Posted by: greylady on 2006-12-05, 23:25:25

There is no cure but there is a management program to help you maintain a better disposition. Real depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. There is medication which can help you better deal with your emotions. I have a friend who had depression. She goes to a psychiatrist and is on medication. I also go to her and encourage her to get out and join the world. Don't turn away from your friends. They are there to help you. They care about you. Suicide is never the answer to anything. You are special. You are here for a reason. Maybe you are here to help someone else and not even know it. Believe in yourself and be kind to yourself. There's nothing wrong with seeing a doctor for depression. Sending you a big hug in friendship.

Posted by: evaniax on 2006-12-05, 23:31:38

First -- cheer up a little. We love you! Go to a doctor - you can get a prescription pretty easily. There are many different kinds of depression so be specific when describing it to your doctor. Since you haven't left the house, my theory is that you might have some social anxiety disorder as well ---- this is very common, so don't worry. SSRI's - selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors - stabilize the flow of chemicals in the brain so that you return to a happier state. There are many other kinds --- tetra and tri-cyclic antidepressents also exist. I would not recommend an MAOI - as you will have huge dietary restrictions. After you get some pills - you will get noticeably better within a few weeks. You'll need to be patient during this time. .... Do you have any pets? Pets have been shown to clearly enhance the mood of the owner --- and it will give you an easy way to get back into loving and being loved. .... Did something big happen a few months ago? If something life-changing happened, it might help to see a counselor as well. .... Next --- don't feel hopeless. We all feel this way now and then - but at the end of the day, you control your life (minus the chemical processes that are going on in your brain.... and the bad things that happen to everyone.) If you need someone to talk to --- please e-mail me. I've had a lot of trouble with depression in my life - but, I've been pretty happy for the last few years of my life thanks to pills. In the end, everything works out --- you live, you get hurt, you learn and you repeat. Love, peace, and joy!

Posted by: blubber on 2006-12-05, 23:38:33

I do empathise with how you are feeling now. However, just remember that depression is something that can be helped and cured. Depression loves to isolate individuals, which explains why you don't feel like doing anything or socialising with people. It makes you lose interest in the activities you once enjoyed. However, all is not hopeless. There are professionals who can, and will help you. The first step would be to see your family doctor, and from there, s/ he will recommend a psychologist whom you can discuss ways in how to get rid of depression. Remember, you're not alone. Please do not give up, as there are people around you, who love and care very much about you. You do have the ability to stop depression, if you don't give up. Hang in there, I do believe in you too. :) Self-help books like the link listed below have helped people (hubby's reading it currently) to monitor and keep depression in check. Cognitive treatment is currently one of the effective forms for treating depression. Also, it'll be good to seek some form of social support. It will help you feel a lot better just sharing with other who have similar experiences.

Posted by: NoMeS. on 2006-12-05, 23:43:06

You really should see a psychiatrist or family doctor, they can get you some medications that may help. However, medications take a few weeks to work, so the sooner the better. Also the sooner you begin medication the smoother the recovery time. If you are opposed to medications or refuse to be put on meds, doctors will recommend that you get plently of excercise, because it can affect your brain chemistry as well. Your best bet would be to start taking the meds because its hard to bring yourself to excersise when you don't have the energy or motivation to do so. Just so you know though, it may take a few tries before you get the right medication for your symptoms and brain chemistry. Make sure to tell the doctor if you have experienced anxiety or panic attacks as well, because there are antidepressents that treat both depression and anxiety.

Posted by: undir on 2006-12-06, 00:10:54

It's not simple or easy to reverse or "get rid of " depression on your own. Depression is caused by chemical imbalance in the brain. It's an illness and it can be treated by medical professionals. I recommend talking to a doctor about your depression. Medicines and/ or therapy can help. I also want to invite you to a forum for people who are dealing with mental health issues. There you can talk to others who are going through or have been through the same. It's sort of like a place to support each other and exchange useful tips about how to deal with things. It helps a lot to talk to someone about things rather than keep it all inside. The link to those forums is talkingminds.15.forumer.com/ if you are interested. Good luck getting cure for your illness. I've been depressed myself and I know how hard it is. Hang in there, better times are waiting for you.